Bardonecchia – is considered one of the first ski resorts and the most avant-garde. It is updated every year, trying to keep up with the times. It is located on the border with France at the exit of the 2 Frejus tunnels. The first international alpine skiing competitions in Bardonecchia were held in 1909. In February 2006, as part of the XX Winter Olympics, a first-class slope and snow park were built in Bardonecchia. In addition, there is the only Olympic-level halfpipe in Europe.

Bardonecchia is a modern ski resort with a wide range of opportunities. The village is located in a sunny valley, surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 1300 meters. The slopes and slopes are well-groomed, covered with beautiful spruce trees, the height difference is up to 1500 meters.

The apres ski program is very diverse: from various colorful shows at the Palace of Festivals to entertainment programs and the opportunity to walk through fashionable shops on via Medail. There is a sports complex with a swimming pool. There are bars and restaurants.

The famous Half Pipe is rightfully considered a landmark of the resort, its length is 130 m, width – 17.5 m, and depth – 5 m, where competitions among snowboarders were held during the Olympics. Participants were evaluated according to several criteria: springboard, movement technique, amplitude of execution, number of rotations.

A visit to Bardonecchia is a great opportunity to conquer the French slopes while significantly reducing costs. The Orelle lift, which leads to the Three Valleys, can be reached by car in just 30 minutes.

Bardonecchia is located on the Italian side of the Frejus Tunnel, which connects Italy with France. Named the “Pearl of the Val de Susa”, the resort, like other resorts in the vicinity of Turin, hosted the 2006 Olympic Games.

Bardonecchia is a small town that formed around a train station. Due to the proximity of the resort to Turin, the resort is crowded on weekends, and there are few skiers on weekdays. 140 km of slopes are divided into three ski areas, two of which are connected by lifts.

And currently the resort is in great tourist demand, which is facilitated by excellent slopes, a high level of service, modern transport infrastructure, a vibrant entertainment life and excellent shopping. The winter season lasts from early December to the end of March. The picturesque nature of the Western Alps cannot leave absolutely anyone indifferent.

Here you can have a good time, both in a quiet family circle and in a fun noisy company, which is facilitated by a huge selection of entertainment and other activities. You can safely travel around the resort on your own, there is a railway station in the city center.

Two ski areas are located on both sides of the resort and are completely unrelated. You can get from one to the other by a free ski bus, which runs between them at intervals of 15 – 20 minutes. The journey from the center of the village to any ski lift takes no more than 7 – 10 minutes. Despite the height of the resort, almost all slopes are serviced by snow cannons, which guarantees the presence of snow throughout the season, regardless of the vagaries of the weather and other circumstances.

Bardonecchia is located at an altitude of 1312 meters above sea level in a huge basin, into which four valleys, arranged in a fan shape, converge: Rochemol, Fréjus, Rho, Melezet and Stretta. Bardonecchia has the shape of a large amphitheater with fairly high peaks (much higher than 3000 meters, the maximum peak height is 3505). The rivers of the same name “descend” from the mountains along the valleys.

The old town of Bardonecchia is called Borgovecchio, and its main attraction is the Church of Saint Hippolyte. Much of Borgovecchio has recently been restored: the streets have been paved with new smooth stone and the lighting has been updated.

It is noteworthy that on some facades of residential buildings in the old town you can still see a sundial.

The old town of Bardonecchia is connected to Borgonuovo (New Town) by Via Medail. This is the tourist center of the city, where there are shops, galleries, ice cream parlors, pastry shops, restaurants and bars, which are especially popular during the high season.

Skiing and snowboarding

In winter, you can ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, go snowshoeing, rock climbing, and ice skating. In addition, mountain biking on snow-covered slopes with studded tires has recently become increasingly popular. The sports activities do not end there. The city has gyms where you can play football, volleyball, tennis, and bowling.

The ski slopes of Bardonecchia are divided into two zones. The first consists of the valleys of Colomion, Le Arnaud and Melezet with wide slopes and runs mainly in forests. The network of slopes starts actually in the city itself from Campo Smith at an altitude of 1300 meters and ends on the Vallon Cros plateau at an altitude of 2400 meters.

The second skiing area is called Jafrot, with the highest point at 2800 meters, and runs mainly through fields and alpine meadows, above the forest belt. From here, an unforgettable view of the valley opens.

Where to stay

Casa San Giorgio

Casa San Giorgio is located in Bardonecchia, 2 km from Smith 4 and Piani del Sole Ski Lifts. It is 2.4 km from Pra Raymond and 3.4 km from Les Arnauds.

The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a bidet.

Guests at the apartment can enjoy skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden.

Campo Smit cable car is 2 km from Casa San Giorgio, while Colomione is 2.2 km away. Turin Airport is 101 km away.

Hotel Rosa Serenella 3-star hotel

Hotel Rosa Serenella has a panoramic location in the Susa Valley. It offers a traditional restaurant and pizzeria, and a free gym. Bardonecchia Train Station is a 5-minute walk away.

Rooms at Hotel Serenella are carpeted and feature a flat-screen TV and desk. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer, and some have a balcony.

The restaurant serves traditional Piedmont cuisine, and the bar offers drinks. Ski lessons can be booked on site.

The hotel is well-located for hiking, cycling and trekking. Turin is a 1-hour drive away. The hotel can be reached by car.

Residence Campo Smith 3 stars

Residence Campo Smith is located opposite the Bardonecchia ski slopes. It offers standard and open-plan apartments with direct access to the slopes, and a restaurant right on the slopes. Each apartment has a satellite TV.

Apartments at Campo Smith also offer free WiFi. They include a kitchenette, a dining/living area and a bathroom with free toiletries. Most apartments have views of the Alps.

Ski rental and ski passes can be purchased at reception. A spa with a swimming pool is available in the building next door.

A free shuttle service to the city centre and the Melezet and Jafferau ski slopes is also available. Sauze d’Oulx ski resort is a 25-minute drive away.

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