Unlike many of other Alpine valleys Valtellina stretches along the east-west axis between Rhaetian Alps on the north and Orobian alps on the south.
Its main river Adda flows into the Lake Como located at the end of the valley.
The best ski resorts there are situated in the upper part of the valley - Alta Valtellina.
Bormio,Livigno and Santa Caterina Valfurva there are the ski areas with long skiing tradition and modern facilities often used for hosting FIS and numerous other Alpine events and competitions.
The biggest resort Bormio with the new area Bormio 3000 is situated on the mountains surrounding the town, famous already during the Roman times for its springs of mineral water.
The long thermal spa tradition has the influence of the numerous apres-ski offers, cafes, restaurants, shops, but also the cultural monuments and museums.
Livigno, famous for its former duty free shopping zone is located near old passes Forcola and Bernina leading to the famous Swiss resort St. Moritz, unfortunately there is no ski connection between. The high altitude of the slopes of mountains Mottolino and Carosello about 3 000 m a.s.l. allow to ski till the beginning of May, and give plenty of oppurtunities for snowboarding, freeride and other activities including telemark competitions 'Skieda'.
Smaller and more quiet Santa Caterina Valfurva has but the same importance , enough mention the leading Italian athlete Deborach Compagnoni, who was born and trained there.
Children and family-orientated even smaller resorts Valdisotto-Valdidentro complete Alta Valtellina ski resorts range.
On the way from Bormio to Merano/Bolzano there is the resort Passo dello Stelvio located near the pass bearing the same name.
It is the important italian skiers training centre famous for summer skiing due to the glacier situated near Ortles Cevedale range.
Stelvio Pass lies exactly on the geographical border between Valtellina and Alto Adige, and although both areas Ortler Skiarena and Alta Valtellina try to incorporate it, the resort is quite independent, and can be described as belonged to either area.
The remain ski resorts of Valtellina are surrounded by the fairy-tales landscape of Orobian National Park Aprica,
Chiesa di Valmalenco and Caspoggio connected with another great Italian name - ski champion Gustav Thoeni,
and a fashionable winter resort for Milanese high society - Madesimo.
