Ski resorts
Courmayeur: skiing on the Italian side of Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc right above the village, a rotating cable car towards the glaciers and Italian elegance in the streets. This is Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley, and the hotels that give your ski holiday a taste of la dolce vita.
Courmayeur lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, but on the Italian side, and you notice it immediately. The streets are cobbled, the cafés serve espresso and pastries, and lunch on the slopes is a meal you take your time over. Here the highest mountain in the Alps meets Italian joie de vivre.
Courmayeur is also one of the most spectacular places in the Alps to see the mountains up close. The Skyway Monte Bianco carries you high towards the glaciers, and from the top you see the Mont Blanc massif in all its glory.
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Beneath Mont Blanc
Courmayeur lies in the Aosta Valley, directly beneath Mont Blanc. The mountain dominates the view from almost anywhere in the village, and in the morning the summits glow in the sun before the day has begun in the valley.
The Skyway Monte Bianco
The Skyway Monte Bianco is a cable car with rotating cabins that takes you up to Punta Helbronner, high by the glaciers. The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks are spectacular, and the ride is an experience in itself, even for non-skiers.
The slopes of Courmayeur
The ski area offers runs for most levels, with many descents through forest and across open mountainsides. Experienced skiers can explore off-piste terrain with a guide, and many consider Courmayeur one of the best places in Italy for freeriding.
A day in Courmayeur
The morning starts with an espresso in the village and a trip up the slopes. Lunch is an important part of the day, with pasta, polenta and a glass of Aosta Valley wine on a sunny terrace.
In the afternoon you can take the Skyway Monte Bianco up towards the glaciers, or stroll along Via Roma and browse the shops before aperitivo.
When is the best time to visit Courmayeur?
The season usually runs from December to April. January and February often bring good conditions, while March offers sunshine and longer days. Christmas week and the Italian holidays are busy, so book early.
Skiing with children in Courmayeur
Courmayeur has ski schools and family-friendly runs, and the village is pleasant and safe to walk around. The ride on the Skyway Monte Bianco is popular with children and adults alike.
Food and evenings in Courmayeur
Evenings in Courmayeur are elegant yet relaxed. Via Roma is lined with restaurants, wine bars and cafés, and menus feature Aosta Valley dishes such as fonduta and polenta. Aperitivo is a fixed part of the evening.
Via Roma and village life
Via Roma is the heart of Courmayeur, a cobbled pedestrian street with shops, cafés and old buildings. In the afternoon it fills with people strolling in the sun, and the mood is as much Italian town as Alpine village.
Getting to Courmayeur
The nearest airports are Turin and Geneva. From Geneva you drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel, and from Turin the journey runs through the Aosta Valley.
Where to stay in Courmayeur
Courmayeur has atmospheric hotels both in the centre and close to the cable car. Here are three we would happily choose.
Grand Hotel Royal e Golf: a classic in the centre
A luxury hotel with two restaurants, in the centre of Courmayeur.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Royal e Golf
Auberge de la Maison: close to the Skyway
A luxury hotel close to the Skyway Monte Bianco.
Book your stay: See rooms at Auberge de la Maison
Pestana Le Massif: spa and mountain views
A mountain hotel in Courmayeur with two restaurants and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Pestana Le Massif
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Chamonix.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Courmayeur
Where should I stay in Courmayeur?
Grand Hotel Royal e Golf is in the centre, Auberge de la Maison is close to the Skyway Monte Bianco, and Pestana Le Massif has a spa and two restaurants.
What is the Skyway Monte Bianco?
The Skyway Monte Bianco is a cable car with rotating cabins that takes you up to Punta Helbronner, with views of Mont Blanc.
Can you combine Courmayeur with Chamonix?
Yes, Chamonix lies on the other side of Mont Blanc and is reached through the Mont Blanc tunnel.
How do you get to Courmayeur?
Fly to Turin or Geneva. From Geneva you drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur.