'''Courmayeur''' (1.224 m) is an alpine resort boasting centuries of history and a world-wide celebrity.
It is a multi-coloured world with plenty of traditions and folklore where every guest can spend unforgettable holidays thanks to the range and completeness of the offer. The little resort at the foot of the Mont Blanc chain can offer cultural and natural entertainment as well as shopping, relaxation, gastronomy and the possibility of practising several sports, both in summer and in winter.
The ski resort counts 24 modern and functional lifts (cablecars, chairlifts, ski-lifts). Courmayeur offers 100 kilometres of fun on the snow: downhill slopes, off-pist and cross-country skiing in the Ferret Valley. Snowmaking machines always ensure excellent snow conditions.
Get in
By car or bus - via Chamonix, France via the Mont Blanc tunnel or, more interestingly, by cable cars via Aiguille du Midi.
Winter
Downhill Skiing
The ski resort of the "Courmayeur Mont Blanc Cablecar" Company covers two sides of the mountain. The north-east facing Checrouit consists of wide open plateaux without trees that enjoy the sun in the morning. The Val Veny facing north-west has wide runs through the woods and is sunny in the afternoon. Everywhere in the resort it is possible to admire the imposing sight of the Monte Bianco chain (4810 m.), the highest mountain in Europe.
The slopes are reachable with the "Courmayeur" and "Val Veny" cablecars and with the "Dolonne" gondola from the centre, from Entreves village and from Dolonne village respectively. The two sides are connected up by a large network of lifts and runs. The lifts are open all day according to the timetables put up to the ticket offices of the "Courmayeur Mont Blanc Cablecars" company in Courmayeur, Entreves and Dolonne.
Cross-Country Skiing
Courmayeur offers to the cross-country lovers an interesting range of slopes in a tipically alpine environment with wonderful forests covered with snow from November to May.
The Val Ferret is placed at the foot of the Mont Blanc chain. The slopes, always tracked and beaten, start from the suggestive village of Planpincieux (1580 m.) and go on along the valley to Lavachey or, for braves, to Arp Nouvaz. It's possible to choose among many detours of the runs to make your way longer or shorter from 3 to 20 km. In the Val Ferret there are several bars, restaurants, the ski school and Assistance Services for the skiers where you can rent any equipment you may need.
Summer
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc climbs among larchs and firs woods; it is an important way traced on the frontier of Italy, France and Switzerland; in summer you can run through it in a relatively simple way, spending the night in alpine refuges.
Relax
Thermal Baths of Pre Saint Didier
Thermal Baths: A great year-round activity in Valle d'Aosta is a visit to the Thermes de Pre Sant-Didier, just 5 km south of Courmayeur. Incredibly relaxing in a beautiful setting overlooking Monte Bianco. See website for current prices and hours. Open late on Friday and Saturday evenings for nights under the stars.
[http://www.termedipre.it www.termedipre.it]
Culture
While in Courmayeur you are likely to hear myriad different languages being spoken. English is often the language of choice due to the town's popularity with British and American visitors. The international community gathered here tends to be very friendly as are the locals, _eValdostanas_f, as they are known. Valdostanas are Italians born in the Aosta Valley; they are often multi-lingual, speaking French, Italian, Patois (the local dialect) and English.
Accommodations
Hotel BOUTON D'OR
Central location not far from cable car. Bedrooms decorated in alpine style. Buffet breakfast with home made and local food. Sauna, tecnogym, garage and parking.
[http://www.hotelboutondor.com www.hotelboutondor.com]