Courmayeur

Another of those nearly-in-France ski resorts in Italy, Courmayeur sits just 12kms away from Chamonix on the other side of Mont Blanc.

Despite being so close to the famous French resort, you can expect to find prices that are more reasonable and plenty of charm that will show exactly why Italian's flock in drovers from Turin and Milan to not only embrace the stunning skiing, but also to simply make the most of everything the resort offers.

The main ski area is reached by one of Europe's biggest ever cable cars and offers skiing for visitors of all experience levels.

Beginners can have such fun at Plan Chécrouit or Pas de Passal, whilst improvers and intermediates will have the time of their lives on the reds of Val Vény or the amazing Cresta Youla down to Dolonne.

Advanced skiers can go from Entrèves up to Punta Helbronner and ski down the Toula glacier, sample the World Cup Downhill and the International Run, or tackle the Vallée Blanche to Chamonix.

The lift pass includes skiing in La Thuile as well, which you can reach on a free ski bus.

The terrain park caters for every level and has a fabulous over-sized airbag.

Off Piste Skiing in Courmayeur

Whilst the on-piste action for experts is somewhat limited, there is plenty to enjoy off-piste, ranging from tree-lined powder off the side of the Val Veny run to the area off the Cresta d"Arp at the top of the resort.

You might also want to head to the Mont Blanc flank to explore the many off-piste areas that await there.

Family Skiing in Courmayeur

Ski schools are available within the resort to aid beginners and that helps to make Courmayeur a popular choice with those travelling with their family.

There's also a good children's play area that offers a range of alternative activities that are aimed at younger members of the party.

Apres-Ski in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a pretty village with cobbled streets, balancing perfectly its desire for tradition and, at the same time, appealing to a younger ski set with an active bar and café scene.

Meet up at the Roma, straight from the slopes or try the Caffé del Centro and the Cadran Solaire. There are pizzerias, places to sample fondue and raclette, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant for contemporary haute-cuisine in the Hotel Royal E Golf, if you're feeling flush. The J-Set club has the interesting combination of sushi and disco.

The town has two cinemas, or you could go swimming, ice-skating, bowling, paragliding, winter mountaineering, dog sledding, snowshoeing or hiking. That's enough to keep you smiling off the slopes!

It's captivating, it's comprehensive, it's Courmayeur! Let GetSkiing arrange a perfect holiday for you!

Non-Skiing Activities in Courmayeur

A range of non-ski activities are available within Courmayeur, which include an indoor ice rink, fitness centre, curling, cable-car rides, swimming, spa treatments and more than enough shopping.

Those who want alternative ski activities could head off to enjoy some cross-country skiing, with plenty available in the surrounding area.

Gary's Little Gems in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a traditional old mountaineering village that has retained much of its character, located at the foot of the spectacular Mt Blanc. The main ski area spreads out from the mid-mountain base at Plan Chécrouit, reached by cable car from the centre of town.

The skiing is ideal for beginners and intermediates and the lift pass includes a day skiing in Chamonix, which is well worth a visit.