Speed kings return to Bormio’s Stelvio slope with Olympics on horizon
Dominik Paris on the Stelvio during the 2023/2024 edition (Credits: Pentaphoto)
With just over a year until the Winter Olympics, where it will host both men’s alpine skiing events and ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut, Bormio prepares for a crucial winter season. The World Cup races on the Stelvio slope (December 28-29, 2024) and the ski mountaineering test event (February 21-23, 2025) will provide key previews of the Olympic challenges ahead
Winter is fast approaching, and with it, the 33rd stage of the Men’s AUDI FIS Ski World Cup in Bormio, on the steep and iconic Stelvio slope, the same that, in just over a year, will host the men’s alpine ski events of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. As tradition dictates, the world’s elite speed specialists will return to the Stelvio – often called the Teatro alla Scala of alpine skiing – for downhill and super-G races on December 28 and 29.
The season brings another milestone as Bormio hosts its first Ski Mountaineering World Cup (February 21-23, 2025). The competition will utilize the lower section of the Stelvio slope, previewing the venue where the sport will make its Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina 2026.
Fondazione Bormio unveiled its exciting winter program on Tuesday, November 19, at Regione Lombardia‘s headquarters in Milan. Distinguished attendees included Attilio Fontana, President of Regione Lombardia; Federica Picchi, Undersecretary for Sport and Youth; Massimo Sertori, Councillor for Local Authorities, Mountain Affairs, Energy Resources, and Water Use; Lara Magoni, Member of the European Parliament; Silvia Cavazzi, Mayor of Bormio; Samanta Antonioli, Bormio’s councillor for Tourism and Olympics; and Matteo Bonfà , President of Fondazione Bormio.
From left: Lombardy Region’s Councillor for Local Authorities, Mountains, Energy Resources and Water Resource Use Massimo Sertori, Lombardy Region President Attilio Fontana, Undersecretary with responsibility for Sport and Youth Federica Picchi, Bormio Mayor Silvia Cavazzi, MEP Lara Magoni, Bormio Foundation President Matteo Bonfà , Bormio Municipality’s Councillor for Tourism, Olympics and Major Sporting Events Samanta Antonioli (Credits: Enrico Pozzi)
Fondazione Bormio debuts on Stelvio slope with enhanced experience for athletes and spectators
A significant change marks Bormio’s winter season as race organization returns to local hands. After years under Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) management, the Men’s AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events in Alta Valtellina will now be operated by a local committee. The newly established Fondazione Bormio will oversee not only the World Cup races and ski mountaineering test event but also serve as the local organizing body for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Fondazione Bormio aims to uphold the technical excellence that has established the Stelvio as a classic venue on the Men’s World Cup circuit while integrating local expertise to make these sporting events an integral part of Bormio’s dynamic identity – a destination that excels both on and off the slopes.
This journey begins with the 2024 AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, the first of two editions leading to Milano Cortina 2026, where the Stelvio slope will host all men’s alpine skiing disciplines.
Following last season’s victories by Cyprien Sarrazin in downhill and Marco Odermatt in super-G, the world’s fastest skiers return in December to tackle the iconic features of the Stelvio: the jumps of Rocca and San Pietro, the legendary Carcentina, and the final Konta wall.
The program opens on Thursday, December 26, with the first timed training session, followed by second training on Friday, December 27. The traditional public bib draw takes place at 6:00 PM in Piazza Cavour.
The downhill race headlines Saturday, December 28, with the super-G following on Sunday, December 29.
Spectators can experience the action either through worldwide TV coverage or live from enhanced viewing areas. Recent upgrades to the Ski Stadium, completed in preparation for the Olympic Games, will elevate the Stelvio experience before, during, and after the races.
Two premium viewing options are available: the Bormio Grandstand offers central seating just meters from the finish line, while the Stelvio Terrace provides an exclusive experience combining race viewing with local hospitality and regional specialties. Tickets and information: https://skiworldcup.bormio.eu/
The event program extends beyond racing, enriching Bormio’s atmosphere between Christmas and New Year. Visitors can enjoy the town’s thermal baths, cultural attractions, natural beauty, and culinary excellence, complemented by music, performances, and children’s entertainment throughout the town. Young alpine skiers can test themselves on champion terrain through the traditional Vitalini Speed Contest.
Full event details:Â https://skiworldcup.bormio.eu/
The audience during the 2023/2024 World Cup (Credits: Enrico Pozzi)
Ski mountaineering advances toward historic Olympic debut
Fondazione Bormio’s winter program continues with a landmark ski mountaineering World Cup event on the Stelvio from February 21 to 23, 2025 – the first-ever World Cup competition in Alta Valtellina. The event serves as the official test event for the sport’s Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina 2026, featuring the world’s elite ski mountaineers in men’s and women’s sprint races and the mixed relay.
Beyond snow sports, Bormio’s winter season encompasses ice disciplines at its national Short Track training center. Following this month’s Junior World Cup stage, the venue hosts the 32nd Alta Valtellina Trophy from November 21 to 24. This international competition draws hundreds of athletes worldwide while providing a platform for federations, clubs, and coaches to network and share expertise.
Ski Season launches November 30
Before the World Cup action on the Stelvio, winter sports enthusiasts can explore Bormio’s three ski areas, which annually attract visitors seeking both natural beauty and wellness experiences in Alta Valtellina.
The Bormio ski lifts operate from November 30 through April 6, 2025, matching the ending schedule of Cima Piazzi-San Colombano area, which runs from December 6 to April 6, 2025. The Santa Caterina Valfurva ski area extends its season until April 21, 2025, while the San Colombano (Valdisotto) area operates from December 21 through March 30, 2025.
The beauty of the descent from Tuckett Pass (Credits: Giacomo Meneghello)
QUOTES:
Attilio Fontana, President of Regione Lombardia
“With the Olympics on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for our region and Valtellina. The Bormio slope stands among the most iconic and challenging venues on the international circuit, where every elite skier aspires to join the ranks of downhill skiing’s greatest. We will once again demonstrate our unique blend of natural beauty, hospitality, and tourism appeal. The Olympics represent a milestone in our journey to position Bormio and Valtellina at the center of global attention. Here’s to Bormio, Valtellina, and Lombardia!”
Silvia Cavazzi, Mayor of Bormio
“Our commitment intensifies as we approach the historic Olympic Games. The Stelvio, widely regarded as the world’s most technical slope, demands passion, dedication, and courage from every athlete who accepts its challenge. Success here is earned, never given, and seeing Bormio in the spotlight fills us with pride. As we celebrate our 31st edition, we’ll showcase not only sporting excellence but also Valtellina’s rich culinary heritage. My gratitude extends to Bormio Foundation, Lombardy Region, FISI, and all supporting organizations – together, we’re launching an extraordinary season for our region.”
Matteo Bonfà , President of Fondazione Bormio:
“Fondazione Bormio embodies our region’s pursuit of excellence. We’ve established a robust management structure with clear leadership roles, creating a strong foundation for our partnership with the Milano-Cortina Foundation. This collaboration enables us to deliver world-class events while leveraging three decades of local expertise, with the vision of building further towards the future.”
Samanta Antonioli, Councillor for Tourism, Olympics, and Major Sports Events
*”Our administration is deeply committed to securing the Milano-Cortina Olympics’ lasting legacy. Beyond the physical improvements to the Stelvio slope and hospitality facilities, we’re focused on building a social and cultural heritage for future generations. These major events represent more than entertainment – they’re investments in our community and region.”*
Milan, November 20, 2024
The Bormio Foundation team is already working toward a great winter (Credits: Enrico Pozzi)
