Livigno for ‘high altitude’ training is a hidden gem
Livigno is located high in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border some 1,816 metres (5,958 ft) above sea level making it one of the highest athletic facilities in Europe. Set in a high, wide, remote valley immersed in the breath-taking panorama of the Alps, Livigno is known as ‘Little Tibet’ for its height and remoteness. Livigno really is a training temple for triathletes looking for some serious ‘high altitude’ training between the months of May and October.
The training facilities are constantly upgraded to the highest standards. Livigno boasts one of the finest swimming pools in Europe in the Aquagranda fitness centre which includes a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and a wellness area with saunas of different temperatures, steam room, salt water and normal pools with massage beds, treatment rooms and relaxation areas.
That’s not all, in 2019, the municipality of Livigno opened a brand new 400m six lane athletics track built with the Casali Sportrack SW PF system which is formed of a base of spongy material making training more comfortable, with less pressure on a runner’s joints during the course of a run. Of course, there are also countless running and training routes along the lakes, through forests and along high-level trails.
For the cyclists the charming high valley of the Livingo offers a comprehensive network of roads and trails with numerous options for climbs up to mountain passes as well as circular rides. The roads are in good condition, and the volume of traffic on most roads is modest. From Livigno it is possible to cross over into Switzerland or to reach the Stelvio Pass via Bormio a marvel of engineering that writhes up the slopes of the second highest paved mountain pass in the Alps. The question then is how many peaks are you able to conquer? The Passo di Foscagno – Livigno Loop from Livigno will see you ascend to over 6,600ft above sea level. There is no doubt some of these routes require competent riders with very good fitness.
It has to be said, Livingo is one of the most inaccessible resorts in Europe. It takes the best part of three hours to get there from Innsbruck, and even longer from Italian hub airports. But if you looking for a secret ‘high altitude’ hideaway then it’s worth the long journey. In fact, its inaccessibility is why it’s such a ‘hidden gem’ rather than being the en-masse hunting ground for athletes from all over the world. This location is a must go-too for professional athletes and has seen the Italian National Swimming Team hold their training camps there and the professional cycling team, Tinkoff-Saxo, have stayed several times to help prepare its big named riders for the grand Tours.
As Livingo is a ski-resort in the winter months there is no shortage of accommodation and there are many lively places to eat and drink as many of the old wooden houses in the traffic-free village centre have been converted into atmospheric bars, restaurants and clubs. And the icing on the cake is Livigno has a special tax status that dates back to Napoleonic times. There’s no VAT, which makes drinks, petrol and consumer goods some of the cheapest in Europe.
After a tough 2020, stuck indoors many people are dreaming of a holiday this year and are ‘hopeful’ travel will be allowed during the summer months. So, if ‘high altitude’ training is on your wish list and you’re looking to get away far from the madding crowd then Livingo should meet all your requirements —as will the duty-free vino.
You can find and compare great deals on Livigno accommodation all in one place here: Best Place to Stay in Livigno, Italy
