Bormio will be in the honored position of hosting a very special ski and snow event to welcome the new Millenium: after organizing a successful and spectacular Alpine World Cup Finals in 1995 which included the triumph of Alberto Tomba in front of 20,000 screaming fans, the O.C. Bormio devised an intriguing idea: Not one but all the World Cup finals of the International Ski Federation. The proposal to the FIS, strongly backed by the entire region of Lombardia and Italy's Government, was accepted by the FIS management in 1998. Four resorts - Bormio, Livigno, Santa Caterina and St Moritz in nearby Switzerland - will organize over twenty competitions in Alpine Skiing, Snowboard, Freestyle, Cross Country and Nordic Combined during the third week of March 2000. Bormio, the last town on the road to the Stelvio Pass, has already handled several major events including the 1985 Worlds, site of Switzerland's Pirmin Zurbriggen won his first gold medals. The men's downhill run on the challenging Stelvio course between Christmas and New Year is now an established tradition. Most racers consider it the toughest downhill course on the World Cup tour.
The area of Bormio has a strong historical background - its one of the most ancient mountains resorts in the Alps. The Romans traveled there for holidays to enjoy the radioactive thermal hot springs and the mud baths. The old village center with its cobbled streets is fascinating with some very old houses and attractive boutiques. The main square near the Church - "Piazza del Querc" -has been built in the 14th Century. A perfect place for this true "Snow Festival" which should attract tens thousands of fans.