The most difficult Italian downhill run, pista Stelvio competes with famous Streif in Kitzbuehel over the name of the most challenging European run.
And indeed, even the view from the starting point may soften the legs of a skier right at the beginning.
The narrow slope over 3 km long, where even the professionals cannot hold their position for more than few seconds.
night skiing on Stelvio run in Bormio
It was built for the Alpine World Ski Championships in Bormio in 1985, but during several following years not used for official competitions.
From half of 1990′s is again in FIS calendar, and hosts annually downhill competition.
World Cup live results Dec 29
The starting point of Downhill ( Praimont ) is about hundred metres higher than Combine start at La Rocca ( 2145 m )
The run immediately descends down with jump of the Rock to conquer, and meets the other track just before the groove Canallino Sertorelli (2 100 m ) where skiers can take the speed.
before a narrow lane ( Fontana Lunga ) which broaden a little with turning right.
This is starting point for other competitions, and three Ermine jumps ( Ermellini 1 907 m ).
Now the piste gets wider at Pian dell’Orso ( 1 850 m ) at the most exciting part begins, the pains are wide but filled with bumps voluptuous but treacherous, especially when faced with the race pace. After a slight turn right at Carcentina ( 1 760 m ) the skiers pass by the buildings of Ciuk (1 650 m ) to get the speed one more time near Muro di San Pietro ( 1 565 m)
the wall of St.Peter, which ends with the St.Peter’s jump. From La Konta ( 1 490 m) through Coston ( 1380 m ) skiers gain the spreed up to some 100 kmph while reaching meta after
Feleit ( 1 270 m).
The finish line may be placed around 1 260 – 1245 m depending on the competition.
[ photo courtesy of Luca Zappa]
Pista Stelvio
Length: 3 100m
Vertical drop of 986 m
maximum gradient of 63%
Downhill Start: 2,255
Combine start: 2145
Super G start:1907 m
Giant Slalom start: 1696 m
End: 1 245 m
Tags: bormio
