Barzio is a ski resort in northern Italy, located above Lake Como in the Valsassina valley. The main ski area in Barzio is the ski resort Piani di Bobbio.
Barzio ski resort - Piani di Bobbio ski area
Along with Valtorta, Piani di Bobbio is part of the Barzio – Piani di Bobbio – Valtorta ski district, with 35 kilometres of slopes, a dedicated area for beginners and numerous ski schools. The ski resort can easily be reached from both Barzio and Valtorta and is perfect for alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing.
Beginner itinerary: the route develops from the arrival of the gondola lift, where you are in a beautiful plateau from which different seats and ski lifts start, this is the ideal area for beginners thanks to the blue slopes, large and comfortable. The excellent snow conditions are ideal for novices, and there are two main nursery slopes conveniently situated in the resort centre. After mastering the basics, beginners can explore designated areas such as the Betulle and Larice. These simpler runs in Piani di Bobbio are usually at higher altitudes, with the pistes becoming more challenging as you ski back down to the resort. If you’re not feeling confident enough, we recommend taking the lifts back down.
With a variety of blue and red runs, intermediate skiers will be spoilt for choice. The central hub is a great area for lower-intermediate skiers, boasting numerous wide, meandering blues. More advanced intermediate skiers should head to the Valtorta area and ski down to the resort centre. One of favourite runs in this area is the red Piancaformia.
Advanced skiers: there is no shortage of descents able to satisfy even expert skiers, in fact, the blacks that start from the Chiavello in Valtorta chairlift and those that descend from Mount Orscellera are pleasant options with steeper slopes.
For lovers of snowboard and tricks, there is the Bobbio Park when the first chairlift arrival. The Park develops on an area of 1500 square meters, divided into 5 floors each with 3 different structures and with a final quarter for both beginners and more experienced.
There are several mountain huts (rifugi) and restaurants on the slopes, offering local dishes such as polenta and traditional Alpine cuisine. The après-ski scene is relatively low-key compared to larger resorts, focusing more on family and relaxation.
Barzio village
The village’s streets are narrow and often paved with cobblestones, contributing to its quaint, historical atmosphere. Piazza Garibaldi: This is one of the main squares in Barzio, often used for local festivals and events. One of the most notable buildings in Barzio is the Church of Sant’Alessandro, which dates back to the 15th century. The church has a Romanesque structure with later Baroque additions, featuring a bell tower and a richly decorated interior with frescoes and sculptures.
Barzio offers a variety of local dining options, including traditional Lombard cuisine. Visitors can enjoy dishes like pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with potatoes and cheese), polenta, and other hearty Alpine fare. The village also has small cafes and restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.