Ranked
180th
of 230 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.1
From 41 Reviews
33
Total Runs
1704
Bottom Elevation
2755
Top Elevation
43
Skiable Terrain

Overview Courmayeur
Courmayeur sits on the Italian side of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy. This lively Italian mountain village combines Italian character with access to some incredible skiing terrain for all levels. The resort is positioned directly beneath the imposing south face of Mont Blanc, creating a dramatic backdrop for your ski holiday. The Skyway Monte Bianco takes full advantage of this scenery. This isn't just a cable car, it's an experience all must try when visiting Courmayeur.
Courmayeur has a top elevation of 2,755m and a base at 1,704m, giving skiers a respectable 1,051m vertical drop.
Our Snomad community gives Courmayeur an overall rating of 4.10/5, with particularly high scores for accommodation (4.47/5) and eating out (4.33/5). It also ranks well for family friendliness (4.29/5) and is rated strongly by advanced skiers (4.29/5).
Transfer times from Geneva airport are quick at around 1.5 hours from Geneva through the Mont Blanc tunnel (just on the other side from Chamonix) making it one of the more accessible Italian resorts for international visitors.
Courmayeur opens November 29th until April 6th (2025/56 dates).
"Courmayeur was great for blasting around and decent slopes. The lift system was good and in late January quiet with no significant waits apart from on the Sunday."
"This is a quiet resort during the week with many Italian and French residents visiting on the weekend. Ski schools aplenty on the weekend but plenty of piste for everyone. Lovely friendly locals and a happy fun resort. Relaxed dining along with apres-ski slope side and in the village."
"Mellow resort - minimal queues, great snow, not a hugely expansive ski area but still good skiing. Great food on mountain. Great value for money compared to French resorts."
"The views are amazing - Mont Blanc etc, there is no disappointing outlook. Off piste - powder and plenty trees to explore too just near the groomed runs."

The Skiing in Courmayeur
Courmayeur offers 33 runs spread across a compact but varied ski area. The terrain includes 11 beginner runs, 17 intermediate runs, and 5 advanced runs. The lift system comprises 6 gondolas/cable cars, 9 chairlifts, and 5 drag lifts. The resort also has good access to off-piste, including several awesome marked itinerary runs.
The ski area sits in a south-facing bowl - think sunshine skiing and delicious Italian pizza for lunch! Higher up are more challenging reds, and while the resort isn't enormous, it offers just enough variety to keep you entertained for the week.
One Snomad community member liked that "Courmayeur was great for blasting around and decent slopes. The lift system was good and in late January quiet with no significant waits apart from on the Sunday."
For experts, the off-piste opportunities are significant. A user who is an advanced snowboarder said: "It's an excellent off-piste paradise with multiple options for areas that are pure off-piste but served by lift." The proximity to Mont Blanc also offers access to the legendary Vallée Blanche route (requiring a guide), making it a potential base for serious adventure seekers. Opposite the Val Veny lift car park, you an also access the Skyway Monte Bianco lift - a 360 degree rotating cable car (one of the most expensive lifts in the world) taking you up to Pointe Helbronner at 3,466m for some insane views. Skiing down is reserved for experienced alpinists only! This is your access point to the Vallée Blanche too where you'll be able to ski down to Chamonix.
Tree-lined runs provide good skiing options during poor visibility or snowfall, with several reviewers mentioning the quality of the "beautiful tree runs." While some users note that the lift system is "a little dated with mostly 2 or 4 man chairs rather than the 6 or 8s you now find in bigger resorts," the quiet slopes during weekdays compensate for this.
"A small but scenic resort with a reasonable variety of runs. Through out the week the resort and runs tend to be quiet but it can get very busy at the weekends."
"The views are amazing - Mont Blanc etc, there is no disappointing outlook. Off piste - powder and plenty trees to explore too just near the groomed runs."
"Beautiful tree runs, fantastic off piste, amazing views of mount blanc."

Maison Sport
Preferred Partner
Book Ski Lessons in Courmayeur
Choose from top-rated expert ski instructors in Courmayeur and
elevate your experience on the slopes! Private, group and off-piste
lessons available.

Eating Out in Courmayeur
Courmayeur scores an impressive 4.33/5 for eating out, making it one of the resort's standout features. The Italian culinary tradition shines through both on and off the mountain, with stunning views throughout.
Our reviewers mention that the mountain restaurants are particularly outstanding. As Mika, an advanced skier, enthuses, "Best lunch I've ever had!!! Great spring skiing. Amazing food." Jackson, another reviewer, notes the exceptional value: "Mountain food is unbeatable. €8 for an outstanding pizza." When the sun is shining, our top recommendation is to head to Capitan des Alpes for incredible pizza with a side of views, which can be found at the bottom of the Zerotta chairlift.
The resort offers a decent mix of dining options, from authentic Italian pizzerias and pasta houses to more upscale restuarants. In the town center, you'll find numerous restaurants, though Ben, an advanced skier, recommends: "Try going out a bit and find an old-fashioned traditional Italian, you'll get the smiles, the humour, the welcome and the food you expect."
Several users specifically highlight Restaurant La Boite as a recommended dining spot, while others mention the excellent value of mountain dining compared to equivalent French resorts.
"Best lunch Ive ever had!!! Great spring skiing. Amazing food. Can use the Chamonix pass there."
"Beautiful skiing (accessible to all levels), with amazing dining. We have had some of our favourite ski town meals there after enjoying great conditions and pistes that satisfied our whole group (from intermediate to very advanced skiers)."
"Friendly locals and food to die for, perfect"

The Après-Ski in Courmayeur
Courmayeur scores a pretty modest 3.78/5 for après-ski, with an atmosphere that is described as more relaxed and sophisticated than the wild party scenes found in some Austrian or French resorts.
The majority of users think the après scene is understated but pleasant. As Stephen, an advanced skier, puts it: "Excellent friendly resort with very good après ski options." Another reviewer, Ben, notes: "Super G is a great way to celebrate the end of a magical day on the mountains as you see Mont Blanc in the distance."
A unique feature of Courmayeur's après scene is the mountain-based nightlife. Jackson points out: "There's a club/bar (Super G) open on the mountain until 12:00am most nights, accessible without skis & is always amazing fun." This is possible because the main gondola remains open until midnight, allowing for evening activities at the mountain's mid-station.
Some reviewers mention that weekday evenings can be quieter, with the atmosphere picking up significantly on weekends when Italian visitors arrive from nearby cities.
"A killer après scene. Specifically super G is a great way to celebrate the end of a magical day on the mountains as you see mont blanc in the distance"
"Apres-ski is amazing too - there's a club/bar open on the mountain until 12:00am most nights, accessible without skis & is always amazing fun."
"very good apres ski options"

Courmayeur for Families
Courmayeur scores exceptionally well for families (4.29/5). The resort's manageable size, quality of ski schools, and friendly Italian locals contribute to this high rating.
Hayley, a beginner skier, shares: "Loved my trip to Courmayeur, I was a beginner and travelled with family who have been skiing since they could walk, Courmayeur had a good mix for all!"
The resort's layout, with a central gondola providing access to the slopes, means families don't have to navigate complex lift systems. The beginner areas are well-designed, and the progression onto blue runs is natural.
Some of the user reviews reference how the quiet slopes during weekdays are ideal for family skiing, though it does get busier on weekends with Italian visitors. The town itself offers various family-friendly activities beyond skiing, and the relaxed evening atmosphere suits families who want to avoid wild nightlife.
"Loved my trip to Courmayer, I was a beginner and travelled with family who have been skiing since they could walk, courmayer had a good mix for all!"
"You do get used to the resort after 2 days however its a good place to take family, schools and beginner skiers before going to larger resorts."

Accommodation in Courmayeur
Courmayeur receives its highest rating for accommodation at 4.47/5, reflecting the quality and variety of lodging options available.
The resort offers a range of accommodation types, from traditional hotels in the historic center to more modern options closer to the main gondola station. Many apartments and chalets are also available for those seeking self-catering flexibility.
As John, an intermediate skier, explains: "Courmayeur is not a ski in ski out area. The town, which is an old Italian town with lots of character, bars restaurants and shops, is in the valley. The ski area is a quick 5 minute trip via a very large gondola ride which is also frequent."
A particularly convenient feature for visitors is the option to store equipment at the top of the gondola. Jon, an advanced skier from the UK, notes: "We found everyone to be very friendly and fab to be able to leave your skis and boots at the top of the gondola for no extra charge with SkiSet rental." This eliminates the need to carry equipment back to accommodation each night, a significant benefit for many visitors.
The town's compact nature means that most accommodation is within walking distance of both the central pedestrianised area and the main lift, though some properties on the outskirts might require a short bus ride.
"Stayed in a hotel at the foot of the gondola, which was had everything we needed with no frills, though gear storage was a bit too basic. Excellent resort town with a real range of places to eat and drink, a general relaxed atmosphere."
"Can highly recommend Hotel Berthod and Ristorante La Boite."
Courmayeur Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It
Based on our user reviews, these are the top 5 favourite aspects of Courmayeur:
Based on our Snomad community reviews, here are the top 5 things skiers love about Courmayeur:
-
The mountain food - Users consistently rave about the dining experience. Jackson, an expert skier, calls it "the best mountain food I've ever had," mentioning you can get "an outstanding pizza for €8." Several others echo this sentiment, with the Italian cuisine being a major highlight.
-
The stunning views - Many reviewers mention the breathtaking scenery, particularly of Mont Blanc. One advanced skier points out that "the views from the top of Youla lift across to Mont Blanc on a sunny day are incredible."
-
The uncrowded slopes - "Minimal queues" is mentioned by Jono, an advanced skier, while other users appreciate how quiet the resort is during weekdays. Anna notes that the "slopes are quiet," which enhances the skiing experience.
-
The charming town - The traditional Italian village gets high marks for its atmosphere. Sarah, an intermediate skier, describes it as a "quite charming resort" while Vincent appreciates the "lovely shops, bars, and restaurants."
-
The tree skiing - Several advanced and expert skiers specifically mention the excellent tree runs. Steve, an advanced skier from the UK, loves the "beautiful tree runs" while Sarah points out that the tree skiing is "great for bad weather days."
Courmayeur Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better
Based on our user reviews, these are the top complaints about Courmayeur:
Based on Snomad user reviews, here are the top 5 least favourite aspects of Courmayeur:
-
Limited ski area size - Many advanced and expert skiers mention that the resort is quite small and can be fully explored in just a few days. As Vincent notes, "Only drawback is that it is a pretty small resort, can ski all pistes in a day so perfect for a long weekend but over a week will get u board."
-
Outdated lift system - Several users highlight issues with the lifts. Simon points out, "The lift system is a little dated with mostly 2 or 4 man chairs rather the 6 or 8s you now find in bigger resorts," while David mentions "the lifts need an upgrade."
-
Weekend crowds - The resort transforms from midweek tranquility to weekend hustle. John observes, "Gets very busy at the weekend as Italian weekenders strut their stuff," which can impact the overall experience.
-
Variable snow conditions - Some reviewers mentioned problematic conditions at times. Anna reported, "We went late in the season so it was a bit slushy and lumpy at the bottom and quite icy at the top," and David noted "icey slopes."
-
Flat après-ski atmosphere - A few users found the nightlife lacking. Pete commented, "the overall Apres feel was flat apart from the first night," while Max described the après-ski as "dead and was very expensive."
Recent Reviews
advanced skier ⛷️
Pete
Mar, 21 2025
Courmayeur was great for blasting around and decent slopes. The lift system was good and in late January quiet with no significant waits apart from on the Sunday.
Lots of nice restaurants to eat on and off the slopes, but the overall Apres feel was flat apart from the first night but seemed to be aimed more at high end than the masses (and we are masses).
It was a fun week and has access to greater things if you have the money and the will.
We enjoyed the week but were lucky to have a car to venture to nearby resorts included in our pass otherwise it would not have been enough for us.
Lots of nice restaurants to eat on and off the slopes, but the overall Apres feel was flat apart from the first night but seemed to be aimed more at high end than the masses (and we are masses).
It was a fun week and has access to greater things if you have the money and the will.
We enjoyed the week but were lucky to have a car to venture to nearby resorts included in our pass otherwise it would not have been enough for us.
intermediate skier ⛷️
Neville
Mar, 17 2025
A small but scenic resort with a reasonable variety of runs. Through out the week the resort and runs tend to be quiet but it can get very busy at the weekends.
The lift pass is a average price but a 6 day pass includes two days skiing at any other Aosta valley resort. La Thuile is only approximately 30 minutes by bus which is free with the lift pass.
The town is small but beautiful and friendly with a range of high end designer shops.
There are off piste options but these require a guide and good snow conditions. The pistes are well covered by snow making facilities which help to make sure that Christmas skiing is assured.
I have been to Courmayeur 3 times and even though the ski area is small I would happily go again.
The lift pass is a average price but a 6 day pass includes two days skiing at any other Aosta valley resort. La Thuile is only approximately 30 minutes by bus which is free with the lift pass.
The town is small but beautiful and friendly with a range of high end designer shops.
There are off piste options but these require a guide and good snow conditions. The pistes are well covered by snow making facilities which help to make sure that Christmas skiing is assured.
I have been to Courmayeur 3 times and even though the ski area is small I would happily go again.
advanced skier ⛷️
anne
Feb, 18 2025
This is a quiet resort during the week with many Italian and French residents visiting on the weekend. Ski schools aplenty on the weekend but plenty of piste for everyone. Lovely friendly locals and a happy fun resort. Relaxed dining along with apres-ski slope side and in the village. Super red runs, although not enough black. runs. Loved it, will be back.
Courmayeur Resort Stats
Ski Terrain
11Beginner Runs
17Intermediate Runs
5Advanced Runs
1.5 kmLongest Run
43 kmSkiable Terrain
1 kmsSnow making
Elevation
2755 mTop
1704 mBottom
1051 mVertical Drop
Lifts
6Gondolas / Cable Cars
9Chairlifts
5Surface Lifts
Lift Pass Costs
€1370Season pass
€3346 days
€651 day
Weather
299 cmAverage annual snowfall
Courmayeur Travel Information
Airports
120min drive115KMsGeneva Airport (GVA)
130min drive125KMsTurin Airport (TRN)
210min drive200KMsMilan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Train Stations
40min drive37KMsAosta
FAQs Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Courmayeur FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Is Courmayeur snow-sure?
Courmayeur has decent snow reliability thanks to its altitude (1704-2755m), though it's not completely snow-sure. Several users mention good snow conditions, with one noting it's "relatively snow sure due to altitude under Mont Blanc." The resort has comprehensive snowmaking facilities which, as one Snomad user points out, "help to make sure that Christmas skiing is assured." Late-season visitors might find slushy conditions at lower elevations, with one reviewer mentioning "it was a bit slushy and lumpy at the bottom and quite icy at the top."
What mountain range is Courmayeur part of?
Courmayeur sits in the spectacular Alps, specifically in the Aosta Valley region of the Italian Alps. The resort lies at the foot of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian), the highest mountain in Western Europe. This dramatic location provides breathtaking panoramic views that our users frequently mention in their reviews. The resort's position in the shadow of Mont Blanc contributes to its reliable snow conditions at higher elevations.
When does the ski season start and end in Courmayeur?
According to our Snomad users, Courmayeur's ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April, weather conditions permitting. One user who's visited multiple times mentions that "Christmas skiing is assured" thanks to effective snow-making facilities. With elevations from 1704m to 2755m, the resort maintains good snow coverage throughout the season, though some users note the south-facing bowl can get slushy later in the season.
ChatGPT:
The Courmayeur ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April, depending on snow conditions. One of our users who's visited multiple times notes that "Christmas skiing is assured" thanks to the resort's effective snow-making facilities. With a top elevation of 2755m, Courmayeur maintains reliable snow coverage throughout the season, though some users mention the south-facing bowl can get slushy during late-season sunshine periods.
Is Courmayeur good for beginners?
Courmayeur is good for beginners with a solid rating for beginners (4.00/5). Our users highlight its 11 beginner-friendly runs, efficient lift system, and excellent ski schools rated 4.55/5 for quality. One Snomad community member who visited as a beginner said: "I was a beginner travelling with family who've been skiing since they could walk - Courmayeur had a good mix for all!" The smaller resort size also makes it less overwhelming for those just starting out.
Is Courmayeur good for intermediate skiers?
Courmayeur offers intermediates a satisfying experience with a solid rating of 3.83/5. Our users particularly praise the wide, well-groomed red runs which dominate the resort's 33 slopes. Neville, an intermediate skier, mentions the "reasonable variety of runs" that stay relatively quiet during weekdays. The lift system is efficient, though some users note the resort can feel small after a few days. Perfect for improving your technique while enjoying spectacular Mont Blanc views.
Is Courmayeur good for advanced skiers?
Courmayeur scores well for advanced skiers (4.29/5) with excellent red runs and some challenging blacks. Our users praise the varied terrain and off-piste options, though note the ski area is compact. One Snomad community member liked the "beautiful tree runs, fantastic off-piste, amazing views of Mont Blanc." It's ideal for a long weekend rather than a full week, as you can cover most pistes quickly. The off-piste opportunities significantly expand the experience for advanced skiers.
Is Courmayeur good for expert skiers?
Courmayeur offers decent options for experts, scoring 3.80/5 for expert skiing. While the pisted area is small and can be covered in a day, the off-piste potential is significant. Our users who are expert skiers highlight the "amazing off-piste paradise" with multiple accessible areas. Eugene notes that "the backcountry is best done with guides" to avoid trouble. Chris, an expert snowboarder, mentions excellent off-piste options served by lifts. Perfect for a long weekend rather than a full week.
Is Courmayeur good for non-skiers?
Courmayeur is excellent for non-skiers, with its charming town centre offering high-end boutiques and shops. Our users rave about the food scene - one Snomad community member called it "the best mountain food I've ever had." The resort town has a relaxed Italian atmosphere with beautiful historic streets to explore. The gondola remains open until 11pm, allowing non-skiers to enjoy mountain restaurants and spectacular Mont Blanc views without skiing.
Is there snow at Christmas in Courmayeur?
Courmayeur is generally reliable for Christmas skiing. Several Snomad users mention that the resort is relatively snow-sure due to its altitude (1704-2755m) and position under Mont Blanc. One reviewer notes that "pistes are well covered by snow making facilities which help to make sure that Christmas skiing is assured." The resort's south-facing bowl can get slushy later in the season, but this typically isn't an issue during the Christmas period.
Where should I stay in Courmayeur and what type of accommodation is available?
Courmayeur offers a range of accommodation with strong options (4.47/5). Stay in the charming historic centre for authentic Italian atmosphere and easy access to shops and restaurants. One Snomad community member mentioned, "The village is very pretty with a good choice of excellent restaurants." For convenience, choose lodging near the main gondola station. Some users stay at the Plan Checrouit base area (reached by gondola), offering limited ski-in/ski-out options with stunning Mont Blanc views.
What's the best way to get to Courmayeur?
The easiest way to reach Courmayeur is flying into Geneva Airport (1.5-hour drive) or Turin Airport (1.45-hour drive). From either airport, you can pre-book a private transfer, take a shared shuttle, or hire a car. Milan airports are also viable options (2-3 hours away). Once in resort, the cable car system efficiently connects the town to the slopes, with users praising the lift efficiency (4.12/5).