Those looking for a European ski vacation that combines breathtaking landscapes, fantastic slopes, and low rates might be tempted to head to Bulgaria. After all, the country is known for its affordable and cheerful ski resorts, such as Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. But before you book your flight, consider another option: Bardonecchia in Italy.

Post Office Travel Money and Crystal Ski Holidays’ yearly value-for-money review of ski holidays ranked Italy—and Bardonecchia in particular—higher than Bulgaria. The report, which compares the cost of ski passes, equipment hire, tuition, lunch, and drinks on the slopes in 36 European resorts, found that Bardonecchia offers the lowest prices for skiers this season.

So, aside from its reasonable price, what else does Bardonecchia have going for it? Here are reasons to consider this idyllic town in the Susa Valley for your next ski holiday.

Bardonecchia Has A Diverse And Scenic Ski Area

Bardonecchia’s slopes cater to all, from newbies taking their first slide to seasoned snow warriors hungry for a challenge. The main base, Campo Smith, has easy and intermediate slopes, a ski school, and a nursery area. Melezet is a little more complex, with some red and black runs and a boardercross course. Jafferau is the highest and most scenic sector, with spectacular Alps vistas and some off-piste options.

In contrast, the slope variation and quality at Bulgarian resorts are lower. Bansko, for example, has 75 km of slopes, but most are blue and red and can get crowded and icy. Despite Borovets’ 58 km of slopes, most are short and low, and no snowmaking facilities are on site. On the other hand, Pamporovo boasts 36 km of slopes, the majority of which are beginner-friendly and easy.

An Easy And Convenient Location

Whether you’re traveling by vehicle or train, Bardonecchia is easily accessible. It only takes just over an hour to reach the town from Turin by car and almost three hours from Milan by train. On the flip side, getting to resorts in Bulgaria is more of a hassle and will take more time.

The flight to Sofia or Plovdiv is the first leg of the three-hour journey to the resort by bus or cab. You need to fly to Sofia or Plovdiv, then take a bus or a taxi to the resort, which can take up to 4 hours. And if you want to travel between the resorts, you need to hire a car or join a tour, as there is no public transport or train service.

Atmosphere And Culture

Bardonecchia is not just a ski resort but also a beautiful historic town with a lot of character and draw. Its museums and galleries, as well as its historic churches and buildings, are worth a visit as you meander down its cobblestone lanes. Bars, pubs, and clubs abound, perfect for a lively evening where you can meet locals and fellow skiers. Moreover, you can’t visit this region without sampling its mouthwatering food, which includes regional delicacies like polenta, cheese, and wine.

As opposed to their more traditional Alpine counterparts, Bulgarian resorts are modern and commercial. Most of these places are purpose-built, with concrete hotels and apartments and very little in the way of cultural landmarks. Their reputation for wild parties, inexpensive beer, and general rowdiness is something only some people are going to be into.