Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all,
So after much searching (and very nearly booking Baqueira...next year)...I've booked for me and the OH to go to Bardonecchia. Got an Air BnB flat in the town for an amazing price and combined with the short transfer and cheap flights to Turin it just seemed like a no-brainer really for our 2nd fix of the season. (Heading to the Dolomites end of Jan first!)
We are heading out 1st March and skiing 4 days flying home Friday so will hopefully miss the weekend tourists from Turin and I think we are missing any school holidays.
So after some first hand knowledge really! Anywhere to aim for to eat/drink both off the mountain and on it?
Best place to rent a ski locker (and skis!)? Our flat does have a place to store skis but we don't fancy carting them around town so would rather deposit somewhere.
The plan is to ski 3 days between the Melezet and the Jafferau areas and then hop in the car for a blast in the Milky Way somewhere. Does the liftpass give a day anywhere else or and I'm guessing most probably will just have to buy 3 days for Bardonecchia and then a day wherever we decide to go. Will choose between Sauze and Montgenevre when there and where the snow is best!
Talking of snow....I know none of us have a Crystal ball but I assume generally at that time of year the pistes should be in at least average nick?
We are driving from Turin. From what I've read it's literally carriage way the whole journey so are snow tires needed or would chains suffice (if needed).
What are the prices in general about town and on the hill? As it's Italy (just) I assume it's probably better value for money at least for food and drink than some of the bigger French resorts for example?
Feel free to throw as much info at me as possible!
Thanks in advance
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I did a last minute deal March 2019 with my 8 year old. There had been very mild conditions across the southern Alps, but snow held up well so I wouldn’t worry about that.
We stayed slopeside in the Rive H/B but ate in Harrolds a few nights too. The skiing was better in Melezet than Campi Smith. Overall very good value and empty pistes.
We had a bus transfer but just over 1 hr from airport on dual carriageway all the way. If it’s getting heavy in Campo Smith head to Jafferau.
Headed into town one night and it all feels a bit quiet but that was fine for me and 9 yr old.
Overall interesting little resort. I would go back.
Enjoy
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I did a last minute deal March 2019 with my 8 year old. There had been very mild conditions across the southern Alps, but snow held up well so I wouldn’t worry about that.
We stayed slopeside in the Rive H/B but ate in Harrolds a few nights too. The skiing was better in Melezet than Campi Smith. Overall very good value and empty pistes.
We had a bus transfer but just over 1 hr from airport on dual carriageway all the way. If it’s getting heavy in Campo Smith head to Jafferau.
Headed into town one night and it all feels a bit quiet but that was fine for me and 9 yr old.
Overall interesting little resort. I would go back.
Enjoy
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Have skied in Bardonecchia twice, several years apart, the first time staying in some pretty basic apartments 10 minutes walk from Campo Smith base, and in Hotel Des Geneys the second time - about the same distance away, but a much better experience. Both trips, we took the bus to Jafferau for a change of scene and both times, the conditions were much better, with wide open uncrowded pistes. It’s a proper town with some nice restaurants, a couple of bars, but otherwise,not much Apres. Good option, I’d say, for a short break.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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johnboy wrote: |
I did a last minute deal March 2019 with my 8 year old. There had been very mild conditions across the southern Alps, but snow held up well so I wouldn’t worry about that.
We stayed slopeside in the Rive H/B but ate in Harrolds a few nights too. The skiing was better in Melezet than Campi Smith. Overall very good value and empty pistes.
We had a bus transfer but just over 1 hr from airport on dual carriageway all the way. If it’s getting heavy in Campo Smith head to Jafferau.
Headed into town one night and it all feels a bit quiet but that was fine for me and 9 yr old.
Overall interesting little resort. I would go back.
Enjoy |
We aren't mad apres. Just enjoy a nice dinner. a friendly bar and a bottle of plonk.
Thanks for the thoughts
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Montana wrote: |
Have skied in Bardonecchia twice, several years apart, the first time staying in some pretty basic apartments 10 minutes walk from Campo Smith base, and in Hotel Des Geneys the second time - about the same distance away, but a much better experience. Both trips, we took the bus to Jafferau for a change of scene and both times, the conditions were much better, with wide open uncrowded pistes. It’s a proper town with some nice restaurants, a couple of bars, but otherwise,not much Apres. Good option, I’d say, for a short break. |
Thanks for the info!
How regular is the bus around town?
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From memory, it just goes from the Campo Smith car park to the Jafferau car park, a journey of just a few minutes. Can’t help with the timetable I’m afraid, which, in any case, may vary. I’d suggest contacting the tourist office https://www.turismotorino.org/en for up-to-date info unless anyone else on here, has the answer
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Can’t add too much to the above as my trip was a good 7 years ago now. But the two mountains complement each other nicely, with Campo Smith, wooded and more sheltered but Jafferau more open and exposed. When I was there the latter had better snow, but it sounds like this isn’t always the case.
The linking buses are very regular. When I was there, there was also a mini bus link to add to the ski bus, which went there directly.
Looking at your schedule, I think it’s ideal for that area 3-4 days is perfect, with, as you mention, the option to explore the Milky Way.
It was also one of the cheapest ski resorts I have been to, but still with plenty of quality restaurants. Enjoy!
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EdYarker wrote: |
Can’t add too much to the above as my trip was a good 7 years ago now. But the two mountains complement each other nicely, with Campo Smith, wooded and more sheltered but Jafferau more open and exposed. When I was there the latter had better snow, but it sounds like this isn’t always the case.
The linking buses are very regular. When I was there, there was also a mini bus link to add to the ski bus, which went there directly.
Looking at your schedule, I think it’s ideal for that area 3-4 days is perfect, with, as you mention, the option to explore the Milky Way.
It was also one of the cheapest ski resorts I have been to, but still with plenty of quality restaurants. Enjoy! |
Sounds exactly what we are after! Thanks for your thoughts.
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