The majestic scenery of the Stelvio National Park provides an unrivalled backdrop for the numerous cross-country skiing trails in Santa Caterina Valfurva, which, not long ago, hosted major World Cup races contested by the very best cross-country skiers around. Cross-country skiers have access to 5 and 10km competitive routes in the Valtellina valley and less demanding 2, 3 and 5km tourist circuits: high-altitude trails that wind through magical forests, offering spectacular ascents and technical descents to keep skiers fit and satisfy the soul.

Visitors can walk through the forests of the Stelvio National Park during the winter season as well: there are a number of trails suited for snowshoes (known as “ciaspole” in the Valtellina dialect), which start from Santa Caterina, offering the perfect opportunity for some fun, including for those who are less fit.

Santa Caterina is located in the middle of the ski mountaineering area of the Ortler Alps mountain range, one of the largest in Europe: these areas are heaven on earth for hikers and climbers in the summer time, with the snow making them perfect for ski mountaineering enthusiasts of any ability or experience level. Nature seems to have gone all out when bestowing the area with ski routes, nestled among mountain peaks with one-of-a-kind panoramic views, glaciers, snowy forests and viewpoints to conquer.

The Santa Caterina Valfurva ski resort is loved by families thanks to its wide range of fun winter activities for children. Little ones can learn to ski with ski instructors in special camps, spend the day going (completely safely) down exhilarating slopes on sleds and bobsleds, or take part in a whole host of activities in the snow organised by the kid’s club, which provides visitors a babysitting service while the parents are off skiing.

No holiday in the Valtellina valley is complete without a ride on the Bernina Express (Rhaetian railway). The panoramic carriages with the unmistakable red hue of the Bernina Express begin their journey in Tirano, crossing the border between Italy and Switzerland, through the Valposchiavo valley with truly enchanting scenery to behold (do not miss the Brusio spiral viaduct). Then, it climbs up to an altitude of 2253 metres to the Ospizio Bernina station—experiencing inclines of up to 70 permille—before the descent to St Moritz.

The chance to visit Livigno—a famous tourist destination in Valtellina known throughout the world—is another plus for staying in one of our rooms at Al Baitin. You can get there via the Foscagno pass (open all year round) in no time at all. In addition to dozens of kilometres of snowy pistes for skiers and cross-country skiers, Livigno (known as “Little Tibet”) offers a wide range of shopping opportunities with stores from leading international brands, as well as the added benefit of being a duty-free area, meaning that visitors do not have to pay VAT on goods and fuel.

Tired from winter activities in the snow? For some unrivalled R&R, take a break and indulge in the most famous thermal spas of Valtellina and the entire Alpine region. One of the best tourist attractions in the area, the thermal spas of Bormio are just a few minutes away from Santa Caterina by car: the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi—built on thermal springs discovered by the ancient Romans—boast a sauna, a Turkish bath, mountain-rock walkways, massage services and relaxation areas.

The Valtellina valley has always hosted some of the key Alpine stages of the Giro d’Italia, thanks to its numerous climbs that have left their mark on the history of the sport. Starting from Santa Caterina, you too can try your hand on the legendary routes in the province of Sondrio: Gavia, Mortirolo and Stelvio are just a few of the passes for cyclists to conquer.

Calling all mountain bike lovers, welcome to paradise! Santa Caterina is very popular with bikers, as many of the mountain bike routes across Valfurva and the Valtellina valley begin here. Whether flat or more challenging, there is every level of route you can imagine, where you can ride in perfect harmony with nature through the Stelvio National Park’s trails and admire spectacular panoramic views that will stay in your heart forever. There is also a Bike Centre with qualified instructors in the middle of town.