Courmayeur ski resort in Italy was known in the eighteenth century. It was a resting place for aristocrats. At first, the resort was famous for the healing property of thermal springs, and then - for the ski slopes, which stretched more than a hundred kilometers. Most of them are designed for experienced skiers and professionals. In the article we find out where the fashionable resort is located, how to get there and how it is interesting for tourists.
History
The sources of thermal waters of Courmayeur are known from the era of Ancient Rome. In 1834, baths were erected on this site for the rest of the monarchs, their family members and the aristocracy. Today, warm pools with healing water in the open air against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks are a true exotic of these places.
Due to the location of the Mont Blanc mountains in this place, skiers gathered in Courmayeur. This gave impetus to the creation of the first school of guides. Today there are two of them. In the forties of the last century, the first cableway was built. This was the beginning of one of the most prestigious ski resorts.
Location
The resort of Courmayeur is located in Italy in the Val da Ost region, which is called the "Celestial Empire", on the border with France. At this point, the Mont Blanc Mountains rise 4807 meters） and Monte Rosa 4634 meters. At their foot is the Courmayeur ski resort.
One of the most fashionable places of active recreation in Italy looks like a traditional alpine town. Narrow streets and stone houses have not changed their appearance since the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. Nevertheless, the resort of Courmayeur is famous for its many fashionable shops, chic restaurants and hotels. It is not for nothing that mainly wealthy representatives of society rest here. More clearly you can see the ski resort of Courmayeur in the photo.
How to get there
The nearest airport is in Geneva, 121 kilometers from the Courmayeur ski resort, as well as in Turin （151 kilometers） and Chambery 162 kilometers）. You can get to the place of rest by train from the city of Aosta, and further, from the train station - by local transport or taxi.
From the cities of Turin and Milan it is convenient to drive a rented car on a high-speed motorway. From Geneva by taxi it takes about an hour and a half. During the ski season, a shuttle bus is available. Traveling from Turin by car will take less than an hour and a half. From Milan - about two and a half hours.
sights
Five kilometers from the town is the Pre San Didier thermal complex, which operates all year round. Its waters are rich in iron and help in the treatment of rheumatism, cardiovascular diseases and skin problems.
At an altitude of 2173 meters, there is a botanical garden where you can take a walk and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The medieval tower of Malluquin is another curious attraction of the resort. It will be interesting to visit the mountain museum, which is located at Piazza Henry 2.
Top Hotels
For a comfortable stay after an active pastime, tourists in Courmayeur offer their services to hotels for every taste: from five-star apartments to rooms with a modest range of services.
Most often, tourists prefer to settle in hotels in the center of the town, where shops and restaurants are located. Accommodation prices rise during the Christmas holidays and February carnivals. Consider some of the hotels.
Le GrandHotel & Residence Courmaison （Five Star). The hotel is located at the foot of Mont Blanc Mountain at the very entrance to the Courmayeur ski resort. It offers its services to tourists all year round. At the hotel, guests will be surrounded by care, receive quality service and take part in entertainment events for every taste. The institution is in great demand among tourists. A choice of 57 rooms, decorated in soft colors, in a rustic style. They are equipped with everything necessary. 47 rooms have a kitchen and a microwave. Some have a fireplace. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi. The complex's restaurants offer national cuisine. Fans of fun have the opportunity to spend time at discos.
Mont Blanc Village （Five Stars). The hotel is located in the Aosta Valley at an altitude of 1040 meters. The building was built in the style of village houses.
Guests are offered 50 rooms of various categories, including rooms for people with disabilities. All have a spacious terrace. There are rooms that include a children's room, a jacuzzi pool and two spacious bathrooms. The hotel has a restaurant with traditional Italian cuisine, a spa with a wide range of treatments, a bar, outdoor and indoor pools. The complex offers many options for outdoor activities.
Grand Hotel Royal E Golf （Five Star). Located in close proximity to the city center. On its territory there is a restaurant of Italian cuisine, a heated outdoor pool, as well as a cozy bar with live piano music. It offers a gym and Turkish bath, a golf course. The spa offers a range of therapeutic and relaxing treatments. It is possible to relax in the sauna with aromatherapy and music.
Auberge de La Maison （four stars). The hotel is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. It offers its guests effective wellness treatments. On site there is a restaurant where you can spend time in a romantic setting by candlelight. For relaxation, the hotel features a heated outdoor pool with a hot tub. The rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Wi-Fi is free throughout. An eight-minute walk from the hotel is a ski lift. The hotel is equipped with everything necessary for guests with disabilities. Guests are invited to take part in various entertainment programs and sporting events. The hotel is allowed to relax with pets. The rooms are double, triple, family, deluxe.
Restaurants
Most of Courmayeur's catering establishments are concentrated on the main street of Via Roma. Almost all the best cafes are open until 22 hours. In order to visit one of these establishments on Friday or at the weekend, it is recommended to book a table in advance. On such days, the influx of visitors is especially great.
Prices in Courmayeur restaurants are reasonably reasonable. This applies to both dishes and alcohol. A bottle of beer costs around 1-2 EUR, and champagne - about 28 EUR. You can find restaurants where a full set lunch will cost no more than 4 EUR. There are no establishments with traditional Russian cuisine here. Since the resort is among the expensive, restaurants with low prices are represented in smaller numbers.
Ski Area Courmayeur: reviews
The ski season starts from December and lasts until April. The resort of Courmayeur is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks. It is more suitable for experienced skiers. About 65 percent of the tracks here are “red”, 15 percent are “blue” and 20 percent are “black” with a high level of difficulty, designed for professionals. There is the possibility of skiing at night. At the service of vacationers there are thirty ski lifts.
The tracks are perfected. They begin from sky-high heights and descend along steep slopes. In whatever condition the tracks were in the evening, in the morning they are perfectly flat and dense.
The ski area consists of two slopes: the left (Chekruit) includes tracks of moderate difficulty, and the right (Val Veni) is high. They are all laid in a forest area. It is mostly sunny, which makes it doubly pleasant to ride.
According to tourists' reviews, there are not too many pistes for professionals, and Courmayeur ski resort creates many opportunities for experienced mid-level skiers. The red tracks are a bit simple. Noteworthy is the Internazionale Medium Difficult Track. Nice downhills Youla and Lazey.
According to reviews of the Courmayeur ski resort, it can be concluded that for beginners, this place is quite complicated. For them, only a descent in the region of the peak of Mot Chetif is suitable. In general, the reviews are positive. Vacationers speak positively about the lack of queues for the lifts, but note that in the evenings in the town it is boring, not enough entertainment facilities.
activity
At the Courmayeur ski resort, each season opening is accompanied by colorful action. The tradition is to close the holiday with the descent of professional skiers with lighted torches. It looks so impressive that it usually causes applause.
A procession is organized on Valentine's Day, and in the spring a Carnival is organized.
In the Christmas holiday season, Santa Claus wears a chimney sweep suit, descends from Monte Bianchi and gives gifts to children.
Courmayeur ski resort is a vacation spot where every tourist will find something interesting for himself and spend time with pleasure.