Bardonecchia

Bardonecchia’s ski resort is made up of 3 skiable domains and each of them has varied but complementary characteristics : Colomion-les-Arnauds, Melezet and Jafferau. In Colomion-les-Arnauds you will find Les Arnauds and Campo Smith’s ski lifts.

It shares the same characteristics as Melezet’s domain : the wide and well-demarcated pistes weave through forests. Many runs meet when you start from the center : Campo Smith at 1330m of altitude, to reach the huge snowy plateaus of Vallon Cros at 2400m of altitude. Only 5 minutes away from the city center and thanks to the free shuttle, you can have access to Jafferau’s skiable domain which peaks at 2800m of altitude.

You can ski in an alpine atmosphere surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and panoramas. Moreover, the domain offers you a wide choice of pistes and great off-piste routes.

Bardonecchia won its rank in the world’s snowboard elite since it has hosted the snowboard trials during the Olympic Games in Turin (2006), thanks to an olympic half-pipe unique in Europe, an avant-gardist snowpark and numerous slopes perfect for snowboarders. Bardonecchia’s skiable domain has 100km of pistes divided between the three different sectors. The Bardonecchia Snowpark is served by a 4-seater chair lift in Melezet’s domain and stretches on 1100m.

It offers an area dedicated to jumps and ramps, but especially an olympic half-pipe (130m of length, 18m of width, 6m of height) used for the Olympic Games in Turin in 2006. The Burton Progression Park is dedicated to beginners wishing to try ramps and jumps for the first time.

Apart from ski and snowboard, Bardonecchia also offers a wide range of sports activities such as snowshoeing (3 demarcated trails), snow tubbing, winter biking, tennis, swimming, aquagym, … After a long day spent on the pistes, you can go to the cinema, cultural centers, bars or restaurants.

Skiing in Bardonecchia: the resort’s strengths

Bardonecchia, located at an altitude of 1,312 meters, was one of Italy’s first ski resorts and is now one of the most established destinations in Piedmont.

Strategically located at the end of the Val di Susa, just 90 km from Turin and very close to France, it combines accessibility, history, and modernity.

Its name is associated with the birth of competitive skiing in Italy and, more recently, with the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, where it hosted the snowboard and halfpipe events.

A historic Italian ski resort with a large and varied ski area

Bardonecchia offers 100 kilometers of slopes spread over three main sectors:

• Campo Smith: starting point in the center of the village, ideal for beginners and families.
• Melezet: a more wooded area with panoramic and red slopes of medium difficulty.
• Jafferau: the highest and most alpine sector, reaching 2,800 meters, with long descents and views over the Dauphiné Alps.

The three areas are connected by a free bus service and share the same ski pass.

The variety of terrain allows you to alternate between family skiing, sporty carving, and freeride areas.

Slopes for all levels

The resort has 22 ski lifts and a balanced distribution of slopes:

• 16 blue, 18 red, and 6 black

The snowmaking system covers 60% of the resort, ensuring constant snow throughout the season.

Snowpark and Olympic spirit

Bardonecchia is a national reference point for snowboarding and freestyle.

Its Olympic Snowpark, located in Melezet, is considered one of the best in Italy, with an FIS-approved halfpipe, XL jumps, rails, and areas for beginners.

The resort maintains an active calendar of competitions and events related to freestyle and youth skiing.

A lively village all year round

Unlike many Alpine resorts, Bardonecchia is a real village, inhabited throughout the year.

It offers a wide range of hotels, residences, apartments, and restaurants, as well as shops, bars, and spas.

The atmosphere is lively but family-friendly, with a balanced mix of local and international tourism.

Its main street, Via Medail, is the center of social life and après-ski, with terraces, wine bars, and typical Piedmontese pastry shops.

Nature and complementary activities

In addition to downhill skiing, Bardonecchia offers more than 20 km of cross-country ski trails, snowshoe circuits, scenic routes, and sledding areas.

Its surroundings, surrounded by larch and fir forests, are part of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park, a protected area ideal for winter hiking and wildlife viewing.

Its proximity to the French border allows for day trips to Montgenèvre or Briançon, which share the same alpine spirit.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Bardonecchia

Start at Campo Smith: Perfect for your first contact with snow: wide slopes, ideal orientation, and a family atmosphere.

Don’t miss Jafferau: From its 2,800 meters, you can enjoy one of the most expansive views of Piedmont. It is the most alpine sector with the best snow quality.

Freestyle for all levels: The Olympic snow park is a must-see, even if you don’t practice freestyle: the atmosphere is young, lively, and very inspiring.

Lunch at altitude: The Melezet refuges offer authentic Piedmontese cuisine: try the polenta with salsiccia or mulled wine with cinnamon.

Après-ski with local flavor: Enjoy the Via Medail in the evening: small bars with Nebbiolo wine, live music, and a genuine Italian atmosphere.

Convenient access from Turin: The direct train from Porta Nuova station (Turin) takes less than 1h30, making Bardonecchia a perfect resort for weekend getaways.