Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, this Alpine resort town in Italy's Aosta Valley is known for its ski slopes, thermal baths, and mountain climbing opportunities.
Courmayeur, located in Italy's Aosta Valley beneath Mont Blanc, features attractions such as the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, Via Roma's boutiques and restaurants, and access to the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. In winter, you can ski with Mont Blanc as your backdrop, while summer offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying local cuisine.
Location and Alpine Setting
Courmayeur is situated at an elevation of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet) in the Italian Alps, 22 kilometers from Chamonix across the French border. The Mont Blanc massif stands prominently in the skyline, its summit reaching 4,810 meters (15,781 feet) above sea level. Val Veny and Val Ferret flank Courmayeur to the southwest and northeast respectively, providing scenic drives and hiking trails in summer. The Dora Baltea river runs through town, fed by glacial meltwater from the surrounding peaks.
Winter Sports and Skiing
Courmayeur's ski area encompasses 100 kilometers of groomed runs, primarily suited for intermediate skiers. A cable car from the edge of town takes you to Plan Checrouit at 1,704 meters, where a network of chairlifts and gondolas extends higher into the mountains. Advanced skiers can venture off-piste for challenging routes like the Vallée Blanche glacier run. You can choose heliskiing to access remote areas with fresh powder. The ski season typically spans from late November through early April, with optimal snow conditions usually occurring in January and February.
Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car
The Skyway Monte Bianco, opened in 2015, connects Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner at 3,466 meters via a three-stage rotating cable car. At the top station, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Explore the panoramic terrace, dine at the restaurant, or visit the museum at the summit. During summer, access hiking trails or continue to Chamonix via the Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola.
Summer Hiking and Activities
As the snow recedes, Courmayeur becomes a center for hiking. The town is a key stop on the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer circuit around the massif. Day hikes lead to mountain huts like Rifugio Bertone and Rifugio Bonatti. Val Ferret offers less strenuous walks along the valley floor with views of the Grandes Jorasses. In summer, you can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Visit the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden at 2,173 meters to see high-altitude flora.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Courmayeur's dining options feature mountain traditions and Italian gastronomy. Local trattorias serve Valdostan specialties such as fontina cheese fondue, polenta concia, and carbonada (beef stew). For upscale dining, consider the Michelin-starred Petit Royal at the Grand Hotel Royal e Golf. On the slopes, mountain huts like Maison Vieille serve hearty lunches with extensive views. The Aosta Valley produces several local wines, including crisp whites made from the Prié Blanc grape that pair well with regional dishes.
Town Center and Shopping
Via Roma, Courmayeur's pedestrianized main street, has boutiques, ski shops, and cafes. Explore Italian fashion brands alongside stores selling crafts and gourmet products. Every Wednesday, the market features regional cheeses, cured meats, and handicrafts. For après-ski, visit Bar Roma and American Bar. The Alpine Museum on Via Monte Bianco offers information about the area's mountaineering history.
How to Get There
The closest major airports are Geneva (150 km), Turin (150 km), and Milan Malpensa (215 km). From these cities, you can reach Courmayeur by rental car or shuttle bus. If driving from France, you'll pass through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, connecting Chamonix to Courmayeur. The tunnel toll is approximately €60 each way. Within Courmayeur, most attractions are within walking distance or accessible via free shuttle buses.
