A SNOWY HEAVEN ON EARTH

IN THE HEART OF STELVIO NATIONAL PARK
Santa Caterina stands on an alluvial plain at an altitude of 1.732 metres, surrounded by the wild, open countryside that
makes up Stelvio National Park, the largest park in Europe.
The town is situated at the point where the Forni and Gavia valleys meet in the heart of the Ortler-Cevedale
mountain range, one of the most important areas in the Alps in terms of history, nature and mountains.

AN INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
The 15 km cross-country trail winds its way through dense conifer woods set in a fairytale landscape and offers both
tourist and competitive tracks.
The Valtellina track has 5 and 10 km circuits, on which some of world’s key competitions have taken place, including
many World Cup races. In March 2008, the track will take centre stage once again for the FIS WORLD CUP
“Grand Finals 2008”. The world’s top athletes will be battling it out in their attempt to win the World Cup as well as their
individual sports. The track is greatly improved, snaking its way across the wide plain and through dense woodland with
demanding climbs and downhill stretches all of which feature superb differences in height.
The track offers some original and even revolutionary technical solutions, particularly the safe yet selective downhill run.
The 8 km tourist track runs next to the competition track, and they even partially coincide. This track has 2, 3, and 5 km
circuits which are easy to ski on and provide captivating views for skiers as they glide through Santa Caterina’s ancient
Swiss stone pine woods.
The high altitude and the area’s unique geography mean that snow conditions will be excellent on the
tracks, which are meticulously groomed every day. The building of both the competition and tourist tracks
was supervised by Benito Moriconi, coach of the Italian cross-country team and to Manuela Di Centa.

The “La Fonte Centre” has been set up to help the cross-country skiers. The structure has changing rooms, showers,
locker rooms and equipment lockers plus a waxing area. Ski instructors are also on hand to offer technical support.
Their vast experience will prove useful as they can offer advice about which is the best equipment or wax to use.

The well-organised Alpine and cross-country ski schools act as a reference point for tourists as they venture out on
the snow for the fi rst time, and also for skiers who want to perfect their technique. They are also a great place to make
friends with the ski instructors and coaches, which can only enhance fun days out on the slopes.