Courmayeur
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The ski resort of Courmayeur is situated a distance of 35 kilometres north-west of Aosta, the regional capital of Valle d'Aosta. It stands at 1,224 metres above sea level and had a population of 2,734 permanent residents on 1 January 2022.
Courmayeur is an official comune (municipality), covering a total geographical area of 210 square kilometres. |
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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.
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.
Getting to Courmayeur
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.
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.
Comune di Courmayeur
Region: Valle d'Aosta
Population: 2,615 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 210 km² Elevation: 1,224 metres Highlights: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), Skyway cable-car Close by: Morgex, Avise, Aymavilles, Parc Animalier d'Introd Recommended accommodation: Villa Novecento Romantic Hotel |