Bardonecchia
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Bardonecchia
Bardonecchia has a strong selection of established hotels, reflecting its role as one of Piemonte’s best-known mountain resorts with easy year-round access to skiing, hiking and cycling. Most accommodation is located close to Campo Smith, the railway station or the main roads through the town, giving visitors convenient access to lifts, trails, restaurants and local services. The best-reviewed hotels focus on comfort, reliable facilities and welcoming alpine hospitality.
Among the top choices, Hotel Rivè at Campo Smith offers a modern mountain atmosphere with wellness facilities and consistently positive feedback for its position beside the lifts (€€€). In the centre, Hotel I Larici provides comfortable rooms, attentive hospitality and a peaceful setting within walking distance of both the station and village amenities (€€€). For a practical alternative near the slopes, Hotel La Betulla delivers clean rooms, friendly service and steady guest satisfaction for overall comfort and value (€€).
Among the top choices, Hotel Rivè at Campo Smith offers a modern mountain atmosphere with wellness facilities and consistently positive feedback for its position beside the lifts (€€€). In the centre, Hotel I Larici provides comfortable rooms, attentive hospitality and a peaceful setting within walking distance of both the station and village amenities (€€€). For a practical alternative near the slopes, Hotel La Betulla delivers clean rooms, friendly service and steady guest satisfaction for overall comfort and value (€€).
Where is
Where is Bardonecchia?
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The ski resort of Bardonecchia is situated within the Metropolitan City of Turin province. It stands at an elevation of 1,312 metres above sea level and has a population of around 3,100 residents.
Places of interest nearby include the towns of Sauze d'Oulx, Sestriere, Cesana Torinese and Claviere while recommended accommodation for the resort is the Residence Cianfuran. |
Comune di Bardonecchia
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Province: Metropolitan City of Turin
Region: Piedmont Population: 2,980 (in 2024 - source) Size: 132 km² Elevation: 1,312 metres Close by: Sauze d'Oulx, Sestriere, Cesana Torinese, Claviere |
What People Ask About Bardonecchia
Is Bardonecchia worth visiting?
Yes, Bardonecchia is a well-known alpine town in the Susa Valley, popular for skiing in winter and mountain activities in summer. It combines outdoor sports with easy access from Turin.
What can you do in Bardonecchia?
In winter, you can ski, snowboard, and use the cross-country trails. In summer, the area offers hiking, cycling, and climbing. The town also has shops, cafés, and mountain-view restaurants.
How do you get to Bardonecchia?
Bardonecchia has its own train station with regional and high-speed trains from Turin, taking about 1.5 hours. It is also accessible by car via the A32 motorway, near the Frejus Tunnel.
What is Bardonecchia known for?
Bardonecchia is known for its ski resorts and alpine setting. It hosted snowboarding events during the 2006 Winter Olympics and is one of the most accessible mountain destinations from Turin.
When is the best time to visit Bardonecchia?
Winter is best for skiing, from December to March. For walking and outdoor activities, June to September offers mild temperatures and clear alpine views.
Related links
Discover
Discover Bardonecchia
Bardonecchia is a town in the province of Turin, set in the upper Susa Valley near the French border. Surrounded by the Cottian Alps, it developed as both a transport hub on the Mont Cenis route and later as a ski resort. The town consists of a modern centre with hotels and shops, alongside older quarters with alpine houses.
The surrounding mountains provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, with access to peaks such as Monte Jafferau. Bardonecchia also played a role in transport history, being the Italian entrance to the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, one of the first major Alpine rail crossings. Road and rail connections link the town with Turin and with Modane in France, making it one of the most accessible alpine resorts in Piedmont.
The surrounding mountains provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, with access to peaks such as Monte Jafferau. Bardonecchia also played a role in transport history, being the Italian entrance to the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, one of the first major Alpine rail crossings. Road and rail connections link the town with Turin and with Modane in France, making it one of the most accessible alpine resorts in Piedmont.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Bardonecchia
- Campo Smith is the main ski area in Bardonecchia, with lifts departing directly from the town. It offers a range of pistes for all levels, including connections to the Jafferau slopes via ski bus. In summer, the area is used for mountain biking and hiking. Facilities include rentals, schools, and après-ski options.
- Old Town (Borgo Vecchio) features stone houses, narrow alleys, and alpine-style buildings reflecting Bardonecchia’s past as a mountain village. Key sights include the 12th-century Church of Sant’Ippolito and several traditional fountains. The area contrasts with the more modern developments around the ski stations. Artisan shops and local restaurants are scattered throughout.
- Jafferau Mountain is Bardonecchia’s second ski area, located at higher altitude and reached via a gondola from the town or shuttle bus. It offers off-piste routes and panoramic views across the Susa Valley. In summer, hiking and 4x4 tours explore its trails and ridgelines. The slopes are quieter than Campo Smith and more suited to experienced skiers.
- Tunnel du Fréjus and Railway Station highlight Bardonecchia’s role as a key Alpine crossing point. The Fréjus Rail Tunnel, opened in 1871, was one of the first to pass under the Alps and remains active today. The town’s large train station connects it with Turin, Lyon and Paris. A modern road tunnel complements the rail link.
- Parco Avventura di Bardonecchia is an outdoor adventure park located in the woods near Campo Smith. It includes tree-top courses, zip lines, and climbing challenges for adults and children. The park operates seasonally and is suitable for families. It adds to the town’s summer appeal as an active holiday destination.
Tours and Activities
Bardonecchia Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Bardonecchia Photo Gallery
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Bardonecchia
By Rail: Bardonecchia has its own train station on the Turin–Modane line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Turin in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while high-speed services on the Paris–Milan route also stop here, linking Bardonecchia with cities such as Lyon and Paris. The station is in the centre of town, within walking distance of hotels and ski facilities.
By Road: Bardonecchia is located at the upper end of the Susa Valley, close to the French border. From Turin, the distance is about 95 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A32 motorway and Frejus Tunnel road. From Susa, the journey is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes. Parking is available near the ski lifts and throughout the town.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Bardonecchia is located at the upper end of the Susa Valley, close to the French border. From Turin, the distance is about 95 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A32 motorway and Frejus Tunnel road. From Susa, the journey is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes. Parking is available near the ski lifts and throughout the town.
Nearest International Airports:
- Turin Caselle Airport: About 100 kilometres from Bardonecchia, with a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is the closest airport, offering domestic and European connections.
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Approximately 215 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. A major hub with long-haul and European flights.
- Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport: Roughly 220 kilometres from Bardonecchia, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car via the Frejus Tunnel. Provides extensive European and international services.
Private Transfers
Bardonecchia Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Bardonecchia, giving you a direct service without the need to rely on train timetables or drive the mountain roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and reliable journey.
From Bardonecchia, the nearest hub is Turin, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 90 km. Turin Caselle Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes away at 100 km, while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes, covering 220 km. A transfer to Milan Linate Airport usually takes around 3 hours with a journey of 240 km. For those arriving from or heading to France, Lyon Airport is about 3 hours away, a distance of 230 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Bardonecchia, the nearest hub is Turin, which can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes, a distance of 90 km. Turin Caselle Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes away at 100 km, while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes, covering 220 km. A transfer to Milan Linate Airport usually takes around 3 hours with a journey of 240 km. For those arriving from or heading to France, Lyon Airport is about 3 hours away, a distance of 230 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

