Courmayeur - The Complete Guide 2025

If you’re heading to Italy for a ski holiday, Courmayeur is a great choice. It’s straightforward to get to, the snow’s reliable, and there’s plenty of good food and a bit of life around the town once the lifts close.

The slopes suit most levels, and because the town is small, getting around’s simple. If you fancy a break from skiing, there’s enough going on off the mountain too.

We’ll take you through how to get there, where to stay, what the skiing’s like, and what else to do once you’re off the mountain.

How to Get to Courmayeur

Courmayeur is one of the easiest Italian ski resorts to reach from the UK, with good airport access and a few different ways to travel in.

The closest airports are:

Turin (TRN)

The nearest option at around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. It's a good choice if you're flying from London or other major UK cities, though flight availability can vary during the week, especially outside peak season.

Geneva (GVA)

You could also fly into Geneva, which is just under two hours away by road. The route takes you through the Mont Blanc tunnel, which links Courmayeur with Chamonix on the French side. It's a good option if you're planning to visit both resorts in one trip or want more flight flexibility.

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

Around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car. Often the best pick for midweek flights, with plenty of direct routes from across the UK and Europe. Some transfers go straight to the resort.

If you're flying, it's worth booking your transfer in advance. There are shared shuttles, private drivers, or car hire options depending on your budget and arrival time.

Driving from the UK is also an option. From Calais, it's around 9 to 10 hours by road. It's a good choice if you're bringing your own gear or want more flexibility. Just make sure your car has winter tyres or snow chains, which are required by law from November to April.

If you'd rather take your time and enjoy the views on the way in, coach holidays to Italy are another option. It's a slower but a more relaxed way to get there.

Where to Stay in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is small enough that most places keep you close to the slopes, the centre, or both. Here are some places to consider:

Hotel Lo Scoiattolo

Hotel Lo Scoiattolo sits between the main Courmayeur cable car and the Dolonne gondola, making it easy to get on the mountain whichever way you go. You’ll find a small wellness area perfect for winding down after skiing, and their restaurant serves good local food.

Hotel Dolonne

Hotel Dolonne is a small, village-style hotel just below the Dolonne lift. Most rooms have mountain views, and you can usually ski right to the door. There’s a cosy bar with a fireplace, a restaurant serving local dishes, and little perks like free Wi-Fi, ski storage, and parking.

Hotel Cresta et Duc

Right in the centre of Courmayeur, Hotel Cresta et Duc is just a short walk from the main cable car. There's a small spa with a sauna and steam room. A good pick if you want to be close to both the slopes and the town.

Hotel Del Viale

A few minutes from the centre, Hotel Del Viale is a traditional, family-run hotel. There's a free ski shuttle, plus a small wellness area for unwinding after the slopes.

Hotel Gran Baita

If you’re after something a bit more luxurious, Hotel Gran Baita is a solid choice. It sits just above the town with great views and a shuttle to the lifts. There’s a full wellness centre, an indoor-outdoor pool, and a fine dining restaurant—ideal if you’re after a quieter, more pampered stay.

Skiing in Courmayeur

Courmayeur isn’t the biggest ski area around, but it’s got plenty to offer. The runs are beautiful, the snow usually sticks around, and there are pistes suitable for everyone—from beginners finding their feet to advanced skiers looking for a challenge.

There’s roughly 100km of pistes, mostly blues and reds, with a few blacks higher up for the more confident skiers. The views are fantastic no matter where you are on the mountain. If you’re a beginner, Plan Checrouit has some nice gentle slopes to get you going. For those more experienced, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

If you like off-piste, Courmayeur is renowned for an abundance of hidden runs through the trees. The Vallée Blanche and other spots around Mont Blanc are also famous—but remember, you will need to go with a guide. Snowboarders aren't left out either; there's a terrain park near the Val Veny cable car with jumps and rails for all skill levels.

You can also sort your gear once you’re there. Ski hire in Courmayeur is easy to arrange, with shops right by the lifts. It’s worth booking ahead to save time on your first morning.

Things to Do Beyond Skiing

Courmayeur isn’t just about skiing—there’s plenty to do off the slopes too, so your holiday won't be boring once you’ve hung up your skis.

Here are some great ways to make the most of your time off the snow:

Spas and Thermal Baths

QC Terme Pré Saint Didier is a favourite post-ski stop. The thermal pools are naturally heated, and from the outdoor baths you can look straight out at the mountains while you soak.

Skyway Monte Bianco

Take the Skyway cable car for stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. Along the way, you can stop at Europe’s highest library, wander through an alpine botanical garden, or grab a bite with a view.

Explore Nearby Villages

For a slower pace, head to Entrèves, a hamlet of stone houses and quiet lanes, or Val Ferret, where wide-open views set the scene for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

Shopping and Strolling

For shopping and wandering, Via Roma has well-known brands and local shops. Check out Enoteca Goio for a grappa tasting, and Libreria della Stampa is also worth a visit for books and maps.

Family Activities

If you’re travelling with kids and want something they’ll enjoy, the Winter Fun Park in Dolonne is perfect—with snow play areas and inflatables that kids really love.

Cultural Visits

For a bit of history, visit the Duca degli Abruzzi Alpine Museum to learn about the region’s mountaineering past. The Parish of San Pantaleone also has some impressive artwork worth seeing.

Unique Experiences

For something different, why not try night skiing or take a snowmobile ride to a mountain chalet for dinner? They’re seasonal highlights, and places are limited, so make sure you reserve in advance.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Courmayeur has plenty of great spots for food and drinks. Here are some places for you to check out, from great meals to quick coffees and lively bars:

Restaurants

Courmayeur has plenty of great places to eat, from cosy family spots to elegant dining. Ristorante Novecento is a warm, friendly place serving classic Italian dishes—perfect for families or anyone looking for a mid-priced meal. If Mediterranean flavours are more your thing, Chetif is a great choice for a quiet night out.

For those who want a mountain view, La Vieux Prommier offers rustic mountain food with lovely scenery, while Chez Ollier serves authentic local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. For a relaxed meal close to the slopes, Ski Pol da Geremia is a favourite—open during the ski season from November to April.

Cafés

For coffee or a light bite, 4810 Food is a popular pick with breakfast and snacks at good prices. Zillo’s Bar has a lively feel, great for a quick espresso or early evening drink. La Buvette is cosy and relaxed—a nice spot to chill with a warm drink.

Après-Ski

After a long day on the slopes, if you still have energy to burn or just want to keep the fun going, Caffè della Posta is the spot where friends gather for music and good vibes. And if dancing the night away sounds like your kind of fun, The Club is where the party really heats up.

Things to Remember

• Sort your transfers and ski hire in advance so you can head straight to the slopes on day one.
• Dress in layers because the weather in the mountains can change quickly
• Don't forget sunscreen. Snow reflects a lot of UV rays, so make sure to bring or find the best sunscreen for skiing to protect your skin
• Driving in? Winter tyres or snow chains are required from November to April.
• Take a look at lift opening times and ski pass options before you set off—it saves you working it out on arrival.
• Off-piste and night skiing can be risky. It's a good idea to book a guide and plan ahead

Why Courmayeur's Worth the Trip

Courmayeur stands out for its mountain scenery, sunlit slopes, and town that's as enjoyable to explore off the snow as it is to ski. It's the kind of place where every day offers something different.

With Interski Holidays, planning your ski holiday couldn't be easier. For over 40 years we've specialised in the Aosta Valley, with our own team in resort, in-house ski hire, and even the biggest British-run ski school in the Alps, exclusively for our guests. From lift passes to accommodation, we bring everything together so you can just focus on skiing.

Send us a message today and we'll take the stress out of planning—leaving you free to enjoy the slopes from the moment you arrive.