Courmayeur

Courmayeur​

Latest page update: 2 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
A popular mountain resort town in the Valle d'Aosta region, Courmayeur is located in the province of Aosta.

With a population of 2,608 in 2024, the town covers an area of 210 km² and sits at an elevation of 1,224 metres. Key highlights include Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) and the Skyway cable-car. It is located approximately 150 km northeast of Aosta, the regional capital.

What People Ask About Courmayeur

What is Courmayeur known for?
Courmayeur is known for its ski resort, high-end shops, and location at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s one of Italy’s most stylish mountain destinations and offers both winter sports and summer alpine activities.
Is Courmayeur good for skiing?
Yes, Courmayeur is a well-equipped ski resort with slopes for various levels, including challenging off-piste routes. It also offers views of Mont Blanc and quick access to the nearby ski area of La Thuile via the Mont Blanc tunnel.
What can you do in Courmayeur in summer?
In summer, Courmayeur is a base for hiking, mountaineering, and cable car excursions. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car offers panoramic views and connects to high-altitude trails. The town also features spas and boutique shopping.
How do you get to Courmayeur?
Courmayeur is accessible by road from Aosta and Chamonix. The nearest train station is in Pré-Saint-Didier, with bus connections to the town. It’s also reachable from Geneva and Turin airports by car or shuttle service.
Is Courmayeur suitable for non-skiers?
Yes, Courmayeur is also appealing to non-skiers, with scenic walks, spa centres, restaurants, and the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car. The pedestrian town centre is ideal for relaxed days with views of the surrounding peaks.
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Overview

Overview
Courmayeur: the ski resort in the shadows of Mont Blanc
Most synonymous with Courmayeur is the famous peak of Mont Blanc (French version) which looms over the resort town, straddling the international border between Italy and France. On the Italian side of the border the mountain is known as Monte Bianco and one of its star attractions is the futuristic-looking Skyway cable-car which transports passengers to a number of Alpine peaks including the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. 

Courmayeur itself is a sprawling town with a large number of hotels which are mainly used during the winter ski season. If you drive to Italy from the United Kingdom or France, there's a good chance Courmayuer will be the first place you reach on Italian soil. An eleven kilometre long tunnel connects the two countries either side of the border and costs around €48 each way per car. The famous Chamonix ski resort lies on the French side of the mountain. ​

Things to Do

Things to Do
  • Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc): The highest peak in the Alps, Monte Bianco is a central attraction for visitors to Courmayeur. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, mountaineering, and cable car rides in the summer. Visitors can take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
  • Val Veny: A scenic valley near Courmayeur, Val Veny is known for its picturesque views of Mont Blanc and its range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing in winter, with numerous trails offering spectacular views of the alpine scenery.
  • Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso: This national park, one of the oldest in Italy, is located just outside Courmayeur. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex and golden eagles, and offers a range of hiking trails through stunning alpine landscapes. The park is an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Courmayeur Ski Resort: A renowned ski resort, Courmayeur offers a wide range of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The resort is known for its charming alpine village atmosphere and its excellent conditions for winter sports, along with access to the wider Mont Blanc ski area.
  • Punta Helbronner: At the top of the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, Punta Helbronner offers panoramic views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas, explore the area’s hiking trails, or simply take in the incredible mountain scenery.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Courmayeur
Region: Valle d'Aosta

Population: 2,608​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 210 km²

Elevation: 1,224 metres

Highlights: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), Skyway cable-car

Close by: ​Morgex, Avise, Aymavilles, Parc Animalier d'Introd

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Grand Hotel Courmayeur Montblanc Located in the heart of Courmayeur, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning views of Mont Blanc, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a renowned restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. Guests appreciate the luxurious setting, exceptional service, and the proximity to the ski lifts and Courmayeur’s main attractions. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel Aigle Situated near the town centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding mountains, a restaurant serving regional dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the central location, friendly service, and the short walk to Courmayeur’s ski slopes and the Mont Blanc cable car. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Maison Lo Micio Set in a peaceful location just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the serene environment, and the easy access to Courmayeur’s ski resorts and nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Bouton d'Or Located near the ski lifts, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Alpine cuisine. Guests appreciate the great value for money, the relaxing atmosphere, and the proximity to both the ski slopes and Courmayeur’s historic centre. €€ (mid-range)
  • Chalet Aiguille Noire Set in a scenic area near Courmayeur, this well-regarded chalet offers spacious rooms with panoramic mountain views, a cosy lounge, and easy access to both the ski lifts and hiking trails. Guests enjoy the peaceful setting, the warm hospitality, and the short drive to Courmayeur’s main attractions. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Ristorante La Chaumière: Located in the heart of Courmayeur, Ristorante La Chaumière offers a refined dining experience with a focus on traditional Alpine and Italian cuisine. Known for its homemade pastas, risotto with mushrooms, and grilled meats, the restaurant provides an authentic taste of the region. The cozy atmosphere and excellent service make it perfect for a special meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Alpe: Situated just outside the city centre, Ristorante Alpe offers a rustic, traditional dining experience with a menu focused on local specialities. Known for its venison stew, fresh pasta, and polenta with cheese, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of the Aosta Valley. The charming atmosphere and welcoming service make it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante Le Vieux Pommier: Located in La Salle, Ristorante Le Vieux Pommier offers gourmet Alpine and French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. Known for its creative dishes such as risotto with truffle, roasted meats, and seafood, the restaurant combines fine dining with an exceptional wine list. The refined atmosphere and impeccable service make it perfect for a special meal. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
  • Ristorante La Taverna: A family-run restaurant in the heart of Courmayeur, Ristorante La Taverna serves traditional local dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu includes options like risotto with mushrooms, roasted meats, and fresh pasta. The rustic decor and warm service make it a great place for an authentic dining experience. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante La Clusaz: Situated in the centre of Courmayeur, Ristorante La Clusaz offers local specialties like risotto with wild mushrooms, grilled meats, and traditional Alpine dishes. The warm atmosphere and friendly service create a great dining experience after a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)

Photo Gallery

Nearby Places

Nearby Places
  • La Thuile (approx. 15 km southwest of Courmayeur): A popular ski resort located near the French border, La Thuile is part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, which offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The town also provides stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the beautiful natural parks nearby.
  • Pre-Saint-Didier (approx. 5 km southeast of Courmayeur): A small village famous for its thermal baths, Pre-Saint-Didier is known for its relaxing spa treatments and scenic mountain views. The village is a great place to unwind after a day of skiing or hiking, with the thermal baths offering a perfect way to soothe muscles. In the winter, Pre-Saint-Didier also provides access to the Mont Blanc ski resort.
  • Chamonix (approx. 25 km north of Courmayeur, in France): A world-renowned destination for mountaineers and skiers, Chamonix is located at the foot of Mont Blanc and offers a range of outdoor activities throughout the year. The town is famous for its skiing, ice climbing, and alpine scenery, as well as for the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which takes visitors to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Val Ferret (approx. 10 km southeast of Courmayeur): A picturesque valley located just outside Courmayeur, Val Ferret is a beautiful destination for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. The valley offers stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif and is less crowded than other parts of the region, making it a peaceful escape. In the summer, visitors can explore hiking trails that lead through alpine meadows, while in the winter, the valley is popular for cross-country skiing.
  • Aosta (approx. 35 km east of Courmayeur): The capital of the Aosta Valley, Aosta is rich in history and culture, with Roman ruins such as the Arch of Augustus and the Roman Theatre. The town also boasts medieval architecture, including the Aosta Cathedral and the nearby Castello di Fenis. Aosta serves as a gateway to the surrounding mountains and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Valle d'Aosta Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Gran Paradiso National Park
2. Aosta
3. Monte Bianco
4. Breuil-Cervinia
5. ​Matterhorn
6. Courmayeur
7. Fort Bard
8. Castello Savoia
9. Fontainemore
10. Lillianes

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Valle d'Aosta

Getting There

Getting There
Whether your plan is to stay in Courmayeur or simply use it as a waypoint for a longer journey into Italy, it's well-connected to the motorway network with its own junction. Heading east and then south along the motorway eventually brings you to the city of Turin (1 hour 48 minutes) but it's worth bearing in mind that the first part of that journey is one of the most expensive toll roads in Italy.

From Courmayeur to the town of Pont-Saint-Martin costs €20.90 for a journey of 84 kilometres which is high by Italian motorway standards. It becomes cheaper once you reach the neighbouring region of Piedmont and there's the option of a toll-free road if you want to save some money. That stretch of road takes an hour on the motorway or an extra 40 minutes if you stick to the toll-free SS26 road. 

​By Rail: Courmayeur does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Pré-Saint-Didier, about 6 km away. Trains from major cities like Turin (around 1.5 hours by train) and Milan (about 2.5 hours by train) connect to Pré-Saint-Didier. From the station, you can take a bus or taxi to Courmayeur, which takes around 10 minutes.

By Road: Courmayeur is approximately 150 km from Turin, and the drive takes around 2 hours via the A5 motorway. From Milan, it’s about 180 km, and the drive takes around 2.5 hours. There are several car parks near the town centre, though parking can be limited during the peak ski season.

Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Courmayeur is Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle), located about 150 km away. The drive takes around 2 hours. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly to Courmayeur, or alternatively, take a train to Pré-Saint-Didier and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Courmayeur.

Another alternative is Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa), about 180 km away. The drive takes around 2.5 hours. From Milan, you can take a train to Turin and then transfer to a local train to Pré-Saint-Didier, followed by a bus or taxi to Courmayeur.
​
Additional Transport Options: During the ski season, shuttle buses and private transfers are available from Turin and Milan airports directly to Courmayeur, providing a convenient way to reach the town.

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