Forget Rome and Amalfi - this Italian town is about to be the hot new place to visit
There are just a few months left until the eyes of the whole world will be on northern Italy, which is set to play host to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The events will be spread across Milan and the Italian Alps - including a few events in the town of Bormio.
The charming alpine town is known as the "Magnificent Land," thanks to its stunning mountain views, natural hot springs and surrounding forests.
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All eyes are about to be on the Italian alpine town of Bormio. Supplied
Bormio will host men's alpine skiing and the brand-new ski mountaineering events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
As well as being a world-class skiing destination, Bormio is also a wellness hub, with travellers flocking to the town for relaxing escapes year-round.
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You'll no doubt be considering a holiday there, too, once you see it on-screen at the Olympics, so we gathered up some local tips to help you build your ideal Bormio itinerary.
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Bormio is a wellnes destination. Supplied
Thermal baths
Bormio is famous for its nine natural hot springs that flow at temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. The thermal waters are rich in minerals, and have been praised for their therapeutic, muscle-relaxing, and anti-stress properties since Roman times. They were even mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in his writings!
A highlight is the Bagni Vecchi, or Old Baths, which have 2000 years of history. The panoramic outdoor pool overlooking the Bormio valley is iconic, and a definite must-see.
Families can head to Bormio Terme, in the centre of Bormio, which has everything from relaxation pools and saunas to a 60m waterslide.
The skiing is world-class. Supplied
Skiing & Snowboarding
Obviously, as the region is playing host to the Winter Olympics, it's got world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Whether you're an expert or just getting started, there's an option for you. Thrill-seekers love Bormio's thrilling vertical drop: the longest skiable height difference in Italy from Cima Bianca to the village, about 1800 metres.
Cima Piazzi-San Colombano has sunny, easy slopes for newbies and kids, plus the family bob run, a mountain coaster that runs both in summer and winter.
There's plenty to do in summer, too. Supplied
Snowshoeing
For a relaxing alternative to skiing, travellers can explore the forests of the Stelvio National Park on foot with a snowshoeing adventure. Seeing the valleys all covered in a thick blanket of snow while plodding along with snowshoes is a magical experience.
The routes are well signposted if you want to navigate on your own, or you can join a guided snowshoeing tour.
Il Triciclo has amazing local cuisine. Facebook
Where to eat in Bormio
There are a few local favourite restaurants that must be on your list to visit when you're in town.
- Osteria Il Triciclo - a cozy restaurant focusing on local cuisine
- Bar Jolly da Lucia - delicious baked goods and the best streusel in town
- Osteria del Moleta - a simple, friendly spot with delicious home-style food
- Trattoria Compagnoni - a hidden gem, family-run spot with high-quality dishes
Bormio is also a great town to explore on foot. Getty
The local cuisine is rustic and simple, full of hearty flavours perfect to warm you up after a day in the snow. Traditional local dishes include:
- Pizzoccheri - buckwheat pasta with butter, cheese, potatoes and cabbage
- Sciatt - delicious bite-sized pieces of local cheese that have been battered and deep-fried
- Malfatti - spinach gnocchi
- Bresaola and slinziga - cured beef
- Polenta taragna - polenta made with buckwheat and lots of cheese
- Bisciöla - a type of fruitcake
The famous digestive bitter, Amaro Braulio, is made from local Alpine herbs and is said to aid digestion. Tours of the historic cellars are available. And of course, as it's Italy, there's plenty of local wine to be enjoyed.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will screen live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
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