The local scenery is simply stunning with spectacular mountain peaks and pleasant wooded valleys. The Courmayeur ski area offers a good range of pisted runs, easily accessible off-piste itineraries, heli-skiing, fabulous cross-country ski routes, pleasant walking and a wide range of sporting and other leisure activities.

Cross-Country Skiing in Courmayeur

The cross country skiing is found in the Val Ferret, which is easily accessible by bus from central Courmayeur. The trails are easy to follow and well groomed, and the scenery is outstanding. Equipment can be hired and lessons booked, close to the entrance to the pistes.

Ice Skating in Courmayeur

There is a large ice skating rink in the sports centre in Dolonne.

The Monte Bianco Cable Cars

On a clear day it is well worth taking the three stage ride in the cable car from La Palud up to Punta Helbronner (3,462m). The views of the mountains and surrounding area from the top are quite breathtaking. Europe’s highest botanic garden is to be found part of the way up, but needless to say there is not much to see during the winter months!

Shopping in Courmayeur

Shopping comes high on the list of non-skiing activities in Courmayeur. Shops are varied and interesting with plenty of high quality clothing, sportswear and equipment shops alongside more traditional antique shops, jewellers, galleries, delicatessen and other specialist food stores.

Swimming, Sauna & Spa Facilities in Courmayeur

Many of the hotels have saunas and spa areas that are open to the paying public, one of the best being the spa at Le Grand Chalet Apartments. The Hotel Gran Baita also has a small swimming pool which is open to the public.

There is a large public swimming pool in neighbouring Pre San Didier and the thermal baths in Pre St Didier offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor spa pools and treatments in superb surroundings, with views towards Mont Blanc. Hotels will arrange for transportation.

Beginners
Unfortunately the local nursery slopes in Kitzbühel are slightly limited and despite the best snowmaking efforts, the snow quality can suffer. There are similar areas in all of the villages in the valley but the same issue persists. Higher up however there is a decent gentle zone on the Kitzbüheler Horn, where there is also good progression on to longer blues. Elsewhere, Pengelstein is probably the best bet for gentle blues within the main ski area.
Intermediates
There’s a huge array of runs for intermediates in the resort, but some of the
slopes can get crowded – especially on the Hahnenkamm. Despite the modest
altitude, you can notch up some serious vertical on the Pengelstein sector by
skiing down to Skirast and also on the Kitzbüheler Horn. Take the 3S across
towards Pass Thurn for the quietest slopes, including the highest piste in the
resort at the aptly named Zweitausender.

View the live snow report for Courmayeur here

Children’s Play Areas

The fun park in Dolonne offers a playground and other facilities for children, including a bouncy castle.  Snow tubing and tobogganing are also available!Many Italian resorts don’t offer childcare for very small children, as traditionally in Italy, non-skiing family members often travel their skier family member.

However in Courmayeur, help is at hand – is one of the exceptions to the rule. Kinderheim (+39 0165 842477) at Plan Checrouit cares for children from newborn up to 12 years of age, with an alternative pick-up and drop-off point at the foot of the cable-car.

Both the ski schools in Courmayeur give lessons to children from four years old.