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Courmayeur ski resort is one of the best of all Italian ski resorts for advanced skiers who love to go off-piste or tree skiing. Here's your guide to having an incredible ski holiday.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Courmayeur is a classy ski resort in Italy's Aosta Valley, combining challenging steep descents with family-friendly snow activities.
However, if you're looking for a beginner-friendly ski resort, Courmayeur ski resort isn't your best choice due to the steep terrain and limited blue slopes. However, there are options for beginner skiers and other winter-friendly activities to do for non-skiers.
Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. There are two main ski areas near Courmayeur.
- Courmayeur Ski Resort - Checrouit/Valveny
- Skyway Monte Bianco/Mont Blanc Courmayeur
These ski resorts are located respectively 1 kilometre and 4.5 kilometres from the center of the town. Both resorts offer skiing and snowboarding on three different mountains. That's what makes skiing in Courmayeur so epic.
At a Glance: Courmayeur Ski Resort-Chécrouit/Val Veny vs Skyway Monte Bianco
Courmayeur Ski Resort-Chécrouit/Val Veny
This is one of the most popular Italian ski resorts. It boasts some of the finest powder you'll find anywhere in the Italian Alps. There are more than 40 kilometres of slopes. The resort has 18 lifts that can carry up to 5,000 skiers per hour!
Courmayeur-Chécrouit/Val Veny's side of the mountain is best described as broad, top to bottom perfect on-piste with vertical descents of 1,545m possible on groomed trails from Arp (2,755m), then Youla (2,624m altitude) to the base at Dolonne (1,210m).
Elevation: 1205 m - 2755 m (Difference 1550 m)
KM of Ski Slopes:: 41.5 km
# of Pistes: 29
# of Ski Lifts: 18
Operating Times:- Ski Season: depends on snow conditions, but generally between Mid/end -November to early May
- Lift Opening times: 08:25 - 17:00
Price of an Adult Day Ski Pass: €61
Best Runs at Courmayeur Ski Resort
- Plan Checrouit - great for morning runs due to the sun. Take the Youla cable car and then a smaller cable car to reach the Crest d'Arpe.
- Checrouit to Zerotta - an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, with a 700m vertical run
- Entreves - great choice for beginners skiers with its magic carpet
- Dolonne and the Val Veny - for expert skiers seeking the best off-piste skiing
Off-Piste and Backcountry Skiing in Courmayeur-Chécrouit/Val Veny
Off-piste skiing is popular here because of the many steep slopes, including the famous Grande Motte Glacier. Starting at Cresta d'Arp, it's the most classic off-piste route with a descent of around 1500m.
There are two main areas to explore: the Vallee Blanche and the Vallee Noir. Both offer great views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Snowboarding in Courmayeur - Chécrouit/Val Veny
Snowboarders will need to be wary of several long flat traverses within the resort. The bottom of the valley runs into Dolonne and the link between the Bertolini chair and Zerotta being two of the worst in Courmayeur-Chécrouit/Val Veny.
Exiting the backcountry route from Val Veny to Zerotta will involve walking for all snowboarders - but it is worth all the rush and magnificent views!
Skyway Monte Bianco/ Mont Blanc Courmayeur
This is another popular area with skiers, especially if you're seeking epic off-piste skiing with a long There are two main lifts that can be used to reach all parts of the resort. The lift serves the highest point at 3,466 meters m. The resort has 42 kilometres of slopes and over 100 ski runs.
In addition to the skiing areas, you'll find various activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowboard parks, toboggan rides, etc.
Elevation: 1370 m - 3466 m (Difference 2096 m)
KM of Ski Slopes: 42 km
# of Ski Lifts: 2
O perating Times:
- Ski Season: early December - late May
- Lift Operating Times: 08:30 - 16:00
- Price of an Adult Day Ski Pass: €55
Off-Piste and Backcountry Skiing in Skyway Monte Bianco
The cream of the crop for off-piste skiing would be Punta Helbronner with backcountry off the Arp. From the main resort area to the off-piste descent, it boasts over 2,150m of vertical descent from Punta Helbronner on the flanks of Monte Bianco.
If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, head over to the Lac de la Bérarde. This lake offers scenic views of the surrounding peaks and is surrounded by lush forests.
Snowboarding in Skyway Monte Bianco
The slopes are 4km long and 3km wide. Snowboarders should try to gain speed in preparation for the long flat traverses at the bottom of each slope.
Ski Lifts at Skyway Monte Bianco
Unlike Courmayeur-Chécrouit/Val Veny, Monte Bianco - Courmayeur only has two ski lifts. Mont Blanc 1 (Pontal D'Entrèves-Mont Frèty) and Mont Blanc 2 (Mont Frèty-Punta Helbronner).
Both ski lifts are aerial tramways and Reversible ropeways with a length of 1748 m and a carrying capacity of 800 skiers per hour.
Ski Passes in Courmayeur
You'll find a variety of options from single-day to multi-day ski passes. Your choices include:
- just Courmayeur Ski Resort
- Courmayeur + Skyway Monte Bianco
- just Skyway Monte Bianco
Further multi-day options include the Aosta Valley lift pass (valid in all Valle d'Aosta ski resorts and La Rosiere in France).
If you're basing yourself in Courmayeur, choose one of the first three options. I recommend the Courmayeur + Skyway Monte Bianco if you're skiing for several days since the resorts are relatively small, and these two are easy to reach from Courmayeur.
Pros and Cons of Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur ski resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Italy. If you plan to visit, here are some pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Skiing in Courmayeur Ski Resort-Chécrouit/Val Veny
Pros: Cons:Pros and Cons of Skiing in Skyway Monte Bianco
Pros: Cons:Where to Rent Skis in Courmayeur:
Ski Schools in Courmayeur
More Reasons to Ski in Courmayeur
Delectable Italian Cuisine
For foodies, Courmayeur is home to two Michelin-star restaurants. These restaurants are La Terrazza and Le Monti Sibillini. Both offer delicious prepared with fresh local ingredients.
If you want a taste of the region's famous cheese then go and visit the Museo del Formaggio. Over 1,000 varieties of cheeses are on display here.
Courmayeur Has a Fantastic Apres Ski Vibe
The apres-ski vibe in Courmayeur is fantastic. It starts right on the slopes with a drink or two. Then, the nightlife continues in bars, clubs, and restaurants. We recommend:
- Prive - start your night here with appetizers and cocktails. It's a popular place to make a reservation in advance.
- Super G - for champagne lovers and some of the most delicious food in the Italian Alps
- Bar Roma - this trendy bar is conveniently located at the fas of Mont Blanc. Relax on one of the large sofas.
Courmayeur Has a Ton of Events
The new year isn't just full of fireworks; it is also host to the Mountain Gourmet Ski Experience in Courmayeur. The event provides guests access to some of the greatest chefs from the UK whose restaurants boast enormous waiting lists.
February isn't just "love month", it is also Lo Camentran, the Carnival or lo Camentran which translates to "Entering into Lent." It is a riot of colors, sounds, and flavors of the tradition, which mixes with a current, ironic, and often irreverent soul.
Courmayeur welcomes in the Christmas season with grand festivities for a whole month. My favorite of all festivities has to be what I like to call "Master Chef." Every New Year, some of Italy's best chefs come to the village to compete for the best dish award.
Whatever month you plan on visiting, Courmayeur is sure to have something up its sleeve to keep you entertained, comfortable, and excited.
Best Places for Skiers to Stay in Courmayeur
Our guide to where to stay in Courmayeur features my top picks of where to stay in Courmayeur for every budget.
What Else to See and Do in Courmayeur
Hikers and adventure lovers will find lots to do in the gorgeous mountain town of Courmayeur. Check out some of our favorite things to do when visiting Courmayeur, both during the summer and winter.
With its gorgeous mountain views, picturesque villages, and friendly locals, Courmayeur has everything you could ask for when it comes to winter sports.
And if you're looking for a bit of culture along with your ski trip, check out the city's museums, art galleries, and beautiful churches.
How To Get to Courmayeur
The closest airport is in Geneva, Switzerland.
Now you have all the facts about skiing in Courmayeur, Italy, you're ready for an incredible ski holiday in the Italian Alps.
Be sure to check out our post on the Best Accommodations in Courmayeur and What to See and Do in Courmayeur. And if you're venturing off, check out the Best Things to Do in the Aosta Valley.
