Mountain restaurants

Italians love good food and sunny terraces, and Bardonnechia has plenty of both.

On Campo Smith, the La Grangia (00 39 012 296 587) at Pian del Sole offers colossal slabs of homemade cake and local specialities enjoyed either in the wood-panelled restaurant or on the large sun terrace, while Punta Colomion (00 30 012 299 98 78) offers the best views.

Over on Jafferau, the contemporary, self-service Hotel Jafferau restaurant (00 39 012 299 899) is recommended.

Restaurants in town

While it’s tempting to eat round Campo Smith if you’re staying there in the lively Il Sole e la Luna (00 39 012 260 00 26) by the Melezet chairlift or in nearby I Larici (00 39 012 290 2490), make sure to soak up the atmosphere in town.

Join the locals at the Stella Alpina (00 39 012 299 007) on Via Medail, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Biovey (00 39 012 299 92 15) and order pizza by the metre at SottaSopra (00 39 012 290 77 76).

For authentic local dining in an intimate ambiance, book a meal at the tiny agricultural B&B Alla Buona (00 39 012 290 17 99) in Les Arnauds or the Ill Alpini refuge in Valle Stretta (00 39 12 290 20 71).

Après-ski and nightlife

Bardonnechia’s working town status is reflected in its nightlife, which is pretty quiet during the week and livens up on weekends, with the influx of weekend visitors. The British-run Colomion di Cipo, a chalet-style property at the base of the Campo Smith slopes is popular for après-ski as is White & Green Bar at Les Arnauds.

Come early evening, the trendy L’Alimentari Multicafé, just five minutes walk from Campo Smith, is good for drinks and light snacks, as is Bar Medail in the centre of town. The disco in the Olympic village on the main road between town and Campo Smith is worth a visit on weekends.