Pure adrenaline. Rock climbing is one of the most exciting Alpine sports. Here in Bormio the climbing areas are immersed in the wild scenery of the Stelvio National Park.
Climbing is a natural instinct. Which makes it sound easy, but starting out can be hard. You need to put yourself out there and face the fear head on. Stop worrying about falling and try not to think about your tired, tense muscles. But the feeling of satisfaction when your body starts moving in harmony with the rock is something incredible. It’s an almost indescribable sensation - a mixture of concentration, weightlessness and close contact with nature. Try it!
Climbing in Bormio in the summer…
In the summer Bormio and Alta Valtellina offer some fantastic locations for rock climbing. The Valle dei Forni in the presence of one of the largest glaciers in Italy; the boulders in the beautiful park at the Bagni Nuovi; under the medieval Fraele Towers at Cancano; in a chestnut grove at Migiondo; there are many different options for all levels of ability.
...and in winter
In the winter, when the temperatures drop, the ice climbing season begins. Surrounded by the silence and the pure white landscape of the Stelvio National Park, you’ll be hooked immediately. You’ll have so much adrenaline pumping through your veins that you won’t even feel the cold!
Where to go rock climbing in and around Bormio
According to the local Alpine Guides, these are the best rock climbing locations in the Bormio area:
- Forni: near the mountain refuge and at the foot of the famous glacier. Routes from 4a to 7a
- Isolaccia: The iconic cliff face of Alta Valtellina. Routes from 5a to 8b
- Bagni Vecchi: not far from the road to the Stelvio Pass, easy to reach and great to train on. Routes from 4c to 8a
- Cancano: under the Medieval Fraele Towers, ideal for trying out a multi-pitch route for the first time. Routes from 5b to 7b
- Calàr: The most scenic climbing in the area. Routes from 5c to 7b
- Migiondo: A 20 minute drive from Bormio. Immersed in a beautiful chestnut grove, mainly friction climbing. Routes from 5b to 7c
- Sasso Garibaldi: in the beautiful park of the Bagni Nuovi, this rock is ideal for those trying rock climbing for the first time, especially children. A boulder (no rope) just a few metres off the ground and routes up to 6a
Contact the Alpine Guides and find out which location would be most suitable for your ability and level of fitness. Or even better, let them teach you the basics!
Indoor climbing
If it's a rainy day, you can head to the indoor climbing centre. The Palazzetto dello Sport in Sant’Antonio Valfurva houses a large and varied climbing wall with 12 metre routes and a bouldering room.
