Courmayeur

The location

The town and resort of Courmayeur can be found in the Aosta Valley, northern Italy, opposite the Mont Blanc mountain range. It’s close to Geneva Airport, 116km away, and Turin Airport, around 150km by car. Grenoble and Lyon also service the resort.

The resort

An old spa town with a distinctly Italian flavour, Courmayeur is easy to reach from multiple areas and neighbours popular Chamonix. The centre is full of cool bars, restaurants and boutique shops, while the mountains are capped with powdery snow, beckoning skiers and snowboarders alike.

Chic retreat

The central village has an old-fashioned feel, with a slight hint of the elegance of Milan and Turin. Over the years, the resort has become increasingly popular, especially because of its proximity to the jaw-dropping Chamonix. The boutiques and mesmerising views give the resort something extra, but it really is all about the luxe air around the Italian slopes.

School’s out

There’s a great ski school within the resort, so novices can make a strong start on the slopes, while intermediates can brush up on their skills in the Ski Clinic. Runs tailored for beginners will ease you into the pace, but it’s the red and black routes with their sculpted couloirs that prove the most enjoyable. So get ready for moguls and jumps!

Little Italy

Potter around the main street and you’ll find plenty of potential eateries for a super evening of après-ski. Winter warmers are served in dainty little restaurants and cafés, as well as fine Italian fare, so fuel up! It wouldn’t be a ski break without a glass of wine or two, so get yourself to the lively bars.

The highlights

• There’s a beginners’ area known as the Baby Bowl.
• The red routes are the best runs.
• Marvellous mountainside après-ski.