A sunny market town on Italy's French border, Bardonecchia has a traditional Italian feel and vibrancy. The authentic, tree-lined streets are home to a busy working town with many delicious restaurants and bars which celebrate Italy's love of good food and good wine! Sitting in the Piedmont region, the ski area is made up of six villages (Fregiusia, Les Arnaus, Melezet, Millaures, Rochemolles and Pian del Sole) and four ski areas (Les Arnauds, Mélezet Valle Stretta, Fregiusia Jafferau and Campo Smith Colomion.
A big 140 km of piste waits for you, spread between two lift-linked ski areas, and one that you'll have to jump on a bus to get to. For beginners there are local nursery slopes in Campo Smith and Melezet, but some of the beginner runs can be a little tough and crowded. Intermediates can let loose, skiing almost the whole area and its varied red and blue runs. There are six black runs and of-piste for experts, and it's an easy trip to the massive Milky Way and Three Valleys ski areas. During the week both the town and the slopes can be quiet and uncrowded, but come the weekend they come alive with a bustling atmosphere on both.
Bardonecchia has its own train station, pine woods, beautiful mountain views, a mix of traditional and modern buildings - and it's big on character. The surrounding area offers much to explore such as historical and religious buildings like a romantic bell tower, a medieval castle and a 19th century museum. The beautiful town of Turin is close by, as are several breathtaking natural areas, including: the Valle Stretta, Lago Verde (the Green Lake) and the dam and glacier at Rochemolles. Frescoes painted by travelling artists from the 15th and 16th century are well preserved in the chapels around the area - some of which can only be reached on skis in the winter. The chance to relax during the week and then enjoy a busier weekend, the food, friendly locals, great scenery and character of Bardonecchia make it an excellent, fun resort.
