At the top of Italy, where the Aosta Valley meets the towering peaks of Mont Blanc, lies Courmayeur, one of Europe’s most authentic and charming winter destinations. Unlike purpose-built ski resorts, Courmayeur is a real mountain village, alive with local traditions, alpine spirit, and a vibrant year-round community.
In winter, the cobbled, car-free streets sparkle under twinkling lights, the air carries the scent of wood smoke and melted cheese, and the slopes of Mont Blanc call skiers and snow lovers from around the world. As the 2025/26 season approaches, Courmayeur is ready to celebrate — from the 90th anniversary of its historic ski school to exciting winter events that combine sport, design, and mountain culture.
An Authentic Alpine Village
Courmayeur is a place where tradition meets adventure. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, it offers a mix of world-class skiing and authentic Italian charm. The village itself — crowned one of Europe’s best by Condé Nast Traveller — is entirely car-free and filled with chic boutiques, cosy cafés, and gourmet restaurants serving local Valle d’Aosta cuisine.
Here, après-ski means sipping a glass of local wine by the fire or enjoying hearty dishes like polenta concia and Fontina cheese fondue in a rustic chalet. Courmayeur has become a gourmet hotspot over the years, attracting chefs and food lovers alike who come for its mountain flavours and fine wines.
If you love small alpine towns with character, you might also enjoy our guide to Andalo and the Paganella Plateau in winter — another destination where Italian mountain life blends beautifully with family-friendly adventure.
If you also want to know another area, for more about the picturesque hamlet of Entrèves, where traditional Alpine life meets views of Mont Blanc, check out our piece on Entrèves and Mont Blanc.
To get a feel for Courmayeur’s timeless charm and alpine atmosphere, watch this video capturing its cobbled streets, cosy cafés, and spectacular views at the foot of Mont Blanc.
90 Years of the Monte Bianco Ski School
In 2026, Courmayeur celebrates a major milestone — the 90th anniversary of the Monte Bianco Ski & Snowboard School, Italy’s largest and most iconic. Founded in 1936, it has helped shape the region’s alpine identity, teaching generations of skiers with passion and expertise.
Today, the school’s 200 instructors offer everything from beginner and children’s lessons to advanced freeride adventures, ensuring that everyone — from first-timers to experts — can experience Mont Blanc’s slopes safely and confidently.
Skyway Monte Bianco: A Journey to the Sky
For a truly unforgettable experience, take the Skyway Monte Bianco, one of the world’s most spectacular cableways. Rising from Courmayeur at 1,300 metres to Punta Helbronner at 3,466 metres, the rotating cabins reveal panoramic 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks.
At the top, you can explore Hangar 2173, enjoy a glass of high-altitude wine at Cave Mont Blanc, or simply soak in the endless mountain vistas from the terrace. It’s more than a cable car — it’s an invitation to reach closer to the sky.
Winter Playground Beneath Mont Blanc
Courmayeur’s ski area covers 33 slopes and 18 lifts, offering challenges and fun for all levels. The pistes stretch across two sides of the mountain, while off-piste terrain and heli-skiing adventures tempt experienced riders.
For a slower pace, explore snowshoe trails in Val Ferret, try cross-country skiing through pine forests, or glide across the ice rink at the Courmayeur Sport Centre. Whether you crave adrenaline or tranquillity, there’s something here for everyone.
Events & Highlights of Winter 2025/26
- Welcome Winter (6 December 2025): The season officially begins with a dazzling light show, live music, and the illumination of Courmayeur’s Christmas tree at Jardin de l’Ange.
- Italia Polo Challenge (7–10 January 2026): An exciting snow polo tournament featuring international teams, combining sport, glamour, and mountain elegance.
- Courmayeur Design Week (12–14 February 2026): A creative showcase where architecture, design, and the alpine environment meet.
- Paquerette Market (6 April 2026): On Easter Monday, the town fills with artisan stalls, music, and the vibrant colours of mountain craftsmanship.
How to Get to Courmayeur
Reaching Courmayeur is simple and scenic:
- By Air: The nearest airports are Turin (2 hours) and Milan Malpensa (2.5 hours). Geneva Airport in Switzerland is also a great option, about 90 minutes away via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
- By Car: From Turin or Milan, take the A5 motorway towards Aosta (or A4 from Milan), exiting at Courmayeur. From Chamonix (France), cross through the Mont Blanc Tunnel for direct access. If you’re planning to explore both sides of Mont Blanc, don’t miss our guide to Megève in winter — one of the most elegant ski resorts in the French Alps, just across the border from Courmayeur.
- By Train: The nearest major station is Aosta, connected to Courmayeur by frequent bus services and private transfers.
- By Bus: Regular coach connections run from Milan, Turin, and Geneva, offering an affordable way to reach the resort.
Once there, the village centre is pedestrian-only, with ski lifts and shuttle buses linking the slopes and surrounding valleys.
Special Offers for the Season Opening
To celebrate the start of the season, Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie, the local lift company, is promoting a Hotel & Skipass package.
This special offer combines hotel accommodation and a ski pass in one convenient deal — the perfect way to experience Courmayeur’s first snow without worrying about separate bookings.
The package is valid for the season opening period, making it ideal for travellers who want to be among the first on the slopes.
You can find full details and participating hotels on the official website: Hotel & Skipass – Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie.
Where to Stay
Courmayeur offers an excellent selection of hotels that blend traditional alpine warmth with modern comfort. Here are some of the best options for a winter stay:
Auberge de La Maison (5★)
A timeless alpine retreat in the hamlet of Entrèves, combining rustic elegance with understated luxury. Guests can enjoy a spa, fine local cuisine, and stunning views of Mont Blanc — all in a setting that feels like home.
👉 aubergemaison.it
Le Massif Hotel & Lodge (5★)
Just steps from the ski lifts and village centre, Le Massif is sleek, modern, and ideal for those seeking both adventure and indulgence. It offers ski-in access, excellent dining, and mountain-inspired design.
👉 lemassifcourmayeur.com
Hotel Bouton d’Or (3★ Superior)
A cosy, cheaper and family-run hotel in the heart of the village with warm hospitality, wooden interiors, and a wellness area — perfect for a relaxed, authentic mountain stay.
👉 hotelboutondor.com
The Spirit of Courmayeur
Courmayeur is more than a ski destination — it’s a place that embodies the soul of the Alps. Whether you come for the slopes, the food, or simply the peace of the mountains, this village offers a perfect balance of elegance and authenticity.
From sunrise over Mont Blanc to evenings by the fire with a glass of local wine, Courmayeur captures what winter travel should be: beautiful, adventurous, and unforgettable.
Plan Your Trip
- Ski lifts open: 29 November 2025
- Nearest airports: Turin, Milan, and Geneva
- More info: courmayeurmontblanc.it
If you’re planning a full Italian winter itinerary, you might also enjoy our guides to Andalo and Paganella and the Dolomites in winter — destinations that, like Courmayeur, blend alpine adventure with authentic culture.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
