This portal Altavaltellina.com unites the 6 Municipalities of the Community Alta Valtellina of Bormio with the 12 Municipalities of the Community Valtellina of Tirano in order to inform visitors and residents about what this splendid territory offers.
Alta Valtellina, nestled in the heart of the Rhaetian Alps, reveals itself as a territory of extraordinary beauty and richness, a true Alpine jewel enclosed in the ring you described: Bormio, Tirano, Valposchiavo, Passo Forcola, Livigno and back to Bormio. This circular route offers a complete and varied overview of its distinctive characteristics.
Alta Valtellina is dominated by majestic peaks that exceed 3000 meters, among which the Ortles-Cevedale Group stands out to the east and the Bernina Group to the west. These mountains are not only a spectacle for the eyes, but also the source of important water resources and the stage for alpine activities of all kinds.
The starting and finishing point of the ring is Bormio, an internationally renowned spa town with a fascinating historic center, witness to a past rich in trade and domination. Its spa, known since Roman times, offers relaxation and well-being. Bormio is also a capital of Alpine skiing, with challenging slopes that have hosted world championships and the Olympics.
Heading down the valley, you come across Tirano, a border town with a flatter feel. Its historical importance is linked to the presence of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, an important place of Marian worship. Tirano is also the Italian terminus of the spectacular Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO heritage site, which connects it to Chur through breathtaking scenery.
Crossing the border into Switzerland, you enter Valposchiavo, an Italian-speaking valley that maintains strong cultural and historical ties with Alta Valtellina. Characterized by a gentler Alpine landscape and picturesque villages with traditional architecture, Valposchiavo offers a unique cultural and scenic experience. The Rhaetian Railway meanders through this valley, adding an extra element of charm.
Going up towards the Bernina Pass, you tackle the Forcola Pass (2315 meters, closed in winter), an Alpine pass that marks the return to Italy and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the Valposchiavo just left. The road that leads to the pass is an experience in itself, with spectacular hairpin bends and breathtaking views.
The Alta Valtellina offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from snow-capped peaks for most of the year to lush coniferous forests, from alpine pastures to crystal-clear lakes. The presence of the Stelvio National Park, which extends over a large part of the territory, testifies to the naturalistic importance of this area.
The Bormio-Tirano-Valposchiavo-Passo Forcola-Livigno-Bormio ring is a true paradise for sports lovers in all seasons: Alpine skiing (Bormio, Livigno), cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ski mountaineering, hiking of all levels, mountain biking, road cycling (with iconic climbs such as Passo Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo), rafting, fishing, etc.
Despite its strong tourist vocation, Alta Valtellina preserves a rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. In the villages you can still observe traditional architecture, taste typical products (such as mountain cheeses, bresaola, pizzoccheri), and participate in local festivals and fairs that celebrate ancient crafts and customs, a fascinating and multifaceted territory, capable of offering unforgettable experiences to anyone who visits it. From historic spas to imposing peaks, from villages rich in history to unspoiled nature, this corner of the Italian (and Swiss) Alps enchants with its beauty and authenticity.
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