Courmayeur, an Italian gem, has a charming allure, exciting atmosphere and exceptional skiing opportunities. Positioned at 1,224m, this high-altitude resort is part of the Aosta Valley ski area, which provides 180km of skiable terrain, often recognised for its reliable snowfall. Courmayeur also boasts a unique attraction – the Skyway Monte Bianco, a rotating cable car, which takes you to 3,466m and offers breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Linked to the neighbouring resort of Chamonix via the Mont Blanc tunnel, there is ample terrain to explore. Catering well to beginners and intermediate skiers, Courmayeur offers fun pistes and off-piste skiing. It also has a fantastic snowpark for the more freestyle inclined.
Courmayeur Ski Area
Courmayeur’s ski area is divided into two main areas; Checrouit and Val Veny, both of which can be accessed directly from the town centre. The ski area consists of 31 runs, with 41% blue, 32% red, and 27% black.
Beginner Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur is a great place for beginners to get their snow legs. The resort has a dedicated nursery slope at Plan Checrouit, which is easily accessible by cable car from the town centre. As you progress, you can explore gentle runs such as Dolonne and Aretu, which provide a comfortable transition from the nursery slopes. For those still building confidence, it’s advisable to catch the cable car back down to avoid the more challenging lower slopes.
Intermediate Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur is a true paradise for intermediate skiers. With a variety of blue and red runs, skiers can challenge themselves and refine their skills. Checrouit area is perfect for lower-intermediate skiers, offering a range of wide, undulating blues to traverse. More confident intermediate skiers should head to Val Veny, where they can try their hand at the thrilling red runs like Pra Neyron. The grading system is slightly more challenging compared to other Italian resorts, so it’s worth considering this when planning your routes.
Advanced Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur offers several challenging black runs and off-piste skiing terrain for the more advanced skier. The most notable is the Cresta D’Arp, a black run with stunning views of Mont Blanc. This run has a steep gradient of 70%, making it a thrilling descent.
Off-piste Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur is an off-piste haven, with an array of exciting and diverse terrain to explore. The Vallon de l’Arp is a popular off-piste route, offering a thrilling 1,000m vertical descent. The Toula Glacier on the Italian side of Mont Blanc provides an unforgettable off-piste experience with its high-altitude runs and incredible views. For the truly daring, the off-piste Itinerary run from Cresta D’Arp to Dolonne village is a must-try, offering a combination of steep chutes and open fields. When venturing off-piste, it’s essential to hire a local guide or instructor for safety and to find the best spots. Check out Maison Sport for local guides in Courmayeur.
Snowpark in Courmayeur
For those into freestyle skiing or snowboarding, Courmayeur has a fantastic snowpark located at the Aretu area. The snowpark has a variety of features including kickers, rails and boxes, catering for all levels of freestyle enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Courmayeur, with its charming atmosphere, diverse skiing terrain and typically reliable snowfall, is undoubtedly a great choice for your next ski holiday. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, this resort will cater to your needs and exceed your expectations. So, get your skis ready and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Courmayeur!
Book Ski Lessons in Courmayeur with Maison Sport
Courmayeur offers something for every type of skier. To maximise your experience, consider booking an instructor to help you find the best runs for your ability and enhance your time on the slopes!