Courmayeur is a beacon for ski aficionados seeking a blend of traditional charm and modern skiing facilities. This renowned Italian ski resort not only offers exhilarating off-piste adventures but also boasts a vibrant village ambiance complemented by exquisite dining options.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Courmayeur ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Courmayeur is located in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy, at the base of Mont Blanc, near the borders of France and Switzerland.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Breathtaking mountains landscape views | Not really a beginner-friendly resort |
| Great intermediate skiing | Upper cable cars have limited capacity |
| A refined, but relaxed and friendly resort | No real resort return run |
| Extraordinary off-piste accessible via the ski lifts | N/A |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Courmayeur has to offer.
(Ref: Steve Cudd)
The Chécrouit and Pré de Pascal areas serve as nursery slopes for beginners. Once confident, beginners can then practice on gentler blues like Chiecco, moving up to longer slopes like Pra Neyron and Diagonale Peindent.
Courmayeur truly shines for intermediate skiers. The vast majority of its 100 km (62 mi) of pistes are tailored for them. Skiers can start their day on sun-soaked blues around Plan Checrouit and then venture to the Val Vény area for more challenging slopes. The Bertolini chairlift area offers some of the resort's finest snow conditions. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the continuous red runs from Youla's summit down to Dolonne’s base are an absolute treat.
The resort hosts a few black runs on the Val Vény side, with some becoming mogulled. From the Cresta Youla descent leading to Val Vény, which spans a lengthy 9 km, to the raw thrill of the unpisted Competizione, expert skiers are in for a treat.
Courmayeur is an off-piste haven, granting access to the iconic Vallée Blanche and Val Veny areas. The former, a 20 km (12.4 mi) pathway into Chamonix, provides various thrilling routes. In contrast, Val Veny offers serene tree-lined trails with untouched snow.
Freeriders will feel at home in Courmayeur. The mountain's lower half, densely populated with trees, promises pockets of powder, allowing for natural jumps. For those looking for a challenge, the off-piste areas of Val Vény and Vallée Blanche are irresistible. Meanwhile, beginners and intermediate boarders can polish their skills at the snow park near the Aretù chairlift, equipped with a range of obstacles and a massive air bag.
The ski season in Courmayeur typically runs from end November to early April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Courmayeur deals for the best ski offers available.
Courmayeur offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 32 cm (12.5 in) and 34 cm (13.3 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.1 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 27 cm (10.6 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Courmayeur, with an impressive 45 cm (17.7 in) of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 16 cm (6.2 in) of snow over 2.5 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 32 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 34 cm | 3.1 days |
| February | 27 cm | 3.3 days |
| March | 28 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 16 cm | 2.5 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Courmayeur resort map here
