the stelvio, italy's largest national park, is the gateway from lombardy to the strangely beautiful, glacier strewn dolomite mountains.
the glaciers are dotted with more than 50 lakes, and dominated by craggy peaks such as gran zebrù, cevedale and ortles-the tallest mountain here at 3,905 m.
the dramatic, winding roads of the stelvio are the dread of cyclists in the annual giro d'italia, italy's answer to the tour de france.
for walkers, the area provides virtually unlimited hiking at all levels,and and access to remote areas still populated by ibexes, marmots, chamois and eagles.
the only real population centre is at bormio, which boasts every winter and summer sports facility you could hope for, and is a good base from which to explore the area.
the town's interesting orto botanico provides an introduction to some of the species of mountain plants found in the region.