Ski Holidays in Italy

Bardonecchia

First, you'll need somewhere to stay and personally, I recommend the Hotel Cà Fiore. It isn't anything exceptional but is the best of the available accommodation options and is only 200 meters from the ski lift.

Unfortunately, when it comes to places to stay in Bardonecchia, there is nothing that I have ever found that can truly be called excellent. Most accommodation options seem to consistently overcharge and underdeliver. It is the one and only issue I have with the town. Everything else is amazing.

Apart from the lack of great accommodation options, Bardonecchia is the ideal spot for one of the best ski holidays in Italy; it and Sestriere are the oldest resorts in Italy, dating back over a century, and, nowadays, the resort can handle over 23,000 skiers an hour.

The Skiing

Situated at 1,312 meters above sea level, Bardonecchia may not have quite as much piste as Sestriere, but it still delivers an excellent ski experience with over 100 km of marked slopes and 22 lifts. That’s more than enough for everyone—from total beginners like me to the most confident advanced skiers.

Snow Sports for All Tastes and Skill Levels

Cross-country skiers have 8 to 12 kilometers of trails to explore in beautiful areas like Pian del Colle and Valle Stretta. Snowboarders will love the snowpark and Olympic half-pipe, while those looking for thrills can try heli-skiing or go off-piste with a guide.

Snow Reliability

While Bardonecchia has less artificial snow coverage than Sestriere, around 50% of its slopes are covered by snowmaking systems. Snowfall can be light early in the season, but from mid-December through April it’s generally reliable, especially in the higher-altitude areas around Jafferau.

The Slopes

• 8 black runs, including the steep Norge and the Olympic mogul slope
• 18 red runs and 16 blue runs for intermediate skiers
• 4 easy greens for beginners, especially around Campo Smith

Where to Ski

Campo Smith is great for learners and families, with easy access and gentle runs. Melezet offers scenic, tree-lined slopes perfect for a leisurely day out. Jafferau, reaching up to 2,800 meters, is wilder and better suited for advanced skiers and freeriders. There’s even a “slow-ski” piste where you can enjoy skiing at a relaxed pace while learning safe habits on the slopes.

Quick Facts

If you’re looking for great skiing, value for money, and fewer crowds than the big-name resorts, Bardonecchia is one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. Add in a warm, unpretentious local vibe and easy access from Turin, and you’ve got a ski holiday that’s just right—especially if you’re like me and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Getting to Bardonecchia

By Car: Bardonecchia lies right on the French border, but, being on the main Italy-to-France motorway, it is easy to reach from Turin/Torino or anywhere else in the Val di Susa. This makes it perfect for a day trip should you decide to base yourself elsewhere in the Val di Susa—even from fabulous Turin, it can be done.

By Train: Trains run from Torino Porta Nuova (Turin's main station) to Bardonecchia approximately every hour until around 10 p.m. The trip takes 1h24m on the regional train and around 50 minutes on the fast train. 

Bardonecchia vs Sestriere

If you're after a genuine taste of Piedmont’s rich Alpine cuisine, Bardonecchia is the place to be. This charming mountain town serves up deeply flavorful dishes that reflect its heritage far more authentically than you’ll find in Sestriere, where dining feels aimed more at the tourist crowd and mass catering.

When it comes to accommodations, neither destination sets a high bar. Standards are generally modest in both, so manage your expectations accordingly.

The most striking difference lies in their roots. Sestriere is a purpose-built resort developed in the 1930s by the Agnelli family (of Fiat fame), while Bardonecchia has centuries of history woven into its streets. That historical depth brings character and a sense of place that’s hard to replicate. So if you're not just coming to ski, but want to immerse yourself in authentic Italian Alpine life, Bardonecchia delivers far more charm.

Both towns offer a lively après-ski scene. You’ll find a solid mix of bars and even a lively disco in each, perfect for those who want to stay active after the slopes close.