Courmayeur - ski resort in Italy

Courmayeur (Courmayeur) - is the three most expensive and elite ski resorts in Italy, along with Madonna di Campiglio (Madonna di Campiglio) and Cortina d'Ampezzo (Cortina d'Ampezzo). This resort is located on the border with France and bears the imprint of French charm and a special taste for life.

The tracks here are polished to perfection and are not intended for beginners at all. Off-piste descents start from sky-high heights and pass along such slopes that even experienced sailors will be no joke. A carousel of social life revolves below: elegant hotels, gourmet restaurants, the famous Pre Saint Didier baths, carnivals - a real metropolitan life.

Geographical position

Courmayeur without any stretch can be called the capital of the ski region of Valle d'Aosta (Val D'Aosta) - the highest in Italy. From Milan and Turin, an autobahn with branches to the resorts of Monte Rosa, Cervinia, La Thuile leads here. The road rests on the bulk of Mont Blanc (Montblanc, 4810 m), which has no equal in Europe in height. In Italian, this name sounds like Monte Bianco - "White Mountain"; at its foot and Courmayeur settled down. It lies at an altitude of 1224 m, surrounded by 4 main alpine four-thousanders.

In the north-east, the Val Ferret Valley leads to the border with Switzerland, in the north-west along the Val-Ven Valley there is a border with France, in front there is a tunnel through Mont Blanc (Tunnel del Monte Bianco), on the other side Tunnel - French sister resort of Chamonix.

Story

Courmayeur is a place with rich historical traditions.

Since the days of ancient Rome, sources of thermal waters have been known to hit from the mountains, and in 1834 baths were built here, which became the resting place for aristocrats and members of the royal family. Now the Pre Saint Didier complex has been revived in all its ancient splendor at the Cascata del Orrida waterfall. It is 5 km from Courmayeur and provides unique opportunities for relaxation, and the warm pools of healing waters in winter, in the open, surrounded by icy peaks - are exotic of these places.

• Official site: termedipre.it/en

The second circumstance that made Courmayeur the ski capital is the proximity of Mont Blanc. Since the conquest of this peak in 1784, climbers gathered here have given impetus to the development of tourist centers of Chamonix and Courmayeur. Here was founded the first school of guide-guides of the highest class. Today, there are 2 ski schools operating in the resort, and without a serious specialist from Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur (Courmayeur Guides Association) no serious freeriding route is possible.

In the 1940s, the first cableway in Courmayeur, the Dolonne ski lift, was built, and on May 30, 2016, the Skyway Monte Bianco cableway appeared - from the foot of the mountain to Helbroner peak (Punta Hebronner, 3462 m.)

Glass booths, similar to Christmas balls, are equipped with modern heating systems, spinning, providing a panoramic view of the valley. In 10 minutes they overcome the vertical drop of more than 2 thousand meters and deliver the lucky ones to the roof of Europe. From here you can "on equal terms", and not from bottom to top, admire the icy peaks of alpine peaks. Or you can still rush down from a dizzying height and go down to the Val-Vienna Valley to Courmayeur. Or forward - to the White Valley, from where, having overcome 20 km of ice fields, go to the French Chamonix on the other side of Mont Blanc.

Today, Courmayeur is able to attract and fall in love with many. Stress and relaxation, rest and sports, risk and carefree fun - all this makes up an unforgettable atmosphere of an expensive resort, where it is pleasant to spend money, because it is worth it.

Features of the winter season

The cost of ski passes and, accordingly, the entire resort service in Courmayeur has two categories.

December 7-24 is a season of regular prices.Snow cover is not settled, the upper slopes are served by snow cannons, and the lower parts of the tracks are still closed. The slopes, especially the black ones, are very short.

December 24-January 10 is the high season of the Christmas holidays.

The main entertainments of this time:

• Remi de noel - Santa Claus changes his usual chimney sweep outfit and descends from Monte Bianchi in order to distribute Christmas gifts to children;
• Free classes with Santa Claus are offered by local instructors to everyone who comes to them in these costumes;
• December 30 - the official opening of the ski season in Courmayeur. The grand descent of instructors with lighted torches in their hands is a tradition of this celebration ...

January 11-February 5 is a normal season and the best time for skiing.

February 6 - February 21 is the high season of carnival holidays.

At this time in the resort are:

• The carnival of lovers on February 14, dedicated to St. Valentine, whom the residents of the city consider their patron;
• The annual Lo Camentran, Carnival - Spring Carnival is the resort's premier winter performance.

February 22-April 10 is a normal season. On the southern slopes of the slopes by noon, snow begins to melt in March. Still, the resort and its slopes are low for skiing in mid-spring.

How to get there

From the Malpensa airport in Milan, the distance to the resort of Courmayeur - 220 km; from Turin (Torino) - 147 km.

The best way to get from there to Courmayeur (and to all resorts in the Valle d'Aosta region) is to rent a car for all days of your stay. The resorts of this small province are not far from each other, connected by a single ski pass, it is possible to take advantage of the ski slopes of Chamonix, La Rosiere in France.

The car will provide mobility in the very town of Courmayeur: hotels there are located far from the ski lifts, places of entertainment are also scattered. Car rental costs 180-200 €. You can rent a car at auto.italy4.me. If you book a car online with a prepayment, when you make it at the airport, you need the same card with which the prepayment was made.

In Courmayeur, the A5 route leads through Aosta to the tunnel through Mont Blanc and further to France. Transfer from Milan and Turin from airports costs about 180 and 200 euros, respectively, we recommend ordering at kiwitaxi.ru

We look at the current train schedule and railway tickets on the official website of Trenitalia.

Trails, lifts, ski passes

In Courmayeur, only 100 km of prepared tracksbut of the best quality: they are interesting and well prepared. No matter how they were broken by the end of the day, in the morning the slopes delight the eye of the skier with their well-groomed: dense, wasted slopes without a single hill promise a lot of positive emotions. Courmayeur resort circuit: skiexpert.ru/lib/img/resort/1025/skimap.jpg

The ski area is divided into two parts: southeastern - for the average and poorly prepared public and the north, with a predominance of black and complex red tracks.

In the southeastern part - Sherkui (Checrouit) - delivered from the valley two lifts Courmayeur and Dolonne. The first is located in the city center, so there are lines. The second is located on the outskirts, a skibass carries to it, which runs every 40 minutes. Having a car it is convenient to use the Dolonne lift, there is a parking lot for this.

Blue tracks

There are few descents for beginner skiers, only 15 km; they start at the top of Mo Shetif (MotChetif, 2343 m) and descend in different directions:

• Shetif (Chetif),
• Prato
• Pra-Peyron (PraNeyron).

Red tracks

They prevail in the resort, are only 65 km, and are intended for advanced training of skiers with intermediate skills:

• Internazionale - the most popular and longest of all resort tracks from the Lago Checrouit zone, it goes down to the Zerotta ski lift (drop 700 m);
• The slopes of Lazey, Checrouit - also start in the Lago Checrouit zone, they have fewer people, so by the end of the day they are not so broken;
• The Youla track goes down from the highest skiing zone - GrestaYoula, 2624 m, where few people go up;
• Dolonne is the only ski run that goes down to the valley without a lift, and if a car is parked there, it’s convenient to finish skiing.

Black tracks

These slopes - only 20 km - are concentrated in the northwestern zone of Val Veny. The sun appears here at the end of the day, so the snow is well preserved.

The “Champizion” track Competizione with a sudden wall, as well as the equally sophisticated tracks Rosse Blanche, Des Eves, which pass through a dark coniferous forest, are, by their level, a decoration of the resort.

Experienced skiers claim that all Courmayeur slopes can be rolled out in one day. Ski passes with permission for skiing at neighboring resorts, as well as access to interesting slopes throughout the Valle d'Aosta region, will make the skiing holiday of any category fun.

Off-piste skiing

Freeriders are the most loyal admirers of Courmayeur. Coming here more than once, they find secluded places where they train using the advice of professional guides. Without guides, it is not recommended to make the main off-piste descents:

• Peak Gresta Youla - ice field Vesses - Val Veny valley;
• Peak Grestd'Arp, 2755 - Cold'Arp Pass, 2570 - Dolonne Valley;
• Punta Hebronner, 3462 m - Val Verret Valley - with a height difference of 2000 m;
• Punta Hebronner -Vallee Blanche (White Valley) - the legendary descent of the resort of Courmayeur.

In addition to advice and assistance to freeriders, guides of the Courmayeur guide association conduct heli-skiing, snowshoeing to Chamonix through the icy expanses of the White Valley.

Lifts

In total, the resort is served by two gondolas, 7 chairs and funiculars and 11 ski lifts each. From the valley to the places of skiing tourists climb from four stations: Courmayeur and Dolonne, Entreves and Skyway Monte Bianco.

The latest lift, built using the latest technology, delivers tourists to the PuntaHebronner. This peak is connected with the peak Aguile du Midi (Aguile du Midi) panoramic cabin. From there, you can take the cable car down to the French slope of Mont Blanc - the resort of Chamonix. Such an air cruise over the alpine peaks allows you to make today a system of lifts of Italian and French resorts. Climbing from Courmayeur to Punta Hebronner costs 40 €.

Ski passes

The resort has such a ski pass system:

1. Subscription prices depend on the season. A one-day ski pass for an adult costs 46 € in a regular season and 50 € in a festive season;
2. Special rates are provided for children 8-14 years old, adolescents 14-18 years old, the elderly after 64 years.
3. A subscription for 3-5 days gives the right to ride in any resort of Aosta for 1 day;
4. A subscription for 6-11 days allows you to ride in other resorts for 2 days;
5. A subscription for 11-14 days gives the right to ride in the resorts of the valley for 3 days;

The ski pass "Courmayeur + Skyway Monte Bianco + Valle d'Aosta" allows you to use the ski lifts:

• Courmayeur, including Skyway Monte Bianco;
• La Thuile
• Cervinia
• Resorts Champoluc, Gressoney,
• Resort Pila. A one-day ski pass of this type cost 46 €.
• Ski pass “Valle d'Aosta” for 6 days - allows you to use the ski lifts of the Swiss resort of Verbier.
• Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass allows you to use the ski lifts of the resorts:
• Courmayeur, including Skyway Monte Bianco;
• Chamonix
• Verbier
• Megeve (Megeve). In addition, he is entitled to discounts on buses and private vehicles for tunnel passage through Mont Blanc.

Up-to-date information is available on the resort's official website: www.courmayeur-montblanc.com.

Hotels

Housing in Courmayeur is not picked up near the ski lifts that are located on the outskirts of the city. The city center near the bus station, the central square, a chain of shops and restaurants is the most convenient place of residence. Hotel prices rise during the Christmas holidays (December 24 - January 10) and February carnivals on February 6-21. The choice of hotels in the resort is wide: from five-star comfortable rooms to apartments with the most modest range of services.

5 stars

Grand Hotel Royal E Golf

The Royal E Golf Grand Hotel is located near the city center; Equidistant from the Courmazeur and Dolonne ski lifts, a free shuttle bus delivers to them. There is a spa center: outdoor pool, chromotherapy sauna, Turkish bath. The restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine.

4 stars

Cresta Et Duc Hotel

Hotel Cresta et Duc 4 * has an optimal location: a stone's throw from Via Roma, in the center of all recreational activities, just 200 meters from the Courmayeur ski lift. Guests are provided with a relaxation center, a buffet in the morning and themed evenings in the restaurant, an American bar. This hotel is popular with Courmayeur guests.

Gran Baita Hotel & Wellness

Gran Baita Hotel & Wellness is located in the city center and offers free delivery to the Dolonne ski lift. The rooms have balconies with views of Mont Blanc. Good wellness center. The restaurant serves dishes of Valdostan cuisine.

3 stars

Hotel walser

Popular with tourists, the Walser Hotel provides spacious family rooms. There is a fitness center, a restaurant with a varied menu. The nearest cable car is 400 m; the hotel itself is located near the bus station.

Hotel dolonne

Hotel Dolonne is located on the outskirts of the city in an old 16th-century building. The romantic location and proximity of the Dolonne lift attract many guests here. The restaurant serves famous local dishes.

Apartments and B&B

B&B Residence Checrouit

The Bed & Breakfast Residence Checrouit offers good value for money. The hotel rooms are decorated in English style, in the morning you can have a good breakfast in the cafe. There is a dryer for ski equipment. The hotel itself is located in the city center: restaurants and shops are within easy reach. The distance from the lift is also small - 250 m.

Residence Le Grand Chalet

Residence Le Grand Chalet - apartments, provide customers with cozy clean rooms with bedding, a kitchen. There is a wellness center, which all residents use for free; private parking.

Three-star hotels, B&B hotels, apartments among tourists are in high demand, they are booked 1-2 months before the trip.

Restaurants

Rest in Italian is a ritual dinner with a leisurely change of dishes, savoring wines and a quiet confidential conversation. Russian-speaking tourists were surprised to notice that they were able to talk heart to heart with friends best in the atmosphere of Italian restaurants. Dishes of Italian and Valdostan cuisine dominate the resort. According to the reviews of tourists and our friends, you can have a good evening in the following restaurants and bars:

1. La piazzetta - A restaurant with a very friendly host and housekeeping staff. The prices on the menu are lower than in other places, the dishes are impressive, the quality is excellent. Specialties are prepared with seafood.
   Address: Via Roma, 13 / a, 11013 Courmayeur, Italy.
2. American bar - the center of the resort après ski; skiers share their impressions of the day; here you can dance to the sounds of live music. As an appetizer, it is served Italian piadina tortilla (prosciutto) with ham prosciutto. Significant sporting events are broadcast on a huge monitor.
   Address: Via Roma 43
3. In the popular Pizzerias Du Tunnel a budget dinner for a family of 4 people is possible for 90 €, here is the most magical pizza, inexpensive pasta and there are always a lot of people. Tourists who have been here recommend all newcomers to visit it.
   Address: Via Circonvallazione 80

Near all ski lifts in Courmayeur there are restaurants, cafes and eateries. Prices in them are 4-5 € higher than in the valley. Restaurant Pavillon appeared in the resort along with the Skyway Monte Bianco ski lift. Located at Chiecco Intermediate Station. Very popular among tourists, despite prices above average. A table must be booked immediately upon arrival.

Courmayeur is a ski resort in Italy, which guarantees high quality recreation in the winter and reveals the charm of life in all its diversity.

Watch the video: Courmayeur, Italy. (December 2024).