Courmayeur: Northern Italy’s best-kept secret

Courmayeur is a charming town located in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy, near the French border. It sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities year-round, especially skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. It is one of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets because it offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and luxurious relaxation, without the overwhelming crowds Despite its luxury offerings—high-end hotels, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive boutiques, it retains an authentic Alpine charm. The town’s historic center is filled with quaint streets, local artisans, and traditional mountain architecture.

Courmayeur offers a mix of outdoor adventures and leisure activities, perfect for visitors seeking both excitement and relaxation. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy in Courmayeur:

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

• Winter Season: Courmayeur is renowned for its world-class ski slopes. The ski resort offers a wide range of pistes for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. With stunning views of Mont Blanc, it’s a skier’s paradise.

2. Hiking and Mountaineering

• Summer Season: The town is a gateway to some of the best hiking trails in the Alps, including routes around Mont Blanc. You can explore trails like the Val Veny or Val Ferret, both offering stunning alpine views and a variety of challenges for all experience levels.

3. Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car

• This incredible cable car ride takes you up to 3,466 meters, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. It’s a breathtaking experience whether you’re a skier in winter or a sightseer in summer.

4. Thermal Spas

• After a long day of skiing or hiking, unwind at one of Courmayeur’s luxury spas. The nearby Pré-Saint-Didier thermal baths are especially famous for their hot springs and relaxing wellness treatments in a beautiful setting.

5. Heliskiing

• For more adventurous skiers, Courmayeur offers heliskiing experiences, allowing you to reach pristine slopes that are only accessible by helicopter, with unbeatable off-piste skiing in the surrounding Alps.

6. Ice Climbing

• For thrill-seekers, Courmayeur offers opportunities to try ice climbing. Experienced climbers can tackle frozen waterfalls and icy mountain walls with local guides.

7. Mountain Biking

• In the warmer months, the trails around Courmayeur are great for mountain biking. Val Ferret and Val Veny are particularly popular for scenic rides with a variety of trails.

8. Visiting Mont Blanc

• Take a guided tour or hike around Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a famous multi-day trek, but there are also shorter hikes with beautiful views.

9. Dining and Après-Ski

• Courmayeur offers a range of high-end restaurants, serving traditional Italian dishes with a local Alpine twist. Don’t miss trying the regional specialties like polenta, fondue, and local wines. The town also has a lively après-ski scene with bars and cozy cafés.

10. Shopping in the Historic Town Center

• Courmayeur’s historic center has charming cobblestone streets lined with boutiques selling everything from luxury fashion to artisanal local products, such as cheeses, wines, and handicrafts.

11. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

• For a quieter experience in the snow, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The area around Val Ferret is particularly known for its scenic trails.

12. Guided Glacier Walks

• Explore the glacial landscape with a guide, taking in ice formations, crevasses, and the surreal beauty of the alpine wilderness.

Courmayeur’s understated elegance, combined with its natural beauty and world-class offerings, make it a destination well worth discovering. It’s a secret that those who know want to keep, and those who visit rarely forget.