There are training camps… and then there are experiences that stay with you long after the final randori ends. The latter has become a constant hallmark of the EJU OTC series, as these events are not only about elite preparation but also about the atmosphere and surroundings that make them unique. Whilst Benidorm and Poreč offer seaside charm, Italy’s newest destination brings the added value of altitude training, creating an environment perfectly suited for high-level preparation.
This summer, the European judo community is invited to discover one of Italy’s hidden sporting treasures as the Bardonecchia EJU Olympic Training Camp via the Palazzetto dello Sport opens its doors from 6–10 July 2026, offering athletes, coaches and federations the opportunity to prepare in an environment built on Olympic legacy, mountain energy and true judo spirit.
This is the one and only OTC camp scheduled between 13 June, when the Poreč camp (CRO) concludes, and 10 August, when the Papendal (NED) camp begins, making the Italian destination a crucial stop in the summer calendar. Missing out would mean facing a gap of almost two months without an EJU OTC opportunity.
Nestled in the Italian Alps, close to the French border and only a short journey from Turin, Bardonecchia is no ordinary destination. The town proudly played a major role during the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, hosting snowboarding competitions and welcoming the world’s sporting elite to its slopes and Olympic facilities. Today, that same winning atmosphere remains alive in every corner of the city.
Now, the tatami takes centre stage.
For many within the judo family, this will be a completely new Italian destination to explore. A place where elite preparation meets breathtaking scenery. Where mornings begin surrounded by alpine peaks and days are filled with world-class randori, technical exchange and the unmistakable intensity that only an EJU Olympic Training Camp can deliver.
The timing could not be more important.
With the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games soon beginning, Bardonecchia offers the ideal environment to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of elite sport and train alongside the very best in the world. Olympic, world and continental champions are expected on the tatami, creating a unique opportunity for athletes to test themselves against proven champions and future stars alike.
This is where the next Olympic journey begins.
The European Judo Union has long viewed Olympic Training Camps as more than simple preparation events. They are opportunities to bring nations together, raise standards and create an environment where athletes of every level can grow side by side… and Bardonecchia feels perfectly built for exactly that.
Beyond the training itself, Bardonecchia offers the complete Italian experience. Traditional mountain cuisine, welcoming piazzas, fresh alpine air and the relaxed rhythm of an authentic Italian sporting town create the perfect balance between hard work and recovery. It is the kind of place where teams bond and athletes recharge.
This July, Bardonecchia invites the judo world to write its next chapter in one of Italy’s most iconic sporting settings.
Official Outlines
Author: EJU Media