Courmayeur trails. Courmayeur, Valle d'Aosta, Italy

Courmayeur is a beautiful mountain slopes for amateurs and professionals ski holidays. Frosty freshness, the smell of coniferous forest, clear sun, blue sky - what else is needed for a charming landscape? Just having time to see it.

Resort Courmayeur, Italy

Resort Courmayeur) is a charming place surrounded by coniferous forests, at the very foot of the highest point of the Alps - Mont Blanc.

The area for skiing Courmayeur consists of two slopes: the left (northeast) with red slopes - Chekruit, and the right (northwest) - Val Veny with black. Elevation difference 1224-2756m.

The ski resort offers skiers 4 funiculars, 2 cabin lifts, 8 chair lifts and 7 drag lifts.

Some skiers believe that skiing in Courmayeur is even more interesting than in Cervinia. There are many difficult tracks and colorful landscapes: sparkling snow, golden sun and clear skies. Gusty winds and fog rarely spoil the weather in the resort town of Courmayeur. Other Italian resorts are no less famous: the resort of Bormio, Pragelato, La Thuile.

Mountain slope, Courmayeur, Italy

Euro-class service is offered by Courmayeur hotels, as well as a variety of nearby fashionable shops, many restaurants and bars, discos and a host of other entertainments that will appeal to every guest of this cozy town.

The Courmayeur Film Festival is held annually, which gathers guests from all cities of the world in August. On Valentine's Day, a festive procession is held, and a magnificent carnival is held in the spring. The opening of the season is accompanied by a colorful spectacle with various performances and attractions. At the end of the holiday, the best athletes descend from mountain peaks with burning torches.

In the evenings, you can stroll along the ancient streets of the city with ancient cultural monuments that have retained their appearance since the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. And you can go to a bar, cafe or restaurant to have a delicious meal, or have plenty of fun at the disco.

Nearest airports: Milan - 215 km, Turin - 150 km, Geneva - 120 km.

3* with breakfast – 1 week – 700 euro per person / 2 weeks – 1130 euros per person

4* with breakfast - 1 week - 810 euros per person / 2 weeks – 1340 euros per person

Apartments without meals - 1 week – 640 euros per person / 2 weeks – 1000 euros per person

SELECTION OF A TOUR TO COURMAIOR

Ski resort Courmayeur

Courmayeur- one of the most visited in Italy is located on the slopes of the gigantic Mont Blanc massif. Today it is one of the world capitals of mountaineering and skiing. Near the tunnel Ionte Bianco (12 km), leaving on the French side. From here, Chamonix is ​​a 15-minute drive.

The city is located at an altitude of 1224 m above sea level among coniferous and deciduous forests, mountains and glaciers, forming an incomparable landscape. This resort has retained the charm of old buildings, small streets with cobblestone pavements. Pedestrian area with trendy boutiques and great restaurants and bars. Interesting nightlife...

Resort statistics

• The minimum height is 1280 m.
• Maximum height - 2763 m
• Elevation difference - 1555 m
• Beginning of the season - December
• End of season - April

Lifts:

• 3 drag lifts
• 8 chairlifts
• 2 telecabins
• 4 funiculars

Tracks:

• 26 pistes in just 100 km + 40 km off-piste
• "Blue" - 32
• "Reds" - 29
• "Black" - 13
• The longest is 11 km.
• Artificial snow on 25 km of slopes.

Trail characteristics.:

The Courmayeur skiing area consists of two slopes: the left (northeast) - Checrouit (Checrouit), where mainly pistes of medium difficulty are laid and the right (northwest) - Val Veny (Val Veny) with black pistes. You can climb the slopes either from Dolonne or from the alpine village of Entreves. The trails run through wooded areas. Since there is always a lot of sun, riding is a pleasure.

• For professionals. Among the difficult pistes, we mention Competi-zione on the slopes of Val Veni and Diretta. The first is especially good after a snowfall. Good conditions for off-piste skiing. A good skiing area between the top of the Cross d "Arp (Cresta d" Arp, 2755 m) and the Dolonne valley, where the tracks pass through deserted slopes.
• For intermediate skiers here is complete expanse. Lots of good red runs. It is worth trying your hand at the interesting Internazionale route, which goes from the top of Lago Checrouit (Lago Checrouit, 2256 m) to the town of Zerotta (1525 m). We will also call the slopes Youla and Lazey.
• For beginners. It will be difficult for them to ride in the Courmayeur area. For inexperienced skiers perfect place skiing - the area at the top of Mot Chetif (Mot Chetif, 2343 m). Of particular note are the tracks Chetif, Prato, Pra Neyron. For beginners, there is good news: Russian-speaking instructors working at the resort will help you take your first steps and learn how to confidently ski.
• Courmayeur also has trails for cross-country skiing. We advise you to visit the place Vale Ferret, located near the resort town. A few minutes by bus and at your service - 20 km of excellent slopes. You can also go cross-country skiing in Dolonne. From La Palud you can climb Mont Blanc - great views, photos to remember and a good restaurant.

Apres-Ski and evening life.

Courmayeur is one of the most fashionable resorts in the northwestern region. Many restaurants, discos, bars are open for guests after skiing. In Courmayeur, the historical center has been preserved, which is pleasant to wander around in the evenings, especially when it snows. There is a museum of mountaineering. Food in Courmayeur is taken as seriously as skiing. Perhaps nowhere else in this region will you be able to eat so tasty, while having a large selection of mountain restaurants. The problem of finding a table in a restaurant in the evening, as in other resorts, is almost non-existent here.

Detailed information on tours and holidays in Courmayeur,
check dates and prices with our managers:
(495) 775 89 75 m/channel.
or use the system

Ski pass price in Courmayeur

Types of Ski Pass in Courmayeur:

• Courmayeur (Courmayuer + Valle d'Aosta) gives the right to ride on the slopes of the resort of Courmayeur. Ski pass for 3 - 5 days entitles you to ski for 1 day at any resort in the Valle d'Aoste region, ski pass for 6 - 10 days entitles you to ski for 2 days at any resort in the Valle d'Aoste region, ski pass for 11 - 15 days entitles you to ski for 3 days at any resorts in the Valle d'Aoste region.
• Mont Blanc Unlimited (Courmayuer + Chamonix) gives the right to ride on the slopes of the Courmayeur resort, the Mont Blanc cable car, on the slopes of the resort of Chamonix (France): Balme, Brevent - Flegere, Les Grands Montets, Montenvers-Mer de Glace, Aiguille du Midi, Les Houches.
• Regional Valle d'Aosta (all resorts in the Valle d'Aosta region) gives the right to ski without restrictions in all resorts of the Valle d'Aosta region Breuil-Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile (+ La Rosiere), Monte Rosa Ski (Ayas-Champoluc, Gressoney, Alagna-Valsesia), Pila, Brusson, Chamois, Champorcher , Colle De Joux, Cogne, Gressoney-St-Jean, La Magdeleine, Ollomont, Rhemes-Notre-Dame, St-Themy-En-Bosses, Torgnon, Valgrisenche, Valsavaranche, Valtournenche.

Ski-pass "Mont-Blanc Unlimited"

Ski-pass "Courmayeur"

The ski resort of Courmayeur is located in the Alps, in northern Italy at the foot of the highest mountain Western Europe- Mont Blanc (or in Italian - Monte Bianco) - at an altitude of 1225 meters above sea level.

Courmayeur is one of the most glamorous ski resorts in Italy , yielding, perhaps, only Cortina d'Ampezzo, famous for its "millionaire party" in the Dolomites. It attracts not only skiers, climbers and fans both in winter and summer mountain hikes. This is a favorite vacation spot for the wealthy public, who loves to "show themselves and see others." In this regard, Courmayeur can be compared with another "secular resort" not far from here - the French Megeve (Megeve).

In a small Italian town concentrated hotels 5 * and 4 * with first-class spa services, gourmet restaurants, several clubs, bars and expensive boutiques. If in the larger and more democratic French Chamonix in the shops on the main shopping street it is quite possible to find brands of the middle price category, then in Courmayeur it is mostly only luxury, everything is designed for customers who do not look into their wallet. Naturally, the reputation of a prestigious holiday destination is reflected in the general price level at this resort. This is worth knowing when planning a holiday in Courmayeur.

Pistes of Courmayeur: the length is only 100 kilometers, the lowest are at an altitude of 1210 meters, the highest - 2755 meters. However, together with the slopes of the French Chamonix and Argentiere, the slopes of the Italian Courmayeur make up a huge ski area (you can purchase a single ski pass Mont Blanc Unlimited, which allows you to ski not only in Chamonix, Courmayeur, etc., but also in Swiss Verbier).

Courmayeur began to gain popularity as a ski resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but this picturesque place at the foot of the mountains was known to the Romans because of its healing springs. Today, this ski resort is often chosen by those who want to combine skiing in Italy, France and Switzerland, as well as see two countries during their holidays: for example, to get from Courmayeur to France, you just need to cross the 12-kilometer tunnel under Mont Blanc by car . If you wish, you can also go to Switzerland, which is very close.

How to get to Courmayeur

The nearest international airport to Courmayeur is in Geneva (~100 kilometers). When renting a car, you should take into account the cost of travel (43 euros one way, 54 euros round trip).

Other nearest airports: Turin (~151 km); Milan (~224 km). The distance from the main city of the Valle d`Aosta - Aosta - to Courmayeur is 35 kilometers.

You can also get to Italy from the territory of France and Switzerland through

Rent a car to travel to Courmayeur

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Transfer to Courmayeur

Pros: large reliable company international service taxi at local prices; you can choose the class of car you need and additional services, for example, a child car seat; order confirmation is sent to your e-mail, and a Russian-speaking driver is waiting at the exit from the arrivals area with a sign with your name on it; the fare is known in advance (no unpleasant surprises); payment of the full amount only upon arrival at the place.

You can also find out the cost of a taxi transfer to Courmayeur from different airports and order here:

Courmayeur lifts

The main and oldest cable car in Courmayeur is Dolonne, located on the outskirts of the resort, it was built back in the 1940s of the XX century. It is most convenient to get to the station from the center by car (it only takes a few minutes) and leave it in the parking lot (parking is paid, 1.5 euros per hour from 8.00 to 16.00, from 16.00 to 8.00 - 0.5 euros), but you can use and by shuttle from the center of Courmayeur. This lift takes skiers to the southeast Checrouit ski area, designed for beginners and intermediates. This is where most of the trails are located.

The "black pistes" make up about 20 kilometers of the hundred kilometers of pistes in Courmayeur and belong to the area called Val Veny. Part of the "black route" passes through a dense and dark coniferous forest.

However, one of the main attractions of Courmayeur can be called a modern lift with panoramic cabins providing a 360-degree view - Skyway Monte Bianco. It was opened relatively recently, in 2015, and has already become Courmayeur's "entertainment number 1" both in winter and in summer. The highest point where the cabins rise is the top of Punta Helbronner (3884 meters). From here you can continue your unforgettable journey among the highest peaks of the Alps mountain range to Aiguille du Midi (France) and further to Chamonix. The cost of going up to the "terminal" Punta Helbronner in the summer season 2017 (until November 1) round trip is 48 euros for adults, children under 7 years old are free of charge, discounts are available for older children.

Skyway Monte Bianco's intermediate stop is the Pavillon du Mont-Ferry, home to a botanical garden (one of the highest in Europe, opened only in June 2017!), a gift shop, a restaurant with fantastic panoramic views, and a playground. An adult ticket to Pavillon du Mont-Ferry costs 27 euros, and if you want to climb Punta Helbronner from here, you will have to pay an additional 29 euros. The price of some Courmayeur ski passes includes the ascent to the Skyway Monte Bianco.

Where to stay in Courmayeur

Basically, the most expensive and prestigious resort hotels are located in the center of Courmayeur, from where it is literally a few minutes walk to everything - restaurants, bars and boutiques. More budget options are located away from a couple of central streets, but all the same, distances in Courmayeur practically do not matter - this is a small and very compact Italian town.

What to do in Courmayeur

Both in winter and in summer, it is worth visiting located about 5 kilometers from the city Thermae Pre-Saint-Didier. Few people are left indifferent to the recreation and health programs provided here, as well as the service and stunning views from the outdoor and indoor pools with thermal water. The cost of a day ticket to the Pre-Saint-Didier is 48 euros from Monday to Friday, 52 euros on weekends (included cosmetics, bathrobes, towels, slippers, etc.), massages and other additional procedures, of course, are paid separately.

in winter

In addition to skiing, extreme sports lovers can order heli-skiing or just a helicopter ride over the mountain range (cost from 365 euros per person to infinity). There is a large Association of Alpine Guides in Courmayeur (located in the very center of the town next to the church), which will help organize an active pastime for every taste and, of course, budget.

Summer

Pool, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, rafting, for children - a zoological park where you can see the animals and birds of the Alps in conditions close to their natural habitat.

What to see around

Just 35 kilometers from Courmayeur is the beautiful city of Aosta, which has preserved a huge number of Roman artifacts and architectural monuments. different eras. Around Aosta, hundreds of ancient castles are “scattered” on the mountains, for which the valley is generally famous. Mostly expensive boutiques are located in Courmayeur itself, therefore, in order to update your wardrobe and not go broke (especially during sales), you should go to Aosta - there is a pretty good selection of shops.

Courmayeur is the center of the Valle d'Aosta ski region. Thanks to the tunnel under Mont Blanc, which connected Italy and France, Courmayeur, together with Chamonix in France, forms a single international ski area. A ski-pass bought in one of these places operates on both sides of the border.

Courmayeur captivates with stunning views of the highest mountain in Europe - Mont Blanc, which can be admired from anywhere in the resort. She and business card resort, and a source of unique skiing opportunities, especially off-piste. The exclusivity of Courmayeur - in its full relationship with the French resort of Chamonix - they are connected by a twelve-kilometer tunnel "Del Monte Bianco", which bears the name of the majestic peak and is laid right in it. The eminent twin cities of Chamonix and Courmayeur are very similar in appearance and form a single vast skiing region. Getting to Chamonix from Courmayeur is possible only by scheduled buses, which are regularly sent along the route (through the tunnel). In summer, the two resorts are connected by the cable car "Helbronner (Helbronner, 3459 m) - Aiguille du Midi (3843 m)", which gives a unique opportunity to admire Mont Blanc and the picturesque circular panorama of the Italian, Swiss and French Alps. This panoramic cable car operates only in summer. Courmayeur and Chamonix have grown together with their hiking trails and ski routes.

Symbol sunny resort Courmayeur is the highest peak in Europe and the Alpine favorite Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc 4810 m). The peak in the rays of the bright sun, in a snow-white mantle against the azure sky - a picturesque landscape all year round. Fogs and strong winds, rare guests here. But the Dukes of Savoy and other aristocrats of Italy, France, England have been regulars here for over 200 years. Thermal springs, mild climate, dense coniferous forests and a stunning view of the beautiful Mont Blanc in the 17th century brought Courmayeur the glory of a fashionable health resort.

The ski resort of Courmayeur is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps, located on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. In fact, the resort of Courmayeur is a continuation of Chamonix, which lies in France on the other side of the mountain. A network of 100 km of trails is a real expanse for athletes and amateurs. The slopes are mostly of medium difficulty, but there are also "black" slopes. In the valley there is the possibility of night skiing. There are 21 ski lifts in Courmayeur, there is a flat ski track (25 km).

The ski resort of Courmayeur is:

• 100 km of ski slopes (25 slopes in total: black - 4, red - 14, blue - 7)
• 21 lifts (4 funiculars, 2 cabins, 8 chairlifts, 7 tows)
• Trails for night skiing and snowboarding
• 25 km of cross-country ski trails
• Ski-pass for 6 days - 152-169 euros (depending on the season)

Ski areas in the ski resort of Courmayeur

For professional and confident skiers, skiing in the Courmayeur resort areas is much more interesting than in Cervinia - there are more difficult technical and steep slopes than anywhere else in Italy. All tracks are laid through the forest, flooded with sun and give sheer pleasure. For beginners, the possibilities of skiing are limited in their variety. But expanse for lovers of off-piste skiing. Fans of long runs, telemark style, as well as snowboarders will also find many interesting places in this resort.

Courmayeur is one of the popular places for cross-country skiing. Particularly beautiful trails pass through the Val Ferret valley. Cross-country skiing is also laid near the town of Dolonne (Dolonne) next to Courmayre - evening skiing and games on the snow in the park are organized there.

Heli-skiing and ski tours with experienced guides are actively practiced. The prestige and luxury of the resort determined the high level of local ski schools and staff: many reputable Italian mountain guides, instructors and rescuers live here. In addition to all kinds of styles and types of skiing, they offer interesting mountain biking and dog sledding.

Skiing takes place from the peaks of Cross d "Arp (Cresta d" Arp, 2755 m), Cross Youla (Cresta Youla, 2624 m), Col Checrouit (Col Checrouit, 2256 m) and Mont Chetif (Mon Chetif, 2343 m). A funicular leads to the ski area - the Courmayeur gondola, the Val Veny funicular from the town of Entreves (Entreves, 1306 m), a chair lift from the village of Zerotta (Zerotta, 1525 m), a cabin lift from the town of Dolonne. A ski bus runs between the lift stations.

The main ski area of ​​Courmayeur combines several slopes: the left (northeast) Checrouit (Checrouit 2256 m), where red runs predominate and the right (northwest) Val Veny with more difficult black runs. You can select the slope of the Cross d "Arp (Cresta d" Arp, 2755 m) with good off-piste descents. Interesting off-piste skiing at the foot of Mont Blanc in the expanses of the White Valley - Vallee Blanche and descending the Ghiacciaio Del Toula glacier into the Valle d'Aosta.

Ski area Checrouit slope

The Chekruit slope (2256 m) is flooded with sun in the first half of the day. It begins the journey through all ski slopes resort: from the outskirts of Courmayeur, a gondola funicular lifts skiers to the Plan Checrouit station (Plan Checrouit, 1706 m). It can be called a nodal one, because from it the branching of lifts starts higher and higher to different routes, including to the region of virgin snow - to the slopes from the highest peak of the slope of Cross d "Arp. But first you need to get to the top of Cresta Youla. From from the top of Lago Checrouit (2256 m) starts the red route Lazei and Internazionale (length 6 km, elevation difference 1100 m), which will take you to the right slope You can go straight down to the valley to Courmayeur along the red route Dolonne to the town of the same name. Pra Neyron. There is no dedicated snow park for snowboarding, but a boarder-cross has recently been added near the Plan de la Gabba lift at the top of Lago Checrouit. This slope is ideal for confident skiers intermediate skiers.

Ski area Right slope of Val Veny

The slope of Val Veny descends into the valley from the top of Mont Chetif (Mon Chetif, 2343 m). On this slope it will be especially pleasant in the afternoon - the sun will run here from the left slope. It will be comfortable here for beginners and those who want an imposing calm skiing after lunch in the sun. For them, the favorites of the slope are the blue slopes of Val Veny, Chetif and Prato. But this slope is famous for its interesting black slopes. This is a slope for aces: all steep difficult tracks have chosen it, there are at least five of them. After a snowfall, we advise you to definitely pass the Competizione track. One of the coolest is the black Diretta. From the top of Cresta Youla to the Val Veny there is a great off-piste slope. From the top of Lago Checrouit (Lago Checrouit, 2256 m) it is worth trying your hand at the red Internazionale trail (Internazionale, length 6 km, elevation difference 1100 m) - the longest breathtaking descent of the resort, which leads to the village of Zerotta.

While living in Courmayeur, you can ski in the neighboring resort of La Thuile and in the French Chamonix. Buses run between resorts.

Apres-Ski and entertainment in the ski resort of Courmayeur

Courmayeur today is a fashionable expensive resort popular all year round, not inferior in chic to the resorts of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites: luxury hotels and shops, gourmet restaurants, secular resort life with enchanting nights. Historical Center beckons to narrow old streets with mansions from the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, cozy restaurants and cheerful bars. In August, the entire world elite gathers here every year for the film festival. Spring is celebrated with a magnificent carnival and festive processions in honor of St. Valentine's Day (February 14). Tourists are no less delighted by the colorful spectacles dedicated to the opening of the winter ski season, especially the night descent from the mountain peaks of the best athletes with lit torches. Hotels in the resort of Courmayeur ...

From sports entertainment: a motorcycle club, rock climbing, a skating rink, a tennis court, a swimming pool.

Sports Center Courmayeur Forum - Sport Center, via dello stadio, 1, Tel. (+39) 0165 844096. There is a skating rink, curling, tennis, squash, golf, gym, table tennis, beauty and health center. Open: 10:00-23:00

Thermal center Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier - Located in the town of Pre-Saint-Didier (8 km from Courmayeur), Allee des Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier, Tel. (+39) 0165 867272. Thermal pools, numerous treatments, sauna. Thermal Center Pre-Saint Didier at the foot of Mont Blanc - a modern spa and wellness center with thermal pools, hydromassage, Finnish saunas and baths in the Roman tradition. Service at the highest level provides guests with bathrobes, slippers, towels and treats (water, juices, fruits, herbal teas). Mineral water It has a beneficial effect on the skin, has sedative and relaxing properties, and is useful in various rheumatic diseases. The complex offers more than 20 different spa-procedures (from 32 euros per procedure).

For gourmets - Courmayeur has a huge number of restaurants, mountain huts, bars, pizzerias. The resort is famous for its gastronomic shops with Valdostan delicacies: local cheeses, hams, jams from forest and garden berries. Jam can be tasted and bought at the Fratelli Panizzi shop.

Top Restaurants:

• Aria- Vicolo Dolonne, 18 Tel. +39 0165 848069
• Novecento- Viale Monte Bianco 64, Tel. (+39) 0165 843000

Shopping - In Courmayeur, there are shops of the most famous companies producing sports equipment. But for fashionistas, great shopping: clothes and shoes from the most famous designers are no more expensive than in Milan. January is discount season. Close to Milan: from Pre-Saint-Didier 3 hours by train. To Turin - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Children

Kindergarten - Located in Plan Checrouit, where the Courmayeur funicular arrives. Accepts children from 0 to 10 years old and is open from 09:00 to 16:00.

The Mont Blanc mountain range on the border of Italy and France is perhaps the best place in the Alps for off-piste skiing. You can argue whether the Italian part is cooler or the French one, or you can just try both. Resorts Courmayeur and Chamonix on both sides of Mont Blanc are inextricably linked with each other not only by the history of conquering the highest peak of Western Europe, the off-piste routes of the famous White Valley separating the two countries, and the unique cable car between the Helbroner peaks in Italy and Agui du Midi in France, but also 11 km tunnel under Mont Blanc.

The fundamental difference between them, perhaps, is that the French Chamonix has long become the world Mecca of freeride, but the Italians seem to cherish Courmayeur for themselves. There are less than a hundred kilometers of prepared trails, but almost twice as many off-piste routes. Reliable snow, a long season, spectacular scenery, fantastic skiing and heli-skiing, rare in the Alps, plus authentic masculine cuisine and fine wines, these are, in fact, the main winter attractions of Courmayeur.

COURMAIOR

The most famous and fashionable resort of the Aosta Valley, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur became a favorite holiday destination for European and Italian bohemia long before the first ski lifts appeared here. He owes his appearance not at all skiing but mountaineering. In 1850, the Association of Mountain Guides of Courmayeur was founded here, whose members accompanied Queen Margaret to Svalbard and the Duke of Abruzzo on a polar expedition. Acquaintance with the history of this "order" can be combined with the search for a guide for freeride - a museum dedicated to the guides of Courmayeur is located in the Association building on the main street of the resort - Via Roma.

Despite its modest size, Courmayeur combines the best qualities inherent in Italian cities. Fashion is represented here - from Cartier and Hermes to Gant and Timberland. The food here is excellent, and to appreciate it, it is not necessary to go to the most expensive restaurant. Finally, with all the brilliance of shop windows and the abundance of hotels of all categories, it is immediately felt that this place has a history. Her memory is kept, in particular, by the church of St. Pantaleone with a medieval bell tower on Via Roma and the Malluquin tower, left over from the ancient castle.

FREERIDE

The two main starting points for freeride in the Courmayeur area, which can be reached by lift, are Punta Helbronner (3462m) in the Mont Blanc massif and Crest d'Arp (2764m) in the ski area directly above Courmayeur. From Helbroner down to Courmayeur there are at least five routes of varying difficulty with a height difference of more than 2000 m. In the middle part, each of them opens up 2-3 more possible lines of descent into the valley. Another option is to descend from Helbroner towards France, to Chamonix, along one of the dozen routes of the legendary 22-kilometer White Valley (you can return back to Courmayeur by bus). In principle, there are no prepared slopes down from the Cross d’Arp, so they climb here just for the sake of off-piste skiing. Two main routes with a difference of just over 1500 m lead from here down to Courmayeur, one goes into the neighboring valley to the village of La Balme (you can return back to Courmayeur by bus), five more routes descend into Val Veny - the side valley of Courmayeur, from where back to the zone skiing can be climbed on the lift. You can navigate in this space using route maps that can be viewed at the office (Association of Courmayeur Guides), but we do not recommend exploring it on your own without a guide.

Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur: Strada Villair 2 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165842064 www.guidecourmayeur.com

HELISKI

Val d'Aosta is the only region in Italy and one of two in all the Alps where heli-skiing is allowed - off-piste skiing with a helicopter transfer to the top. One of the base helicopter stations - Heliski Courmayeur, is located in the Val Veny in Courmayeur. In the two main ski areas - Ghiacciai and Fortin (the glacial region of the Italian part of the Mont Blanc massif and the slopes of the ridge opposite, respectively), 17 off-piste routes are marked, starting at 2750-3600 m above sea level. All of them end in the side valley of Courmayeur - Val Veny. The snow quality in season is excellent due to the glaciers in the Ghiacciai area and the northern exposure of Fortin. The ideal time for skiing is January-March, the optimal composition of the group is 4 people. Helicopter and guide services can be booked at the Courmayeur Guides Association or directly at Heliski Courmayeur. The cost of one day of skiing (three casts, services of an alpine guide, equipment - ARVA and harness) - 400 euros per person in a group of 4 people.

Heliski Courmayeur: SS26 - Partenza Funivia Val Veny - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel: +39 3272340016 www.heliskicourmayeur.com

GUIDES

The organization and support of heliskiing, ski tours and off-piste skiing on the Italian side of Mont Blanc can be entrusted to professionals from Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur(Association of Guides of Courmayeur). If you are not going to ride in glacial areas, you can contact both (Courmayeur instructors school) and Scuola Sci Monte Bianco(Monte Bianco region). The Courmayeur ski school has an excellent snowboarder Manuel Castelnovo and a classic skier Martino Valle. In the regional school of Monte Biaco, Luca Blanchet and Edmond Josa, proven by years of training in the Italian national team. In addition to, in fact, escort, guides and / or instructors will prompt and help with the rental of the necessary equipment, if necessary. For off-piste skiing in the glacier area, in addition to a beeper, probe and shovel, you may need a climbing harness and crampons.

Societa Guide Alpine Courmayeur(Association of Courmayeur Guides): Strada Villair 2 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165842064 www.guidecourmayeur.com

Scuola Sci e Snowboard Courmayeur(School of Courmayeur instructors): Via Roma, 48 - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165848254 www.scuolascicourmayeur.com

Scuola Sci Monte Bianco(School of Instructors of the Monte Bianco Region): Strada Regionale 5111013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165842477 www.scuolascimontebianco.com

HOTELS

From luxurious palace from the heart of the resort to a cozy classic chalet in a secluded corner of the valley - Courmayeur owes its popularity among the Italian aristocracy to the variety of worthy accommodations. Au Coeur Des Neiges is one of the new concept hotels in Courmayeur, which opened in December 2010. Hotel deluxe consists of a dozen classic mountain chalets, two suites, a suite and two rooms. In addition to refined interiors, modern wellness and a swimming pool overlooking Mont Blanc, the highlight of the hotel is a personal chef who will introduce you to the traditional gastronomy of this region of Italy. You can learn more about the history of Courmayeur and taste the same dolce vita by stopping at Grand Hotel Royal & Golf- a favorite vacation spot of Queen Margaret of Savoy. If, on the contrary, you appreciate the privacy and comfort of modernity, Mont Blanc Hotel Village- Another upscale hotel overlooking Mont Blanc, located on the side of the mountain a little away from Courmayeur.

Au Coeur Des Neiges Resort: Strada Statale 26, n° 2/b - 11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165843514 www.aucoeurdesneiges.com

Grand Hotel Royal & Golf: Via Roma 87 -11013 Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165831611 www.hotelroyalegolf.com

Mont Blanc Hotel Village: Loc. La Croisette, 36 - 11015 La Salle (AO), Tel. +39 0165864111 www.hotelmontblanc.it

THERMES

A 10-minute drive from Courmayeur, in the quietest town of Pre-Saint-Didier, there are thermal springs and a bit old-fashioned, but even more comfortable wellness complex Terme Pre-Saint-Didier. If real freeriders get there, then, as a rule, after it gets dark, they soak, admiring the stars, lying in one of the three outdoor pools in the middle of a snowy meadow. During the day, the same Pre-Saint-Didier pools are a great opportunity not only to relax and take a good look at Mont Blanc, enjoying the sun and fresh air, but also to observe with what rapture the Italians themselves rest. The ancient Romans knew about the iron-rich thermal waters of the two springs gushing here, but the heyday of spa tourism began in Pre-Saint Didier in the middle of the 17th century and has not slowed down since then. The procedures offered by the thermal center take place in a building built at that time and subsequently reconstructed.

Terme Pre-Saint-Didier: Allee des Thermes Pre-Saint-Didier (AO), Tel. +39 0165867272 www.termedipre.it

RESTAURANTS

One of the most famous restaurants of Courmayeur is located in its "suburb" - the village of Entrèves. La Maison de Filippo, Born in 1965, famous for traditional home cooking, Valdostan hospitality and the atmosphere of an old house in the mountains, filled to the brim with fancy antiques and “grandmother's tales”. Specialties: Valdostan style ravioli, polenta carbonade and homemade ice cream. Elegant Milenovsky restaurant La Cassolette at the Mont Blanc Hotel Village, the estate of Fabio Barbaglini, a great admirer of the magnificent nature of the Valle d'Aosta, from which he draws inspiration, literally and figuratively. In his light, modern dishes, the chef uses natural products from his own farm and traditional products of the region. Specialties: marinated and smoked trout, reindeer steak with prunes and cardamom sauce. In cozy Cafe Quinson in another "suburb" of Courmayeur - Morges, there are only a few tables, which are clearly not enough to accommodate everyone. And it's not about size, it's about local cuisine, noted by many gastronomic guides. The chef of Café Quinson surprisingly interprets traditional Valdostan recipes, as if reinventing them, which is why the restaurant is very popular with the Italians themselves. A 17th century wine cellar with a unique collection from around the world only adds to the spice of this establishment. Specialties: steamed trout fillets with herbs, Valdostan cheeses and smoked meats, wines.

La Maison de Filippo: Fraz. Entreves 11013 - Courmayeur (AO), Tel. +39 0165869797 www.lamaison.com

Cafe Quinson: di Buillas Agostino & C. Piazza Principe Tomaso, 10 - 11017 Morgex (AO), Tel. +39 0165809499 www.cafequinson.it

La Cassolette: Loc. La Croisette, 36 - 11015 La Salle (AO), Tel. +39 0165864111 www.hotelmontblanc.it

APRE-SKI

Like any other secular holiday destination in Italy, Courmayeur has many coffee shops, piano bars, tasting rooms and pubs. Most of them are located on Via Roma, main street town. Prada, Gucci, Valentino and other designer boutiques of clothes, accessories, sports shops, antique shops, galleries mainly nest on it. The right choice for an aperitif or just a coffee bar Caffe della Posta on the same street. Here it is also worth trying a proven way to establish a close acquaintance with the Valdostani table culture - order a “grolla”. The Valdostans call this wooden "kettle" with several spouts. coppa dell'amicizia- something like a "cup of friendship." This original invention of Valle d'Aosta is carved from a single piece of wood. They drink from it, as a rule, in large companies, passing it to each other until it is empty. The two main ingredients of the drink are espresso and grappa. Liquor is added next on the list. Genepy or Grand Marnier, sugar, spices. The mixture is heated before being poured into the roll and set on fire for a minute or two, acquiring a very bright, characteristic aroma. Depending on the proportions of coffee and alcohol this the goblet of friendship towards the end of the ritual can also evoke deeper feelings for each other and for those around them.