The Stelvio piste at Bormio is one of the most iconic downhill runs in world alpine skiing. With a start at 3,012 metres, a length of more than 3,200 metres and gradients reaching 63%, it is a true test of the world’s finest downhill racers. For the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, it hosts both the men’s and women’s downhill and super-G events.
Stelvio by the numbers
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Start | 3,012 m a.s.l. |
| Finish | 1,246 m a.s.l. |
| Vertical drop | 1,766 m |
| Length | 3,261 m |
| Maximum gradient | 63% |
| Average gradient | 52% |
| Maximum speed recorded | 161 km/h |
These figures place it among the most demanding downhill runs on the World Cup circuit, on a par with the Streif at Kitzbuehel and the Lauberhorn at Wengen.
A history of legends
The Stelvio hosted its first World Cup race in 1985 and has since become a fixture of the FIS calendar. It has already hosted the World Championships in 2005 and 2025, confirming its status as one of the world’s most prestigious pistes.
The most feared sections
The descent is divided into several sections, each with a distinctive character:
San Pietro: the first section after the start, a fast run that immediately takes athletes into a series of high-speed technical turns. Concentration must be at its peak from the very first metre.
La Rocca: the iconic passage of the Stelvio. A natural jump followed by a violent compression that tests athletes’ physical resistance. G-forces at this point can exceed 3G.
Il Carcentino: a rapid succession of turns where speed never drops below 100 km/h. Errors here come at a very high price.
The finish: the final section is on a slight counter-slope, meaning athletes must maintain speed until the very last metre. The finish area is located in the centre of Bormio, creating a unique atmosphere with spectators right at the edge of the run.
The Stelvio for the 2026 Olympics
For the Olympic Games, the piste underwent significant preparation works:
- Expanded safety zones with state-of-the-art protective netting
- Enhanced snowmaking system ensuring uniform conditions throughout the run
- New grandstand in the finish area with increased capacity
- Broadcast centre for high-definition television coverage
The men’s Olympic downhill on February 9 was one of the most anticipated events of the Games, with millions of viewers worldwide tuned in to watch racing on the circuit’s most demanding piste.
Skiing at Bormio beyond the Olympics
Bormio is far more than the Stelvio. The resort offers a wide variety of pistes for all levels:
- 50 km of pistes from 1,225 to 3,012 m altitude
- 14 modern ski lifts
- Direct access to the Bagni Vecchi and Terme di Bormio thermal baths for post-ski recovery
From Bormio you can also easily reach Santa Caterina Valfurva and Passo Tonale, significantly expanding the skiing possibilities in the area.
How to reach Bormio
- By car: from Milan, A4 to Lecco, then SS36 and SS38 Stelvio road (approximately 3 hours)
- By train: to Tirano, then STPS bus to Bormio (approximately 45 minutes)
- Olympic shuttles: dedicated service from Sondrio and Tirano during the Games
For the latest weather and Bormio webcams, consult our real-time resort pages.
Comprensorio correlato
Questo articolo e collegato a Bormio.