Courmayeur is an upscale ski resort set beneath snow-capped Mont Blanc. Ski on world-class slopes, sip espresso on sun-drenched terraces and visit a museum dedicated to the town’s proud mountaineering legacy. In summer, Courmayeur is a playground for hiking, mountain biking and other alpine adventures.
Things to do in Courmayeur
Stunning scenery and late-season snowfall make Courmayeur one of the most coveted ski destinations in Italy. The resort attracts a well-heeled crowd and offers more than 40 kilometres of groomed slopes. Get your pulse racing with guided activities like off-piste skiing, ice climbing and heliskiing. Stop for lunch at a mountain hut and enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace. Mont Blanc, a dessert featuring chestnut puree, meringues and whipped cream, is a local specialty.
Courmayeur is a launchpad for three of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Europe. Tour du Mont Blanc loops around the massif and passes through Italy, France and Switzerland. The full circuit takes almost two weeks to complete, though day hikes are also popular. The best sections take you past flower-filled meadows and shimmering glaciers.
In the springtime, Saussurea Alpine Gardens come alive with daisies, forget-me-nots, orchids and edelweiss. At more than 2,100 metres above sea level, it’s one of the highest botanical gardens in Europe. Explore the family-friendly trails and keep an eye out for deer, marmots and ibex grazing in the alpine meadows.
Stop by the Museo Alpino Duca degli Abruzzi to learn about the town’s long history of mountaineering. Exhibits introduce you to a string of famous alpinists and guides, including Emile Rey. Other exhibits spotlight expeditions to Africa, Alaska, India, Pakistan and the North Pole.
Getting around Courmayeur
Courmayeur is compact and easy to get around on foot, while local buses connect Courmayeur with nearby hamlets and the neighbouring ski resort of La Thuile. A cable car crosses the border and connects Courmayeur with Chamonix, France. Geneva Airport in Switzerland is a 1.5-hour drive away.