Courmayeur Holiday

Courmayeur is a popular ski resort located on the Italian side of the Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) which attracts a magnitude of international visitors from around the globe every year.

In fact, it has been said that more languages are spoken at the resort than at the United Nations and the mix and variety of people at the resort is definitely one of its drawcards.

Although on the border of Italy and France, during peak holiday seasons the resort seems dramatically Italian, with fashion and food primarily dominating the slopes and the streets on the mountain.

The facilities offer skiing for all abilities, even those who see themselves as avid professionals.

For example, the Cresta D'Arp is a rich treat in high mountain skiing, but it is not for the faint-hearted. The track is 12 kilometers long and is an unpatrolled off-piste mountain trail. Those up for the experience however, will have a dynamite run while enjoying heaps of mountain scenery. To access the point the Youla cable car takes skiers up to the Arp cable car, which then travels up 2,900 meters.

Tourists wishing to experience the scenery at 3,000 meters but not ski down again can just ride the cable car up to the launch area. The cable car offers some breathtaking views while allowing visitors time to rest their legs.

Most skiers will start their days on the Plan Checrouit. This is the arrival point of the larger cable car that runs from Courmayeur. At the base of the chair lifts there is a selection of restaurants and ski rental outlets.

The mountain also boasts a stunning 16-kilometre adventure on skis known as the Vallee Blanche. With an experienced guide you will set off through the Mer De Glace (sea of ice) and arrive at the famous French resort of Chamonix at the end.

Accomodation varies from catered ski chalets to rooms available in beautiful hotels and even have gondolas accessing the mountain straight from their doorstep.

Today there are 71 hotels offering 3,000 beds - and apartments with kitchen facilities.

There are also countless restaurants, pizzerias, trattorias, bars, and cafes in Courmayeur. There is a menu to suit every palette and prices varying for every budget.

Sports are also a lively part of any ski holiday to Europe's highest mountain and there is a skating rink where visitors can enjoy ice hockey, roller skating, and curling. There are also tennis facilities, squash, and even an amusement park in the snow. Dog sledding is also available as is helicopter skiing.

Time off the slopes can be spent shopping, in the cinema, bridge club or at one of the many bars enjoying the entertainment.

Getting to the mountain and resort is relatively easy with the A5 freeway Turin-Aosta Morgex. Coming from Switzerland and Northern Europe it is recommended using the San Bernado Tunnel. At present the closest airports are Turin's Caselle and Milano's Malpensa and Linate. The resort is around one hour's drive from these and buses do service the mountain.

Bus connections also operate from Turin, Milan, Genoa and Aosta.

Holidaying at Courmayeur is one of the most monumental experiences for any seasoned skier or snowboarder. The facilities are exquisite and the culture is refined and homely. Although popular and slightly on the expensive side, deals can be found through travel agents or online. The resort is a definite 'must' for any ski bunny.