Hallelujah the lifts are open! From the 4th December the season in Bardonecchia officially started and we were there to check out how the resort is shaping up this year. It’s always great after several months of “heads down” renovation of the chalet to realise that other local businesses have been similarly employed making sure that their season also gets off to a flying start. So our pleasure at being out on the slopes again is increased by spotting the differences everyone has been making to keep Bardonecchia at the forefront of Italian skiing and especially attractive to the family market.
In recent years much effort has been put into creating fun to suit all tastes both on and off the slopes. Above the main ski area at Campo Smith a free “ski through” animal discovery park has sprung up with life-size realistic sculptures of an array of mountain creatures such as deer, chamois, wolves, cinghiale and, oddly, polar bears and penguins! This not only provides great photo opportunities and a pleasant fifteen minute distraction from the serious business of skiing but also encourages parents to brush up on their David Attenborough impersonations as they educate their offspring in the finer points of Alpine/Arctic/Antarctic wildlife before continuing their descent with renewed enthusiasm.
The advent of the animal trail has led the Skipass Office to come up with the enterprising idea of making the slopes more accessible to skiers and non-skiers alike by introducing evening Snowcat Safaris. Everyday from 5.30pm onwards trips of one to three hours head up the mountain in a specially adapted, caterpillar tracked “Gatto delle Nevi”. Taking in the delights of the mountain sculptures the safari also offers the opportunity for you to experience a memorable dinner at one of several mountain restaurants before making the return journey back to Campo Smith. Our favourite is "Romanello" at Punta Colomion run by Aldo Romanello and his English wife, Rachel +39 335 5424747 where you are always assured a warm welcome and typical Piemonte food.
Prices range from 10 euros for children and 15 euros for adults for the Snowcat. Book your places in advance at the Skipass Office +39345 0351861 or alternatively contact us at Sempre Ski www.sempreski.com and we’ll help you make all the arrangements to ensure that your snowy safari experience is a roaring success.
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