Sep 12, 2024 BY Rhyia Clark
Want a taste of outdoor adventure? You won’t be short of it in Bormio! In this review of Stelvio summer mountain activities in Bormio, Italy, I had the pleasure of trying E-mountain biking, guided hiking and rock climbing. Indulging in the spa and wellness culture didn’t go a miss either.
With preparations underway for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Bormio, known for its skiing, is gaining a reputation for its summer sports too. Located in Valtellina, the Lombardy region of the Italian Alps is great for everything from white water rafting to paragliding. Bormio is also home to Stelvio National Park, the largest of the original national parks in Italy.
On a short adventure holiday in Bormio I tried the following:
The goal was to reach Lake Cancano via Bormio’s most popular summer mountain sport. So we set off E-mountain biking the Boscopiano route. As somebody who has never tried e-mountain biking before, I got to grips with Bormio’s most popular summer sport quickly thanks to my awesome guide, Davide, from E-Stelvio.
We warmed up on the empty town-centre roads as I got comfortable with the e-bike features; cruising on eco or standard until I was ready to speed up with high mode. A neat feature is the seat adjustment button on the handlebars, which allows you to move your seat while cycling. Keeping it low for bumpy terrain and high for a leisure ride.
There are over 600 km of biking trails for all abilities. We rode the Boscopiano route, which is suitable for entry-level mountain bikers.
When I could relax my focus from staying balanced over the rocky trails, the views of Bormio shrinking and the lush mountains expanding were spectacular. The scenery and terrain were ever-changing; gushing streams, dark pine trees, wide gravel paths, muddy bends that forced me scarily close to the edge, and the main attraction, Lake Cancano.
Lake Cancano is an artificial reservoir with turquoise water stretching between Fraele Valley (Valle di Fraele). For those seeking a leisurely cycle, looping the lake is perfect because it’s flat, smooth and only 25 km.
I biked 45 km over 3-4 hours, with the steepest incline at 20 degrees. I reached my top speed when my stomach started begging me to get to the restaurant. I was shocked to see the speedometer at 40 mph, thinking ‘Jeez, I’m a pro!’, until I realised I was in Europe where they use kilometres… Still, 25 mph feels supersonic when you’re zooming past the Stelvio cliff edges.
Ristoro Solena is the most popular restaurant at the lake, serving traditional Valtellina cuisine; pizzoccheri, polenta, sciatt and, of course, pasta. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the dessert as Davide and I had a mountain to whizz down.
Stelvio Pass (Strada dello Stelvio) is claimed to be one of Europe’s most iconic stretches of road, perhaps due to Top Gear naming it ‘the best drivers road in the world’. The mountain is 2,757m above sea level with a dizzying amount of twists and turns. My arms got a full workout from holding the brake for 25 minutes straight! The epic views were well worth my pain and fear though.
Next up was to hike to Forni Glacier and the Tibetan bridge on a breezy 5km trail. Although you could pick a tougher route from more than 600 km of trails that Bormio has to offer.
If, like me, your legs are screaming the day after cycling, but you still want a taste of Stelvio’s summer mountain activities in Bormio, then you’ll appreciate this mellow, picturesque hike.
Starting at the Ghiacciaio dei Forni Hotel we walked the 5km Glaciological trail, which took us past pink Rhododendrons, cow fields, crystal clear streams and even a marmot! The cows were the highlight for me, there were herds of them taking turns accompanying us until the cow shepherd came and ruined the fun.
Some steep and rocky sections left me feeling breathless, but it wasn’t harsh enough to beg a cow to take me the rest of the way. The hardest part of the hike was just minutes away from our lunch spot. The usual, simple route was flooded, so the only option was to go the long way, up a zig-zagged squelchy trail and across a frail-looking bridge to cross the waterfall.
That’s what everyone else did. But I found a second – much quicker – option. I pulled my shoes and socks off, rolled up my leggings, checked that my bag was securely fastened and stepped into the five-degree water with a splash.
The current was strong and my feet were clambering through large pebbles. All I could think about was the expensive camera in my backpack, attached to me, Queen of Clumsy.
Halfway through the trudge, my feet turned numb and I could no longer pretend my idea was smart. I wasn’t alone though, the guide, through duty, joined me and must have been internally screaming at me while holding my hand to drag me across quicker.
When we reached the grass, we danced around a bit until our red feet were dry enough to get back in our shoes.
At 2,493 metres high, I was chuffed to have made it to the restaurant before the others. Although, after hearing my screeching from the river, I’m sure they felt like the winners.
Rifugio Branca fueled us with hearty local dishes, (we lived off of pizzoccheri and pasta, but I’m not complaining!) The restaurant, sitting at the edge of the mountain, offered panoramic views of the shining Forni Glacier and snow-capped peaks.
If you have more time or energy, from Rifugio Branca you can walk an extra 45 minutes to cross the 16 metre Tibetan bridge. With the clouds turning grey, we decided to head back down.
Want to experience pure adrenaline, immersed in stunning scenery? Then as part of your Stelvio summer mountain activities in Bormio, you have to try rock climbing.
Bormio has more than 150 rock climbing routes, the majority within Isolaccia, the iconic cliff face of Alta Valtellina (5A-8B, French grades). Near Rifugio Branca you can climb at the foot of the glacier (4A-7A), and at Cancano, under the Medieval Fraele Towers, you can try a multi-pitch route climb (5B-7B).
I climbed Isolaccia, where the highest pitch reaches 80 metres. I’m blaming my throbbing legs from e-mountain biking for the reason my highest I only reached a measly 15 metres. But with a review of Stelvio summer mountain activities in Bormio to write, I pushed through.
It was a very challenging vert, with damp crimps from the nighttime rain. One of the three routes I climbed involved balancing my feet on either side of a ridge too. It was technical business for me, but easy for everyday climbers.
Reaching the area is simple, you can park just outside the forest and from there it’s only a ten minute scenic walk. The area is mostly shaded, so you won’t be disturbed by the summer heat, unless you’re an excellent climber trying the 80 metre pitch, above the treetops!
If you’re bringing children along, Sasso Garibaldi in Bagni Nuovi park is ideal. There is a boulder just a few metres above the ground, so ropes aren’t necessary and the grade stops at 6A.
After completing a ton of the summer mountain activities in Stelvio National Park, reward yourself in Bormio’s thermal spas and wellness centres.
I unwound at QC Terme Bagni Vecchi wellness centre, ideal for sports recovery and relaxation. The main feature is the infinity pool, which protrudes from the rock and offers cinematic views of the mountain range. QC Terme Bagni Vecchi Spa has so much to choose from, I could have spent an entire day there.
Cold plunges, sensory paths, massaging waterfalls, infrared lounges, various saunas and steam rooms, Roman baths and the quirkiest feature; an underground tunnel to swim and find different temperature rock pools. Included in the day pass are two drinks with a buffet of treats and snacks in their spa restaurant.
There are three thermal spas in Bormio, the water springing from the mountains at around 40 degrees Celsius, but QC Terme is the best one for adults. If you’ve got children with you, go to Bormio Terme wellness centre, where they can play on the slides while you’re recovering in the jacuzzi.
Bormio truly is the perfect combination of adventure and wellness.
Hotel Nevada is a five to ten minute walk from the centre of Bormio. There are plenty of restaurants and sports shops around for ease during your stay.
The hotel accommodates skiers and snowboarders in the winter and bikers and hikers in the summer. There are bike racks, a ski and boot room, a small wellness area and recovery massages on request.
There are three room types available: Standard, Panorama and Junior suite. They all include a private bathroom with a shower or bath, satellite TV, safe, minibar, hair dryer and WiFi. The Panorama room is more spacious and has a large balcony facing Vallecetta mountain.
The Junior Suite is a new renovation; a loft furnished with local wood. It has a comfortable living room, a hall and a Jacuzzi bath. The green mountain peaks can also be admired from the dormer windows.
Before heading out for your Stelvio summer mountain activities, enjoy the delicious buffet breakfast. The fluffy pancakes, fresh bread, dried fruits, granola and various flavours of yoghurt were all the tasty sustenance I needed.
In the evening, children have a large garden with a play area and trampoline to keep them occupied. Adults can recharge at the hotel bar.
The closest airport to Bormio is Bolzano/Bozen (BZO) Airport. However, you will find more flight options for Milan Bergamo and Milan Malpensa, which are around three hours by car from Bormio.
Public transport is easily accessible between Milan and Bormio. You can take a two and a half hour train from Milan central station to Tirano and then a bus to the centre of Bormio. The bus service is run by Perego and their timetable can be found on Google Maps.
There’s no wonder that e-mountain biking is the most popular summer mountain activity in Bormio – it was my favourite too. The combination of thrill and awe while speeding up and down the stunning mountain ranges was one to remember. E-Stelvio tailored the route on individual ability and made the entire experience fun, even during the tough uphills.
Other popular Stelvio summer mountain activities include paragliding and white water rafting – two activities I’m yet to try! I imagine paragliding would feel amazing; floating over the mountain peaks and witnessing Bormio from a new perspective. For an exhilarating immersion in nature, white water rafting seems ideal for feeling the true magnitude of the surrounding scenery.
With so much hiking, great spas, views and restaurants you are spoilt for choice in Bormio. And with so much yet to experience I’ve got a great excuse to return.
We hope you found this review of Stelvio summer mountain activities in Bormio, Italy helpful. For more information check out: www.bormio.eu
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