Imagine this: the sun reflecting of the pristine snow of the slope before you, the tips of your skis pointing straight forward, soon you will take the plunge, but not yet. First you have to savour the dizzying view of Valle d’Aosta, almost too beautiful to take in.
Yes, it is the Alps I am talking. The sunny side of Mont Blanc.
For more than a century, Courmayeur has been all about skiing. How to perfect the cable cars, how to create the best pists, as well as the best powder skiing, to how to maximize the after ski activities. There is no other way of putting it: skiing doesn’t get better than this!
This does not mean that Courmayeur has nothing to offer during summer season. Its elevated position at 1224 m above sea level (4016 ft), makes it the ideal basecamp for climbers as well as hikers. Mount Chétif, with a summit crowned by a Virgin Mary-statue, is one of the most spectacular and breathtaking destination for a hike,
Courmayeur has been a popular destination for European travellers since the 17th century due to its sulphuric wells, that were believed to have excellent salubrious properties. Then followed the drive, which seems inherent in man: to conquer the summits, forcing mountain climbers from all over Europe to pilgrim to Courmayeur to try their luck. Mont blanc proved resilient, but was defeated in 1786.
The cable cars can take you to absolutely wuthering heights. The first stop is at 2173 m above sea level, where you can make a stop at the highest situated botanical garden in Europe. At 3462 m you will find yourself gawking at the absolutely mindblowing view of the Alps, from the roof terrace of Punta Helbronner. But it doesn’t end there, in fact you can get to 3842 m above sea level, to Aiguille du Midi, before you have begin the descent.
All of this walking, climbing and skiing will probably make you ravenous, but don’t worry, this is Italy, after all. Good food is never far away. There are plenty of gourmet restaurants, both in Courmayeur town and in the slopes. Piglet roasted whole, served with creamy potato gratin is deeply rewarding after a day on the mountain. The food culture is very similar to what you would expect in France, bearing witness to the proximity to Chamonix. Courmayeur and Chamonix are actually connected by a tunnel through the mountain, making excursions across the border a piece of cake.
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