COURMAYEUR
Courmayeur Mt Blanc (1224 metres above seal level) is a small town in the Italian Alps, close to the borders with France and Switzerland.
The ‘Pearl of the Alps’, as it is known, is famed for its beautiful mountain setting and its ideal climate every season of the year. Courmayeur has been attracting visitors from all over the world for more than three centuries; originally as a spa town renowned for its healing thermal waters, and later as a mecca for the pioneers of early modern mountaineering, most notably Edward Whymper- first to climb both the nearby Matterhorn and Grand Jorasses. Indeed, the Courmayeur Mountain Guide Society was founded as long a go as 1850.
In the early 20th century, with the founding of the ski-school and the construction of the first cable cars, Courmayeur became famous as one of the world’s best winter sports resorts.
Conveniently located just one and a half hours’ drive from both Geneva and Turin, Courmayeur is now a tourist destination of international renown, and yet it has managed to retain its old world Alpine charm.
Today “Courma” is frequented by a varied and international clientele- people who appreciate both the majestic natural beauty of its surroundings and the elegance and class of the town, all in an atmosphere of exclusivity and mountain charm that has always set it apart.
The beautiful and unparalleled side valleys of Val Veny and Val Ferret offer a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails ranging from the very gentle to the seriously tough, all in an enchanting and unspoilt natural setting, surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful mountains- not least Her Majesty the Mont Blanc.
With a wide range of both outdoor and indoor activities available, Courmayeur Mt Blanc is also a paradise for sport lovers. The Courmayeur Sports Centre (one of the best of its kind in Europe) offers ice-skating, tennis, squash, golf and dozens of other sports to enjoy even when it’s snowing outside.
However, Courmayeur is not only about sport. It’s also about kicking back and having a good time. Both the after-ski and the shopping are second to none. With lots of great restaurants, bars and clubs there really is something for everyone here.
Each year, Courmayeur hosts numerous cultural events, such as the Noir In crime cinema festival, as well as international music festivals. It has also been chosen as the venue for high media profile events and conventions, such as the Google Meltdown Party and the annual London City Ski Championships run by Momentum Travel.
