Courmayeur is located in the northern part of Italy, near the French border, at the foot of one of the most majestic peaks in Europe – Mont Blanc. This fashionable ski resort has a high reputation on the continent and has not only excellent snow-covered slopes of an international level, but also fabulous alpine landscapes, which are often depicted on Christmas cards, so beloved by many tourists. With more than a hundred kilometers of tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, Courmayeur is considered the homeland of experienced skiers, for whom the local slopes are one of the best places for skiing in the country.
Comfortable hotels with a high level of service and a rich entertainment program receive hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, maintaining the reputation of a high-quality hotel complex with a wide range of services and variable accommodation. A large number of natural attractions, combined with interesting excursions, brings a lively variety to the program of staying at the resort and makes it even more exciting. A convenient geographical location connects Courmayeur by expressways with such famous cities as Milan and Turin. In addition, one of the busiest highways runs through the city, connecting the south of Europe with its central part.
Conventionally, the resort is divided into two large skiing areas. On the northeastern side, the slopes of Chekruit, recommended for intermediate skiers, spread out, and the northwestern direction, Val Veni, is the “home” for real professionals. In the areas of Dolonna and Entreves there are lift stations where you can go up to any skiing area. In Val Vena, the most popular tracks for professionals are Competizione and Diretta. Also, difficult and at the same time interesting areas for masters, there is a gap between the peak of the Cross – d’Arp and the picturesque valley of Dolonne. In these places, the routes run along deserted slopes and skiers have the opportunity to improvise. Beginners, let alone the most self-confident ones, are not recommended to ride here under any circumstances. There are few easy trails in the region and they are all concentrated at the top of Mop-Shetif, whose height reaches almost 2350 meters above sea level. In addition, the Pra-Neyron, Shetif and Prato tracks attract attention. All skating areas inCourmayory has a comfortable relief and a comfortable thickness of snow cover created by modern snow cannons. For snowboarders and freeriders, both Val Vena and Chekruit have specially equipped high-quality tracks, some of which are illuminated at night.
Courmayeur ski resort, Italy
In addition to an exciting trip along the snow-covered slopes, Courmayeur offers its guests to visit a large number of interesting sights, some of which are located directly within the city limits. One of them is the ancient Malukvyn tower house, built in the 13th century and belonging to the ancient Malukvyn family. Nowadays, this medieval fortification has surprisingly well preserved its impregnable appearance and is still a valuable historical object of the city. Not far from the tower is the ancient church named after Saints Pantaleone and Valentine, also built in the Middle Ages and partially reconstructed in 1722.
The status of the main shrine of the city is held by the famous Notre-Dame de Gerizon temple, located next to the Brenva glacier. The name of the temple is translated as “Church of Our Lady of Healing”. Its main element is the Statue of the Virgin Mary, dated to the 17th century. Pilgrims from all over Italy gather here every year, among whom at one time there were the holiest people of the Vatican. According to local residents, if you touch the statue, you can get rid of many diseases, evidence of which, according to eyewitnesses, was numerous over the years of its existence.
Another statue of the Virgin Mary, known by the name of Regina Pakis, stands on Mount Chetif, in the interior of the chapel built in 1946. Thus, the residents of the city expressed their gratitude to their saints for protection during the war. Now this statue impresses with its naturalness and elegance of sculpting, and captivates not only locals, but also tourists who climb the mountain not only for the opportunity to take unique pictures of the surrounding landscapes, but also to look at Regina Pakis.
Only five kilometers from the resort is the famous health resort Thermes de Pre Saint Didier, which is located among majestic mountain peaks and is famous for its thermal baths with healing mineral water. Magnificent views, combined with pools, saunas, jacuzzis and freshly squeezed juices, form the current appearance of the thermal center, the cost of visiting which is quite high, but, undoubtedly, it is worth the money spent. Between the Thermes de Pré Saint Didier and the city of Courmayeur, the beautiful Botanical Garden, the highest in Europe, stretches out. In the summer, it receives increased attention from mountaineers, and in the winter it regularly receives the attention of skiers and snowboarders.
Courmayeur would hardly have gained such fame if it did not have an impeccable infrastructure and comprehensive entertainment, thanks to which the guests of the resort can afford the maximum choice of leisure activities. Refined hotels for every taste, elite restaurants, grocery and industrial goods stores, a lot of sports entertainment and entertainment facilities make a vacation in Courmayeur really colorful and diverse. In the evenings, melodious chants and music are heard from the bars, and the snow-covered roofs of the houses envelop the city in a kind of romantic veil.
Although the season begins at the resort in mid-December, the official celebration of this event takes place on the 30th of the last month of the year. Such days are remembered for a lifetime. Dozens of skiers with burning torches simultaneously descend from the mountain slopes, and all this happens to the sound of applause, music and splashes of champagne. At such moments, Courmayeur becomes the center of the world for those people who are lucky enough to be here.
Fabulous landscapes, high-quality trails, comfortable hotels, excellent service and a wide range of services, not to mention a rich entertainment and excursion program, have long been considered an integral part of this unique resort. Thousands of winter sports lovers come to Courmayeur every year, despite the high prices, to fully enjoy their vacation on the snowy slopes of Italy, at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc.
Courmayeur 2019: how to get there, where to stay, what to see
How to get to Courmayeur
Courmayeur is not only famous, but also the oldest ski resort in Italy. It is located not far from trendy resorts, almost on the border with France, hence the proximity of the cherished 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 tracks is impeccable, with different levels of difficulty and perfect coverage.
Sports life will surprise you with its diversity, Courmayeur is famous for its pedestrian zone, or promenade. Restaurants, shops, thermal complexes – all this is also at a high level in the resort. The closest big city to Courmayeur with an international airport of arrival is Turin. It is the most convenient way to get to the ski resort from there. If you wish, you can also get to Courmayeur from Milan or Geneva, Switzerland.
There are direct and connecting flights from Ukraine to Turin, their schedule can be specified on the websites of Aviasales, Buruki and others, where you can also find out prices for specific dates and buy tickets. The distance between Turin and Courmayeur is 147 km. You can get from Turin to the ski resort by public transport (several changes are required on the way), by shuttle (the most popular form of transport) or by rented car. If you choose the last option, you will need an international driver’s license. Rental offices can be found right at Turin airport. You can clarify the prices and book the desired car in advance using services such as Rentalcars, Autoeurope, Economybookings and others. Turin and Courmayeur are connected by highway No. А5.
Individual transfers can also be booked in advance. In this case, the car with the driver will be waiting for you until the arrival time of the flight. The travel time and the cost of the transfer vary depending on the mileage. Yes, the transfer from Turin to Courmayeur will take about 1.5 hours, from Milan to Courmayeur – about 2 hours, from Geneva to Courmayeur – 1 hour 35 minutes. Ordering a transfer or taxi is the most popular option for getting to the resort, as it does not require transfers and takes the least amount of time. A group shuttle service is also available in winter.
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, in addition to hotels and apartments, you can also stay in Courmayeur in guest houses, bed and breakfast hotels, holiday homes and even campsites. The price range in Courmayeur is large, there are quite budget options, as well as chic and exclusive ones (in the resort you can find as many as 4 5-star hotels).
Most hotels in Courmayeur are chalet-style, one- or two-story, with a small number of accommodations, so guests can feel quite comfortable. The rooms are spacious, made in a traditional style and made of natural materials. Courmayeur, as a resort, strives for impeccable environmental friendliness.
As for food, as a rule, breakfast is included in the price of accommodation. Also, some hotels have restaurants on their territory, where you can dine a 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 the apartments, there is a predominance of renting individual buildings or rooms in aparthotels.
In order to find the ideal accommodation option in terms of price and quality, whether it is a hotel or an apartment, it is recommended to make a reservation as far in advance as possible, ideally a few months before the trip, so that you can consider a larger number of existing offers.
The following accommodation places 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 the premises of the hotel. You can stay in rooms of different capacities, including family rooms Meals are breakfast or half board There is private parking available for an additional fee and upon prior reservation);
Hotel La Grange 3* (The hotel is located in the vicinity of Courmayeur and 500 m from the nearest ski lift. The hotel has a fitness room, a sauna, and a restaurant. Guests can stay in rooms of various capacities, meals are buffet-style breakfasts. Vai- Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the hotel. There is parking);
Hotel Des Glaciers 3* (The hotel has a good location in relation to the center of Courmayeur and the lifts. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant. Guests can stay in rooms of various capacities, including family rooms. Meals are buffet breakfasts. The hotel has a free private parking lot Wi-Fi is provided for free);
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 different rooms, meals include breakfast. Guests are offered free private parking, ski storage, wireless Internet ).
What to see in Courmayeur
Courmayeur , as a ski resort, gained its popularity back in the 18th century, and since then the town’s infrastructure has been consistently improved. Today, it is a modern resort with a wide variety of tracks and cycling entertainment. In total, Courmayeur has about 80 km of ski tracks of varying difficulty. Despite the relatively small total length, the tracks are very diverse and do not sin with monotony. There are also areas for free skiing, and 18 different lifts work for a comfortable ascent. A snow park, forest tracks, artificial lighting, the availability of heli-skis – all this can also be found in Courmayeur.
Prices for ski passes in Courmayeur vary depending on the length of stay and 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 nearby village of Pré-Saint-Didier. The wellness center offers a wide variety of relaxation areas and procedures. Yes, here you can visit an outdoor thermal pool with picturesque views of Mont Blanc, hydromassage pools, artificial waterfalls, steam baths. Different types of saunas, salt rooms, different types of massages and beauty procedures. There is a restaurant on the territory of the complex. The complex is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Courmayeur lifts
In the summer, the resort offers to visit the family amusement park Parco Avventura Monte Bianco (the so-called “hanging” park), to go hiking along one of the previously laid out routes, and flights on a hang glider or paraglider with an instructor are also available. Fishing, ski lifts, mountaineering, ice skating and cross-country skiing, golf, tennis – all these are also offered for a holiday in Courmayeur. First-class instructors work at the resort, ski schools are open in winter, so Courmayeur is the best choice for beginners.
In general, Courmayeur is a long-known and established resort. The infrastructure and service at the resort have reached their maximum, Courmayeur is a resort with a high reputation. Proximity to Mont Blanc, France and Switzerland provides a rich excursion program. While staying 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 summertime, Courmayeur also offers a lot of entertainment for family and individual vacations, as well as vacations for large companies.
Mont Blanc mountains