Bardonecchia, Bardonecchia

Bardonecchia is a traditional border town in the sunny Susa Valley of Italy's Piedmont region. Near to the French border, on the Italian side of the Frejus Tunnel, Bardonecchia has grown from a typical mountain town into a cosmopolitan holiday resort where visitors can still wander along ancient cobbled streets and enjoy the weekly market that's been going on since medieval times. The Piedmont Valley is steeped in history and tradition, in the Middle Ages the main travellers in this area were pilgrims, soldiers, wine merchants, cattle dealers and artists en route to western Europe. Frescoes painted by travelling artists from the 15th and 16th century are well preserved in the chapels around the area - some of which can only be reached on skis in the winter. The nearby Mont Cenis Alpine Pass 2082m/6831ft was one of the great invasion routes and it was Napoleon's troops who built the first road through the Pass in 1810. When the Frejus Tunnel was built in 1871 it was the first rock tunnel of its kind, pioneering many techniques and representing a landmark in engineering. At 13km/8 miles it is still one of the world's longest railroad tunnels. Italy's skiing originated in Piedmont which translates as foot of the mountain, and Bardonecchia was one of the country's first ski resorts. Established in 1934, it was two Norwegian brothers, the Smiths who came here and built there first ski jump at Campo Smith (Smith's Field) which explains how the area got its name. The area is spread over three areas; Campo Smith, Melezet and Jafferau together providing 140km of pistes. Campo Smith, in the middle is considered the main area and is fully lift linked to neighbouring Melezet. Jafferau is a five minute bus ride away and a free bus pass is provided with the lift ticket. Rated in the top ten Italian ski resorts, it is included in the Turin ski area which will be hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics. ActivitiesSnowboarding: The pistes of Bardonecchia were a likely pick for the honor of hosting many of the snowboard events. The slopes are mostly red and blue and quite steep, though there is room enough for beginners.LodgingSpectators can find accommodation in hotels or tourist-hotel residences that are able to offer a medium to high quality service; other requirements will be met by non-hotel accommodation, a sector undergoing considerable expansion thanks also to new regional regulations, such as B&B, farm holiday centres or private rented accommodation for limited periods.Rooms are currently available but may fill up quickly as the Games get underway.Winter RecreationTorino's tradition of fine food is based on its unique, surprising blend of flavours, the skilful use of traditional products and its combination with wines of great lineage. Agnolotti, fresh pasta filled with meat or vegetables, boiled meats, seven different cuts of meat to sample with savoury sauces, chocolate based desserts and renowned mignon pastries. Dishes rich and tasty brought out by the best wines in the entire world. For all types of evenings and company, Torino offers a wide range of gastronomic treats from the informal and genuine atmosphere of trattorie to the city's most famous and refined restaurants. There are 11 mountain restaurants, 15 restaurants in the city, 10 bars and 1 club. Try Bar Medail (Irish theme) or La Baita for a good pizza, La Filanda in the centre of town for delicious grilled food, and L'Table in the village centre.