Ski resort Courmayeur. Courmayeur, Valle d'Aosta, Italy Resort Courmayeur Italy

Courmayeur
Courmayeur lies at the junction of Switzerland, France and Italy.
Courmayeur is surrounded by 14 four-thousanders.
Already in the 18th century, the resort of Courmayeur was popular among the British, thanks to its thermal springs and healthy climate. Courmayeur (1224 m) is now one of the most luxurious and fashionable resorts, with excellent hotels, fashionable shops and the world famous Congress Center.
A network of trails with a length of 100 km is a real haven for athletes. Descents mostly medium difficulty, but there are also black slopes, known from international competitions for the World and European Cups.
Courmayeur, together with Chamonix in France and Verbier in Switzerland, forms one huge international ski area.
Ski slopes are within reach.
On the north-west side of Val Veny, where the sun only comes in the afternoon, there are more challenging pistes that offer a challenge for experienced skiers. An example is the red Internazionale track, 6 km long and with a vertical drop of 1100 m, or Competizione, a black championship track with breathtaking steepness.
For those who want to try even more - off-piste skiing! The second ski center of Courmayeur is a real paradise for passionate fans of freeride. About a 20-minute ride on the cable car takes you to Punta Helbronner, at 3,462 m, where two of the most exciting descents in the entire Alpine region begin, which, however, require experience or, better yet, the accompaniment of an Alpine guide. The first is the famous descent of the Vallee Blanche, an exceptional route that extends into the heart of the massif, crossing impressive fields of ice ridges, gliding along the Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice), lightly touching the rocks that created the history of mountaineering. An incredible route with a length of 22 km and a height difference of 2400 m ends in Chamonix, France. Return to Courmayeur on comfortable buses, which will take you to the departure point in 20 minutes. The second exciting off-piste route is along the Toula glacier, at an altitude of 3450 m. It is laid across the glacier and leads to Pavilion, the first intermediate station of the Monte Bianco funicular, from where you can continue the descent to La Palud. An adventure 7 km long, with a total elevation difference of 1300 m, which is carried out better in spring and accompanied by an experienced guide.
Leisure
For cross-country enthusiasts, Courmayeur offers always well-prepared trails, with many variations of base routes ranging from 3 to 20 km in length in the fabulous Val Ferret. Also very impressive is the Arpi route in Morges. The Monte Bianco massif offers ideal conditions for the practice of ski mountaineering. The best period for adventure on Mont Blanc is from January to March. The Val Ferret trails or the Entreve meadows in winter are exceptional places for those who want to try their hand at mountain tourism with dog-drawn sleighs.
The Palasport complex has an ice skating rink, 3 indoor tennis courts, 2 squash fields, a golf school, a fitness center where classes in aerobics, stretching, modern dance are held, and for relaxation there is a center with a Turkish bath, a sauna and a care center body. There are halls for basketball, volleyball, mini-football and a special hall with a climbing wall.
Turkish bath and saunas of any type, water cascades, baths, beauty center, various relaxation rooms, and the main part - external hot water baths, surrounded by snow and overlooking Mont Blanc.
For professionals and confident skiers, skiing in the areas of the Courmayeur resort is much more interesting than in Cervinia - there are more difficult, technical and steep slopes here than anywhere else in Italy. All trails are laid through the forest, filled with sun and give pure pleasure. For beginners, riding options are limited in variety. But there is freedom for off-piste skiing enthusiasts. Lovers long routes, telemark style, as well as snowboarders will also find many interesting places at this resort.
Courmayeur is one of the popular destinations for cross-country skiing. Particularly beautiful routes take place in the Val Ferret valley. There are also cross-country ski tracks near the town of Dolonne near Courmayre - evening snow skiing in the park is organized there.
Heli-skiing is actively practiced and ski tours with experienced guides. The prestige and fashionability of the resort is determined by the high level of local ski schools and personnel: many reputable Italian mountain guides, instructors and rescuers live here. In addition to all kinds of riding styles and types, they offer interesting mountain biking and dog sledding.
Skiing takes place from the peaks of Cresta d'Arp, 2755 m, Cresta Youla, 2624 m, Col Checrouit, 2256 m and Mon Chetif, 2343 m. The ski area is accessed by a funicular - the Courmayeur gondola, the Val Veny funicular from the town of Entreves (1306 m), a chairlift from the village of Zerotta (1525 m), and a cabin lift from the town of Dolonne. A ski bus runs between the lift stations.
The main ski area of ​​Courmayeur combines several slopes: the left (northeast) Checrouit (2256 m), where red slopes predominate, and the right (northwest) Val Veny with more difficult black slopes. You can highlight the slope of the Cresta d'Arp (2755 m) with good off-piste slopes. An interesting off-piste Courmayeur ski resort at the foot of Mont Blanc in the vastness of the White Valley - Vallee Blanche and the descent along the Del Tula glacier (Ghiacciaio Del Toula) into the Valle d'Aosta valley.
Ski area Checrouit Slope
The Checruit slope (2256 m) is flooded with sun in the first half of the day. From here begins the journey along all the ski slopes of the resort: from the outskirts of Courmayeur, a gondola cable car takes skiers to the Plan Checrouit station (1706 m). It can be called a hub, because from it the branching of lifts begins higher and higher to different routes, including to the area of ​​​​virgin snow - to the descents from the highest peak of the Cresta d'Arp slope. But first you need to get to the top of Cresta Youla. From The highest red trail, Youla, starts from this peak. From the top of Lago Checrouit, 2256 m, the red trail Lazei and Internazionale, length 6 km, elevation difference 1100 m, starts, which leads to the right slope. to more difficult trails. You can go straight down to the valley to Courmayeur along the red Dolonne trail to the town of the same name. There are also cross-country ski trails on this slope, for example the longest beautiful blue trail, Pra Neuron ( Pra Neyron) There is no special snow park for snowboarding, but a boarder cross ski slope has recently appeared near the La Gabba ski lift (Plan de la Gabba) at the top of Lago Checrouit. This slope is ideal for confident intermediate skiers.
Ski area Right slope of Val Veny
The slope of Val Veny descends into the valley from the summit of Mont Chetif (2343 m). It will be especially pleasant on this slope in the afternoon - the sun will cross here from the left slope. It will be comfortable here for beginners and those who want a relaxed, relaxed ride after lunch in the sun. For them, the favorites of the slope are the blue slopes of Val Veny, Chetif and Prato. But this slope is famous for its interesting black slopes. This is a slope for aces: all the steep, difficult routes have chosen it, there are at least five of them. After a snowfall, we recommend that you take the Competizione route. One of the coolest is the black Diretta. From the top of Cresta Youla there is a wonderful descent for off-piste skiing into the Val Veni valley. From the top of Lago Checrouit (2256 m) it is worth trying your hand at the red piste Internazionale (length 6 km, elevation difference 1100 m) - the longest exciting descent of the resort, which leads to the village of Zerotta.
While living in Courmayeur you can ski in the neighboring resort of La Thuile and in the French Chamonix. Buses run between the resorts on a scheduled basis.
Apres-Ski and entertainment in the ski resort of Courmayeur
Courmayeur today is a fashionable, expensive resort popular all year round, not inferior in chic to the resorts of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites: luxury hotels and shops, gourmet restaurants, social resort life with enchanting nights. Historical Center attracts you to narrow ancient streets with mansions from the times of Napoleon Bonaparte, cozy restaurants and cheerful bars. In August, the entire world elite comes here every year for the film festival. Spring is welcomed with a magnificent carnival and festive processions in honor of Valentine's Day (February 14). Tourists are no less delighted by the colorful spectacles dedicated to the opening of the winter ski season, especially the night descent from mountain peaks best athletes with lit torches. Hotels in Courmayeur resort.
From sports entertainment: motorcycle club, rock climbing, skating rink, tennis court, swimming pool.
Sports Center Courmayeur Forum - Sport Center, via dello stadio, 1, Tel. (+39) 0165 844096. There is a skating rink, curling, tennis, squash, golf, gym, table tennis, beauty and health center. Open: 10:00-23:00
Thermal center Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier - Located in the town of Pre-Saint-Didier (8 km from Courmayeur), Allee des Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier, Tel. (+39) 0165 867272. Pools with thermal water, numerous treatments, sauna. The thermal center of Pré-Saint-Didier at the foot of Mont Blanc is a modern spa and wellness center with thermal pools, hydromassage, Finnish saunas and baths in Roman traditions. Service at the highest level provides guests with bathrobes, slippers, towels and refreshments (water, juices, fruits, herbal tea). Mineral water has a beneficial effect on the skin, has soothing and relaxing properties, and is useful for various rheumatic diseases. The complex offers more than 20 different spa procedures (from 32 euros per procedure).
For gourmets - Courmayeur has a huge number of restaurants, mountain huts, bars, pizzerias. The resort is famous for its gastronomic shops with Valdostana delicacies: local cheeses, hams, jams from forest and garden berries. You can try and buy the jam at the Fratelli Panizzi store.
Best restaurants:
Aria - Vicolo Dolonne, 18 Tel. +39 0165 848069
Novecento - Viale Monte Bianco 64, Tel. (+39) 0165 843000
Shopping - In Courmayeur there are stores of the most famous companies producing sports equipment. But it’s also a great shopping experience for fashionistas: clothes and shoes from the most famous designers are no more expensive than in Milan. January is the discount season. Not far from Milan: from Pre-Saint-Didier 3 hours by train. To Turin - 2 hours 30 minutes.
Children
Kindergarten - Located in Plan Checrouit at the arrival point of the Courmayeur funicular. Accepts children from 0 to 10 years old and is open from 09:00 to 16:00.
The ski resort of Courmayeur is located at a distance:
150 km from Turin airport
100 km from Geneva airport
200 km from Milan airport

Courmayeur is the top three most expensive and elite ski resort, along with Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This resort is located on the border with France and bears the imprint of French charm and a special taste for life.

The trails here are polished to perfection and are not intended for beginners at all. Off-piste descents start from sky-high heights and run along such slopes that even seasoned freeriders have no time for jokes. And below is the carousel of social life: elegant hotels, gourmet restaurants, the famous baths of Pre Saint Didier, carnivals - real metropolitan life.

Without any stretch of the imagination, Courmayeur can be called the capital ski region Valle d'Aosta is the highest in Italy. There is a highway leading from and here with branches to the resorts of La Thuile. The road ends with the bulk of Mont Blanc (Montblanc, 4810 m), which has no equal in height in Europe. In Italian this name sounds like Monte Bianco - “ White Mountain

"; Courmayeur is located at its foot. It lies at an altitude of 1224 m, surrounded by 4 main alpine four-thousanders.

Dear reader, to find an answer to any question about holidays in Italy, use. I answer all questions in the comments under the relevant articles at least once a day. Your guide in Italy Artur Yakutsevich.

In the northeast the Val Ferret valley leads to the border with Switzerland, in the northwest along the ValVeny valley there is a border with France, ahead is the tunnel through Mont Blanc (Tunnel del Monte Bianco), on the other side tunnel – French sister resort of Chamonix.

Story

Courmayeur is a place with rich historical traditions.

Trails, lifts, ski passes

But they are of the best quality: they are interesting and well prepared. No matter how broken they are by the end of the day, in the morning the slopes delight the skier’s eye with their well-groomed appearance: dense, squandered slopes without a single bump promise a lot of positive emotions. Route map of the Courmayeur resort:

The ski area is divided into two parts: the southeastern part - for the average and unprepared public, and the northern part, with a predominance of black and difficult red slopes. To the south-eastern part - Checrouit - two lifts, Courmayeur and Dolonne, deliver from the valley.

The first one is located in the city center, so there are queues. The second one is located on the outskirts and is served by a ski bus that runs every 40 minutes. If you have a car, it is convenient to use the Dolonne lift; there is a parking lot for this.

Blue trails For beginner skiers there are few slopes, only 15 km, they start at the top of Mo Shetif

• (MotChetif, 2343 m) and descend in different directions:
• Chetif,
• Prato

Pra-Peyron. They dominate the resort, are only 65 km, and are intended

• to improve the skills of skiers with average skills:
• Internationale (Internazionale) - the most popular and longest of all the resort’s slopes from the Lago Checrouit area, it descends to the Zerotta ski lift (700 m drop);
• The Youla piste descends from the highest ski area - GrestaYoula, 2624 m, where few people go up;
• Dolonne is the only piste that goes down into the valley without a lift, and if you have a car parked there, this piste is a convenient way to end your skiing.

Black tracks

These descents - 20 km in total - are concentrated in the northwestern area of ​​Val Veny. The sun appears here towards the end of the day, so the snow is well preserved.

The “championship” Competizione track with a sudden wall, as well as the equally difficult Rosse Blanche and Des Eves tracks, which pass through a dark coniferous forest, are the highlight of the resort in terms of their level.

Experienced skiers claim that all the slopes of Courmayeur can be skied in one day. Ski passes with permission to ski in neighboring resorts, as well as access to interesting slopes throughout the Valle d'Aosta region, will make the holiday of any skier not boring.

Off-piste

Freeriders are Courmayeur's most loyal admirers. Coming here more than once, they find secluded places where they train, using the advice of professional guides. It is not recommended to make major off-piste descents without guides:

• Peak Gresta Youla – Vesses ice field – Val Veny valley;
• Peak Grestd’Arp, 2755 – Cold’Arp pass, 2570 – Dolonne valley;
• Punta Hebronner, 3462 m – Val Verret valley – with a height difference of 2000 m;
• Punta Hebronner – Vallee Blanche (White Valley) – the legendary descent of the Courmayeur resort.

In addition to consultations and assistance to freeriders, guides from the Courmayeur Guides Association conduct heli-skiing and snowshoe treks to Chamonix along the icy expanses of the White Valley.

Lifts

In total, the resort is served by two gondolas, 7 chairs and funiculars and 11 drag lifts. Tourists rise from the valley to the ski areas from four stations: Courmayeur and Dolonne, Entreves and Skyway Monte Bianco.

The latest ski lift, built using the latest technology, takes tourists to Punta Hebronner. This peak is connected to the Aguile du Midi peak by a panoramic cabin. From there on cable car you can go down to the French slope of Mont Blanc - the resort of Chamonix. Such an air cruise over the Alpine peaks is possible today using the lift system of Italian and French resorts. The climb from Courmayeur to Punta Hebronner costs 40€.

Ski passes

The resort has the following ski pass system:

1. The cost of passes depends on the season. A one-day ski pass for an adult costs 50 € in normal season, and 55 € in high season;
2. Special rates are provided for children 8-14 years old, teenagers 14-18 years old, and elderly people over 64 years old.
3. A 3-5 day pass gives you the right to ski at any Aosta resort for 1 day;
4. A 6-11 day pass allows you to ski at other resorts for 2 days;
5. A subscription for 11-14 days gives the right to ski at the resorts of the valley for 3 days;

The ski pass “Courmayeur + Skyway Monte Bianco + Valle d’Aosta” allows you to use the following ski lifts:

• Courmayeur, including Skyway Monte Bianco;
• La Thuila,
• Cervinia,
• resorts Champoluc, Gressoney,
• resort Pyla. A one-day ski pass for this type cost 46 €.
• Ski pass “Valle d’Aosta” for 6 days – allows you to use the ski lifts of the Swiss resort of Verbier.
• The Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass allows you to use the ski lifts of the following resorts:
• Courmayeur, including Skyway Monte Bianco;
• Chamonix;
• Verbier;
• Megeve. In addition, it entitles you to discounts on bus and private transport for travel through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

Table with ski pass prices to Courmayeur - you can

Up-to-date information can be obtained on the official website of the resort: www.courmayeur-montblanc.com.

Hotels

Housing in Courmayeur is not selected near the ski lifts, which are located on the outskirts of the city. The city center near the bus station, central square, chain of shops and restaurants - the most comfortable spot residence.

Hotel prices increase during (December 24 – January 10) and February carnivals (February 6-21). The choice of hotels at the resort is rich: from five-star comfortable rooms to apartments with the most modest range of services.

5 stars

Grand Hotel Royal E Golf

Restaurants An Italian holiday is a ritual dinner with a leisurely change of dishes, savoring wines and quiet confidential conversation. Russian-speaking tourists were surprised to notice that they were able to have heart-to-heart conversations with friends best in the atmosphere Italian restaurants

1. . Italian and Valdosta cuisine dominate the resort. According to reviews from tourists and our friends, you can have a good evening in the following restaurants and bars: La Piazzetta
   – a restaurant with a very friendly owner and staff. The prices on the menu are lower than in other places, the dishes are impressive, and the quality is excellent. Specialties are prepared from seafood. Address:
2. Via Roma, 13/a, 11013 Courmayeur, Italy. American Bar
   – a restaurant with a very friendly owner and staff. The prices on the menu are lower than in other places, the dishes are impressive, and the quality is excellent. Specialties are prepared from seafood.– resort après-ski center; skiers share their impressions of the day; You can dance here to the sounds of live music. Italian flatbread piadina with ham (prosciutto) is served as an appetizer. Significant sporting events are broadcast on a huge monitor.
3. Via Roma 43 pizzeria Du Tunnel a budget dinner for a family of 4 is possible for 90 €, there is the most magical pizza, inexpensive pasta and there are always a lot of people. Tourists who have been here recommend visiting it to all beginners.
   – a restaurant with a very friendly owner and staff. The prices on the menu are lower than in other places, the dishes are impressive, and the quality is excellent. Specialties are prepared from seafood. Via Circonvallazione 80

There are restaurants, cafes and snack bars near all ski lifts in Courmayeur. Prices there are 4-5 € higher than in the valley. The Pavillon restaurant appeared at the resort along with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift. Located at the Chiecco intermediate station. Very popular among tourists, despite the prices being above average. You must reserve a table immediately upon arrival.

Courmayeur is a ski resort in Italy that guarantees high quality and reveals the beauty of life in all its diversity.

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How to get to Courmayeur

Courmayeur is not only famous, but also the oldest ski resort in Italy. It is located away from the newfangled resorts, almost on the border with France, hence the proximity of the treasured Mont Blanc peak. Courmayeur will surprise you with its thoroughness. For example, there is not so much mileage for skiing here, but the quality of the trails is impeccable, with different levels of difficulty and ideal coverage.

The sports life will also surprise you with its diversity. Courmayeur is famous for its pedestrian zone, or promenade. Restaurants, shops, thermal complexes - all this is also located on the highest level at the resort. Closest to Courmayeur big city With international airport Arrival is considered to be Turin. From there it is most convenient to get to the ski resort. If you wish, you can also get to Courmayeur from Milan or Geneva, Switzerland.

There are direct and connecting flights from Russia to Turin; their schedule can be checked on the websites Aviasales, Buruki and others, where you can find out prices for specific dates and purchase tickets. The distance between Turin and Courmayeur is 147 km. You can get from Turin to the ski resort by public transport(several transfers are required along the way), by transfer (the most popular type of transportation) or by rented car. If you choose the latter option, you will need an international driving license. Rental offices can be found right at Turin airport. Check prices and book the car you need you can do it in advance through services like , , and others. Turin and Courmayeur connect highway No. A5.

A private transfer can also be booked in advance. In this case, the car and driver will be waiting for you when your flight arrives. Travel time and transfer costs vary depending on the mileage. So, will take about 1.5 hours, from – approximately 2 hours, from – 1 hour 35 minutes. Ordering a transfer or taxi is the most popular option for getting to the resort, since it does not require transfers and takes a minimum amount of time. IN winter time Group transfer is also available.

Stefano Merli/Courmayeur in summer

Where to stay in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a classic resort with a predominance of hotel accommodation, although the apartment segment is also gaining popularity. In addition to hotels and apartments, you can also stay in Courmayeur in guest houses, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes and even campsites. The price range in Courmayeur is large, there are also quite budget options, and chic and exclusive (at the resort you can find as many as 4 5-star hotels).

Most hotels in Courmayeur are chalet-style, one or two floors, with a small number of accommodations, so guests can feel quite comfortable. The rooms are spacious, made in a traditional style and from natural materials. Courmayeur, as a resort, strives for impeccable environmental friendliness.

As for food, as a rule, breakfast is included in the price. Also, some hotels have restaurants on their premises where you can dine à la carte. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are also indispensable attributes of living in Courmayeur. Some hotels in the 4-star category and above have spa areas, while others have fitness rooms or indoor pools. In general, there are no problems with the recreation area in Courmayeur, and even if the hotel is not equipped with additional options, the resort has its own thermal complexes.

Apartments in Courmayeur sell out very quickly; it is better to book them in advance. If there is no available option left, then you can consider apartments in neighboring towns, for example, La Thuile, La Salle, Pré-Saint-Didier and others. Most of these towns are located within a radius of 6-10 km directly from Courmayeur. Among apartments, renting individual houses or rooms in apart-hotels predominates.

In order to find the ideal accommodation option in terms of price and quality, no matter whether it is a hotel or an apartment, it is recommended to make reservations as far in advance as possible, ideally several months before the trip, so you can consider a larger number of existing offers. You can check prices for all possible accommodation options at the resort in Courmayeur on specialized search engine sites Booking, Hotellook and others that allow you to compare all existing offers for the required dates.

The following accommodation locations are in stable demand in Courmayeur:

• Villa Novecento Romantic Hotel 4* (This boutique hotel has a convenient location, a free bus runs to the ski slopes. The hotel has a fitness room, sauna, hydromassage, massage room. There is also a restaurant on site. You can stay in rooms of various sizes, including family rooms. Meals - breakfast or half board. Private parking is available for an additional fee and upon reservation);

• Hotel La Grange 3* (The hotel is located in the outskirts of Courmayeur and 500 m from the nearest ski lift. The hotel has a fitness room, sauna, restaurant. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, meals - breakfast according to the type “ Buffet" Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. Parking available);

• Hotel Des Glaciers 3* (The hotel has a good location relative to the center of Courmayeur and the ski lifts. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. Guests can stay in rooms of various sizes, including family rooms. Meals are buffet breakfasts. The hotel has free private parking. Wi-Fi provided free of charge);

• Hotel La Compagnar 3* (The hotel is located in a picturesque location, at a distance of 200 m from the nearest ski lift. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. You can stay in various rooms, meals are breakfast. Guests are offered free private parking, ski storage, wireless Internet).

raffaele sergi/Courmayeur

What to see in Courmayeur

Courmayeur, as a ski resort, gained its fame back in the 18th century, and since then the infrastructure of the town has been consistently improved. Today it is a modern resort with a wide variety of trails and sports-related entertainment. In total, Courmayeur is about 80 km ski slopes of varying complexity. Despite the relatively short total length, the routes are very diverse and do not suffer from monotony. There are also areas for free skiing, and for a comfortable climb there are 18 different lifts. A snow park, forest trails, artificial lighting, heli-skiing - all this can also be found in Courmayeur.

Prices for ski passes in Courmayeur vary depending on the length of stay and the ski areas (in addition to Courmayeur, the ski pass can also include the ski areas of neighboring resorts in the Aosta Valley).

In addition to skiing, Courmayeur offers other types of entertainment. For example, after an active day you can visit the thermal complex in the neighboring village of Pré-Saint-Didier. The wellness center offers a wide variety of relaxation areas and treatments. So, here you can visit an outdoor thermal pool with picturesque views of Mont Blanc, hydromassage pools, artificial waterfalls, and steam baths. Various types of saunas, salt rooms, walk through different kinds massages and beauty treatments. There is a restaurant on site. The complex is open daily from 8.30 am to 11 pm.

Leo-setä/Courmayeur ski lifts

In the summer, the resort offers a visit to the family amusement park Parco Avventura Monte Bianco (the so-called “suspended” park), hiking along one of the pre-designated routes, and hang-gliding or paragliding flights with an instructor are also available. Fishing, ski lifts, mountaineering, ice skating and cross-country skiing, golf, tennis - all this is also offered for recreation in Courmayeur. The resort has first-class instructors and is open in winter ski schools, so Courmayeur is perfect for beginners.

In general, Courmayeur is a resort known for a long time and already established. The infrastructure and service at the resort have reached their maximum; Courmayeur is a resort with the highest reputation. The proximity to Mont Blanc, France and Switzerland provides an eventful excursion program. While at the resort, you can always go for a day or two to one of the Italian, French or Swiss cities for an excursion. In the summer, Courmayeur also offers a lot of entertainment for families, individuals, and large groups.

stefano Merli/Mountains of Mont Blanc

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

On a note:

When going on a trip to Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as , and others. You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

Photo at the beginning of the article: Roman Boed

The ski resort of Courmayeur in Italy is a picturesque interweaving of ski slopes surrounded by magical nature, snow-capped mountain peaks, ancient forest and luxury hotels. One of the most popular Italian resorts among lovers of difficult trails and fast descents.

Courmayeur - how to get there

In close proximity are the airports of Geneva, Turin and Milan, with which the resort is connected by high-speed rail.

It is also possible to arrive by bus from Aosta, Turin or Milan. About 10 luxury buses run between cities per day.

And, of course, you can rent a car (take the A5 motorway) or negotiate with the hotel about transfers from the airport.

Tourist season

The ski season lasts from December to April inclusive. Snowy, but warm winter with frequent snowfalls alternating bright sun attracts tourists from all over the world.

Features of summer holidays

Mont Blanc

However, unlike most ski resorts, tourists come here in the summer.

Nearby is the unique spa resort Thermes de Pré Saint Didier, which offers guests not only magnificent views of Mont Blanc and complete relaxation in the peace and tranquility of the mountains, but also many body care treatments, massages, and rejuvenating complexes.

Courmayeur in summer – lively and interesting place, beloved by tourists for its panoramic views, mountains covered with dense forests and scenic hiking trails.

Where to stay?

The resort has a fairly large selection of hotels. There are also luxurious five-star hotels located in the city center, there are also more economical “three” hotels, and there are also “average” fours.

Among all, we can highlight the three best in terms of price-quality ratio:

1. Hotel Boughton D'Or
2. Hotel Chalet Plan Gorret
3. Hotel Valais Blanche

The Courmayeur map will help you better navigate the city, introducing you to the location of hotels, trails, restaurants, cafes and everything that is so necessary for a good rest.

The most important thing is that no matter what star rating of the hotel tourists choose, they receive first-class European service, a unique and breathtaking view from the windows, as well as traditional hospitality and the friendly attitude of local residents.

What else to do?

Courmayeur offers its tourists not only many kilometers of ski slopes, but also a rather interesting off-piste program.

The Alpine Museum, an ancient church with a town hall, medieval towers, one of the highest botanical gardens in Europe, many picturesque old houses - and this is not all that this Italian town will delight you with.

Restaurants, cafes and chalets offer their visitors delicious dishes not only Italian cuisine. Here you can taste dishes from neighboring France or Switzerland, Germany or Greece.

Here are the most famous:

If you want to add activity to your everyday life, you can swim in the pool, go dog sledding, play billiards, bowling, or go to the skating rink.

About the routes

More than 100 kilometers of ski slopes annually welcome tourists, the slopes are serviced by 30 lifts, between which special buses run, so it will not be difficult to get from one part of the resort to another.

Most trails, however, are designed for those who are confident on skis and are marked “red” or “black.”

The longest route is 6 km.

Ski pass prices

Prices are indicated in euros

And here is a video of the resort:

The Mont Blanc mountain range on the border of Italy and France is perhaps the best place in the Alps for off-piste skiing. You can argue whether the Italian part is cooler or the French part, or you can just try both. Resorts Courmayeur And Chamonix on both sides of Mont Blanc are inextricably linked with each other not only by the history of conquering the highest peak Western Europe, off-piste routes of the famous White Valley, separating the two countries, and a unique cable car between the Helbroner peaks in Italy and Aguille du Midi in France, but also the 11-kilometer tunnel under Mont Blanc.

The fundamental difference between them, perhaps, is that the French Chamonix has long become the world Mecca of freeride, but the Italians seem to be saving Courmayeur for themselves. There are less than a hundred kilometers of prepared trails, but almost twice as many off-piste routes. Reliable snow, a long season, an impressive landscape, fantastic skiing and the rare entertainment of heli-skiing in the Alps, plus real masculine cuisine and excellent wines - these are, in fact, the main winter attractions of Courmayeur.

COURMAYOR

The most famous and fashionable resort of the Aosta Valley, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur became a favorite vacation spot of European and Italian bohemia long before the first ski lifts appeared here. He owes his appearance not at all alpine skiing, and mountaineering. In 1850, the Association of Mountain Guides of Courmayeur was founded here, whose members accompanied Queen Margaret to Spitsbergen and the Duke of Abruzzese on a polar expedition. Getting to know the history of this “order” can be combined with searching for a freeride guide - the museum dedicated to the guides of Courmayeur is located in the Association building on the main street of the resort - Via Roma.

Despite its modest size, Courmayeur combines the best qualities inherent in Italian cities. Fashion is represented here - from Cartier and Hermes to Gant and Timberland. The food here is excellent, and you don’t have to go to the most expensive restaurant to appreciate it. Finally, with all the brilliance of the storefronts and the abundance of hotels of all categories here, you immediately feel that this place has a history. Her memory is preserved, in particular, by the Church of St. Pantaleone with a medieval bell tower on Via Roma and the Malluquin tower, a remnant of an ancient castle.

FREERIDE

The two main starting points for freeriding in the Courmayeur area, accessible by lift, are the peaks of Punta Helbronner (3462 m) in the Mont Blanc massif and Crest d'Arp (2764 m) in the ski area directly above Courmayeur. At least five routes of varying difficulty with a height difference of more than 2000 m go from Helbroner down to Courmayeur. In the middle part, each of them opens up another 2-3 possible lines of descent into the valley. Another option is to descend from Helbroner towards France, to Chamonix - along one of the dozen routes of the legendary 22-kilometer White Valley (you can return back to Courmayeur by bus). There are basically no prepared trails down from the Cross d’Arpe, so people come here specifically for off-piste skiing. Two main routes with a drop of just over 1500 m lead from here down to Courmayeur, one goes into the neighboring valley to the village of La Balme (you can return back to Courmayeur by bus), another five routes descend to Val Veny - a side valley of Courmayeur, from where back to the zone skiing can be accessed by ski lift. You can navigate this space using route maps, which can be viewed at the office (Association of Courmayeur Guides), but we do not recommend exploring it on your own without a guide.

Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur: Strada Villair 2 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165842064 www.guidecourmayeur.com

HELI-SKI

Val d'Aosta is the only region in Italy and one of two in the entire Alps where heli-skiing is allowed - off-piste skiing with a helicopter transfer to the top. One of the base helicopter stations is Heliski Courmayeur, is located in the Val Veny valley in Courmayeur. In the two main ski areas - Ghiacciai and Fortin (the glacial region of the Italian part of the Mont Blanc massif and the slopes of the ridge opposite, respectively), 17 off-piste routes are marked, starting at elevations of 2750-3600 m above sea level. They all end in the side valley of Courmayeur - Val Veny. The quality of snow in season thanks to the glaciers in the area of ​​Ghiacciai and the northern exposure of Fortin is excellent. The ideal time for skiing is January-March, the optimal group composition is 4 people. You can book a helicopter and guide services at the Association of Courmayeur Guides or directly at Heliski Courmayeur. The cost of one day of skiing (three drops, the services of an alpine guide, ARVA equipment and harness) is 400 euros per person in a group of 4 people.

Heliski Courmayeur: SS26 – Partenza Funivia Val Veny – 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel: +39 3272340016 www.heliskicourmayeur.com

GUIDES

The organization and support of heliskiing, ski tours and off-piste skiing on the Italian side of Mont Blanc can be entrusted to professionals from Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur(Association of Courmayeur Guides). If you are not going to ski in glacial areas, you can contact both (Courmayeur instructor school) and Scuola Sci Monte Bianco(region of Monte Bianco). The Courmayeur ski school has an excellent snowboarder, Manuel Castelnovo, and a classic skier, Martino Valle. At the regional school of Monte Biaco, proven by years of training in the Italian national team - Luca Blanchet and Edmond Jossa. In addition to the actual accompaniment, guides and/or instructors will advise and help with the rental of necessary equipment, if necessary. For off-piste skiing in the glacier area, in addition to a beeper, a probe and a shovel, you may need a climbing harness and crampons.

Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur(Association of Courmayeur Guides): Strada Villair 2 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165842064 www.guidecourmayeur.com

Scuola Sci e Snowboard Courmayeur(School of Instructors of Courmayeur): Via Roma, 48 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel.
 +39 0165848254

Scuola Sci Monte Bianco www.scuolascicourmayeur.com (School of Instructors of the Monte Bianco Region): Strada Regionale 5111013 Courmayeur (AO),Tel. +39 0165842477

www.scuolascimontebianco.com

HOTELS From a luxurious palace in the heart of the resort to a cozy classic chalet in a secluded corner of the valley, Courmayeur owes its popularity among the Italian aristocracy to its variety of worthy accommodation options. Au Coeur Des Neiges is one of the new concept hotels in Courmayeur, which opened in December 2010. Hotel The luxury class consists of a dozen classic mountain chalets, two apartments, a suite and two rooms. In addition to exquisite interiors, modern wellness and a swimming pool overlooking Mont Blanc, the highlight of the hotel is its personal chef, who will introduce you to the traditional gastronomy of this region of Italy. You can learn more about the history of Courmayeur and taste that same dolce vita by staying at Grand Hotel Royal & Golf - a favorite vacation spot of Queen Margaret of Savoy. If, on the contrary, you value the privacy and comfort of modern times, it will suit you Mont Blanc Hotel Village

- another upscale hotel overlooking Mont Blanc, located on the mountainside just outside of Courmayeur. Au Coeur Des Neiges Resort : Strada Statale 26, n° 2/b - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165843514

The luxury class consists of a dozen classic mountain chalets, two apartments, a suite and two rooms. In addition to exquisite interiors, modern wellness and a swimming pool overlooking Mont Blanc, the highlight of the hotel is its personal chef, who will introduce you to the traditional gastronomy of this region of Italy. You can learn more about the history of Courmayeur and taste that same dolce vita by staying at: www.aucoeurdesneiges.com Via Roma 87 -11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165831611

- a favorite vacation spot of Queen Margaret of Savoy. If, on the contrary, you value the privacy and comfort of modern times, it will suit you:Loc. La Croisette, 36 - 11015 La Salle (AO), Tel. +39 0165864111 www.hotelmontblanc.it

THERMES

A 10-minute drive from Courmayeur, in the quiet town of Pré-Saint-Didier, there are thermal springs and a slightly old-fashioned, but that makes it even more cozy wellness complex Terme Pre-Saint-Didier. If real freeriders get there, as a rule, it’s after it gets dark – they take a soak, admiring the stars, lying in one of three outdoor pools in the middle of a snowy meadow. During the day, the same pools of Pré-Saint-Didier are an excellent opportunity not only to relax and take a good look at Mont Blanc, enjoying the sun and fresh air, but also to observe with what ecstasy the Italians themselves relax. The ancient Romans knew about the iron-rich thermal waters of the two springs gushing here , however, the heyday of spa tourism began in Pré-Saint-Didier in the middle of the 17th century and has not slowed down since then. The treatments offered by the thermal center take place in a building built at that time and subsequently reconstructed.

Terme Pre-Saint-Didier: Allee des Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier (AO), Tel. +39 0165867272 www.termedipre.it

RESTAURANTS

One of the most famous restaurants of Courmayeur is located in its “suburb” – the village of Entreves. La Maison de Filippo, Born in 1965, it is famous for its traditional home cooking, Valdostana hospitality and the atmosphere of an old mountain house, filled to the brim with quaint antiques and “old wives' tales”. Specialties: Valdostana ravioli, polenta carbonada and homemade ice cream. Elegant Milenovsky restaurant La Cassolette at the Mont Blanc Hotel Village is the patrimony of Fabio Barbaglini, a great admirer of the magnificent nature of the Valle d'Aosta, from which he literally and figuratively draws inspiration. In his light, modern dishes, the chef uses natural products from his own farm and traditional products of the region. Specialties: marinated and smoked trout, deer steak with prunes and cardamom sauce. In a cozy Cafe Quinson in another “suburb” of Courmayeur – Morges, there are only a few tables, which are clearly not enough to accommodate everyone. And it’s not the size at all, but the local cuisine, noted by many gastronomic guides. The chef of Café Quinson amazingly interprets traditional Valdostana recipes, as if reinventing them, which is why the restaurant is very popular among the Italians themselves. A 17th-century wine cellar with a unique collection from around the world only adds to the piquancy of this establishment. Specialties: steamed trout fillet with herbs, Valdostana cheeses and smoked meats, wines.

La Maison de Filippo: Fraz. Entrèves 11013 - Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165869797 www.lamaison.com

Cafe Quinson: di Buillas Agostino & C. Piazza Principe Tomaso, 10 - 11017 Morgex (AO), Tel. +39 0165809499 www.cafequinson.it

La Cassolette: Loc. La Croisette, 36 - 11015 La Salle (AO), Tel. +39 0165864111 www.hotelmontblanc.it

APRE-SKI

Like any other social holiday destination in Italy, Courmayeur is full of coffee shops, piano bars, tasting rooms and pubs. Most of them are located on Via Roma, the main street of the town. It is also where Prada, Gucci, Valentino and other designer boutiques of clothing, accessories, sports stores, antique shops, and galleries mainly nest. The right choice for an aperitif or just a coffee - bar Caffe della Posta on the same street. Here you should also try a proven way to establish a close acquaintance with the Valdosta table culture - order “grolla”. The Valdostani people call this wooden “teapot” with several spouts coppa dell'amicizia- something like a “cup of friendship”. This original Valle d'Aosta invention is carved from a single piece of wood. They drink from it, as a rule, in large groups, passing it to each other until it is empty. The two main ingredients of the drink are espresso and grappa. Next on the list is adding liquor Genepy or Grand Marnier, sugar, spices. The mixture is heated before being poured into the growl and set on fire for a minute or two, acquiring a very bright, characteristic aroma. Depending on the proportions of coffee and alcohol this By the end of the ritual, the Cup of Friendship can evoke deeper feelings for each other and for others among those participating.