ITALY

Courmayeur

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc in the Italian Alps, is a picturesque resort that offers some of the best skiing and mountain experience in Italy. Theres so much to love about Courmayeur, we have been here a few times, we came here with our kids, the two of us and an easy day trip from Chamonix. It is one of our favorite ski resorts, whether it’s the delicious Italian food, the sunny ski area, the charm of the old town, or the Jaw dropping scenery, it’s hard to visit Courmayeur just once. Courmayeur is a sought-after destination for both families and avid skiers. In this guide, we’ll explore Courmayeur’s ski area, ski passes, accommodation, dining, apres-ski scene and tips on how to get there.

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.

Handy Tip: Don’t forget your GoPro or your Insta360 for all those action shots of family and friends.                                                                

Ski Area

Courmayeur’s ski area isn’t as large as some other Alpine resorts, but it compensates for the diversity and quality of its slopes. It features 100-kilometers of skiable terrain that are interconnected and can be accessed via 18 lifts, with pistes suited for all levels of skiers.

Ski Terrain: Courmayeur’s slopes are well groomed and vary from gentle beginner slopes to challenging runs for advanced skiers. The resort is especially famous for its off-piste, including the renowned Vallee Blanche, a 20-kilometer run that descends into the Chamonix Valley on the French side of Mont Blanc.

Scenic Views: The skiing experience here is made more special by its breath taking views of Mont Blanc, offering a unique alpine panorama that attracts mountain enthusiasts from around the world.                                                              

Wear a SKI HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember pack your SKI GOGGLES for Courmayeur.

Ski Passes

Courmayeur offers several types of ski passes, which provide flexibility based on your skiing plans, whether you’re staying for a few days or an entire season.

1. Courmayeur Mont Blanc Ski Pass: This pass allows access to Courmayeur’s ski area, covering all local lifts and slopes. It’s perfect if you’re only skiing in Courmayeur.

2.  Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass: ideal for adventurous skiers, this pass provides access to the entire Mont Blanc region, including neighboring resorts in France and Switzerland, like Chamonix and Verbier. This is best for advanced skiers who want to experience the off-piste terrain of the Vallee Blanche.

3. Regional Passes and special Packages: Courmayeur also offers Family packages, day passes, and discounted rates for children, seniors, and groups. Seasonal passes are available for those staying long term, as well as weekday passes.

4. Pedestrian and Mountain access Passes: These passes allow non-skiers to access the resorts cable cars, lifts, and mountain paths, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the scenic views.

Accommodation in Courmayeur

Courmayeur offers a mix of luxurious hotels, charming chalets, and more budget-friendly lodges. Here are some popular choices.

Luxury Hotels.

1. AUBERGE de la maison: This five-star hotel offers a cozy, alpine ambience with rustic wooden décor, a full-service spa, and stunning views of Mont Blanc.
2. GRAND HOTEL: One of Courmayeur’s most iconic hotels, located in the heart of the town, it boasts elegant rooms, a restaurant, and luxurious spa.

Mid-Range.

1. HOTEL BERTHOD: We stayed here on our last visit to Courmayeur, we found it ideal, close to the town centre, warm, family-run atmosphere, excellent breakfast for a cosy stay.
2. HOTEL LA SCOIATTOLO: A popular choice for families and couples, this hotel is well known for its friendly staff and mountain charm. The hotel offers a spa and shuttle service to the lifts.

Apartments and Chalets.                                                    

1. LE GRAND CHALET: Offering self-catering apartments, this residence is perfect for families and groups. Located near the Dolonne cable car, making ski access easy.
2. CHALET PLAN GORRETT: A charming mountain chalet with rustic appeal, this chalet offers a more secluded experience, complete with fireplace, making it perfect for a romantic getaway or family stay.                                    

I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER BOTTLE to keep me hydrated all day long on the slopes.

Where to Eat                                                                 

Dining in Courmayeur is a treat, with a variety of high-quality Italian restaurants and mountain huts offering local delicacies, classic Italian dishes.

Fine Dining

1. La Chaumiere: Located on the slopes, La Chaumiere serves gourmet Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and Savoyard specialities. Its sunny terrace is perfect for lunch with a view.
2. Pierre Alexis 1877: In the heart of Courmayeur, this fine-dining restaurant combines Italian elegance with a menu using regional flavors. The cosy, rustic interiors add to the intimidate experience.

Mid-Range

1. L’Etoile Restaurant known for its authentic menu, L’Etoile serves everything from homemade pasta to fresh seafood. It’s located near the town centre making it an easy choice for a night out.
2. Ristorante Chiecco: With a traditional ambience and warm, welcoming service, this restaurant is popular for dishes like polenta, risotto, and regional cheeses. It’s ideal for those seeking a hearty and comforting meal.

Casual and Mountain Hut Options

1. Maison Vieille: Our favourite place to eat on the mountain, serving hearty alpine dishes. Grilled meats, pasta, and regional wines, it’s a must visit for a casual lunch with a view.
2. Café de I’Ange: In Courmayeur’s town centre, Café de I’Ange is a cosy spot for pizza and pasta, with an extensive wine list featuring Italian favorites.

Apers-Ski in Courmayeur.                                                     

Courmayeur has a vibrant apres-ski scene, from lively bars to relaxed lounges with laid-back alpine charm. Here are some of the best spots to unwind after a day on the mountain.

1. Bar Roma:  Courmayeur’s most popular apres-ski bar, Roma attracts a mix of locals and visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and extensive cocktail and wine list.
2. Super G: Located directly on the slopes, Super G is a lively spot for apres-ski with live DJ, outdoor seating and a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its chic ambience, it’s a favourite for those seeking a stylish apres-ski experience.
3. American Bar: For a more casual atmosphere, the American bar offers a variety of classic cocktails, wines, and Italian craft beers. A popular relaxed spot for families and groups.

Getting to Courmayeur

Courmayeur is easily accessible by Car, bus, and train, with several airports nearby.

By Plane

1. Geneva Airport: located in Switzerland, Geneva is about 100-kilometres from Courmayeur, and is well connected to Courmayeur shuttle services, ALPYBUS or ALP 2 ALP are two that we have used.
2. Turin-Caselle Airport: Located about 150-kilometres from Courmayeur, Turin is the closest Italian airport with frequent flights from European cities.
3. Milan Malpensa airport: Just over 200-kilometers away, Malpensa is one of Italy’s busiest airports, offering more international flight options. From Milan, travellers can RENT a CAR or take a direct bus or train to Courmayeur. BOOK YOUR FLIGHT HERE. 

By Car

Driving to Courmayeur is very easy, with well-maintained roads leading to the resort. Fron Milan or Turin, take the A5 motorway towards the Mont Blanc tunnel, which leads directly into Courmayeur. Compare car rental prices with Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com.

TRANSFER WITH Ski Lift

Getting to Italy’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-Lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as your not sharing with others or waiting at the airport as your driver will be waiting for you on arrival.

By Bus

Several Bus companies operate direct bus routes from major Italian cities and nearby airports to Courmayeur. SAVDA and FLIXBUS offer reliable services from Turin, Milan and Aosta.

From Geneva: there are several shuttle services that operate between Geneva and Courmayeur. Alybus and ALP 2 ALP are popular shuttle providers with regular services during the winter season, also offering Private transfers.

By Train

The nearest train station is Courmayeur is Pre-saint- Didier, about 5-kilometers away. From Pre-saint -Didier, regular buses and taxis connect to Courmayeur. Making train travel a convenient and scenic option for reaching the resort. You can BOOK YOUR TRAIN HERE.

Resort activities

    * Snowshoeing and Winter Hikes
    Explore the picturesque snow-covered trails around Courmayeur on guided snowshoeing         tours or winter hikes, ideal for nature lovers.

* Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car
Take a breathtaking ride on the Skyway Monte Bianco to experience panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.

* Relax at QC Terme Pre Saint-Didier
Unwind at this luxurious thermal spa, featuring outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and stunning views of the mountains.

* Shopping in Courmayeur Village
Browse the charming boutiques and shops in the village center, offering everything from local crafts to high-end fashion.

       * Ice Skating
     Enjoy a fun day out at the ice-skating rink, a perfect activity for families and groups.

*Fine Dining and Wine Tasting
Savor authentic Italian and alpine cuisine in Courmayeur’s restaurants, or indulge in wine tasting sessions featuring local Valdostan win

*Handy tip: make sure you have Travel insurance before you hit the slopes.

Courmayeur combines Italian elegance, world class skiing, breathtaking scenery, making it a top choice for skiers and travellers of all background. The resort’s variety of slopes, luxurious accommodation, high-quality dining, and lively apres-ski scene offers a truly unforgettable alpine experience. Courmayeur provides a unique and authentic mountain adventure at the heart of the Mont Blanc massif.

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