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Skiing in Santa Caterina Valfurva

Year-round Alpine skiing destination in Northern Italy

Santa Caterina Valfurva (1738m), host town (together with Bormio) to the 2005 Alpine Ski World Championships, has been a winter sport resort since 1961. It is an intimate village at the end of Alta Valtellina, in the heart of Stelvio National Park. It is located in a wide and green valley, encircled by the high peaks of the Ortles-Cevedale group, a huge amphitheatre of mountains, many over 3500 meters above sea level, among those the biggest glacier of the Italian Alps, Ghiacciaio dei Forni.

Santa Caterina Valfurva is a paradise for those who love the mountains: in winter you can ski, in summer hiking and mountain biking, always surrounded by the wonderful landscape of one of the biggest protected areas in Europe.

Santa Caterina offers more than 40 km of ski tracks for alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski touring and telemark.  Winter walking on the many trails with the "ciaspole", the typical snowshoes, is also popular.

Trans Alps Adventure

The favourable climate and an advanced artificial snow system covering 90% of the terrain guarantee perfect slopes from late November to late April.  The best known among them is certainly the Deborah Compagnoni, named after the local born and bread former world champion and Olympic gold medallist. It features a modern lighting system for night skiing.

The resort features 10 lifts, including the new 8-seater gondola to the Valle dell' Alpe and the Sunny Valley hut, and a new 4-seater chairlift to the crest of Mount Sobretta 2800m above sea level.

From Santa Caterina you can easily reach Bormio and its 50km of world renowned ski trails. You can ski both in Bormio and in Santa Caterina with the same 4 Valli (4 Valleys) ski pass.

Santa Caterina Valfurva also offers excellent cross-country tracks in a fairytale landscape.

Winding through deep forests and open areas at an altitude of  over 1800 meters, trails of 2, 3, 5 and 10 km are available through  a mixture of both flat and hilly terrain . The trails offer variety for all levels of cross country skiers, including some challenging downhill sections for  experienced skiers.

The La Fonte centre, provides everything a cross country skier needs: changing rooms, showers, a room for waxing skis and  storing equipment (fee applicable).

From early March to early May you can take advantage of Europe's largest ski touring area  - the Ortles Cevedale group – and accompanied by experienced alpine guides and ski instructors explore the glaciers and the many peaks.

The Journey Begins Here

SANTA CATERINA VALFURVA

Useful Information

Tips & Resources

Skiing Highlights:

  • A little secret powder stash at the end of the valley - loved by locals and the intrepid alike
  • The 3.7 km black / red Deborah Compagnoni run named in honour of Italian skiing royalty is steep, long, tough and oh so rewarding
  • The big beginner area of Tresero and Gavia are super wide, safe and perfect for the kids
  • The Vallalpe piste is long, rolling, seemingly empty and sublimely picturesque.  A great place to do lap after lap after lovely lap
  • Keep an eye out for the ‘Boschetto’ forest trail which safely winds its way through the woods – great fun for the young & young at heart
  • The 2.9km Dell’Alpe is a panoramic masterpiece

Tips

  • Easily accessible from neighbouring Bormio via a 20 minute public bus ride
  • Grab a lesson or freeride tour with Alberto from the Scuola Sci & Snowboard Santa Caterina.  One of the nicest instructors we know
  • The 35kms of runs can be covered in a busy day, but it’s well worth exploring over two or three – especially off-piste with a guide

Culture, Food & other Adventures

  • Start your day right with a freshly squeezed OJ, café and strudel at the ultra modern rh+ lounge terrace above the main telecabine station
  • Sunny Valley Kelo Mountain Lodge is one of our favourite mountain locales anywhere in the world.  Both the casual front bar and luxurious steak house/ restaurant keep us coming back.  A long lunch is essential
  • Hire an alpine guide to explore the wealth of side country on offer
  • Genuine alpine hospitality abounds at Rifugio 2000, a favourite among local ski instructors on the Tresero / Gavia slopes
  • The intimate bar at Hotel Vedig is an excellent spot for a quiet Apres drink or two in front of their open fire
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