Ski resort Courmayeur in Italy: slopes, prices, reviews, photos. Open left menu Courmayeur Courmayeur pistes
The ski resort of Courmayeur in Italy is a picturesque interweaving of ski slopes surrounded by magical nature, snow-capped mountain peaks, centuries-old 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 The airports of Geneva, Turin and Milan are located, 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 winters with frequent snowfalls followed by bright sunshine attract 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, favorite with tourists for panoramic views, mountains covered with dense forests and scenic hiking routes.
Where to stay?
The resort has quite a 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:
- Hotel Boughton D'Or
- Hotel Chalet Plan Gorret
- 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.
Alpine Museum, 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 of 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:
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. The slopes are mostly of medium difficulty, but there are also black slopes, famous for 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. The adventure is 7 km long, with a total elevation difference of 1300 m, which is best undertaken in the 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 track in Morges. The Monte Bianco massif offers ideal conditions for practicing 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. Fans of long trails, telemark style, as well as snowboarders will also find many interesting places in 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 and ski tours with experienced guides are actively practiced. 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 trips.
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. This is where the journey begins across all ski slopes resort: from the outskirts of Courmayeur, a gondola funicular lifts 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 in the area of virgin snow - to the slopes from the very high peak slope of the Cross d'Arp. But first you need to get to the top of Cresta Youla. From this peak the highest red piste Youla starts. From the top of Lago Checrouit (2256 m) the red piste Lazei and Internazionale starts , length 6 km, elevation difference 1100 m), which will lead to the right slope to more difficult trails. You can go straight down into the valley to Courmayeur along the red trail Dolonne to the town of the same name. There are also cross-country ski trails. On this slope several blue easy trails, for example, the longest beautiful blue trail Pra Neyron is interesting. There is no special snow park for snowboarding, but border cross has recently appeared near the La Gabba ski lift (Plan de la Gabba) at the top of Lago Checrouit. This slope 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 season. ski season, especially night descent from mountain peaks best athletes with lit torches. Hotels in Courmayeur resort.
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. Thermal center of Pré-Saint-Didier at the foot of Mont Blanc - a modern spa and wellness center with thermal pools, hydromassage, Finnish saunas and baths in Roman traditions. Service at its best high 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 - In Courmayeur great amount 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 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
The ski resort of Courmayeur is located in the Alps, in Northern Italy at the foot of the high mountain Western Europe - Mont Blanc (or in Italian - Monte Bianco) - at an altitude of 1225 meters above sea level.
Courmayeur is one of the most glamorous ski resorts in Italy , second perhaps only to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites, famous for its “millionaire party.” It attracts not only skiers, climbers and fans of mountain hiking both in winter and summer. This is a favorite vacation spot for the wealthy public, who love to “show themselves off and watch others.” In this regard, Courmayeur can be compared with another “secular resort” not far from here - the French Megeve.
In a small Italian town concentrated 5* and 4* hotels with first-class spa services, gourmet restaurants, several clubs, bars and expensive boutiques. If in the larger and more democratic French Chamonix you can easily find mid-price brands in the shops on the main shopping street, then in Courmayeur there are mostly only luxury brands, everything is designed for customers who do not look into their wallets. Naturally, the reputation of a prestigious holiday destination is reflected in the general price level at this resort. This is worth knowing when planning a holiday in Courmayeur.
Courmayeur trails: The length is only 100 kilometers, the lowest are at an altitude of 1210 meters, the highest are 2755 meters. However, together with the slopes of French Chamonix and Argentiere, the slopes of Italian Courmayeur make up a huge ski area (you can purchase a single Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass, which allows you to ski not only in Chamonix, Courmayeur, etc., but also in Swiss Verbier).
Courmayeur began to gain popularity as a ski resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but this picturesque place at the foot of the mountains was known to the Romans because of its healing springs. Today, this ski resort is often chosen by those who want to combine skiing in Italy, France and Switzerland, and also see two countries during their vacation: for example, to get from Courmayeur to France, by car you just need to cross the 12-kilometer tunnel under Mont Blanc . If you wish, you can also travel to Switzerland, which is very close.
How to get to Courmayeur
Nearest international Airport to Courmayeur is located in Geneva (~100 kilometers). When renting a car, you should take into account the travel costs (43 euros one way, 54 euros round trip).
Other nearby airports: Turin (~151 km); Milan (~224 km). The distance from the main city of the Valle d'Aosta - Aosta - to Courmayeur is 35 kilometers.
You can also get to Italy from France and Switzerland through
Rent a car for travel to Courmayeur
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Transfer to Courmayeur
Pros: large reliable company, international taxi service at local prices; you can select the car class you need and Additional services, for example, a child car seat; order confirmation is sent to your email, and a Russian-speaking driver is waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it; the fare is known in advance (no unpleasant surprises); payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place.
You can also find out the cost of a taxi transfer to Courmayeur from different airports and order here:
Courmayeur ski lifts
Home and oldest cable car in Courmayeur - this is Dolonne, located on the outskirts of the resort, it was built back in the 1940s of the 20th century. The most convenient way to get to the station from the center is by car (it only takes a few minutes) and leave it in the parking lot (parking is paid, 1.5 euros per hour from 8.00 to 16.00, from 16.00 to 8.00 - 0.5 euros), but you can use and a shuttle from the center of Courmayeur. This lift takes skiers to the southeast Checrouit ski area, which is suitable for intermediate to intermediate skiers. The bulk of the trails are concentrated here.
The "black pistes" make up about 20 kilometers of Courmayeur's hundred kilometers of pistes and belong to an area called Val Veny. Part of the “black route” passes through a dense and dark coniferous forest.
However, one of the main attractions of Courmayeur can be called a modern lift with panoramic cabins providing a 360-degree view - Skyway Monte Bianco. It was opened relatively recently, in 2015, and has already become the “#1 entertainment” of Courmayeur both in winter and summer. The highest point where the cabins rise is the top of Punta Helbronner (3884 meters). From here you can continue your unforgettable journey among the highest peaks of the Alps mountain range to Aiguille du Midi (France) and further to Chamonix. Cost of the climb to the "final" Punta Helbronner summer season 2017 (until November 1) round trip - 48 euros for adults, children under 7 years old - free, discounts for older children.
The intermediate stop of the Skyway Monte Bianco is the Pavillon du Mont-Ferry, where the Botanical Garden(one of the highest in Europe, opened only in June 2017!), gift shop, restaurant with fantastic panoramic views and children's playground. An adult ticket to the Pavillon du Mont-Ferry costs 27 euros, and if you want to go up from here to Punta Helbronner, you will have to pay another 29 euros. Some Courmayeur ski passes include the lift to the Skyway Monte Bianco.
Where to stay in Courmayeur
Basically, the most expensive and prestigious hotels in the resort are located in the center of Courmayeur, from where it is literally a few minutes walk to everything - restaurants, bars and boutiques. More budget options located away from a couple of central streets, but still the distances in Courmayeur practically do not matter - it is a small and very compact Italian town.
Things to do in Courmayeur
Both in winter and in summer it is worth visiting located about 5 kilometers from the city Thermal baths of Pre-Saint-Didier. Few people are left indifferent to the recreation and wellness programs provided here, as well as the service and stunning views from the outdoor and indoor thermal pools. The cost of a day ticket to the Pre-Saint-Didier baths is 48 euros from Monday to Friday, 52 euros on weekends (cosmetic products, bathrobes, towels, slippers, etc. are included), massages and other additional procedures, of course, are paid separately.
in winter
In addition to alpine skiing, extreme sports fans can book heli-skiing or just a helicopter ride over the mountain range (cost from 365 euros per person up to the end). There is a large Association of Alpine Guides in Courmayeur (located in the very center of the town next to the church), who will help organize an active pastime for every taste and, of course, budget.
In summer
Swimming pool, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, rafting, for children - a zoological park where you can see animals and birds of the Alps in conditions close to their natural habitat.
What to see around
Just 35 kilometers from Courmayeur is the beautiful city of Aosta, which has preserved a huge number of Roman artifacts and architectural monuments from different eras. Hundreds of ancient castles are scattered around Aosta on the mountains, for which the valley is generally famous. In Courmayeur itself there are mainly expensive boutiques, so in order to update your wardrobe and not go broke (especially during the sales period), it is worth going to Aosta - there is a pretty good selection of shops there.
Courmayeur is one of the most attractive ski resorts in Italy. Attractive not only for its slopes and surroundings of “four thousand meters”, but also for the charming atmosphere of a beautiful ancient mountain town. Back in the 18th century, this place was famous for its thermal springs. It must be said that Courmayeur is an expensive resort, which, however, does not in the least interfere with its popularity, which only increased after the opening of the tunnel under Mont Blanc. The nature around adds charm - in the area of the resort there are 14 peaks 4 kilometers or more high, including the famous Mont Blanc.
The nearest airports are in Geneva (2 hours and drive) and Milan (2.5 hours). Turin airport is also nearby. From these airports you can take shuttle buses and buses all the way to Courmayeur. The way from Geneva lies through the tunnel under Mont Blanc.
Trails, slopes and lifts
The resort's elevation difference is 1555 meters - from 2763 meters to 1208. The resort consists of two large ski areas - northeastern Checroy and northwestern Val. The first has many intermediate-level slopes, and the second, less sunny zone, will delight you with more difficult slopes. The famous black track "Competizione" is located there. In total, Courmayeur has approximately 100 kilometers of pistes, of which the majority (57%) are red, 26% are blue and 17% are difficult. In total, the resort has 30 ski lifts.
In addition, with a ski pass for 4-11 days, you can go by bus to Chamonix, which is already in France. And Courmayeur is still famous for its thermal springs in neighboring Pré-Saint-Didier and baths; There are also many après-ski options.
Prices
The cost of a ski pass directly depends on the season, number of days and your age.
One day ski pass to main season will cost 50 euros for adults, 44 euros for pensioners and teenagers, 35 euros for children. A five-day ski pass will cost 245 euros.
One day ski pass to high season will cost 55 euros for adults, 48.50 euros for pensioners and teenagers, 38.50 euros for children.
Six-day ski pass to high season will cost 280 euros for adults, 246.50 euros for pensioners and teenagers, 196 euros for children.
Courmayeur offers beautiful mountain slopes for amateurs and professionals ski holiday. Frosty freshness, the smell of a pine forest, clear sun, blue sky - what else is needed for a charming landscape? Only having time to contemplate it.
Resort Courmayeur, Italy
Resort Courmayeur) - a charming place surrounded by coniferous forests, at the very foot of highest point Alps - Mont Blanc.
The ski area of Courmayeur consists of two slopes: the left (northeast) with red slopes - Checruit, and the right (northwest) - Val Veny with black ones. Elevation difference 1224-2756m.
The ski resort offers skiers 4 cable cars, 2 cabin lifts, 8 chairlifts and 7 rope tows.
Some skiers believe that skiing in Courmayeur is even more interesting than in Cervinia. There are many challenging trails and colorful landscapes: sparkling snow, golden sun and clear skies. Gusty winds and fogs rarely spoil the weather in resort town Courmayeur. Others are no less famous Italian resorts: resort Bormio, Pragelato, La Thuile.
Mountainside, Courmayeur, Italy
Euro-class service is offered by Courmayeur hotels, as well as a variety of nearby fashionable shops, many restaurants and bars, discos and a lot of other entertainment that will appeal to every guest of this cozy town.
Courmayeur annually hosts a film festival that brings together guests from all over the world in August. A festive procession is held on Valentine's Day, and a magnificent carnival is held in the spring. The opening of the season is accompanied by a colorful spectacle with various performances and attractions. At the end of the holiday, the best athletes descend from the mountain peaks with burning torches.
In the evenings you can stroll along the ancient streets of the city with ancient cultural monuments that have preserved their appearance since the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. Or you can go to a bar, cafe or restaurant to have a delicious meal, or have plenty of fun at a disco.
Nearest airports: Milan - 215 km, Turin - 150 km, Geneva - 120 km.