Top 20 Lakes around Bardonecchia
Best lakes around Bardonecchia, a charming town in the Italian Alps, offers a variety of picturesque lakes. The region is characterized by its mountain landscape, providing diverse natural settings for exploration. These lakes range from high-altitude alpine bodies of water to more accessible, amenity-rich options. The area's geography makes it a notable destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Bardonecchia
- The most popular lakes is Green Lake, a lake known for its incredibly emerald green waters. This distinctive color is due to algae on the lake's bottom, making it a unique natural feature.
- Another must-see spot is Rochemolles Lake and Dam, an artificial lake located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. Its dam serves a hydroelectric center in Bardonecchia, and its high-altitude setting provides expansive mountain views.
- Visitors also love White Lake, a beautiful mountain lake. It is noted for its crystalline color, which reflects the sky, and offers a tranquil setting for hikers.
- Bardonecchia is known for its alpine, artificial, and emerald green lakes. These include high-altitude reservoirs and smaller, naturally colored lakes, offering a variety of scenic experiences.
- The lakes around Bardonecchia are appreciated by the komoot community, with 192 upvotes and 53 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Rochemolles Lake and Dam
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Green Lake
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Lac de Rochemolles
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Rifugio Scarfiotti
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Icehouse Lake and Ice House
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The building with thick stone walls, buried and covered with trees with a shading function, is the last example of a nineteenth-century Piedmontese ice chest still intact.
The ice produced in the winter in the adjoining artificial lake was kept until the summer, before being loaded onto the wagons, covered with wet jute bags, and transported to the markets of Turin and Briançon.
The seasonal nature of the work (complementary to the agricultural one) made the extraction and conservation of ice an important economic resource for mountain dwellers.
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Tips from the Community
Located at the beginning of the long climb to Monfol, this evocative place, recently restored, was the ancestor of the refrigerator! Taking advantage of the winter frost, teams of men in the middle of winter extracted ice from the lake, to then store the blocks in the icehouse below, which was nothing more than an underground structure, insulated from the outside by a thick layer of earth with insulating properties, and capable of keeping the ice during the summer months.
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The path that runs along the right bank of the lake is beautiful and offers breathtaking views.
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beautiful lake also reachable by car
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Very panoramic Rochemolles lake with a small clearing for a break before continuing
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Arrival Scarfiotti refuge, finally fresh 🙃
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Located in the town of Bardonecchia, and perched at more than 2,000 meters, the artificial lake of Rochemolle is sumptuous. Its dam supplies a hydroelectric center in the town of the city.
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I had already been to the Scarfiotti Refuge about ten years ago. It was nice to go back. It is in a beautiful valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes and of course mountains. The new management is made up of young guys, very kind and welcoming. Excellent general cleaning. We stayed overnight in the shared dormitory - we requested a sheet bag - but being a Friday night it was just us. Abundant breakfast as well as a very abundant dinner, which was welcome because we had arrived by pedaling. Ideal place for an overnight stay and for the subsequent departure towards Sommeiller, but also as a stop for a lunch. Excellent and recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique lakes to visit around Bardonecchia?
Bardonecchia offers a diverse range of lakes. You can explore the incredibly emerald green waters of Green Lake, the high-altitude artificial Rochemolles Lake and Dam with its expansive mountain views, or the tranquil White Lake known for its crystalline reflections.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bardonecchia?
The summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for visiting the lakes. During this time, the weather is warmer, making conditions pleasant for hiking and enjoying the lakeside amenities. Some facilities, like Campo Smith Lake's fishing center, are typically open only in these months. While Green Lake is beautiful in summer, its waters remain icy cold.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Bardonecchia?
Yes, Lac de Rochemolles is noted as family-friendly. For a more amenity-rich experience, Campo Smith Lake, located within the town's sports center, offers a restaurant-bar service, a solarium, and beginner-friendly fishing opportunities with equipment rental and assistance.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set amidst stunning alpine scenery. You'll find emerald green waters at Green Lake, where algae and fallen larch trees create a unique color contrast. Rochemolles Lake offers breathtaking mountain vistas due to its high-altitude location. Many areas feature pure, transparent waters, and the surrounding landscape is characterized by unspoiled mountain nature.
Can I swim in the lakes around Bardonecchia?
While some lakes like Green Lake might tempt you, swimming is generally not advisable due to the icy temperatures, even during warmer months. The waters are typically very cold.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes?
Absolutely. The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, you can find routes like the 'Lake Rochemolles and Scarfiotti Refuge - Ring Tour' or the 'Rochemolles Lake to Scarfiotti Refuge Trail'. You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Bardonecchia guide.
What about mountain biking opportunities near the lakes?
Mountain biking is a popular activity. Routes such as 'Decauville - Diga di Rochemolles - Gran Bea' pass near some lakes. For more trails, check out the MTB Trails around Bardonecchia guide.
Are there places to eat or find refreshments near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes offer amenities. Campo Smith Lake has an adjacent restaurant-bar service. Additionally, the Rifugio Scarfiotti, located near Rochemolles Lake, provides a pleasant spot for a snack and a drink, and even offers overnight stays.
How accessible are the lakes, and is parking available?
Accessibility varies by lake. Green Lake requires a walk of about 40-45 minutes from refuges in Valle Stretta, with generally easy terrain. Lac de Rochemolles is also reachable by car, though there may be paid access during peak season (July-September) and specific road closures on Thursdays.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
While specific rules for each lake may vary, many trails and natural areas around Bardonecchia are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Bardonecchia?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The unique emerald color of Green Lake is a highlight, and the high-altitude setting of Rochemolles Lake offers stunning, peaceful views. Many appreciate the opportunity to relax and admire the scenery, as time seems to slow down in these beautiful spots.
Is it possible to fish in any of the lakes?
Yes, Campo Smith Lake is particularly well-suited for beginners interested in fishing. It offers both catch-and-release and catch fishing opportunities with various bait types, and qualified assistance along with equipment rental is available during its operating months (typically July and August).
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