Bardonecchia flies under the radar compared to a lot of Italian resorts, but it’s got 100km of quiet runs weaving through a pine forest – not to mention, it hosted the snowboarding events at the 2006 Winter Olympics. There are two nursery zones at either end of town, so beginners won’t have far to go for lessons no matter where you’re staying. And for anyone comfy on the slopes already, most of the mountain is made up of blues and reds. If tricks are your thing, you won’t want to miss the Olympic snow park and halfpipe.
When the sun dips below the horizon, Bardonecchia transforms into a lively apres-ski haven. Cozy bars and restaurants line the cobblestone streets, offering delectable Italian cuisine and a warm atmosphere to unwind after a day on the slopes. Live music and lively conversations fill the air, creating a vibrant ambiance that extends into the night.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Bardonecchia offers a diverse range of winter activities to suit every taste. Families can embark on exhilarating sleigh rides through snow-covered meadows, while snowshoeing enthusiasts can explore the tranquil beauty of the surrounding forests. For a more exhilarating experience, try ice skating on the picturesque lake or test your skills on the local curling rink.
And for those seeking cultural immersion, Bardonecchia’s rich history and traditions come alive through its charming architecture, local museums, and traditional festivals. Explore the ancient village center, visit the Forte di Bramafort, or immerse yourself in the vibrant Carnevale celebrations for an unforgettable cultural experience.
This is a year-round town rather than a just a ski resort, so it might not have that typical alpine look but there’s lots going on. The food especially is a highlight, with lots of restaurants dishing up traditional recipes made with local produce – like cajette, a kind of gnocchi made with Piedmont potatoes, and gofri waffles stuffed with anything from cheese to chocolate.
It’s also a popular place for families so there’s plenty of other activities to do while you’re here, from tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing to the 1km-long alpine coaster.
For children that are too young to go skiing there is a nursery/crèche at Villaggio Campo Smith right by Campo Smith (the starting point for skiers) See the tourist office for details:
Tourist Office 0039 122 99032
Email: Bardonecchia@montagnedoc.it
Two of the ski areas are interlinked providing a huge amount of skiing and boarding with an amazing 100Km’s of piste to play on.
There are extensive beginner’s areas at Melezet and Campo Smith that will enable beginners to progress onto the higher longer blue runs at Colomion. Intermediates will enjoy the fantastic long red and blue runs that link Melezet and Colomion.
There are also several blacks there to get the heart racing. The Fisi 50 is a World Cup run and was an Olympic run in 2006 so definitely a leg burner. For more advanced skiers there are some excellent off piste and heli skiing available behind Melezet but remember you will need a guide for any off piste adventures. High up on Jefferau there are wide open bowls with bumps, jumps and gullies to play in. Freeriders will love the wide open train great for cruising and there is an Olympic half pipe to try out. There is also some cross country skiing available.
Season Start / End: 2/12 – 4/4
Opening Times: 09:00 – 17:00
Total Slope Length: 100 km
Easy Runs: 16
Intermediate Runs: 18
Difficult Runs: 5
MOUNTAIN STATION ALTITUDE: 2750m
VALLEY STATION ALTITUDE: 1312m
TOTAL SKI LIFTS: 23
CABLE CARS: 1
CHAIR LIFTS: 9
DRAG LIFTS: 11
MAGIC CARPETS: 2
