Escape the crowds in this small town, known for its large, quiet ski area and friendly atmosphere.
The ski area of Bardonecchia has great slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers. Located in a valley on the French border, this town is an ideal base for exploring numerous surrounding resorts in both Italy and France. In addition to skiing, enjoy a range of other activities and experience the town’s pleasantly low-key après-ski scene.
Bardonecchia Ski Resort is particularly popular with Italians, who often come from Turin for weekend breaks. Offering 62 miles (100 kilometres) of runs, the ski area is comprised of two mountains on each side of the town. The larger Campo Smith area is surrounded by larch forest and smaller Jafferau features fine off-piste skiing. Find additional excellent slopes in nearby ski destinations of Trois Vallées and Milky Way.
Explore Bardonecchia town, with a cinema, ice rink and more than 80 shops. Most shopping and dining options are concentrated along Via Medail.
Find out if any events are taking place at Palazzo delle Feste (Festival Hall) during your stay. This art nouveau cultural centre regularly hosts exhibitions and orchestra, theatre and cabaret performances.
Among other attractions in town is the Civic Museum of Bardonecchia, with a collection of historic furniture, art and everyday objects. Look for a ski set from the early 19th century.
Stop at the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, which features a 16th-century wooden lectern and a 17th-century gilded wooden altarpiece. The Romanesque stone bell tower at the Church of St. Ippolito is also worth seeing.
Discover the town’s long history of woodwork and stonework with a stroll along the Canal Walk to see the Permanent Exhibition of Wood Sculptures. Each July, international sculptors gather here for the Sculpture in the Alpscompetition. Several pieces from the event are chosen to be showcased for the rest of the year in this rotating permanent exhibition.
Bardonecchia is located in northwest Piedmont in the Valle di Susa. To get here, fly to Milan, Turin, Chambery or Geneva or take the train from Turin, Milan or Paris.