Located in the Italian Alps, close to the French border, Bardonecchia’s a real gem. This welcoming mountain town gained global attention when it hosted snowboarding events during the world’s largest winter sporting event in 2006. Nowadays, it’s still a top choice thanks to its sunny slopes, tree-lined pistes, hearty mountain food and friendly village vibe. An added bonus? You can hop on a direct Jet2 flight to Turin Airport, which is just over an hour away.  

The resort 

Unlike purpose-built ski resorts, Bardonecchia’s an Italian town with a long history. Located at 1,312m in the Susa Valley, the town itself is compact and easy to navigate, with a mix of cosy hotels, apartments and tasty trattorias. The ski area’s spread across three main zones – Campo Smith, Les Arnauds and Jafferau – each offering slightly different terrain and views across the surrounding mountains. A free ski bus connects the different lift areas and the town centre too.  

The slopes 

Bardonecchia boasts around 100km of pistes, with everything from wide, open blues to more daring blacks. For those new to the sport, this is a fantastic place to learn. The Campo Smith section’s home to gentle nursery slopes and beginner-friendly lifts. Once your confidence grows, you can progress onto longer runs that weave through snowy forests. The Jafferau sector’s a highlight for intermediates. Reached by gondola from the village, this part sits higher in the mountains and provides sweeping panoramas along with a mix of cruisy pistes and slightly steeper sections. Non-skier? No problem! Explore the landscape on snowshoe trails or get your dose of adventure on a sledge. If you’re after something more relaxed, you can browse the local shops or enjoy long Italian lunches featuring regional dishes from Piedmont. 

The après  

Après-ski here’s a little different from the high-energy party scenes found elsewhere in the Alps – and that’s part of its charm. Here, the focus is less on dancing in ski boots and more on good food, good wine and good company. After a day on the slopes, many skiers head to a mountain restaurant or terrace bar for a well-earned drink in the afternoon sun. As evening arrives, the resort’s restaurants come to life. This is Piedmont, after all, a region famous for its rich culinary traditions. Expect comforting dishes like fresh pasta, risotto, wood-fired pizza and indulgent desserts – all best enjoyed with a glass of Italian red. For those who still have energy after dinner, a handful of bars and pubs keep the atmosphere going late into the night.