Santa-Caterina

The smaller, also high level, sister resort of Bormio, Santa Caterina has long been a firm favourite for many of our regular ski groups. Situated approximately 14 km from the town of Bormio, Santa Caterina forms part of the Stelvio National Park and is a typical high level alpine village with an enviable snow record. With a top ski height of nearly 3000m and a high level village of 1700m, the resort has a long season running from late November until early May. It is always possible to ski back to the village even during a late Easter. The resort also holds numerous alpine events including regular ladies World Cup races and will also feature in the future Winter Olympics along with nearby Bormio.

SKIING

The “Ski Stadium” with very “friendly” beginners area is located in the village itself and only a short walk from each of our 3 featured hotels. A further beginner area can also be found at the stopping point of the first gondola in a snow sure area at around 2000m. Intermediate and better skiers will use the modernised chairlift system serving the intermediate slopes above the village or travel on the two stage gondola which ascends up the superb fairly recently opened “sunny Valley” ski area. This high level area is an attraction for all skiers as soon as they are able as it is a large open sunny, but snow sure, easy to intermediate area at over 2800m. There are a variety of more challenging, partly tree lined runs back to the village itself. This modern lift system serves some 60km of piste with little or no queuing and the resort’s excellent snow record is also supplemented with excellent snow making facilities.

EQUIPMENT

For many years we have used the excellent service of Nadino Sports for our ski equipment hire. The shop is adjacent to the nursery slopes in the village itself and equipment is of a high standard. There is also a ski deposit service for groups leaving gear unless skiers have skied back to the Hotel. Where there is the usual ski storage and heated boot room.

SKI SCHOOL

Once again we use the official Italian ski school who, as usual, have priority with their groups on the ski lifts. Instruction is very good and all instructors speak good English.

SKI FACTS

Village height – 1700m

Top ski height – 2900m

Ski season – late November to late April/early May

Slope breakdown 10% easy, 70% intermediate, 20% difficult

Km of piste 110km (including Bormio)

Lifts Gondolas/chairlifts/Draglifts

Airports