Stelvio National Park

The Stelvio National Park was established in 1935 with the aim of protecting the flora and fauna of the Ortles-Cevedale mountain range situated between Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige. As one of Italy’s oldest national parks, Stelvio encompasses 130,700 hectares, making it the largest in the Alpine arc, and includes 4 provinces and 23 municipalities within its boundaries. To the south, Stelvio borders the Adamello-Brenta provincial nature reserve and the Adamello regional park, together forming a vast protected natural area.

In summer, Stelvio is a highly sought-after destination for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, whilst in winter you’ll find not only pistes for Alpine skiing, but also trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

The highest peak is Monte Ortles at 3,905 metres above sea level, followed by Punta Thurwieser (3,652 m) and Cima Gran Zebrù (3,857 m), which are located in Trentino territory; at the border between Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige you can find Cevedale (3,769 m), Palon de la Mare (3,703 m) and Punta San Matteo (3,678 m).

Beyond stunning natural landscapes, the Park is home to charming towns and villages steeped in history, such as Livigno, Bormio, Ponte di Legno and Valfurva.

Things to do at Stelvio National Park

Stelvio’s territory spans from 650 to 3,900 metres above sea level and encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems. Regarding wildlife, you’ll find deer, chamois, roe deer, ibex, marmots, foxes, stoats, squirrels and badgers, though bears and wolves have also been spotted. Looking at the flora, whilst scree, permanent snow and glacial moraines are found at higher altitudes, descending in altitude you can discover coniferous forests, Norway spruce or silver fir, larches and pines. The Park is characterised by numerous valleys and several streams, as well as ancient glaciers; the most important of these is the Forni Glacier, Italy’s largest valley glacier in the Alps.

These natural environments are complemented by cities with ancient histories and a rich historical and cultural heritage. This territory has long been an important area of trade and frontier, and the various populations that have succeeded one another have left different marks of their passage. Add to this the heritage linked to the years of the Great War, as this was where the fighting front was established. Amongst mule tracks, military roads and ancient fronts, it’s possible to relive some of the battles that occurred during the First World War and the efforts of Italian soldiers engaged on the front.

Livigno

A famous destination for shoppers, Livigno is also called “the little Tibet” for its stunning unspoilt landscapes, which have made it one of the most popular outdoor holiday destinations over time. On one hand, the town was designated years ago as a duty-free zone where it’s possible to shop at reduced prices thanks to special tax relief, whilst on the other hand, situated at 1,816 metres above sea level, it’s a tourist resort that attracts visitors throughout the year.

Livigno is indeed a coveted winter destination with a ski area boasting 115 km of pistes, four snowparks and several cross-country skiing loops. This resort, however, is equally perfect during the summer months as you can enjoy many activities such as trekking, mountain biking, downhill, mountaineering and much more. Livigno isn’t just about sport and nature but also wellness, thanks to the Aquagranda sports centre where you can enjoy stays focused on fun and relaxation.

Bormio

At 1,225 metres above sea level in the Alta Valtellina area stands the town of Bormio, which has been known since Roman times for its thermal springs, reportedly mentioned by Pliny the Elder himself. In the Middle Ages, the town was an important trading hub, but over time Bormio developed its tourist vocation as a destination offering stays centred on sport, nature and relaxation. Its thermal centres are renowned internationally, and the waters are used for therapeutic purposes, thermal therapies and rehabilitation programmes. Families with young children are also warmly welcomed here thanks to dedicated swimming pools and organised activities.

However, in recent years Bormio has become a town offering a wide range of activities. You’ll find approximately 50 km of ski pistes, a curling stadium and the Palaghiaccio Braulio, used for short track, figure skating and ice hockey. During the warmer months, Bormio becomes a destination for many people wanting to escape the summer heat and reach this green-surrounded location where you can spend time outdoors enjoying trekking and walks. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try the Bormio Bike Park located on Monte Vallecetta.

Valfurva

The town of Valfurva stands at 1,738 metres above sea level and is considered one of the pearls of Stelvio National Park. From a small Valtellina village, Valfurva became a renowned tourist destination in the 17th century thanks to the discovery of several thermal springs. Over time, thermal activity gradually lost importance as the iron-rich water sources dwindled, and Valfurva became a paradise for mountain lovers.

The hamlet of Santa Caterina Valfurva boasts 35 km of pistes, modern ski lifts, ski schools and a beginner-friendly training area. There’s no shortage of opportunities for night skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat bike trails. In summer too, Valfurva attracts visitors thanks to the large number of trails and pathways you can explore outdoors on foot or by bike. Special mention in the area goes to the routes that allow you to discover the events of the Great War.

Ponte di Legno

Surrounded to the south by the Ortles Cevedale range, Ponte di Legno is a perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy truly spectacular panoramas. The town is the northernmost municipality of Val Camonica and borders Trentino-Alto Adige to the north via the Tonale Pass. Already in the early 20th century, Ponte di Legno had become a highly sought-after winter destination, so much so that the Italian Touring Club named the town “Italy’s first winter sports and tourism resort”. Here, in 1911, the Ski Club Ponte di Legno was founded, which is considered one of Italy’s first ski clubs.

In winter, Ponte di Legno and Tonale form the Adamello Ski resort, which with four major ski areas (Ponte di Legno, Tonale Pass, Presena Glacier and Temù) is one of Lombardy’s best-equipped ski resorts. Enthusiasts can ski on 41 pistes extending for approximately 100 km. Alternatively, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing, freeride descents or snowshoeing and ice skating.

In summer, furthermore, this destination is ideal for all outdoor activity lovers as you can go trekking, rock climbing, via ferrata, cycling and walking. Mountain biking enthusiasts can have fun at the Bike Skill Park, whilst via ferrata fans can tackle famous routes such as the Sentiero dei Fiori, Sentiero degli Austriaci and Cima Payer.

What to do in summer at Stelvio National Park

Stelvio National Park features several itineraries that can be discovered on foot or by bicycle, suitable for all levels of fitness. From routes perfect for families with children to longer trails that can be tackled over several days by the more experienced. Exploring the park allows you to discover its many environments more closely as well as its rich flora and fauna heritage.

Thanks to the numerous peaks exceeding 3,000 metres above sea level, even those who rock climb will find many crags and via ferrata here for thrilling experiences. Additionally, the Stelvio Glacier hosts one of the largest ski areas in the Alps for summer skiing enthusiasts. The pistes run from the Stelvio Pass (2,758 metres) to Monte Cristallo (3,450 m above sea level) surrounded by the peaks of the Ortles Group.

Hikes and trekking at Stelvio National Park

The network of marked trails extends for over 250 km and routes within the Park are classified by difficulty: tourist trails (T) such as simple tourist walks, hiking trails (E) that wind along mule tracks or along connecting routes between valleys without particular technical difficulties, and trails for experienced hikers (EE) that include medium and high mountain routes and equipped paths that require trained individuals with appropriate equipment.

The territory within Stelvio National Park also holds numerous thematic routes that allow you to trace the history of this area, always considered an important crossroads. Since Roman times, there were trading squares for merchants here and numerous inns to accommodate travellers. Among the most beautiful thematic trails are the Sentiero dei Contrabbandieri (Smugglers’ Trail), the Kleinboden thematic trail that hosts various traces of the front established here during the First World War, and the Sentiero Arcaico (Archaic Trail) discovering prehistoric settlements. Some routes suitable for the more experienced include the Anello Glaciologico della Val Cedec and the Sentiero Glaciologico Basso.

Cycling excursions at Stelvio National Park

Two-wheeled enthusiasts will find a wide range of cycling routes and activities at Stelvio National Park. From leisurely itineraries to bike parks, as well as trails and marked areas for cross-country and enduro fans. The routes available feature varying difficulty levels and suit both beginners and experienced cyclists. Among the easier tours is the Marmot Tour, an itinerary following the Rio Valbiolo valley, considered a natural habitat for a large number of marmots.

Mountain biking enthusiasts, meanwhile, can attempt more challenging routes such as the one from Bormio to the Stelvio Pass or the one from Ponte di Legno crossing the Gavia Pass. Those wanting to try activities like Enduro and Downhill can try the Race Line or Pegrà Easy Rider descents. A special event that many await during summer is Bike Day at the Stelvio Pass when the roads are closed to motor traffic and reserved exclusively for cyclists for an entire day.

What to do in winter at Stelvio National Park

With six peaks above 3,500 metres and many others above 3,000 metres above sea level, Stelvio National Park is the ideal destination for wonderful winter holidays. From ski mountaineering to snowshoeing, from fat bike excursions to ice climbing, this territory can satisfy the needs of all its visitors. Skiers are spoilt for choice thanks to the ski resorts of S. Caterina Valfurva, Ponte di Legno and Bormio, and to these are added opportunities for curling, ice skating, ice hockey and many other activities.

There are also numerous opportunities for those who practise ski mountaineering with more challenging routes that can be undertaken with the help of experienced local guides. The offering doesn’t end there as there are several cross-country pistes to explore using classic technique or skating, as well as biathlon centres. Accompanying the days of skiers, mountaineers, hikers and visitors in general are numerous mountain huts and lodges serving excellent local cuisine surrounded by truly spectacular scenery.

Recommended hotels in the area Stelvio National Park