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Ski and play in Courmayeur, Italy, and you’ll realize it isn’t so much a place, leisure activity, or sport, as it is a lifestyle. Here’s your ultimate 3 day travel guide to the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur from hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
This was Pat and mine’s first big ski trip to Europe and planning turned out not to be as easy as I thought. There wasn’t much information on the best ski resorts to ski at, the views, the difficulties, and the activities available off-piste and in town. I had heard many in Italy talk about the trendy and Milanese-frequented ski resort of Courmayeur, so after some scarce research thought it could be a good fit for Pat and I. It had slopes for all levels, had neighboring resorts should we want to change it up or be challenged, and a great ski town full of life. After looking into our trip, I realized there was a need for a 3 day travel guide to the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur from hotels, restaurants and things to do, so for Valentine’s Day we booked a flight to Europe and were off to ski and play in Courmayeur, Italy.
Quick Navigation: 3 Day Travel Guide to Italian Ski Resort of Courmayeur
- Distance & How to Get There
- Why is Courmayeur So Popular Among Northern Italians?
- Where to Stay
- Where to Rent Skis
- Where to Ski
- What to Do in Courmayeur Town
- Where to Eat in Courmayeur (On and Off Piste)
1. Distance & How to Get There (Milano to Courmayeur)
We picked up our Sixt Rental Car from MXP (Milano Malpensa) and upgraded to a beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulia. It was a sleek and smooth ride for the mountains and we couldn’t have asked for a cooler ride. Pat loved the feel of the car so much he’s hooked on buying one for himself in the future (even though this model isn’t available in the US). Courmayeur was a 2 hour 10 minute drive from MXP to Courmayeur, so driving was our best bet. The road was super easy and was just a straight highway into the Alps.
Note: The expensive Mont Blanc Tunnel toll
The only sticker shock or road shock we got is the obligatory 40 euro toll to get in and out of Mont Blanc tunnel. It’s the only way to reach Mont Blanc so there is no way to avoid it.
2. Why Is Courmayeur So Popular Among Northern Italians?
Aside from the obvious close distance to Milan and Turin and its unparalleled culinary scene, there are a few more reasons Courmayeur is so highly sought after by the Milanese people. The slopes can accommodate all ski levels, the 17th-century pedestrian only town has activities for all, even those who are not skiing aficionados, it’s considered the sunny side of Mont Blanc compared to its neighboring French side, and it’s the last town in Italy before crossing into the French border, among other things. All these make it a highly coveted spot for both skiers, non-skiers, hikers, spa enthusiasts, and more.
3. Where to Stay
There are plenty of hotel and chalet options in the center of Courmayeur town, but because of price and our last minute decision to visit Courmayeur, we found ourselves in a quaint location just outside center city. It was about a 10-15 minute walk from the ski lift, but had a wonderful view of Courmayeur and the mountains in the distance. It wasn’t anything too fancy, but felt like a typical alpine abode with all the necessary services and accessories. If you’re on a budget, I recommend you look outside of center town and at some residences, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels just a 10 minute walk from the center.
4. Where to Rent Skis
Where to Rent Skis in Courmayeur: Alpineve
Let me break it down for you why Alpineve should be your one and only choice when it comes to renting skis in Courmayeur: Location on the base of the mountain at Plan Chécrouit, service, quality, storage locker, and price.
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5. Where to Ski
Ski Courmayeur, Italy: A Resort Guide for All Levels
Not sure what to expect on the slopes of Mont Blanc? Here’s my resort guide for all levels to ski in Courmayeur, Italy. From ski etiquette, what ski passes to by, how long to stay, the difficulty of the trails, and where to eat lunch and dinner, you’ll be completely prepared for your adventures in one of the most beautiful resorts in the Valle d’Aosta region.
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6. What to do in Courmayeur Town
Best Things to Do in Courmayeur in Winter (Aside from Ski)
Spas, lifts to what some call the eighth wonder of the world, food, skiing, shopping, grappa tasting, and more. These are just some of the best things to do in Courmayeur in winter (aside from ski). For my full list of top 10 things to do in Courmayeur…
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7. Where to Eat in Courmayeur (On and Off Piste)
Where to Eat in Courmayeur (Restaurants On and Off Piste)
Being a renowned foodie area, it is extremely important to have an idea of where to eat in Courmayeur both on and off piste before you get there. Here are 4 must-eat restaurants when in Courmayeur that you can’t miss: Pizzeria Du Tunnel, Ristorante Chiecco, Fuori Pista, and Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza.
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