Bardonecchia Any info?

We are going soon to this resort and wondered if anyone had any info on it?
We are staying at the La Betulla. I am aware there were bad reviews of it last yr, but have read some good reviews on trip advisor saying they've pulled their socks up. Don't know much about the resort tho. It says there are some black runs, but i can't see any on the map. I promised the kids they could do some blacks this yr. All the runs appear to be blue and red tho!
I have also red that many blues are like reds. I prefer gentle blues as as I have a bad knee. Is there a gentle run right down fromn the top? Also are there 3 different "areas" It looks like 3 seperate ski areas from the map.

Can we drink the water there safely? I know you usually can in mountain areas but just wanted to check. And I have heard reports they allow smoking in hotels?? They don't do they? And surely not at meal times? Not bothered about me, but have 2 teens and dont want them breathing it in!

Anyway if anyone has any info it'd be gratefully received. Cheers DD

We stayed at the Campo Smith last year in Bardonecchia. The skiing is ok, but very limited. The ski areas are a little disjointed, but you can get about witha little ingenuity. Runs tend to be short,steep and a little crowded at times, and yes, there are black runs, which were not in good condition at all when we went; you expect a bit of mogully terrain, but the blacks I shot were almost unskiable. Hopefully given the recent snowfall you'll find better skiing. The old Olympic run down to Campo Smith is great; wide, scenic and usually dead quiet, and you can shoot the finish line like Franz Klammer if you fancy it...
Also be prepared for lots of button lifts. The Italians really need to get some serious investment in Bardo.
Smoking indoors? No. So don't worry on that score. Water was ok from the tap too.
Get some practice pushing in front before you go. The Italians do not understand queueing at all, and will barge in front at lift queues, cafes, bars, toilets, hotel reception, everywhere. Even the kids do it.
Phew...sounds a bit negative, so here's some pluses: Mountain cafes are cheap, like a euro for a coffee! And eating out is pretty reasonable, and good quality.
Oh, and there's an excellent bakery/cake shop in Bardo town, (But little else)
Hope I haven't put you off....it's ok really, but having been spoilt in the 3V I don't think I'll be back to Bardo...I hope you have a good time though! I'm sure you will!

Hi randyrat, Thank you so much. We never eat or drink out I have to say! If we go SC I cook EVERYTHING. The only way we can afford to ski, but I actually got a fantastic deal half board, £1500 for the 4 of us, incl skis boots and Lps. That's why we're going here! We are always on a budget, so as long as he ski-ing is ok, we're happy.
I'm glad we can drink the water. (We can ask for a jug of it with our evening meal lmao) and glad there's no smoking! I'd read there were rooms where you could smoke! SHOCK!!! lol

I am sure we'll make the most of it, but I am a little concerned about letting the kids do the black runs. They don't sound very safe and I worry enough about injuries.
Are there enough gentle blues? I am a tad concerned about these steep runs you menion. I really should not ski; my knees are shot, but I cannot resist. However I don't want to really work them! I take it the olympic run will be a black one, so I will be unable to do that. If it is quiet I will let the kids do it! Thanks for replying. It's great to get a reply. If I can just bother you again with those questions about runs I'd be grateful. I shall also come and report back in a few weeks when i have been! Cheers!

Oh and it hasn't snowed there yet since before christmas! There is some due this w/e I think

Plenty of easy blues, and the reds tend to be mostly blue, with a bit of red, if that makes any sense? What I mean is the runs are graded by the hardest section, so a generally blue run with a single short, steep section will be graded as a red, or a run which is mainly short steep sections, but largely blue between will be graded a red.....but in my experience of Bardo, and comparing it to France, the runs are graded better, and generally speaking, if you're happy on blues, you'll get no surprises on a Bardo blue etc.
Sounds like you got a BARGAIN there! Enjoy.....and please have a go at the Olympic run...it's steep and winding, but really wide as well, ans meanders through the trees, lovely...and it's not hard....honestly! (I think it's graded as a red)

Have a great time

Thank you randyrat! yes I know what you mean with the grading. We went to rauris last yr and many of the blues were certainly really red, so will be better to have reds really blue lmao. I shall have to speak to the rep and ask which are harder I guess. Sounds like the Olympic run will be great for the kids. If it's wide and not too icy I may attemp it! Hubbywill go down it with them if I can't anyway. The kids learned to ski at aged 6 and 10 so are pretty good skiers, being held back bit by us, (44 and 48) who learned at 36/ 40. (I'm the 48 yr old btw!)because, for obvious reasons I don't want them going off on their own, but sometimes if there are parallel runs, a blue and a red, we meet them at the bottom. promised them a black this yr but if we can't, never mind! They will love that olympic run. Got a bargain as you said! Big thanks randyrat! x

Hi Randyrat. Got back yesterday. Had a great week except for the kids were sick Friday night and my son couldn't ski last day. But they had 5 days great ski-ing. We went with the neilson ski leaders the first 2 mornings and they took us to the black runs much to the kids delight and my apprehension! But got down them both ok! I didn't do the whole olympic run because it was very icy at the top, but the kids did it all. Great fun and loads of slopes. Loved the animal park!

Oh and yes the Italians were AWFUL!! lol Especially the kids!