Courmayeur - The Resort
Set in the Aosta Valley with spectacular views of Monte Bianco, the traditional alpine village of Courmayeur is one of the most picturesque Italian ski resorts. The range of skiing options makes it suitable for all abilities, be it the gentle beginner’s slopes of the Chécrouit-Val Veny or the more demanding upper reaches of Monte Bianco which are more suited to experienced skiers. Other activities to be found around town include snowshoe walking excursions, indoor climbing and ice skating and a cinema, whilst for those who like there entertainment a little more cerebral there is the nearby ancient town of Aosta and a myriad of medieval castles to explore. After a hard day on the piste head for the atmospheric cobbled alleyways in an around Via Roma and sample the delights of Courmayeur’s restaurants which are renowned as the best of any Italian resort.
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Standing in the shadow of the Monte Bianco-Mount Blanc massif, the beautiful alpine resort of Courmayeur offers 100km of pistes and caters for all levels and abilities. The main hub of the mountain is the Plan Chécrouit where there are runs that will satisfy those just off the nursery slopes. However most skiers will use this as a point in which to access more challenging runs on the mountain as can be found at Mount Chetif, Col Chécrouit and Cresta Youla which provide a range of runs from the easy meandering to the more technical black pistes designed for the experts. At the top of the range is the Cresta d Arp which is strictly for high level skiers and offers the chance for some good off piste guided skiing. However the one to bag is Monte Bianco-Mont Blanc itself, where a three stage cable car takes you to the dizzy heights of 3462m and from which you can ski back to Courmayeur, to Chamonix or spend some time with a guide on the glacier. The mountain is serviced by 24 lifts.
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Ski passes are available from 1 day to 15 days. A 1-day pass is €42 and a 6-day €206. All passes valid for 6 to 10 consecutive days may be used for 2 days in one of the other ski resorts of the Aosta Valley, which include the resorts of La Thuile, La Rosière, and Champoluc-Gressoney-Alagna and also include Mont Blanc cable cars. It´s possible to buy passes from 2 to 15 days that include also Chamonix and the bus through the tunnel.
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For those in need of a little tuition there are a number of reputable firms including:
Scuola Sci Courmayeur
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Scuola Sci Monte Bianco
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Interski
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If you want to kit yourself out with some go faster skis or are looking to keep up with the Courmayeur fashionistas then there are a number of outlets which can provide what you’re looking for skiwear.
4810 Sport Shop
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Alpineve
