The historic mountain town of Courmayeur sits on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, western Europe`s highest mountain. The mountain scenery around Courmayeur is spectacular, with fourteen 4,000m plus mountain peaks above. The resort is one of several internationally famous centres in the Aosta Valley which runs up Italy`s north west border with France and Switzerland. Unlike Chamonix, Courmayeur is a very atmospheric resort where ancient buildings huddle around cobbled streets so that the whole place oozes traditional charm. Planners have allowed a few ugly concrete blocks to appear (some of them four star hotels!) but these are on the outskirts of the town and don`t detract from the ambience of the whole.
Courmayeur can boast three centuries of tourism, far exceeding its long history as a winter sports destination, with visitors originally coming to experience the benefits of local mineral springs.There are other well known resorts in the area, such as Cervinia, lift-linked to Zermatt in Switerland, Pila and La Thuile (also lift-linked over a border, this time to La Rosiere in France), all sharing an Aosta Valley joint lift ticket (your own transport a big advantage in making use of it). Apres Ski There is a good range of friendly bars, with something for all tastes. • Cocktails at the American Bar, Video games at Ziggy's or the Guides Bar with cosy log fire. Most favoured is the Bar Roma. For the more energetic there is dancing on the tables at Poppy's Disco pub and Jimmys in our Hotel Astoria, open at weekends with free minibus transport. Eating Out An excellent range of no less than 50 restaurants and cafés to choose from, offering delicious local Valdostana and Italian cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets. • 3-course set menu from €16 • Pizzas from €8 • Le Tunnel for massive pizzas and pasta, Pierre Alexis for excellent Italian cuisine, Piazzetta for pasta and seafood and the Vieux Pommier with its old apple tree, for local specialities Activities Sports centre facilities include: • Indoor ice rink • Curling • Fitness centre • Squash • Tennis • Indoor football and climbing wall • In addition there is heliskiing • Swimming pool (in next village) • Cross country skiing • Ski touring and snow shoe walking (with a minimum number of 6 participants). Other Amenities • Weekly market • Cinema (Italian films) • Shops and boutiques • Local buses to Chamonix and Aosta. |
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