Courmayeur

About Courmayeur

If shopping, exceptional Italian dining and skiing all rolled into one sound like a dream vacation, then Courmayeur should be your next ski trip. This picturesque Alpine village is situated in Italy’s Valle d'Aosta region and lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain. Courmayeur is close to both the French and Swiss borders. The village exudes coziness with a network of narrow cobblestone streets, small bars and fabulous restaurants. Courmayeur skiing, which is comprised of 62 miles of terrain, can be found just above the town, which is connected by two cable cars and a gondola that stretches across the valley; it’s a short return to town by bus.

Courmayeur is close to both the French and Swiss borders. The resort’s history as a ski hub is evident in its historic cable car systems and alpine culture. Courmayeur has evolved from a simple mountain village to a world-class ski destination with over 62 miles of pistes, providing easy access to various skiing experiences, from the glacial runs of Vallée Blanche to the extensive Nordic skiing trails in Val Ferret. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car offers breathtaking views and connects Courmayeur with Chamonix, France which enhances its appeal as a cross-border alpine adventure spot.

With views of Mont Blanc from just about every direction, the scenery can't be beat. Partiers will be pleased with Courmayeur’s collection of lively discos. There are plenty of other off-mountain activities on a Courmayeur ski vacation, including an open-air ice skating rink and quintessential Italian boutique shopping on Via Rome. But its star quality is found in the restaurants, where the Italians seem to spend far more time than on the slopes. Visitors can explore the majestic landscapes and unwind in top-tier alpine spas with views of Mont Blanc from just about every direction. Partiers will be pleased with Courmayeur’s collection of lively discotheques.   

How to get to Courmayeur

Courmayeur is conveniently located just 93 miles north of Turin Airport (TRN), and 68 miles from Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. You can rent a car or take a shuttle. Companies like "AlpyBus" offer shared and private shuttle services starting at €50 ($56 USD) per person, providing a comfortable transfer directly to Courmayeur. Bus services connect Courmayeur with Aosta, Geneva, Turin and Milan. If you prefer driving, it's a straightforward trip via motorways, though be prepared for tolls, especially if you're coming through the Mont Blanc Tunnel from France. Another option is the Milan Malpensa Airport "Silvio Berlusconi" (MXP) in Italy. It is 118 miles away, so expect a commute time of about two hours and 30 minutes.

You can leave your car parked and take advantage of local public transport and shuttles to explore Val Ferret and Val Veny. There are bus connections through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, making it simple to hop over to Chamonix and experience the French side of Mont Blanc. It's all about smooth, sustainable travel in this stunning alpine destination!

Skiing in Courmayeur

At Courmayeur-Mont Blanc there are slopes for absolutely every level of skier, from beginner to expert. Experts looking for a challenge will likely prefer Courmayeur’s off-piste offerings. However Val Veny’s moguled black runs will surely get anyone’s blood pumping. Courmayeur’s best off-piste routes are found off the top of the resort's chairlift network and can be explored in a clockwise loop from Arp Vieille to Val Veny, or skiers can head east from the summit to Dolonne or Pre-St. Didier, or south to the Youla gorge. 

An experienced backcountry guide is highly recommended for optimal safety and enjoyment. Intermediates will find plenty of wide-open red and blue runs to keep them occupied, especially in the Col Checrouit area. First-time skiers have a magic carpet and learning zone at the top of the Entreves tram. Cable cars, gondolas, chair lifts and poma lifts offer remarkable efficient connections to every part of the mountain.

Beginner Skiing in Courmayeur

Courmayeur presents some challenges to “never evers,” so it may not be a great first choice for early beginner skiers. The ski resort does offer a free lift on the beginner slope on the Plan Checrouit, on Lift 17. Aside from that, beginners, even more experienced beginners have next to no green runs. 

However, adventurous beginner skiers on the brink of progressing to blue runs, will find Courmayeur’s prevalence of blue terrain well to their liking. Excellent semi-beginner ski slopes include Plan Checrouit, Le Greye, Baby, Maison Vieille and Tzaly. These slopes provide gentle inclines and well-maintained pistes, making them ideal for novice skiers. Cable cars, gondolas, chair lifts and poma lifts offer remarkably efficient connections to every part of the mountain.

Expert Skiing in Courmayeur

It’s an intermediate mountain laced with interestingly varied, genuine red runs. But it is small; the avid piste-basher will ski it in a day. There are some good long runs—it’s 2,297 ft. vertical from Col Checrouit to Zerotta, and 4,593 ft. vertical from Cresta Youla to Dolonne—but they are few. On the steeper Val Veny side of the ridge there are challenges to be found—while the reds and blues cut across the mountain, a row of easy blacks go down more directly. 

For the timid intermediate, on the other hand, the area is short of confidence-building blue runs. There is basically one long blue on each side of the ridge, reached from Plan Checrouit via the six-seater Pra Neyron chair; that on the Val Veny side is better for the challenge-averse. Many of the reds, particularly up around Col Checrouit, and down to Plan Checrouit, do have the merit that they are generally wide, which helps a lot. Adventurous, fit intermediates can try the off-piste Vallée Blanche run to Chamonix and the local heli-skiing.

Courmayeur offers experts a handful of challenges. Those looking for more variety of black runs will want to head to neighboring Chamonix. But while you’re in Courmayeur don’t miss the black pistes on Val Veny. Courmayeur does provide access to a classic off-piste route, which follows a clockwise loop from Arp Vieille down to Dolonne or La Balme, depending on your preferences. Mont Blanc offers an unlimited about of options for extreme-seekers. There are numerous heli-skiing operators ready to take you wherever you please. Of course, whenever skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry/off-piste terrain Ski.com highly recommends exploring with a trained, experienced guide.     

Ski Schools & Tours

Courmayeur, Italy, boasts some of the best ski and snowboard schools around. These schools are renowned for their experienced instructors who offer lessons in skiing, snowboarding, and telemarking, with options for both group and individual sessions with a focus on combining learning with fun, ensuring an all-around great experience for everyone. At the exclusive Plan Checrouit ski area, there's even a dedicated mini-club for kids, making it perfect for families looking to hit the slopes as adults.

For those interested in mountaineering and alpine skiing, there are specialized institutions that offer safe, guided experiences in high-altitude environments, including glaciers and sharp ridges. Led by experts familiar with the Mont Blanc massif, these courses cater to both adults and children, making Courmayeur an ideal destination for families looking to delve into climbing and alpine skiing adventures.

Family vacations in Courmayeur

Courmayeur, nestled in the Italian Alps, is a perfect destination for a family winter getaway, with a strong focus on skiing for all ages and skill levels. The resort offers a variety of ski slopes that cater to both beginners and experienced skiers, making it easy for families to enjoy the mountain together. Kids can join ski schools and learn the basics, while adults and more advanced skiers explore the well-groomed intermediate and challenging runs.

After putting the skis away, Courmayeur provides plenty of family-friendly activities like snowshoeing through scenic trails, ice skating in the village and thrilling sledging adventures. The Fun Park Dolonne offers an exciting area for kids, featuring tubing runs and a playground to enjoy the snow off the slopes. After an active day, families can relax and enjoy the charming town with its warm Italian hospitality, indulging in local cuisine and après-ski treats.