With fantastic skiing for all levels and a lively village centre, Courmayeur, in the Italian Aosta Valley, is a popular choice for the youthful demographic looking to ski hard and play even harder.
Nestled under the imposing shadow of Mont Blanc, the resort’s warm, inclusive Italian ambience and jaw-dropping scenery are offset by some of the most exciting intermediate skiing in Europe. But this vibrant resort’s on-piste attributes are almost eclipsed by its full-throttle, unashamedly party-til-you-drop après ski scene.
So, if you’re looking for a party on the piste, you’ve found it!
Convenient and Social
One of the first pre-requisites of a party town is its accessibility and friendliness, and Courmayeur can’t be beaten on that score.
No ski? No problem: There’s actually a huge proportion of visitors (mainly Italians) who come here, not for the skiing, but for the socialising! So even if you want to spend all your time indoors testing out some less-energetic pursuits – eating, drinking and being oh-so-merry – the resort has plenty to keep you occupied.
A traffic free centre: The centre of the village is compact and traffic free, meaning all the bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs are within easy walking (or staggering) distance of your accommodation. The town comes alive after dark and there’s virtually a party on the streets every night of the week as the crowds spill from the venues onto the cobbled streets. There’s no trying to find a taxi home at 2am and enough variety to try a different place every night of the week!
Party On the Slopes
But whoa there; before we start talking about partying till 2am, what’s on offer for the reason you’re (ostensibly) here for? In terms of skiing, even if you’re coming with a group of mixed abilities there’s something for everyone.
Beginners: Absolute novices are best off joining a ski school (which will improve your social life in the resort no end, too) and the Tzaly area above the resort offers one of the most incredible beginners’ slopes in the world – with gentle slopes and views to make your eyes water.
Intermediates: It’s intermediate heaven here, with a massive range of short and long distance red and blue slopes encompassing the resorts of the Aosta Valley and over to Chamonix, if you want to get adventurous.
Pros and show-offs: If you’ve got the guts, Courmayeur offers every opportunity to grab the glory! For the biggest party you could ever have on skis, there are some fantastic off-piste and freeriding adventures to be had, and, for those looking for the ultimate thrill, heli-skiing on the Mont Blanc massif is an experience of a lifetime.
Party Off the Slopes
It’s an anomaly of nature how after an exhausting, muscle-screaming day on the mountain you can still find the energy to party all night, isn’t it…? But, hey, we’re not here to discuss physiology, we’re here to tell you where to get that party started!
No matter what your budget and how stylish your après-ski outfits, there’s a bar to suit.
Budget beaters: If you’re on a budget you can still enjoy the renowned Italian hospitality of the resort. Try these recommended bars/restaurants that make your Euro a little more elastic.
- Bar delle Guide – casual bar located right in the centre of the resort.
- American Bar – very central, regular happy hours and international sports on the big screens.
- Le Grand Chalet – situated at the bottom of the cable car so you can ski in straight off the piste!
- Bar Roma – opens early and closes late, plus they provide free snacks in the afternoon.
Budget blowers:
- The Prive – an elegant cocktail bar, popular with the young, beautiful and trendy après-ski set.
- Caffe della Posta – relaxed and sophisticated, this local institution has been around since 1911 and is renowned for the best aperitivos in town.
- Cadran Solaire – with authentic Italian ambience, you can come for cocktails but you’ll want to stay for dinner!
- Courmaclub – super cool club with international DJs and live music, located slightly out of the centre of town, but worth it.
Locals’ Top Tip: If you’re planning on visiting the resort for a Christmas ski break, pencil in the famous Courmayeur Noir in Festival. Even if you’re not already a fan of Film Noir, you soon will be. And by the way – it’s where everybody else will be so you may as well join the party…!
How to Get to Courmayeur
If you’re looking for a good time rather than a long time, you’re in luck – because getting to Courmayeur is easy, even for a weekend break. The most convenient airport is across the border in Geneva, which is just a short 1.5-hour flight from the UK. You’ll barely have time to get a round in on the plane! Geneva is then just 1.5 hours by road from the resort. If it’s more convenient you can also fly into Lyon or Grenoble (both approximately 3 hours away), or Chambéry (around 2 hours).
Once you land, the most cost-efficient and convenient way to get to the resort without wasting precious party and skiing time is to prebook an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. If you making a booking online before you leave home you can take advantage of free transport for any equipment you’re bringing.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Triolet – Just a short walk to the lifts and and even shorter stroll to all the après activity of the resort, the Hotel Triolet offers free Wi-Fi, cooked breakfasts and private balconies so you can get the party started early. Guests even enjoy discounted use of the wellness centre opposite, to take care of any over indulgences.
Hotel Crampon – Ski all day and party all night from your base at the very central Hotel Crampon. Offering a free ski bus to Mont Blanc, a delicious breakfast buffet to recharge your energy, and an onsite bar that’s open all day, the hotel is within walking distance of the resort’s nightlife.
Hotel Croux – With the warm welcome of a family-run establishment and a position right in the heart of the resort, the Hotel Croux is the perfect accommodation to enjoy a fun-filled ski break. Along with free Internet, a games room, spacious rooms and balconies to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, the hotel includes a fitness room with sauna to blow out those morning-after cobwebs.
About Shuttle Direct:
As one of the most trusted airport transfer companies in Europe, Shuttle Direct has a wealth of experience when it comes to winter transfers to destinations throughout the Italian, Austrian and French Alps.
For all your ski transfer needs, whether you choose to fly into Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon or Grenoble, Shuttle Direct has you covered with a range of shared or private services to suit every budget and group size. If you’re travelling with your own winter sports equipment, advise us at the time of booking and it will be included for free in the cost of your transfer.
For the most professional, convenient and affordable service, Shuttle Direct’s friendly, expert team is ready to help.
