Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a comune in the autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta in northwestern Italy. It lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, near the French border, and serves as a major alpine resort and gateway to the Mont Blanc massif.

Geography and climate: Positioned at about 1,200 meters above sea level, Courmayeur is located at the confluence of alpine valleys that host extensive ski areas in winter and outdoor recreation in summer. The town includes the settlements of Dolonne and La Palud, which are linked by a network of lifts and pistes with the larger Courmayeur Mont Blanc ski area.

Transport and access: The town is connected to the Italian highway network and to international routes via the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix, France. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, starting near La Palud, climbs to Pointe Helbronner on the Mont Blanc massif, providing year-round access to high-altitude trails and views of the Alps.

Economy and culture: The economy is dominated by tourism, hospitality, and services. Courmayeur is part of the Aosta Valley, a bilingual region where French enjoys official status alongside Italian. Local cuisine features Alpine specialties and Fontina cheese.

Landmarks and attractions: The Courmayeur Mont Blanc ski area is centered on the town and extends to Val Veny and Val Ferret, offering skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. The town also showcases alpine architecture, spa facilities in nearby Pre-Saint-Didier, and cultural events throughout the year.