Courmayeur

Courmayeur is one of Italy’s most iconic ski resorts, sitting at 1,224 m in the Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc (4,810 m). With 100 km of pistes and spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif, it combines excellent skiing with Italian style, gastronomy, and a lively village atmosphere.

Part of the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, Courmayeur links skiers to Chamonix (France) and Verbier (Switzerland), creating one of the world’s most diverse ski regions. Even without venturing beyond, Courmayeur offers a fantastic mix of skiing, mountain dining, and après-ski in an authentically Italian setting.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Courmayeur ski area rises from Dolonne and Plan Chécrouit, with terrain well-suited to intermediates but with plenty of variety for all levels.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes at Plan Chécrouit provide gentle learning terrain, and local ski schools have a strong reputation.

• Intermediates: This is Courmayeur’s sweet spot. Long, rolling reds dominate, with scenic descents like the Val Veny runs. Ideal for confident cruisers who love mileage and views.

• Experts: While on-piste steeps are limited, Courmayeur is a freeride paradise. Off-piste routes from Cresta d’Arp and beyond into Val Veny and Val Ferret, with a guide, offer world-class powder terrain. The Mont Blanc Unlimited pass opens access to Chamonix’s legendary steep skiing.

• Freestylers: A snowpark at Plan Chécrouit offers kickers and rails for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Snowmaking and Courmayeur’s high base ensure reliability, though serious snow-seekers will love its off-piste opportunities.

Ski Lift Passes

Courmayeur offers both local and international passes.

• Local Courmayeur pass: ~€65/day | ~€325 for 6 days
• Mont Blanc Unlimited pass: ~€80/day | ~€400 for 6 days (includes Courmayeur, Chamonix, Verbier, and more)
• Child (8–13): ~50% reduction
• Under 8s: Free

Details at the Courmayeur skipass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Courmayeur’s lift system is modern and efficient:

• The main Courmayeur cable car rises from town to Plan Chécrouit (1,704 m).
• Gondolas and high-speed chairs connect Val Veny and Chécrouit sectors.
• The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car (to 3,466 m) is a must-do, offering access to Vallée Blanche descents into Chamonix with a guide.

While not as extensive as Dolomiti Superski, Courmayeur offers quality and variety, with world-class off-piste potential.

Accommodation

Courmayeur offers a mix of hotels, chalets, and spa resorts, often with a stylish Italian edge.

• Budget: Guesthouses and B&Bs in Dolonne or Entrèves.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels in the village, such as Hotel Bouton d’Or.
• Luxury: Designer hotels including Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Auberge de la Maison, and Le Massif – Autograph Collection.

Browse via the Courmayeur accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Mountain dining is where Courmayeur truly shines. Rifugi like Maison Vieille and Rifugio Christiania are famous for long, indulgent lunches featuring polenta, pasta, and local wines.

In town, dining is superb, with everything from cosy trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants. Petit Royal at Grand Hotel Royal e Golf and Château Branlant are highlights.

Après-ski is lively but stylish. Bar Roma and Caffè della Posta are classics for aperitivo, while Pizzeria Tunnel and Prive keep things buzzing into the night. The atmosphere is more sophisticated than rowdy — think cocktails and wine bars rather than thumping clubs.

Non-Skiing Activities

Courmayeur is as appealing off the slopes as on:

• The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for breathtaking Mont Blanc views.
• Thermal spas at nearby Pré-Saint-Didier.
• Ice climbing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
• Designer shopping on Via Roma.
• Day trips to Chamonix (through the Mont Blanc tunnel) or Aosta’s Roman heritage.

Village Character & Access

Courmayeur is a historic Italian mountain town with cobbled streets, stylish boutiques, and a relaxed yet cosmopolitan vibe. Its location at the foot of Mont Blanc gives it dramatic scenery, while its Italian hospitality and cuisine set it apart from French neighbours like Chamonix.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Turin Airport (1.5 hrs), Milan Malpensa (2 hrs), and Geneva Airport (1 hr 15 via Mont Blanc tunnel).
• By train: Rail to Aosta, then 1 hr bus/taxi to Courmayeur.
• By car: Around 10–11 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Courmayeur offers big-mountain scenery, Italian style, and gourmet mountain dining in a compact, snow-sure resort. While its piste map isn’t as extensive as the Dolomites, its off-piste terrain and Mont Blanc Unlimited link make it world-class. The village itself is one of the most atmospheric in the Alps, blending history, charm, and Italian flair.

For skiers who want spectacular skiing with Italian soul, Courmayeur is a must.