Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
runs (100km worth) and a network of chairlifts. Three lifts leave from the valley floor:
one from Courmayeur itself, one from the village of Dolonne and one from nearby Val
Veny. They are run by
Funivie Courmayeur Mont Blanc
(
www.courmayeur-montblanc.com
; Strada
Regionale 47)
. Queues are rarely an issue.
Skiing lessons starting at around €40 an hour are available from the
Scuola di Sci Monte
Bianco
(
www.scuolascimontebianco.com
;
Strada Regionale 51)
, founded in 1922. It also offers
cross-country and telemark lessons for similar rates.
Vallée Blanche
This is an exhilarating off-piste descent from Punta Helbronner across the Mer de Glace
glacier into Chamonix, France. The route itself is not difficult (anyone of intermediate
ability can do it), but an experienced guide is essential to steer you safely round the hid-
den crevasses.
All up, the 24km Vallée Blanche takes around four to five hours, allowing time to stop
and take in the view.
SKIING
Toula Glacier
Only highly experienced, hard-core skiers need apply for this terrifying descent, which
also takes off from Punta Helbronner and drops for six sheer kilometres to La Palud. A
guide is essential. It's usually easy to join in with a guide-led group.
SKIING
Hiking
In July and August Courmayeur's cable cars whisk walkers and mountain bikers up into
the mountains; transporting a bike is free.
Tour du Mont Blanc
For many walkers (some 30,000 each summer), Courmayeur's trophy hike is the Tour du
Mont Blanc (TMB). This 169km trek cuts across Italy, France and Switzerland, stopping
at nine villages en route. Snow makes it impassable for much of the year. The average
duration is anything from one week to 12 days; smaller sections are also possible.
It's possible to undertake the hike without a guide but, if you're unfamiliar with the
area, hooking up with a local guide is a good idea as the route traverses glacial land-
scapes. Easy day hikes will take you along the TMB as far as the Rifugio Maison Vieille
(one hour, 50 minutes) and Rifugio Bertone (two hours). Follow the yellow signposts
from the Piazzale Monte Bianco in the centre of Courmayeur.
WALKING TRAIL
