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• Resort Guide

Resort Height: 1224m

Whilst Chamonix is famous for sitting beneath Western Europe’s highest mountain, the mighty Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is a little less well known for sitting on the Italian side of the mountain, which is known locally as Monte Bianco. Courmayeur is probably the more atmospheric and idyllic of the two however, with ancient buildings (settlement goes back at least 2,100 years) huddled around cobbled streets, oozing traditional charm. Alas the old town is not entirely attempt from modern development, but the ugly concrete rectangular buildings have at least been banished to the outskirts of town and don’t spoil the atmosphere in the resort centre.

The ski area is split in two with the local slopes directly above the resort. This is the larger area, with mostly easy and intermediate pistes on Checrouit – Val Veny. The second area accessed by the three stage Paklud cable car, one of Europe’s longest and highest, opens up numerous off piste routes including the legendary 24km (15 mile) long Vallee Blanche down over the border to Chamonix.

Beginners

There is a beginner slope right by the village but more likely you will take the cable car up to Plan Checrout (1707m) here there is a sunny plateau on which to learn with the highly rated ski school. We can also offer learn-to-ski (or board) package deals which include lift ticket, tuition and equipment rentals. These are likely to cost less than buying these services separately in resort and save you hassle on arrival. However some of the drag lifts in the beginner areas do run free of charge.

Intermediates

Intermediates have the most to enjoy at Courmayeur, with long red pistes and a lot of accessible off-piste skiing that intermediate level skiers can tackle with tuition and a guide. On the piste the International trail is the most famous, descending 1900 vertical metres over its six kilometer (four mile) length. Intermediate level skiers with stamina can tackle what is arguably the world’s longest lift-served run, the Vallee Blanch descent, reached via the Palud cable cars. The long run takes up to five hours to complete down in Chamonix from where you take a bus back to Courmayeur through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. The area lift ticket (six days or longer) includes a day in Chamonix as well as in another French resort, Flaine, and two days in Courmayeur’s fellow Aosta Valley resorts in the Italian side including La Thuile, Gressoney, Cervinia, Pila or Champoluc, if you ever tire of the local runs.

Advanced

Although there are only two black pistes, Courmayeur is blessed with a large number of cable cars that access long off piste routes, a fact which, when combined with a world famous mountain guides office established in 1850, means a huge selection of opportunities for experts. One of the most spectacular descents is the 2,000 vertical metre Toula run accessed by the Palud cable cars which begins at Helbronner Point. Other popular runs are Col d’Arp, l’Arp Veille and the Couloir of Dolonne. If that’s not enough there’s the added possibility of heliskiing.

Snowboarding

Courmayeur’s boardng scene is more freeride than snow park, although there is one, on Plan della Gabba. However boarders tend to spend their days in the powder bowls or bouncing the bumps on the sides of the pistes cut down through the trees.

Other Activities and Facilities

Shopping is quite a big activity in Courmayeur where the options range from local produce at the weekly market to haute couture boutiques such as Hermes, Cartier and Sergio Tacchini. Other indoor attractions include an ice rink (the largest in Europe), sports centre with climbing wall, library and Alpine museum. Excursions are organized to the local market town of Aosta as well as through the tunnel to Chamonix.

Outdoor activities include snow shoeing, cross country skiing, paragliding and helicopter trips.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Courmayeur’s pedestrianised centre in the old town is a great base for après ski with character. Popular spots include the American Bar and nearby Bar Della Posta. There are plenty more, over 50 bars and restaurants in fact, along with several bar-discos that have dancing when the lifts close and again later in the evening. If you fancy a flutter you can take an excursion to the casino in St. Vincent. Most restaurants serve Italian pasta and pizza favourites. The Vieux Pommier serves local specialities from the Aosta Valley and Piazzetta has a reputation for seafood. The resort is noticeably more cosmopolitan at weekends when the well heeled roll in from Milan and Turin.

Families

One of the best ski resorts in Italy for families with young children, the Monte Bianco ski school runs the Kinderheim at Plan Checrouit at the top of the cable car for children aged six months to 12 years. It operates every day except Sunday and there are ski lessons for older children aged four and up. It is a legal requirement for children to wear ski helmets in Italy. In resort the pedestrian centre and affordable family friendly dining on pasta and pizza are all good for happy holidays.

Ski/Board Suitability Guide

Suitable for families:	[Yes]
Suitable for beginners:	[4]
Suitable for intermediate skiers:	[5]
Suitable for advanced skiers:	[3]
Suitable for boarders skiers:	[3]

Piste Map for Courmayeur

Accommodation in Courmayeur

• Astoria - 3 star,
• Astoria - 3 star, half board
• Bouton D`or - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Bouton D`or - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Checrouit Apartments - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Checrouit Apartments - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Checrouit Apartments - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Courmayeur - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Cresta et Duc - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Croux - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Croux - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Dei Camosci - 2 star, bed & breakfast
• Dei Camosci - 2 star, half board
• Del Viale - 3 star, half board
• Del Viale - 3 star, half board
• Gran Baita - 4 star, half board
• Gran Baita - 4 star, half board
• Hotel Berthod - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Hotel Cresta Et Duc - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Walser - 3 star, half board
• Les Jumeaux - 4 star, half board
• Lo Scoiattolo - 2 star, half board
• Maison St. Jean - 3 star, half board
• Maison St. Jean - 3 star, half board
• Triolet - 3 star, half board
• Walser - 3 star, half board
• Walser - 3 star, half board

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