Bardonecchia Ski Resort Italy: The Hidden Italian Ski Gem We Fell in Love With

Bardonecchia Ski Resort Italy with Kids: Our Family Guide

Looking for a family-friendly ski resort in Italy that feels authentic, relaxed and still a little undiscovered? Meet Bardonecchia.

When most people think about skiing in Italy, their minds immediately go to the famous Dolomites, glamorous Cortina d’Ampezzo or the huge ski areas of the Italian Alps.

But there is another side of Italian skiing that we absolutely love: smaller mountain villages where life moves a little slower, where lunch on the slopes is just as important as the skiing itself, and where you can still feel like you’ve discovered somewhere special.

That is exactly what we found in Bardonecchia ski resort in Italy.

Located in Piedmont in northern Italy, close to the French border, Bardonecchia surprised us from the moment we arrived. Beautiful snowy mountains, quiet slopes, delicious Italian food and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere made this one of our favourite family ski trips.

And perhaps the best part?

It doesn’t have the same crowds and price tag as some of Europe’s more famous ski resorts.

Is Bardonecchia Good for Families?

Absolutely.

One of the things we loved most about Bardonecchia was how naturally family-friendly it felt.

Some ski resorts can feel overwhelming when you’re travelling with children: busy lifts, crowded slopes, expensive restaurants and lots of rushing around. Bardonecchia felt completely different.

Here, families seem to take their time.

Children can learn to ski on gentler slopes, parents can enjoy a coffee with a mountain view and everyone can meet up again for a long Italian lunch.

That combination is exactly what we love about a family ski holiday.

Bardonecchia is particularly suited to:

• Families travelling with children
• Beginner and intermediate skiers
• Families looking for ski schools and beginner slopes
• Travellers who prefer smaller, quieter ski resorts
• Families who want an authentic Italian mountain experience
• Dutch families looking for a ski resort that can be reached by car

If you’re travelling with children who are still learning to ski, we would especially recommend choosing accommodation close to the slopes. Being able to quickly return to your hotel for a break can make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Why Choose Bardonecchia for a Family Ski Holiday?

We love destinations that feel a little different. Places where you don’t just tick off attractions, but where you actually experience the local atmosphere.

Bardonecchia has exactly that feeling.

During the day, you ski through beautiful Alpine scenery. At lunchtime, you stop for fresh pasta or a hot chocolate in a mountain restaurant. In the afternoon, you enjoy the last runs while the sun disappears behind the snowy peaks.

It is skiing the Italian way: relaxed, delicious and focused on enjoying the moment.

And compared with some of Italy’s more famous ski destinations, Bardonecchia offers a more relaxed experience without sacrificing the things that make an Italian ski holiday special.

Where Is Bardonecchia?

Bardonecchia is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, only a few kilometres from the French border.

For Dutch families, one of its biggest advantages is accessibility. From the Netherlands, it is approximately a 10 to 11-hour drive, depending on your departure point and stops.

We actually love driving to Italy because it gives you so much freedom. You can bring all your winter gear, stop along the way and turn the journey into part of the adventure.

If you’re thinking about turning your ski holiday into something longer, Bardonecchia can also work beautifully as part of a family road trip through Italy. Our Italian Road Trip Guide brings together some of our favourite routes, destinations and practical tips for exploring Italy by car.

And northern Italy gives you plenty of options for extending your trip beyond the mountains. From Bardonecchia, you could combine Alpine scenery with places such as Lake Como or continue towards Lake Garda and Verona.

Driving to Bardonecchia from the Netherlands

Planning to drive?

Don’t forget:

• Winter tyres or snow chains
• Travel insurance with winter sports coverage
• A comfortable car setup for a long journey
• Snacks and entertainment for the children

For long drives, we always find that good organisation makes the journey much easier.

Flying to Bardonecchia

Prefer flying?

The nearest airport is Turin, from where you can continue by rental car or train.

Compare rental cars in Italy here. 

Where to Stay in Bardonecchia: Savoia Mountain Resort

One of the reasons our Bardonecchia trip became so memorable was our stay at Savoia Mountain Resort.

Imagine waking up high in the mountains, opening your curtains and seeing nothing but snowy peaks.

No busy streets.

No ski buses.

No carrying equipment through the village.

Just mountains.

The hotel is located at around 2,000 metres altitude in the Jafferau ski area and offers a true ski-in/ski-out experience.

Every morning we simply stepped outside, clicked into our skis and headed straight towards the lifts.

For a family ski holiday, this makes such a difference.

No rushing in the morning.

No tired children carrying skis.

No searching for parking spaces.

Just walk outside and start skiing.

Check availability at Savoia Mountain Resort.

But what really stood out for us was what happened after skiing.

The children absolutely loved spending the afternoon in the swimming pool. And while they were happily swimming and playing, Mum and Dad could relax in the sauna or the Turkish steam bath.

That combination was honestly perfect.

The children got their afternoon fun, while we got some much-needed relaxation time. Everyone was happy   which, when you’re travelling with children, is pretty much the definition of a successful family holiday.

And there was another little detail that made our stay feel extra special.

In the morning, we could have a glass of Prosecco.

We normally don’t drink, so this was very much a little holiday exception. But sitting there in the mountains with a glass of Prosecco felt like one of those wonderfully indulgent holiday moments.

Snowy mountains, a glass of Prosecco and no rush.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a family holiday memorable.

After a day on the slopes, the hotel was the perfect place to relax. The wellness area, pool and mountain views created exactly the kind of afternoon we love after skiing: tired legs, happy children and a little time to ourselves.

And of course… this is Italy.

The food was amazing.

Long dinners with pasta, local dishes and delicious desserts became just as much a part of the holiday as skiing.

Skiing in Bardonecchia: The Three Ski Areas

Bardonecchia offers around 100 kilometres of ski slopes divided over three main areas.

Each area has its own character, which makes the resort a great option for families and mixed groups with different skiing abilities.

Jafferau: Our Favourite Ski Area

Jafferau was our favourite area.

This is where you really feel like you are in the middle of the Alps. The views are spectacular, the slopes are wide and the higher altitude gives you that true mountain feeling.

Staying at Savoia Mountain Resort meant we were already right here when the ski day started.

It honestly felt like having the mountain almost to ourselves.

Campo Smith: A Great Choice for Families

Campo Smith is the main ski area and a great choice for families.

You’ll find:

• Beginner slopes
• Ski schools
• Easy blue runs
• Restaurants
• Equipment rental

It is a comfortable place to start your ski adventure, especially when children are learning.

Melezet: Relaxed and Beginner-Friendly

Melezet is another lovely area, particularly for beginners.

The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, making it a great place for children or anyone who is still building confidence on skis.

Ski Schools and Skiing with Kids in Bardonecchia

For families visiting Bardonecchia for the first time, ski lessons can make the holiday much easier.

Children can build confidence on the beginner slopes while parents get the chance to enjoy some skiing themselves.

The combination of ski schools, beginner-friendly slopes and several different ski areas means families can choose the experience that suits their children’s ability.

Our biggest tip?

Don’t underestimate how much easier a ski holiday becomes when the accommodation is close to the slopes.

When children are tired, being able to get back to your hotel quickly is worth its weight in gold.

The Best Time to Visit Bardonecchia

We visited Bardonecchia in December and stayed over New Year’s Eve, and honestly, it was fantastic.

The mountains were beautifully covered in snow, the atmosphere in the resort was wonderful and there was something quite magical about spending New Year’s Eve surrounded by the Italian Alps.

And apparently, we weren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

This year, we’re going back to Bardonecchia   but this time for Christmas week, and we absolutely cannot wait!

One of the reasons we’re so excited to return is the Savoia Mountain Resort.

The children loved spending their afternoons in the swimming pool while we could relax in the sauna or Turkish steam bath. And after experiencing that combination once, it’s not difficult to understand why we’re happy to go back.

This year we’ll get to experience Bardonecchia during Christmas week, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the resort in a completely different festive atmosphere.

December

We loved visiting in December, especially because we stayed through New Year.

The combination of snow, Christmas atmosphere and the mountains made it feel incredibly festive. And if you are travelling with children, there is something pretty special about spending the holidays somewhere completely different from home.

And this year we’ll get to experience Christmas in Bardonecchia for ourselves. We can’t wait to see the resort dressed up for Christmas, get back onto those slopes and, hopefully, enjoy a few more relaxing afternoons by the pool.

January

January can be a great month for quieter slopes and good winter conditions after the busy Christmas and New Year period.

February

February is one of the most popular months, especially during school holidays. The atmosphere is lively, but booking accommodation and ski lessons early is important.

March

March brings longer, sunnier days and can be a lovely time for skiing, particularly if you enjoy sitting outside in the sunshine after a morning on the slopes.

If you’re travelling during Christmas, New Year or school holidays, book well in advance.

How Much Does a Ski Pass Cost in Bardonecchia?

Compared with some of the larger Alpine resorts, Bardonecchia is a more affordable ski destination.

The ski pass gives access to the three main ski areas:

• Jafferau
• Campo Smith
• Melezet

Prices vary depending on the season, age and number of days skiing, so it’s worth checking the current prices before you travel.

A big advantage of Bardonecchia is that you can enjoy an Italian ski holiday without necessarily paying the premium prices you often find in the most famous Alpine resorts.

Renting Ski Equipment in Bardonecchia

Travelling with the whole family means a lot of luggage.

Skis, boots, helmets, jackets, gloves…

Suddenly your car feels much smaller.

One of the easiest ways to make a family ski holiday more comfortable is renting your equipment locally.

Bardonecchia has several ski rental shops where you can arrange everything from children’s skis to more advanced equipment.

Booking online in advance can save time and sometimes money.

For families, we would definitely recommend arranging helmets and children’s equipment ahead of time, especially during busy holiday periods.

What to Do in Bardonecchia Besides Skiing

Although skiing is the main attraction, Bardonecchia is also lovely if you want a slower day.

You can:

Explore Bardonecchia Village

The village has a charming Italian mountain atmosphere, with cafés, small shops and restaurants.

It’s a lovely place to wander around after a morning on the slopes.

Go Winter Walking

Enjoy peaceful snowy paths and beautiful Alpine views.

This can be a great option when someone in the family needs a break from skiing.

Try Sledding

If your children still have energy after skiing, Bardonecchia also has a separate sledding track at the resort.

We really liked that the sledding area is separate from the ski slopes. That means the children can enjoy themselves on the sleds without having skiers and snowboarders crossing their path   much less chance of an unexpected collision!

It’s a simple activity, but sometimes those are the ones children enjoy the most.

Relax at Your Hotel

As we discovered, you don’t necessarily have to leave Savoia to have a great afternoon.

The children loved the swimming pool, while we could enjoy the sauna and Turkish steam bath.

After a morning of skiing, it was one of our favourite ways to slow down and recharge.

Take a Day Trip to Turin

Not everyone in the family has to be on skis every day.

If you fancy a break from the mountains, Turin makes a great day trip from Bardonecchia.

We are actually planning to do this ourselves later this year, so this is one we’re looking forward to adding to our own Bardonecchia experience.

Turin is a completely different side of Piedmont. Instead of snowy mountain slopes, you’ll find grand squares, beautiful historic buildings, museums, Italian cafés and plenty of places to stop for something delicious.

It can be a great option if:

• Someone in the family doesn’t ski
• The children need a break from skiing
• The weather isn’t great in the mountains
• You simply want to combine your ski holiday with a city day

And let’s be honest: a day of Italian food, beautiful architecture and wandering through Turin sounds like a pretty good alternative to putting on ski boots!

We’ll be heading to Turin ourselves later this year, so we’ll be able to share our family day trip from Bardonecchia to Turin after we’ve experienced it.

Planning a trip to Bardonecchia? Keep an eye out for our Turin with Kids guide, coming after we’ve visited ourselves.

Italian Mountain Food: One of Our Favourite Parts

Let’s talk about food.

Because skiing in Italy is not just about the slopes.

It is about stopping halfway through the day, sitting outside in the sunshine and ordering a plate of fresh pasta while looking at snowy mountains.

It is about warming up with a creamy hot chocolate after a cold morning on the slopes.

And it is about ending the day with a relaxed dinner where nobody is in a hurry.

But our New Year’s Eve dinner in Bardonecchia was an experience in itself.

We sat down for what turned into a huge Italian New Year’s Eve feast.

Course after course kept arriving.

At some point, we were already completely stuffed and wondering how on earth there could possibly be another course coming.

And then another one arrived.

And another.

The funny thing was that we didn’t even mind, because everything was so delicious.

It was one of those meals where you slowly realise that dinner is not really just dinner anymore. It has become the entire evening.

And that is something we love about Italy.

Food isn’t simply something you squeeze in between activities. It becomes part of the experience.

Our New Year’s Eve dinner was the perfect example: a long table, lots of delicious food, plenty of time together and a mountain setting that made the whole evening feel extra special.

If you’re travelling around Italy, food quickly becomes part of the journey. Our Best Italian Food to Try by Region takes you from Tuscany and Lombardy to Veneto, Piedmont and beyond, with the dishes we love discovering along the way.

Don’t leave Bardonecchia without trying:

🍝 Fresh pasta dishes

🧀 Local mountain cheeses

🍕 Italian pizza

☕ Hot chocolate

🍰 Traditional Italian desserts

Because honestly, sometimes the food is almost as exciting as the skiing.

Planning a Longer Northern Italy Trip?

One of the things we love about northern Italy is how many completely different experiences you can combine.

You can ski in the mountains, explore a beautiful city, spend a few days beside a lake and continue south by car.

If you want to add some lakes and cities to your trip, Lake Como with Kids is a beautiful option for combining dramatic mountain scenery with lakeside villages and family adventures.

Further east, Verona with Kids works beautifully as part of a northern Italy road trip, especially when combined with Lake Garda.

And if your Italian adventure continues further south, our Florence with Kids guide is a useful starting point for exploring Tuscany as a family.

You don’t have to combine all of these destinations, of course. That’s the beauty of Italy.

Choose the places that fit your family and the kind of holiday you want.

What to Pack for a Family Ski Holiday in Bardonecchia

Packing for a ski holiday can feel like packing for four different seasons at once.

Cold mornings, snowy slopes, sunny terraces and cosy evenings all require different things.

Our family ski essentials include:

🎿 Ski clothing

🧤 Waterproof gloves

🧦 Warm ski socks

🥽 Ski goggles

🧴 Sunscreen   yes, even in winter!

🔋 Chargers and power banks

📱 Travel documents

And of course…

Don’t Forget Packing Cubes

Packing cubes became one of our winter travel essentials, especially when travelling as a family.

We give everyone their own cube, which makes it much easier to keep clothes organised and find what you need without emptying an entire suitcase.

With bulky winter layers, gloves and extra clothes taking up so much space, keeping everything in its place makes a surprisingly big difference.

We use compressible packing cubes to make the most of the space in our luggage, especially when we’re packing for a ski holiday.

Before you leave, it’s also worth downloading our ski holiday packing list. It helps you remember the easy-to-forget essentials, from warm layers and ski gear to the little things you’ll want once you’re out on the slopes.

Stay Connected in Italy with an eSIM

Having internet while travelling is something we don’t think twice about anymore. And on a ski trip, it can be especially handy.

We use mobile data for everything from checking Google Maps and finding our way around to checking snow conditions, looking up opening times and keeping in touch when we’re out for the day.

And of course, there are always plenty of mountain views you’ll want to share along the way.

If you’re driving to Bardonecchia from another European country, an eSIM can also save you the hassle of dealing with different mobile networks along the way.

We use Airalo for eSIMs when travelling, and it’s one of the options we recommend checking before your trip.

Do You Need Winter Sports Insurance?

Skiing comes with a few extra things to think about when it comes to travel insurance.

Winter sports may not be included in your standard travel insurance, so it’s worth checking your policy before you leave.

For a family ski trip to Bardonecchia, we’d make sure your cover includes:

✓ Winter sports and skiing

✓ Medical costs abroad

✓ Ski equipment in case of damage or theft

✓ Mountain rescue and emergency assistance

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use any of it.

But when you’re skiing with the whole family, having the right cover in place means one less thing to worry about.

Before you travel, check your winter sports cover and compare your options for travel insurance here.

Would We Recommend Bardonecchia for Families?

Absolutely.

Before visiting Bardonecchia, we weren’t sure what to expect.

It doesn’t have the worldwide fame of some of Italy’s bigger ski resorts, and you don’t see it mentioned as often as destinations in the Dolomites.

But maybe that is exactly why we loved it so much.

Bardonecchia feels authentic.

It feels like a place where Italian families come back every winter, where mountain restaurants still focus on good food instead of quick meals, and where you can enjoy the beauty of the Alps without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

For us, the combination was perfect:

🎿 Beautiful skiing

🏔️ Incredible mountain scenery

🍝 Amazing Italian food

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly atmosphere

🏊 A pool and wellness area the whole family could enjoy

🥂 A little morning Prosecco

🏨 A fantastic stay at Savoia Mountain Resort

🚗 Easy to reach from the Netherlands

The Savoia Mountain Resort made the experience even more special. Waking up high in the mountains, skiing straight from the hotel, letting the children enjoy the pool while we relaxed in the wellness area and ending the day with a delicious Italian dinner was exactly what we hoped for from a family ski holiday.

Would we return?

We already are.

This year we’re heading back to Bardonecchia for Christmas week, and we honestly cannot wait.

Bardonecchia has that rare quality where you leave feeling like you discovered somewhere special.

And honestly, those are often the places we remember the most.

Travelicious Tips for Bardonecchia

⭐ Best for: Families, beginners and intermediate skiers

🎿 Ski area: Approximately 100 km of slopes

🏔️ Highest point: Almost 2,800 metres

🚗 From the Netherlands: Around 10–11 hours by car

✈️ Nearest airport: Turin

🏨 Our recommendation: Savoia Mountain Resort for a true ski-in/ski-out mountain experience

❄️ Our experience: December and New Year were fantastic, and we’re returning for Christmas week

🍝 Don’t miss: A long Italian mountain lunch   and leave room for dinner!

📌 Book early: Especially during Christmas, New Year and school holidays

Planning a Family Ski Holiday in Italy?

Bardonecchia is a wonderful option if you’re looking for an Italian ski resort for families that combines skiing with good food, beautiful mountains and a more relaxed atmosphere.

But it is only one of many places worth discovering in Italy.

If you’re planning a longer trip, start with our Italian Road Trip Guide and then explore the destinations that fit your family best   from Lake Como and Lake Garda to Verona and Florence and Tuscany.

And if you’re not sure which destination or route is right for your family, let Travelicious help you plan your itinerary. Tell us where you want to go, what your family enjoys and what kind of trip you’re looking for, and we’ll help turn your ideas into a practical family-friendly itinerary.