Most people come to Courmayeur for the obvious reason: you're skiing in the towering shadow of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. But here's what nobody tells you – the mountain is just the opening act. Wait until you're sitting in a centuries-old osteria at 3 PM, still in your ski boots, working through a bottle of Barolo with locals who've been doing this exact thing for decades. Or when you finally make it out of a packed après-ski bar onto those charming cobblestone streets, where half the shops seem to exist solely to sell you things you didn't know you needed.
Courmayeur has this particular Italian talent for making everything (even the most touristy moments) feel effortlessly sophisticated. Pair that with awe-inspiring alpine vistas, relaxing in thermal spas, and a village steeped in culture and history, and you’ve got the makings of a dream ski getaway. And when you finally tear yourself away from the espresso bars and après grappa, an entire world of alpine adventure and indulgence awaits. Courmayeur is one of Europe's best-kept secrets, and now it's even more accessible as a new addition to the Ikon Pass. Let’s dive into the top 7 reasons our Mountain Travel Experts say Courmayeur deserves a spot on your winter travel list.
Related: Top 5 Tips for Planning the Perfect European Ski Trip
Courmayeur is known for its pristine courdouroy. | Photo: Courmayeur-Mont BlancOne of the greatest surprises about skiing in Italy is just how much value you get for your money. Compared to many of Europe’s more famous resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria, Courmayeur tends to be more budget-friendly when it comes to flights, lodging, dining and even on-mountain expenses. Travelers who plan smart can stretch their ski budget further here without sacrificing quality or luxury. The most affordable time to visit Courmayeur is typically mid-January through early February and again in late March into early April, when crowds thin out after the holidays and prices on both flights and lodging dip.
Getting there is easier than you might think, too. Courmayeur sits on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, just a short drive from Turin, Milan and Geneva, all of which are common entry points for international travelers. For the best value, our Mountain Travel Experts recommend flying into Turin Airport (TRN), which often offers the cheapest fares in winter and puts you within about two hours of Courmayeur. Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Geneva (GVA) are also convenient options only 2 hours away, especially if you’re looking to pair your ski trip with sightseeing.
Courmayeur, where the wine flows like wine. | Photo: Hotel Le Massif Courmayeur
Wine lovers, get ready: Courmayeur might just ruin you for other ski destinations. Sure, the town sits too high for grape growing, but the Aosta Valley below is producing some of Italy's most intriguing wines. Take Pavese Ermes in nearby Morgex: they're crafting Europe's highest-elevation white wines from indigenous Prié Blanc grapes that thrive at these altitudes. More gems lie further down the valley in Arvier, St. Pierre and Aymavilles, where family operations like Maison Anselmet, Les Cretes and La Crotta di Vignerons have been crafting remarkable wines for generations. (Pro tip: La Crotta's dessert wine is worth the pilgrimage alone.)
But you don't need to venture far to taste these local treasures. The Enoteca Goio wine shop curates an exceptional selection right in town, while L'Armadillo Vino offers the kind of intimate wine bar experience that makes you forget you came here to ski. For mountain-top sipping with a view, grab a local vintage at Super G on Plan Checrouit (you might want to arrive before the après-ski mayhem kicks in).
The Italian and Alpine cuisine are reasons enough to visit Courmayeur. | Photo: Courmayeur-Mont Blanc
In Courmayeur, the food is just as important as the snow. This is Italy, after all, where fresh, local ingredients and timeless tradition transform even the simplest dish into something extraordinary. The village is home to dozens of excellent restaurants, ranging from cozy trattorias to refined fine dining. Of course, you’ll find classic Italian staples like pizza and pasta – locals and visitors alike rave about the wood-fired perfection at Pizzeria du Tunnel (often called the best pizza in the Italian Alps). But Courmayeur’s cuisine also carries the distinctive influence of Savoyard tradition, meaning hearty mountain fare like cured meats, artisan cheeses, fondue, polenta and slow-simmered stews takes center stage.
For a quintessential alpine meal in an enchanting chalet setting, La Sapinière Brasserie at Hotel Gran Baita delivers with a warm ambiance and a menu that features both Italian classics and regional specialties. And when you’re in the mood for refined dining with a touch of luxury, Aubergine at Auberge De La Maison is a can’t-miss, complete with impeccable wine pairings and ski town charm. Remember to visit Giacamo at La Maison Vieux for a great on-mountain lunch.
Non-stop gorgeous views await. | Photo: Courmayeur-Mont BlancCourmayeur offers something special for every skier, whether you’re carving your very first turns or chasing powder lines off-piste, all under the breathtaking backdrop of Mont Blanc. The resort may be modest in size, with 31 runs across 700 skiable acres served by 18 lifts, but what it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in diversity and quality. Courmayeur is renowned for its impeccably groomed slopes and consistently excellent snow conditions. Intermediates will find their sweet spot on the wide-open blue and red runs around Col Checrouit, where rolling terrain and stunning vistas make every lap a joy. Beginners can ease into the sport with a dedicated learning zone and magic carpet at the top of the Entreves tram, tailor-made for building confidence in a spectacular alpine setting.
Experts will be drawn to Courmayeur’s legendary off-piste terrain. From the summit, adventurous skiers can link up classic descents in a clockwise loop from Arp Vieille to Val Veny, or drop into challenging routes toward Dolonne or the Pré-Saint-Didier. Courmayeur offers great off-piste skiing for skiers looking for challenging alpine runs – our Mountain Travel Experts highly recommend the Youla run (from the top of the Youla cable car). Local guides are readily available to help you navigate the best stashes and keep it safe. Courmayeur also offers a snowpark for freestyle skiers and riders of all levels, plus heli-skiing opportunities that unlock untouched terrain high above the valley.
Super G at Plan Checrouit.
Courmayeur’s après-ski scene is as chic and classy as the resort itself, blending Italian personality with lively alpine energy. The fun kicks off right on the slopes thanks to the main lift from town to Plan Chécrouit, which often runs until midnight. Here, you can linger over champagne toasts and DJs at Super G, one of the Alps’ most upscale on-mountain après venues. When the cable car shuts down, the energy shifts to the cobbled streets of Courmayeur’s pedestrian-friendly village, Via Roma, which buzzes with life well into the night, offering everything from cozy wine bars to late-night lounges and discotheques for dancing.
Here are a few of our Mountain Travel Experts' favorite go-to spots:
The historic cobblestone warrens will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. | Photo: Courmayeur-Mont Blanc
This incredibly idyllic hamlet is situated in Northern Italy in the Aosta Valley on the southern, sunny side of Mont Blanc. Parts of the village date back as far as the 13th century, when it was founded by monks, and much of its Old World character endures today in the cobblestone streets, stone chapels and preserved alpine architecture that give the town its fairy-tale appeal. By the 18th century, Courmayeur had already earned a reputation as a wellness retreat for Europe’s elite, thanks to its soothing natural thermal waters. Elegant visitors came not just for the scenery, but to rejuvenate body and mind in the mineral-rich spas, a tradition that continues today.
In the 19th century, Courmayeur became a global hub for alpinism as mountaineers set their sights on conquering Mont Blanc. The founding of the Società delle Guide di Courmayeur in 1850 marked a turning point: it was the first mountain guide society in Italy and the second in the world, cementing Courmayeur’s status as one of the birthplaces of modern mountaineering. The society’s original headquarters still stands in the heart of the village, a proud testament to its pioneering role in alpine history.
Beyond the slopes, families will love the resort’s Fun Park, a playground of winter joy featuring a tubing track, bobsleigh runs, trampolines, inflatable castles and plenty of rides and slides designed for kids (and kids at heart). And no trip to Courmayeur is complete without a ride on the Skyway Monte Bianco. This state-of-the-art rotating cable car whisks you up to the summit of Mont Blanc, offering 360-degree views of the highest peak in Western Europe. Along the way, three mountain stations invite you to explore high-altitude cultural exhibits, cinematic installations, art and, of course, gourmet dining. Many travelers visit Courmayeur just for this spellbinding experience alone.
The alpine town itself is a year-round stage for festivals and events that showcase mountain tradition with Italian flair. In December, Courmayeur transforms into a storybook village with nearly a month of holiday celebrations. After the New Year, the spotlight shifts to gastronomy during Taste of Courmayeur, where Michelin-starred chefs and rising culinary talents from the Aosta Valley and beyond compete for top honors. Add to that an ever-rotating calendar of fashion shows, film festivals, sporting competitions, and parades, and you’ll find there’s always something to celebrate here. To make the most of your trip, check the resort’s calendar before you go, or better yet, let our Mountain Travel Experts fill you in on the can’t-miss events happening during your stay.
Freeriding on a powder day. | Photo: Courmayeur-Mont BlancCourmayeur and Chamonix are both dreamy mountain towns that sit at the foot of Mont Blanc, but they offer very different flavors of an alpine getaway. Chamonix, France, is a mecca for hardcore skiers and mountaineers, famous for its extreme terrain, legendary off-piste routes and bustling, international vibe. Courmayeur, on the Italian side, leans into a more refined, relaxed elegance: think impeccably groomed pistes, endless Italian cuisine, chic après-ski and authentic cobblestone streets that feel straight out of a postcard. If you’re chasing adrenaline and big-mountain legend, Chamonix delivers. If you’re looking for a stylish, food-and-wine-filled ski holiday with a touch of old-world charm, Courmayeur might just be the better fit. (Plus, you can visit both via the Mont Blanc Tunnel that connects these two scenic ski villages.)
A perfect day in Courmayeur starts with a cappuccino and flaky pastry in the heart of the cobblestoned village before heading up the Dolonne or Courmayeur cable cars for a few laps of wide-open groomers with Mont Blanc dominating the horizon. Midday, trade your ski boots for a long, leisurely lunch on a sunny slope-side terrace: perhaps polenta with wild game ragù or a bubbling cheese fondue paired with local wine. In the afternoon, you can keep carving turns or slow things down with a soak in nearby thermal spas. As the lifts wind down, it’s time for après at Super G or along Via Roma, where boutique shopping, wine bars and trendy cafés spill out into the pedestrian streets. Cap it off with dinner at one of Courmayeur’s celebrated Alpine-Italian restaurants before strolling under twinkling lights back to your chalet.
Courmayeur is also a perfect base for unforgettable day trips. Hop in a taxi and you can cross into Cervinia and even ski into Zermatt, experiencing two countries and two famous resorts in a single day. Or head to nearby Pila, perched above Aosta, where you’ll not only find scenic slopes but also the chance to explore some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome. With so many cultural treasures and alpine adventures within easy reach, Courmayeur offers plenty to do – even the non-skiers in your group won't be bored.
Courmayeur is as charming as it is classy, offering no shortage of stylish, comfy stays with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc at every turn. Here are a few of our favorite places to call home base:
Ready to plan your dream ski vacation to Courmayeur? Our Mountain Travel Experts know this resort inside and out and will take care of every detail, from flights and lodging to lift tickets, guides, and more. Plus, you’ll get insider tips, access to the best deals and a personalized trip designed just for you. Start planning today with a free custom quote and get one step closer to skiing beneath Mont Blanc.
TAGGED: Courmayeur, italy, Après-ski
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