Travel to Courmayeur with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Ski resorts in Courmayeur

Sitting on the Italian side of Mont Blanc (Europe’s highest mountain) and surrounded by 14 other peaks above the 4,000-metre mark, the legendary Courmayeur resort is set in the internationally famous Aosta Valley and features some fantastic ski runs, including a 20-kilometre run descending into Chamonix across the border.

Courmayeur is a world famous ski and climbing resort set among some of the largest mountains in Europe, with a natural ambience and an atmosphere rich in tradition. The village has an air of charm as its ancient buildings sit huddled together along cobbled streets. The car-free centre and range of eateries gives this typically Alpine village an Italian twist, setting it apart from Chamonix, its nearest neighbour.

Courmayeur offers skiing for all abilities, with a focus on intermediate level skiers. They get 45 per cent of runs, while beginners get 20 per cent and the advanced enjoy 35 per cent of runs. There are 100kms of runs, including the famous World Cup downhill run as well as the International run, which is six kilometres long and drops 1,000 metres.

Thirty lifts service the area, which has a top elevation of 2,755m and a vertical drop of 1,531m. The most famous run is the 20-kilometre descent which ends in the resort of Chamonix, across the border. For the more adventurous, heli-skiing is also on offer at the resort.

For something a little more French, ski down into Chamonix and experience the world famous Savoie resort, the oldest in France, or simply catch one of the six cable cars linked to the village. There are a further 76 ski runs at this resort which can be accessed by the Mont Blanc tunnel running between the two resorts. Enjoy a ‘gigantic beer’ here before returning to Courmayeur.

The ski season runs from December to April, with fine quality snowfall all season. Geneva International Airport is the nearest to the resort (108kms) and there are airport transfers available for the two-hour journey to Courmayeur.

Skiing in Courmayeur

A charming authentic village, Courmayeur sits on the Italian side of the majestic Mont Blanc – Europe’s highest mountain. Twenty-three superb runs, along with access to wonderful off-piste on both sides of the border and a magnificent setting, make this a popular resort.

Courmayeur is a typically Alpine town set in the Aosta Valley in Italy. The town has an authentic atmosphere with some ancient architecture and selection of fine Italian cuisine at restaurants both on and off the mountain. Surrounded by some of Europe’s highest peaks, Courmayeur accommodates over 6,000 visitors in traditional chalets and hotels, and offers a range of non-ski activities.

All levels of ability are catered for at Courmayeur, with a focus on intermediate level skiers. There are 23 slopes at the resort, with 20 per cent suitable for beginners, 45 per cent for intermediate and 35 per cent for advanced skiers. There are 100kms of runs, including the famous World Cup downhill and the International run, which is six kilometres long and drops 1,000m.

Thirty lifts service the area, with the highest reaching 2,755m and the lowest 1,224m; there is a vertical drop of 1,531m. These lifts help move 8,400 skiers per hour. The most famous run at the resort is the 20-kilometre descent, which ends in the resort of Chamonix across the border. Heli-skiing is available here, and will suit the more adventurous skiers and boarders.

The season here runs from December to April, with fine quality snowfall all season. Pass rates are cheaper than at other resorts in the same region, and offer fantastic value for money.

Geneva International Airport is the nearest to the resort at 108kms; from here, it’s an easy two-hour drive to the resort. Alternatively, Turin Airport in Italy is three hours away (150kms) from the resort. There are transfer services from the airports or you can choose to drive to the resort yourself.

Apres-ski in Courmayeur

The town doesn’t have an overly busy après-ski, which adds to its Italian charm and spirit. There are, however, around 60 bars and restaurants, two nightclubs, plus two cinemas and a handful of non-ski alternatives which make this resort an appealing choice.

Choose from swimming, ice-skating, bowling, paragliding or any number of walking trails around the resort, or simply sample some fine Italian cuisine at one of the restaurants both on and off the mountain. A number of fine quality hotels and chalets offer over 6,000 beds in majestic surroundings.

Away from the slopes, there are a number of bars and restaurants both on and off the mountains, serving traditional Italian cuisine. A quieter atmosphere at the resort means a more relaxed après-ski and range of activities which include: swimming, ice-skating, bowling, paragliding and trail walking. There are also two cinemas at the resort, as well as two nightclubs for evening entertainment.

Transportation to Courmayeur

Courmayeur is situated on the Italian side of Mont Blanc and getting there involves a combination of air and road/rail, and road transfer. The most convenient way of getting to Courmayeur is by flying to Geneva and catching a connecting bus or transfer service. Alternatively, catch the Eurostar, and then journey to the resort via a couple of connecting rail and road services. A package deal will often ensure easier travel arrangements.

By car, Courmayeur is about 910kms from Calais, with a driving time of around 10 hours and toll road costs of about €100. Alternatively, you can fly to Geneva and hire a car to journey to Courmayeur via the Mont Blanc tunnel. Courmayeur is located 106kms southeast of Geneva and driving time is just over one hour via the A40 (Autoroute Blanche) motorway. Courmayeur is 2,126kms from Milan and 638kms from Paris.

By train, catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, which takes 2 hours, 35 minutes; then catch a direct overnight express from Paris to Milan; from there, connect to the station at Pré-St-Didier, five kilometres away from Courmayeur and serviced by regular buses.

Geneva International Airport is 108kms away and Turin in Italy is 150kms from the resort of Courmayeur. Catch a bus transfer service from Geneva to Chamonix and travel via the Mont Blanc tunnel to the resort (two hours). Alternatively, fly to Turin and arrange a hire vehicle or catch a transfer bus service to the resort.

An unusual, though perfectly practical, means of reaching Courmayeur is to first find your way to Chamonix (via Geneva airport and a connecting bus service) and then take the cable way up over the side of Mont Blanc, which decends into Courmayeur. This way to get to enjoy the best of both resorts.

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