Courmayeur: The Easy Ski Holiday Complete with Designer Style

Nestled at the top of Valle d’Aosta, just a one hour and 20 minutes drive from Geneva airport, Courmayeur is an Italian gem that offers far more than just skiing. This charming Alpine village has long been a favourite retreat for northern Italians seeking relaxation, exceptional food, and world-class slopes. Its reputation as a glamorous destination still holds today, with famous figures from Italian show business and politics often spotted enjoying the scene. What else would you expect from a resort with a cable car sponsored by Armani?

For our stay, we checked into Hotel Berthod, a cosy, well-located hotel just minutes from the ski lifts to Plan Checrouit and mere steps from Via Roma, the main , pedestrianised, town centre. The rooms were stylishly simple but spacious, with stunning balcony views over the picturesque rooftops and mountains beyond. After a long day on the slopes, we sipped red wine on sheepskin-lined outdoor seats around a roaring wood fire.

Mid-week, we booked into the hotel’s small but delightful spa. We had it all to ourselves, indulging in the sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi before curling up in soft blankets on plush beanbags or loungers. Breakfast was a lively affair ad great for people watching —fresh pastries, muesli, and yoghurts gave us the perfect start to our ski days, though heartier British options were also available.

Skiing in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is ideal for all levels, with 100km of ski slopes, including excellent off-piste terrain. Beginners won’t feel left out, as the well-maintained blue runs and expert tuition make learning easy. My daughter Evie, a novice skier, started the week with a private group lesson we had booked via Skibro at Courmayeur Ski School. Luigi and Lorenzo, instructors were fantastic, and by the end of the week, she was confidently taking on red runs and even some off-piste jumps and winding paths.

For non-skiers, there’s still plenty to enjoy. A trip to Skyway Monte Bianco (montebianco.com) offers breathtaking views over the Alps, while the town itself is a delight to explore with all its chocolate box buildings and white snowy rooftops.

Shopping in Courmayeur

Via Roma, Courmayeur’s pedestrianised shopping street, is lined with designer boutiques. Whether you’re looking for luxury fashion or ski gear, there’s plenty to browse—Gucci, Celine, Woolrich, Patagonia, and Patek Philippe all have a presence here. Luxury is part of the everyday here, with ski instructors in Emporio Armani-branded skiwear and even the main cable car sponsored by Armani.

DAYTIME DINING

The mountain restaurants in Courmayeur are exceptional. Our top picks include:

  • Christiania – A favourite for hearty pasta dishes to refuel before an afternoon of skiing.

  • Le Vieux Grenier – The best chips on the slopes, with a fast-service café and a stunning restaurant terrace.

Evening Dining

Après-ski in Courmayeur is relaxed yet indulgent. Our favourite spots included:

  • Pizzeria Du Tunnel – A casual, friendly spot with pizzas the size of a small planet.

  • La Chaumière – A magical on-slope dining experience, reached by ski-doo pickup after dark from the cable car stop.

  • Judith Brasserie – A hit with the kids, who begged to return more than once.

  • Aria at Hotel St. Jean – A special Valentine’s dinner with the family, featuring beautifully presented regional dishes and an extensive Italian wine list.

Why Choose Courmayeur?

Courmayeur is a dream for intermediate skiers, offering well-groomed slopes, scenic mountain restaurants, and stylish après-ski. The mix of top-tier skiing, luxurious shopping, and incredible dining makes it one of Italy’s most desirable ski destinations—without the overwhelming crowds of some bigger resorts. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder or relaxing with a glass of wine in the village, Courmayeur offers the perfect easy ski holiday. Also, it was one of the easiest transfers we’ve experienced. A direct flight from Edinburgh to Geneva and then only one hour 20 mins to Courmayeur. We booked everything through Weski and every element was taken care of - car transfer, ski passes, equipment hire and even the recommendation for lessons via it’s site’s clever chatbot meant that all the stress of planning a ski holiday was removed. Easy.

Travelhood mag