“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>
The Alps are famous for a trifecta of hiker favorites: delicious food, welcoming mountain culture, and some of the most spectacular alpine vistas in the world. It all comes together in the Italian village of Courmayeur, located on the sunny side of Mont Blanc (called Monte Bianco in Italian). The community, which began attracting tourists in the 17th century, is an authentic and quiet escape for anyone looking to get off the beaten path, both figuratively and literally. Here’s why Courmayeur is the perfect alpine retreat for hikers and active travelers.
Fresh Flavors
The Courmayeur region is renowned for its delicious food. For unforgettable post-hike celebrations, sample the locally sourced vegetables, cheese, meats, and wine. Order fondue to share—it’s made with fontina DOP, a semihard cheese that originated in the region. For dessert, you must try Valdostan sweet tegole, another specialty of the Aosta Valley. Influenced by French, Swiss, and Italian culinary traditions, the gastronomy is a true delight.
Mountain Culture
A warm and inviting village with a relaxed atmosphere, Courmayeur is the original serene mountain getaway. It has been a destination for mountain lovers since the 1800s, serving as the birthplace of some of the first mountain guides in the Alps. Each year, Courmayeur hosts the Alpine Guide Festival to celebrate the heritage of mountain exploration with food, music, and traditional guiding attire. From arts to food to sports, exciting events are happening year-round under the highest mountain in Europe.
Diverse Trails
In winter, a comprehensive network of lifts and cable cars whisks skiers to world-class slopes; in summer and fall, those same lifts provide access to some of the world’s finest hikes. You can choose from short half-day hikes to longer multiday treks that link rifugios—mountain huts—where you’ll find excellent food, drink, lodging, and companionship.
Above 7,500 feet, you’ll find snow and glaciers, even in the summer months. While travel in the mountains always requires some caution and skill, this region of the Alps has plenty of signage, mountain huts, and clear information about distances. Plus, you can always choose to book a trip with a professional guide. Hiking trails are referenced by route number and the level of difficulty:
- T: For walkers who want to explore easy paths.
- E: For hikers who prefer easier trails.
- EE: For experienced hikers.
- EEA: For experienced hikers and climbers with specialized equipment.
Hikes in Courmayeur cater to a range of fitness levels and interests, whether you seek a challenging summit ascent or leisurely stroll through picturesque meadows. Here are some of the highlights.
The Skyway Cable Car
Get your geographic bearings by taking the Skyway, a cable car that sweeps you up to Punta Helbronner at 11,371 feet. From there, you can embark on technical trails with a guide or just take in the scenery—the views are everywhere.
Lake Checrouit
For families, the 45-minute hike from the top of the Dolonne Cabin lift to Lake Checrouit is a fun option. This gentle path passes through flower-laden meadows en route to the serene cerulean waters of Lake Checrouit, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc.
Rifugio Bonatti
Named after one of the world’s most famous and accomplished Italian alpinists, Refuge Bonatti is a must-visit. The walk to Rifugio Bonatti is about seven miles. You’ll pass through larch forests and alpine meadows to the foot of the Grandes Jorasses, directly opposite the magnificent Fréboudze Glacier. There, you’ll find a historic lodge, a lovely deck, cold beer and good wine, and local culinary treats. Have lunch and return to Courmayeur, or better yet, book a room for the night.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The ultimate hike in the region is the Tour du Mont Blanc, which crosses through Italy, France, and Switzerland. It’s a high-mountain path with access to dozens of classic alpine villages and huts. That means you don’t have to carry camping gear or much food, keeping packs relatively light. The route involves some 105 miles (about 60 hours of walking over an average of ten days) and an altitude gain and loss of around 5,000 feet per day.
There is a place where your imagination can turn into reality. Where leisure and relaxation come in all shades. A place where flavors can amaze, nature and its views can marvel. It is Courmayeur Mont Blanc, a jewel guarded by the highest mountain in the Alps: the Mont Blanc.
After all, only when you reach the summit, you see everything clearly.
Enjoy Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Italy at its peak.
