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At the foot of Mont Blanc, amid exceptionally splendid scenery, the Courmayeur basin is one of the most famous mountain resorts in the world. Here the pistes weave in and out of a vast area of great beauty, and complete tourist facilities all help to make every moment of your holiday unforgettable.
Already popular with English travellers in the 18th century because of its thermal springs and healthy climate, Courmayeur (1224 m.) is today one of the most elegant, fashionable international resorts, with excellent hotels and alternative accomodation, glamorous shops and a well-known Congress Centre. This resort is ideal for all, from demanding ski enthusiasts to those seeking quiet but not banal and never boring holidays in the mountains, and mountain-climbers who want to try those important peaks. The network of the downhill runs, over 100 kilometres, are generally intermediate level, with a few steep slopes. Some are famous for their intoxicating length, others because they host national and international competitions. At Dolonne you can ski by night, whilst the runs served by the Mont Blanc Cableway are perfect for summer skiers. Those seeking the thrill of skiing offtrack can find idyllic runs; spectacular ones, such as the classic descent of Mer de Glace and Toula or those leading towards Val Veny or la Thuile, are well worth discovering, with ski instructors or mountain guides naturally. For cross-country skiers there is the atmospheric Val Ferret, in the sight of the imposing chain of the Grandes Jorasses and famous for its abundant, early snowfall. in addition Courmayeur spots for snow-surfers, telemark and heliski enthusiasts. An international venue for mountain climbers, Courmayeur's fame has been linked for centuries to the most exciting pages in the history of mountaineering, all richly documented in the "Duca degli Abruzzi" Museum. Thanks to the breathtaking Mont Blanc Cableway which rises up to Punta Helbronner's 3486 metres, the grandeur of the high mountain is within everyone's reach. To the dedicated sports enthusiast Courmayeur offers mountain-biking, paragliding, sled-dog racing, ice-skating and swimming in the beautiful swimming pool at Pré-Saint-Didier with its view of Mont Blanc. In more relaxing moments it is pleasant to walk along the centre's elegant streets where you can also see the historical landmarks such as the medieval Malluquin tower and the parish church. Below Courmayeur, on the way to Aosta, Morgex (923 m.) and La Salle (1001 m.) introduce you to the territory of Valdigne and if you want to stay there all the skiing resorts of the Upper Valley are within easy reach. The local cuisine is of very high quality and much appreciated at an international level, thanks above all to its recipes based on agricultural products of the high mountains, expertly prepared game and the white wines produced in the vineyards of Morgex and La Salle, some on the highest in Europe.
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