Courmayeur is a beacon for ski aficionados seeking a blend of traditional charm and modern skiing facilities. This renowned Italian ski resort not only offers exhilarating off-piste adventures but also boasts a vibrant village ambiance complemented by exquisite dining options.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Courmayeur ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Courmayeur resort and ski area overview
- Where is Courmayeur?
- Courmayeur the resort
- Courmayeur ski area
- Skiing in Courmayeur
- Courmayeur ski season dates
- Courmayeur snow history
- Restaurants in Courmayeur
- Things to do in Courmayeur
- Courmayeur apres ski, and nightlife
- Courmayeur resort map
- Practical information
Where is Courmayeur?
Courmayeur is located in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy, at the base of Mont Blanc, near the borders of France and Switzerland.
For a detailed view of Courmayeur's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
Courmayeur the resort
- Resort altitude: 1224 m
- Resort permanent residents: 2815
Courmayeur exudes a rich blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. Originally developed around two ancient churches, this resort has grown while preserving its characterful core of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with boutiques, bars, and cafés. Famed for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during weekends, the influx of visitors from nearby cities like Milan and Turin adds to its allure. Apart from its main hub, the town encompasses enchanting suburbs and satellite villages, such as Entrèves, providing multiple lift access points. A true year-round destination, Courmayeur not only caters to ski enthusiasts but also to those keen on indulging in its bustling après-ski scene, eclectic shopping, and nightlife.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Breathtaking mountains landscape views | Not really a beginner-friendly resort |
| Great intermediate skiing | Upper cable cars have limited capacity |
| A refined, but relaxed and friendly resort | No real resort return run |
| Extraordinary off-piste accessible via the ski lifts | N/A |
Here is how Courmayeur looks like
Watch Courmayeur on YouTube .
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Courmayeur ski area
- Summit elevation: 2765 m
- Kilometres of pistes: 100 km (groomed & off-piste)
- Vertical drop: 1500 m
- Ski lifts: 18
Courmayeur offers 100 km of skiable terrain, of which 43 km are groomed pistes divided into 33 runs (11 blue, 17 red, and 5 black) all serviced by 18 lifts. Courmayeur's ski area is composed of two main sectors:
- Chécrouit: This sector offers a variety of slopes, from challenging ones to gentler runs for beginners and intermediates.
- Val Vény: Providing a unique skiing experience with its breathtaking views of the Italian Alps, this sector is known for its wide, tree-lined runs and off-piste skiing. But that's not all! it's also home to a snow park, making it a haven for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Skiing in Courmayeur
Beginners
The Chécrouit and Pré de Pascal areas serve as nursery slopes for beginners. Once confident, beginners can then practice on gentler blues like Chiecco, moving up to longer slopes like Pra Neyron and Diagonale Peindent.
Intermediates
Courmayeur truly shines for intermediate skiers. The vast majority of its 100 km of pistes are tailored for them. Skiers can start their day on sun-soaked blues around Plan Checrouit and then venture to the Val Vény area for more challenging slopes. The Bertolini chairlift area offers some of the resort's finest snow conditions. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the continuous red runs from Youla's summit down to Dolonne’s base are an absolute treat.
Advanced
The resort hosts a few black runs on the Val Vény side, with some becoming mogulled. From the Cresta Youla descent leading to Val Vény, which spans a lengthy 9 km, to the raw thrill of the unpisted Competizione, expert skiers are in for a treat.
Off-piste
Courmayeur is an off-piste haven, granting access to the iconic Vallée Blanche and Val Veny areas. The former, a 20 km pathway into Chamonix, provides various thrilling routes. In contrast, Val Veny offers serene tree-lined trails with untouched snow.
Snowboarding
Freeriders will feel at home in Courmayeur. The mountain's lower half, densely populated with trees, promises pockets of powder, allowing for natural jumps. For those looking for a challenge, the off-piste areas of Val Vény and Vallée Blanche are irresistible. Meanwhile, beginners and intermediate boarders can polish their skills at the snow park near the Aretù chairlift, equipped with a range of obstacles and a massive air bag.
Courmayeur ski season dates
The ski season in Courmayeur for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 29th and run until April 6th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Courmayeur this season, be sure to explore our Courmayeur ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Courmayeur snow history
Courmayeur offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 32 cm and 34 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.1 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 27 cm but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Courmayeur, with an impressive 45 cm of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 16 cm of snow over 2.5 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 32 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 34 cm | 3.1 days |
| February | 27 cm | 3.3 days |
| March | 28 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 16 cm | 2.5 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in Courmayeur
Mountain restaurants
- La Luge: A charming mountain restaurant offering a menu rich in traditional flavors.
- Baita Ermitage: Situated amidst the snowy slopes, its wooden interiors and classic mountain ambiance make it a popular stop for lunch breaks.
- Lo Sciatore: This ski-in, ski-out restaurant offers not only convenience but also a delightful range of dishes.
Resort restaurants
- Pierre Alexis 1877: Located in the heart of Courmayeur, this restaurant with a menu curated from locally sourced ingredients, it is a testament to Italy's rich culinary heritage combined with a touch of modernity.
- Al Camin: A restaurant that mirrors Courmayeur's elegance. The menu is a blend of traditional and innovative dishes, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Italian meal.
- La Terrazza: As the name suggests, La Terrazza boasts a stunning terrace that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With a menu rich in Alpine flavors and a selection of fine wines, it's an ideal spot for a romantic dinner.
- La Sapinière: Nestled amidst the resort's scenic beauty, and with a focus on traditional mountain dishes, here you can experience the true essence of Alpine dining.
Things to do in Courmayeur
- Cinema
- Climbing wall
- Skyway Monte Bianco
- Ice climbing
- Snowshoeing
- Thermal baths at Pré-Saint-Didier (6 km down the valley)
- Heliski
- Dog sledding
- Fat biking
- Sports centre
Courmayeur apres ski and nightlife
Après ski bars
- Caffe della Posta: A quintessential apres ski spot, renowned for its warm ambiance and rich selection of beverages.
- Bar Roma: A classic choice. Its central location and lively atmosphere make it a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
- Super G: This bar, often bustling with activity, is known for its vibrant energy and eclectic drink menu.
- Buvette: A cozy and rustic spot offering a traditional apres ski experience, with a good selection of local wines and spirits.
Nightclubs
- Le Privé: One of Courmayeur's premier nightclubs.
- The Club: A hotspot for both locals and tourists, it promises a memorable night of fun and dancing.
- Club Haus '80: A unique blend of retro vibes and modern beats. With themed nights and an energetic crowd, it's a place where the party never stops.
- Shatush Club: Renowned for its elite clientele and upscale ambiance, here it is where the glitterati of Courmayeur come to dance the night away.
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Courmayeur resort map
Download Courmayeur resort map here
