Bardonecchia or Sestriere: which ski resort is right for you?

Bardonecchia and Sestriere are two popular resorts within Italy's renowned Piedmont region, both providing easy access from Turin and extensive skiing opportunities. While each resort boasts impressive ski terrain, they offer distinctly different experiences. Bardonecchia is celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere, diverse pistes, and relaxed après-ski, whereas < a href="/ski-resorts/italy/sestriere">Sestriere shines with its high-altitude slopes, vibrant nightlife, and connection to the expansive 400 km (248 mi) Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area.

This guide will help you decide which resort best matches your skiing style, group type, and holiday preferences.

Bardonecchia or Sestriere?

1. Quick comparison table
2. Ski area & terrain
3. Snow fall history
4. Accommodation & village atmosphere
5. Après-ski & dining
6. Families & beginners
7. Advanced skiers & snowboarders
8. Activities beyond skiing
9. Accessibility & transfers
10. Cost and value for money
11. Which one should you choose?

Quick comparison table

Ski area & terrain

• Bardonecchia: Features 100 km (62 mi) of slopes across two main areas, Campo Smith and Jafferau, linked by a ski bus. Gentle beginner slopes at Campo Smith contrast with more challenging reds and blacks at Jafferau, providing a balanced mix for all skill levels.
• Sestriere: Offers direct access to 80 km of diverse terrain and links to the extensive Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area (400 km/248 mi). Beginners benefit from central nursery slopes, while intermediates and experts can explore challenging terrain on Mount Motta and Monte Sises, famous for hosting Olympic races.

Check out Bardonecchia piste map or Sestriere piste map

Snow fall history

(ref: snow-forecast.com)

Accommodation & village atmosphere

• Bardonecchia: Offers a calm, authentic Italian village atmosphere, featuring charming, alpine style buildings. Many accommodations are conveniently located near ski lifts and family-oriented amenities, providing a relaxed and comfortable stay.
• Sestriere: A modern, purpose built resort designed around skiing convenience. Accommodations here are mainly ski-in/ski-out, including iconic hotels and apartments originally developed for the 2006 Olympics. The village atmosphere is lively, with a vibrant après-ski scene and numerous facilities within easy reach.

Explore some accommodation options in Bardonecchia or in Sestriere

Après-ski & dining

• Bardonecchia: Enjoy a laid back après-ski atmosphere at welcoming local spots such as Bar Medail and Sitting Bull. When it comes to dining, you'll find cozy, traditional eateries like La Ruota, known for its delicious pasta dishes, and La Filanda, which serves up hearty pizzas.
• Sestriere: Offers a lively après-ski scene with energetic venues like Pinky bar and Tabata Disco. Dining here is diverse and vibrant, ranging from the traditional Alpine flavours at Chalet Raggio del Sole to more contemporary spots like the stylish I.Gloo Sestriere.

Families & beginners

• Bardonecchia: Highly family-oriented, with dedicated beginner areas such as Campo Smith, excellent ski schools, and off-slope activities like the Bardonecchia alpine coaster.
• Sestriere: Good for families but with fewer dedicated beginner slopes compared to Bardonecchia. Offers childcare services, nursery slopes, and varied accommodation options suitable for families.

Advanced skiers & snowboarders

• Bardonecchia: If you're looking to test your skills, Bardonecchia offers exciting challenges, particularly around Jafferau. Advanced skiers will enjoy tackling steep, technical slopes like the Norge piste or for those who prefer exploring beyond the groomed trails, the resort also provides easily accessible off-piste terrain. Freestyle enthusiasts can head to the Melezet snowpark, famous for its Olympic standard halfpipe and variety of terrain features.
• Sestriere: Sestriere delivers top tier terrain for advanced skiers, highlighted by famous World Championship runs such as the Kandahar Banchetta. Off-piste fans will find plenty of exciting routes to explore, especially around Mount Motta and Banchetta. Snowboarders aren’t left out, with ample freeride areas and a dedicated snow park offering plenty of opportunities to show off their skills.

Activities beyond skiing

• Bardonecchia: Focuses on relaxing off-slope activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and swimming. The quieter atmosphere caters to families and those seeking leisure.
• Sestriere: Offers diverse activities, from husky sledding and heli-skiing to ice skating and wellness facilities, ideal for visitors wanting action both on and off the slopes.

Accessibility & transfers

• Bardonecchia: Approximately 1 hr 13 min from Turin Airport, with straightforward road access from multiple airports including Geneva, Milan, and Lyon.
• Sestriere: About 1 hr 30 min from Turin Airport, also conveniently accessible from Milan Malpensa and Geneva, making both resorts easily reachable.

Cost and value for money

• Bardonecchia: Generally offers good value with a traditional, affordable atmosphere, suitable for families and budget-conscious travelers.
• Sestriere: Slightly higher costs due to its modern facilities and direct links to the vast Via Lattea ski area. Provides value through extensive terrain and resort amenities.

Explore our Bardonecchia deals or Sestriere deals

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Bardonecchia if you're traveling with family, beginners, or intermediates seeking a quieter atmosphere, traditional Italian charm, and excellent value.
• Choose Sestriere if you're an intermediate or advanced skier looking for extensive slopes, vibrant nightlife, challenging terrain, and easy access to the expansive Milky Way ski area.