(about Courmayeur, Italy, last edited on Sep 04, 2007)
Courmayeur is the ultimate ski destination enjoying a phenomenal resort location at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley next to the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix. It is dominated by the magnificent Mont Blanc mountain chain with its 50 km length and its numerous peaks, crests, cliffs and glaciers. This part of the Alps is spectacular and what makes this resort location unique is that it is at the junction of Switzerland, France and Italy and skiing the slopes you can easily get to either of the countries.
One of the possibilities to do that is by Cable Car. You can take a series of cable cars from La Palud to get to several ski stations in Italy and France. You can stop at Punta Helbronner at 3,300m, the last aerie on Italian soil then change the cable car and take the gondola from Punta Helbronner to Aiguille du Midi in France to see the Géant Glacier and the Vallée Blanche. Continue the trip down to the resort town of Chamonix. The trip is definitely worth making as the spectacular scenery of the Alps will make you gasp and to save on expenses it is good to know that you can take a ticket for the whole route from Courmayeur to Chamonix, France. Another route worth considering is by funivia that takes you from Entrèves to the Val Veny.
Courmayeur is a small picturesque Italian village, well known by the international crowd of skiers. It is an alpine settlement rich in history, tradition and folklore. It features a variety of activities that can fit every taste and numerous entertainment possibilities all year round. The cozy atmosphere created by the traditional stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, pseudo-Alpine chalets and large hotels is magnificent. People come here not only for the winter sports, but also for the scenery and for indulging in the beauty and alpine splendor of Mont Blanc and to be in a place that gives you a sense of freedom.
The slopes are in perfect condition as a lot has been invested lately. There’s something for everybody. There are small, but very beautiful trails in Val Ferret and there’s Dolonne, just outside town, perfect for cross-country skiers; advanced skiers have some high mountain and bumpy black while beginners can enjoy easy slopes. The slopes are reachable by cable cars and on your way back you can take the bus.
But skiing is not the only activity around; there are plenty of other activities to choose from and the most favored one is enjoying a good meal in one of the fabulous restaurants as Italians are well known for eating in style and taking their time when they eat and if they happen to be in a restaurant all the better.
It is a resort favored by high society having all the necessary ingredients for stardom, but ordinary people fit in just as well as there’s an atmosphere of easy going friendliness. Everything is radiant from the small bars to the restaurants. There’s no lack in entertainment options you can dance the night away in one of the discos, unwind in sip some local wine in one of the bars, the American Bar is among the best.
Lots of fun is guaranteed in summer too as Courmayeur is also known as the capital of mountain climbing and hiking as here you will find the best concentration offered in the Alps with many marked hiking trails of different difficulty.
You can enjoy your vacation to Courmayeur as you like it, active or relaxed, but you definitely won’t miss soaking up some sun and scenery in a “beach” chair and watching the evening alpenglow over the mountains.
