October, 10 2024 ( Updated October, 15 2024)
Set at the base of the magnificent Mont Blanc in Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is one of the best family ski destinations in Europe with cross-country skiing and family-friendly holiday homes. Its welcoming atmosphere combined with off-piste trails, kid-friendly slopes and all-level ski runs make it a dynamic destination for families as well as lovers of the sport.
Take in the scenic views from the Skyway Monte Bianco from Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner
In all, 21 ski lifts cover a dazzling 140 km ski area in and around Courmayeur. Out of these, four lifts are directly from the valley: the Courmayeur Cableway located in the west; the Dolonne gondola from Dolonne village; the Val Veny cable car close to the village of Entreves; and the Monte Bianco Skyway (also at Entreves) with access to separate off-piste skiing area below the famous Ponte Helbronner.
The ski lifts in Courmayeur are open from early December until mid-April, offering one of the longest ski periods in Europe. The Italian ski resort also offers many family-friendly attractions like the Skyway cable, which leads to the highest point in Italy and a fun-filled winter park, with cinema and off-piste sports.
Visit Courmayeur in early spring ski season and enjoy a ride on the Skyway cable
A large chunk of how satisfying your vacation depends on the choice of accommodation. Ski vacations for families need some planning to find accommodations that would suit the needs of both the adults as well as the little ones. Below, we have rounded up some of the best stays in Courmayeur, along with family activities, attractions and more.
Enjoy a ski session with your kids or enroll them for their one in Courmayeur’s ski schools
Several contemporary ski schools in Courmayeur cater to children and beginners, where your little ones can have a great time while learning–and even adults of all skill levels can learn ski techniques without having to stress about it. These ski schools usually admit kids aged 3 and up.
Can kids ski in Courmayeur? Yes! Apart from having fun in ski schools, young skiers can test their skills on beginner runs in Plan Checrouit, Pila and Cervinia with nursery slopes and the gentle blue and red runs.
Editor’s tip: When deciding on accommodation, opt for lodgings near ski schools.
The Cervinia ski resort, perfect for skiing with kids
The north-facing Val Veny side of Courmayeur's ski area offers the best snow conditions later in the season–when slush starts to become more of an issue on the southeast-facing Plan Checrouit side of the mountain. Meanwhile, the two wide easy runs served by the High Bertolini Ski Lift often have the best snow on the mountain, regardless of season!
Courmayeur is a family-friendly paradise with many fun-filled places to visit with your kids
Winter Fun Parks - With a range of activities for children of all ages, including sledding, snow tubing, ice skating, fat biking and an inflatable bouncy castle, the Winter Fun Park is an ultimate family pleaser. There is also a cinema for enjoying in a relaxing atmosphere.
The Skyway cable car – Leading to the highest point in Italy, the Skyway cable car is more than just a fun ride up the mountain. There is wine, food, and Italian culture to be enjoyed while staying closest to the Mont Blanc range in France. Be sure to check out the Morgex district, which offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Lo Tatà di Courma – An outdoor kids' play area, Lo Tatà is open both in summer and winter. The area also offers a range of services for families, such as childcare, snack and lunch service, and a dedicated area for babies.
Staying in vacation rentals provides many benefits that simply cannot be matched by hotels.
Family accommodations have larger spaces as well as more privacy and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious while soaking up the comfort of home. Plus, holiday homes are also a great choice when travelling with small children or simply for a family that prefers to stick to a budget.
Enjoy the beauty of nature and the cosiness of alpine architecture at Plan Gorret
Ski vacations with kids can be demanding and tiring, so a comfortable place for all to unwind is more than essential. Holiday homes with multi-bedroom space for families of all sizes provide space for everyone while beautifully furnished kitchens allowing meal preparation at one's convenience, provide kids the satisfaction of home-cooked meals. Meanwhile, additional amenities like TV, board games, and Wi-Fi provide great sources of entertainment during the little time spent indoors.
These apartments are positioned close to the ski area, with some high-rated ski schools for kids.
Courmayeur is a good choice for non-skiers. Not only is the village a delightful place for walking, shopping and dining with its array of bars, shops and restaurants, but many of the mountain restaurants are also accessible to pedestrians via the Plan Chécrouit cable car.
Soak in healing waters after a day on the snow
Courmayeur also has an excellent sports centre, with the famous thermal baths at Pré-Saint-Didier just 6 km down the valley.
Lunch-time gourmets are spoiled for choice in Courmayeur, which has some of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps. Most famous of all is the Maison Vieille which offers traditional Italian cuisine, along with vegetarian options, in a rustic setting.
While on the Skyway Monte Bianco enjoy a bite at the Kartell Bistrot Panoramic
Another highly recommended mountain restaurant is Chiecco just above Plan Chécrouit, a deceptively simple hut with outstanding food and service. However, if you are looking to find a place which is simply stunning with a great menu and location, then Kartell Bistrot Panoramic (the Skyway Cafe) on Skyway Monte Bianco has coffees, desserts, full meals and wines!
On the Val Veny side of the mountain, La Grolla and the Petit Mont Blanc are also excellent, but there are other fabulous options almost everywhere you look.
Getting to Courmayeur is easy, with several nearby airports to choose from including:
The resort is also well-connected by bus services, making it easy to get around once you arrive. The closest train stations include- Geneva (CH) /Bellegarde (FRA) / Torino (ITA).
With family ski packages, great ski schools for kids, and a welcoming feel for families looking for an adventure, Courmayeur is an excellent destination.
If you are looking for family accommodation, these are some of the best places to stay in Courmayeur. Be it a quaint chalet or a spacious multi-bedroom villa, these accommodations are perfect for enjoying a ski vacation with your loved ones at Mont Blanc, Courmayeur.
join over 80,000 people who receive our updates