Weekend in Bardonecchia (3/3-4/1979)

Saturday, March 3, 1979
The whole family in the Range Rover drove towards, through, and up into the mountains to Bardonecchia. The car had a faulty radio (or poor reception) and the family sang along. Passed a castle perched on a cliff (Castle of Marquise Adelaide in Susa) and a fortress in Exilles (il Forte di Exilles). Arrived after about 1-1/2 hours at the B family apartment, small but very modern. Even had a basement section redecorated as a den/wine cellar. Made fires in both fireplaces upstairs and down. Had dinner in the wine cellar with another family (father spoke English well and tried to keep me in the conversation). I slept in the maid's room off the kitchen with Topolino (Italian name for Mickey Mouse) sheets on the bed.

Sunday, March 4, 1979
After breakfast we all drove to Zia/Aunt Carla's house to pick up Maria Teresa and two friends. Zia Carla stayed with Elena who was sick.

View from the B's ski apartment

We drove to the foot of Monte Jafferau/Mt Jafferau and took a chair lift up to the "midpoint" where there were hotels and restaurants. The skiers continued up the mountain. I walked around taking photographs and watching the skiers (and wanted to ski myself).

View down on Bardonecchia

View up Mt Jafferau

Alberto hits a mogul

Alpine panorama

Met the family at the Belvedere Ristorante for sandwiches. As the family skied more, I sat in the sun and got a burn! Taking the chairlift down was breathtaking! Soon headed "home" to Torino in lots of traffic. Several Fiat buses carried skiers and I saw a train with those seating compartments you see in the movies! Stopped at Signora B's parents' apartment in Cafasse for dinner. They live in a tiny well-worn apartment.