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Stunning views
Off-slope activities
Foodie paradise
Traditional charmStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmCourmayeur is a resort with genuine alpine character that has been drawing skiers for well over a century. Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc in Italy's Aosta Valley, the village retains its traditional Italian mountain town atmosphere - cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a pedestrianised centre filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants that come alive in the evenings. It feels authentically Italian in a way that purpose-built resorts simply cannot replicate.
The skiing here rises from 1,224m to 2,755m across 43km of marked pistes, with a distinctly intermediate-to-advanced personality. The terrain rewards confident skiers with varied runs, natural features, and some genuinely challenging descents. Yet what sets Courmayeur apart is its position - quite literally in the shadow of western Europe's highest peak. The views from the slopes are extraordinary, and the famous Skyway Monte Bianco cable car takes visitors to 3,466m for panoramas that stretch across four countries.
Beyond the pistes, Courmayeur excels as a ski holiday destination. The dining scene punches well above typical ski resort standards, with excellent trattorias and refined restaurants drawing on the region's rich culinary traditions. The après-ski is sociable, centred around aperitivo culture and long mountain lunches. For those travelling with non-skiers or looking for rest-day activities, the thermal spas, boutique shopping, and easy access to the Mont Blanc tunnel add flexibility and entertainment to any trip.
Check out Courmayeur ski deals to start planning your trip.
Courmayeur is a resort with genuine alpine character that has been drawing skiers for well over a century. Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc in Italy's Aosta Valley, the village retains its traditional Italian mountain town atmosphere - cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a pedestrianised centre filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants that come alive in the evenings. It feels authentically Italian in a way that purpose-built resorts simply cannot replicate.
The skiing here rises from 1,224m to 2,755m across 43km of marked pistes, with a distinctly intermediate-to-advanced personality. The terrain rewards confident skiers with varied runs, natural features, and some genuinely challenging descents. Yet what sets Courmayeur apart is its position - quite literally in the shadow of western Europe's highest peak. The views from the slopes are extraordinary, and the famous Skyway Monte Bianco cable car takes visitors to 3,466m for panoramas that stretch across four countries.
Beyond the pistes, Courmayeur excels as a ski holiday destination. The dining scene punches well above typical ski resort standards, with excellent trattorias and refined restaurants drawing on the region's rich culinary traditions. The après-ski is sociable, centred around aperitivo culture and long mountain lunches. For those travelling with non-skiers or looking for rest-day activities, the thermal spas, boutique shopping, and easy access to the Mont Blanc tunnel add flexibility and entertainment to any trip.
Check out Courmayeur ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing in Courmayeur feels intimate and engaging. With 20 lifts serving 33 runs across three interconnected areas - Plan Chécrouit, Val Veny, and Cresta d'Arp - there is enough terrain to explore for a week. The mountain has character, with natural rolls, tree-lined runs, and open bowls that catch the morning light.
Each sector has its own personality. Plan Chécrouit, accessed directly from the village, offers the widest variety and connects to most of the lift system. Val Veny, on the western side, provides longer cruising runs with spectacular Mont Blanc views. Cresta d'Arp, at the top of the ski area, delivers the steeper pitches and access to some excellent off-piste terrain.
Courmayeur is honest about what it is - this is not primarily a beginner's mountain, the resort lacks an extensive network of gentle green runs. That said, dedicated nursery slopes at Plan Chécrouit are well-maintained and served by easy-access lifts, giving first-timers a comfortable space to find their feet. The ski schools here are experienced at working with mixed-ability groups, and private lessons can accelerate progress significantly.
Beginners who progress quickly will find accessible blue runs to graduate onto, particularly in the Plan Chécrouit area. If you're travelling as a group with nervous first-timers, Courmayeur works well - beginners can enjoy lessons and the village atmosphere while stronger skiers explore the mountain.
WeSki insider tip: Book morning lessons when the nursery slopes are quieter and the snow is freshest. Afternoons can get busier with ski school groups returning from the mountain.
Confident intermediates will find Courmayeur thoroughly rewarding. The blue and red runs account for a substantial portion of the terrain, with enough variety to keep things interesting throughout a week's stay. The runs in Val Veny are particularly satisfying, with long, well-groomed descents that let you build rhythm while taking in views of the Brenva glacier.
Progressing from blues to reds feels natural here, with several runs offering both options side by side so you can challenge yourself without committing to unfamiliar terrain. The Youla area provides some of the best intermediate cruising, while the runs down from Cresta d'Arp offer steeper sections for those ready to push their comfort zone. The piste grooming is generally excellent, and the moderate resort size means you can ski the same favourite runs repeatedly without excessive lift queues.
WeSki insider tip: Take the Youla cable car early and ski down to Val Veny before the crowds arrive. The morning light on Mont Blanc from this side is spectacular.
Courmayeur terrain excels for advanced and expert skiers. The marked blacks are steep, sustained, and properly challenging - no motorway reds masquerading as advanced terrain here. Runs from Cresta d'Arp and Cresta Youla deliver genuine gradient, often with moguls developing through the day, and the Diretta piste is a local test piece that demands good technique.
Beyond marked runs, Courmayeur's off-piste reputation is well-deserved. The Vallée Blanche descent from the Skyway Monte Bianco (though technically starting in France) is one of the world's great ski experiences - a glacier route requiring a guide but accessible to strong intermediates in good conditions. More accessible off-piste itineraries exist within the ski area boundaries, particularly in the Arp Vieille sector.
WeSki insider tip: Book a guide for the Vallée Blanche at least a week in advance during peak season. Weather windows can be tight, and the best guides fill their calendars quickly.
Courmayeur's natural terrain suits snowboarders who enjoy reading the mountain rather than relying on park features. The varied pitches, natural hits, and tree runs provide plenty of interest, off-piste access opens up excellent freeriding opportunities, and the lift system is predominantly gondolas and chairlifts - so flat cat-tracks are minimal. For those who want to progress their freestyle skills, The Indian Park snow park offers jumps, rails, and a boardercross course.
Courmayeur's position beneath Mont Blanc creates exceptional off-piste potential. Vallée Blanche aside, there are numerous itineraries accessible from the lift system - the Arp sector holds snow well on north-facing aspects, while the Val Veny side offers wide bowls that open up after fresh snowfall.
Avalanche awareness is essential, and hiring a local guide is strongly recommended. The Courmayeur mountain guides are among the most experienced in the Alps, with generations of knowledge passed down through local families.
Several ski schools operate in Courmayeur, including the traditional Scuola di Sci Monte Bianco and various independent instructors. English-speaking lessons are readily available, and the instructors tend to have strong technical backgrounds. Group lessons, private instruction, and specialist courses (including off-piste introduction days) can be arranged. For families, children's group lessons run throughout the season with meeting points at Plan Chécrouit.
The Indian Park, located in the Plan Chécrouit area, serves as Courmayeur's main freestyle zone. It features a progression of jumps from small to medium, a selection of rails and boxes, and a boardercross course. It's well-maintained, but modest compared to dedicated freestyle resorts - reflecting Courmayeur's identity as a freeriding and piste-skiing destination rather than a park-focused resort.
Courmayeur works well for families, though it's best suited for those with children who already have some skiing ability. The village is largely pedestrianised, making it safe and pleasant to wander, and the Italian culture of welcoming children into restaurants means dining out is relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, its atmosphere is sociable rather than party-focused, which suits family groups well.
Ski schools at Courmayeur have dedicated children's programmes, and the nursery slopes at Plan Chécrouit provide a sheltered learning environment. For families with teenagers or confident young skiers, the mountain offers genuine terrain to explore together. The moderate size means you can meet up easily without complex navigation, and the variety of runs allows parents to ski with children at different levels.
Non-skiing days can be filled with activities such as the thermal baths at Pré-Saint-Didier, tobogganing, or a family excursion on the Skyway Monte Bianco. The resort's dining scene accommodates families well, with pizzerias, casual trattorias, and hotel restaurants that offer child-friendly menus without compromising on quality. Aperitivo hour works brilliantly for families, with children enjoying soft drinks and snacks while parents relax with a Negroni.
Courmayeur offers a complete mountain holiday experience, not just a ski trip. The pedestrianised village centre, dramatic Mont Blanc setting, and excellent infrastructure mean that rest days and non-skiers are genuinely well catered for. From world-class thermal spas to high-altitude cable car experiences, the resort rewards time off the slopes as much as time on them.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Courmayeur offers an excellent range of winter activities that make full use of its spectacular Alpine setting:
Thanks to a combination of Italian culture, excellent wellness facilities, and easy cross-border access to France, Courmayeur offers plenty to enjoy away from the slopes:
Courmayeur's dining scene reflects its Italian heritage - this is a resort where food genuinely matters. Aosta Valley traditions meet mountain influences across a range of restaurants, from rustic trattorias to refined dining rooms. Eating well here is easy:
WeSki insider tip: Try the local fontina cheese - produced only in Aosta Valley and at its best when melted into fonduta, a rich fondue typically served with bread and vegetables.
Courmayeur's après-ski reflects Italian style. The atmosphere is sociable, and you can expect more aperitivo culture rather than a scene where there's dancing on tables. From mid-afternoon, the village cafés fill with skiers enjoying a Spritz or Negroni, often with complimentary snacks in true Italian tradition. It is relaxed, friendly, and perfectly pleasant.
Later in the evening, the village has enough bars and venues to provide variety without overwhelming choice. Some spots lean towards cocktail sophistication, others offer wine bars with excellent regional selections, and a few clubs cater to those wanting to dance into the small hours. The atmosphere tends to attract a slightly more discerning crowd than party resorts - couples, groups of friends, and those who prefer conversation to chaos.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Courmayeur ranges from traditional mountain hotels to self-catering apartments and luxury chalets. The village centre clusters around Via Roma, where most hotels and apartments place you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the main gondola station. Properties in Entrèves, a smaller hamlet two kilometres from the centre, offer a quieter setting with direct cable car access to the slopes and the Skyway Monte Bianco.
The village is compact enough that most accommodation works well for both skiing and evening activities, and ski buses connect all areas efficiently throughout the day. Staying centrally keeps you close to the nightlife and dining, while Entrèves gives you faster lift access and a more peaceful atmosphere.
The Courmayeur Mont Blanc ski pass covers all 20 lifts and 43km of pistes within the resort's ski area. Multi-day passes offer progressively better value compared to daily rates. For those wanting to explore further, the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass extends access to Chamonix and the Aosta Valley resorts, though this is only worthwhile for longer stays or those planning specific excursions.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Courmayeur ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Equipment shops are plentiful throughout Courmayeur village and at Plan Chécrouit. The main rental outfitters stock current-season equipment across all categories, from beginner packages to performance skis and touring setups. Booking in advance - particularly during peak weeks - secures your preferred equipment and allows for fitting adjustments before your first day on the mountain.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Courmayeur, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Courmayeur ski deals to build your perfect trip.
The village centre is pedestrianised and compact, so walking is the primary mode of transport for most visitors. Ski buses run regular circuits connecting the main accommodation areas to the lift stations throughout the day, with evening services continuing until late for those returning from dinner in the centre. Taxis are available for those staying further out or arriving late. If you are staying in Entrèves, the buses run frequently, and the journey to the village centre takes around five minutes.
Courmayeur is accessible from multiple airports across northern Italy, Switzerland, and France. Geneva (100km), Turin (150km), and Milan airports (220km) all offer realistic transfer options. The Mont Blanc tunnel connects directly to Chamonix and the French motorway network, making driving from the UK feasible if you prefer independence. Train connections run to Pré-Saint-Didier, with buses completing the final stretch to the resort.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Courmayeur. Add them to your Courmayeur ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Courmayeur can work for beginners, but it is not the ideal choice if your entire group is learning. The nursery slopes at Plan Chécrouit are well-maintained and the ski schools are excellent, but the resort lacks extensive green runs for progression. Beginners who advance quickly will find accessible blues, but nervous first-timers may find limited terrain once they leave the nursery area. Mixed-ability groups work well, as beginners can enjoy lessons and the village while stronger skiers explore.
Courmayeur offers a more intimate, traditionally Italian experience compared to Chamonix's larger-scale, internationally-focused atmosphere. The skiing is smaller but feels more cohesive and easier to navigate. Courmayeur's dining scene is stronger, the village is more pedestrian-friendly, and the atmosphere is generally more relaxed. Chamonix has more extreme terrain and a more serious mountaineering culture. Both share access to the Vallée Blanche, and the Mont Blanc tunnel makes day-tripping between them straightforward.
Snow reliability in Courmayeur is generally good, benefiting from its high base elevation and north-facing aspects. The resort invests in snowmaking on key runs, though coverage is not as comprehensive as some larger French resorts. The season typically runs from late November to early April, with the most reliable conditions from mid-December through March. The higher runs around Cresta d'Arp tend to hold snow best, while lower areas may require snowmaking support during warmer periods.
The Skyway Monte Bianco is a spectacular rotating cable car that ascends from Pontal d'Entrèves to Punta Helbronner at 3,466m. The cabins rotate 360 degrees during the ascent, providing continuously changing views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. At the top, viewing terraces offer panoramas across Italy, France, and Switzerland. The Skyway also provides access to the Vallée Blanche glacier descent for skiers with a guide. Non-skiers can enjoy the experience as a standalone excursion.
A week in Courmayeur works well for most visitors, allowing time to explore all the ski areas, enjoy the village atmosphere, and fit in off-slope activities like the Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths or a Chamonix day trip. Keen skiers who want variety might consider a shorter stay combined with another Aosta Valley resort, but Courmayeur's character and dining scene reward those who settle in for the full week. The compact ski area means you will know your way around after a few days, which adds to the relaxed feel.
Courmayeur sits in the upper-mid range for ski resort pricing - comparable to good French resorts but less expensive than the very top Swiss destinations. Accommodation, lift passes, and dining reflect Italian standards rather than budget options, but you get genuine quality in return. Mountain lunches are excellent value by alpine standards, and the aperitivo tradition means you can enjoy a drink with complimentary food. Overall, Courmayeur represents fair value for what it offers - a characterful Italian resort with serious skiing credentials.
Sestriere - Sauze D'Oulx - Pinzolo - Cervinia - Livigno - Cortina d'Ampezzo - Val Gardena - Campitello di Fassa - Madonna di Campiglio - Canazei - Ortisei - Val di Fiemme - La Thuile - Kronplatz - Alta Badia - Pila - San Martino di Castrozza - Bardonecchia - Passo Tonale
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