Epic Europe

Back to destinations

COURMAYEUR

 

The Italian cousin of Chamonix, on the sunny side of the Monte Bianco, Courmayeur has long been a favorite of Milanese and Piemontese weekenders, but somehow stayed off the radar of the rest of Europe’s ski tourists, and very few ski bums or powder-hounds. While the secret has gotten out in the past few years, there are nowhere near the crowds of her French neighbor, and a relaxed dolce vita that pervades. The center of the village is authentic and cosmopolitan at the same time, far from the contrived atmosphere of many ski resorts, this is a real town. Streets are lined with Italian boutiques, Nonnas go about their shopping, and aperitivo hour is alive and well, regardless of “apres ski”. Along the Via Roma, the pedestrian-only street, you’re as likely to sit beside a farmer as a fashion model.

 

From the vintage cablecars up to Youla and Cresta d’Arp, you can access big backcountry off-piste runs down to the Val Veny or back to Courmayeur. On the mountain, several of the best low-key restaurants in the Alps offer hearty meals, an outrageous winelist, and inimitable warmth and hospitality.

 

But the brand-new Monte Bianco cablecar up to Punta Helbronner, delivers you to the top of the Vallée Blanche, where you can choose to ski the south-facing Toula Glacier back direction Courmayeur, or drop down towards France and enjoy a 17km run down the Alps’ most famous panoramic descent. And dozens of other variants range from death-defying to docile. But a mountain guide is imperative to navigate the glacial terrain. For nordic skiing the Val Ferret just might be the most spectacular venue in the world, the mellow terrain of the summertime golf course can still instill vertigo from the surrounding towering peaks.

 

Summertime is no compromise in Courmayeur, with exceptional hiking, climbing, and even cycling throughout the region. Many of the mountain huts and restaurants are open all summer and fall, offering a seasonal take on the rustic Aostan cuisine, perfect for a post-hike repast. Our favorite area is the Italian Val Ferret (sharing a border col with Switzerland), a majestic valley just below the Grande Jorasses Massif, a gorgeous stream running through, and the constant ringing of Fontina cows’ bells. 

  • Authenticity of Valle d'Aosta
  • Hearty Italian meals on the mountain and in town
  • Brand-new Monte Bianco cablecar to Punta Helbronner giving access to Vallée Blanche run
  • Amazing hiking trails network with many mountain huts and mountain restaurants
Courmayeur
 
 

SHARE THIS PAGE

 
 
Accommodation options:

Experience options: Courmayeur

WHAT WE DO

Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.


Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need. 

  • "Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
  • "Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
  • "Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
  • "I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
  • "A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
  • "I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
  • "Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
  • “The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA

PROCESS

Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps. 


Please get in touch using the form below. Fields marked with a * are required.