On the Italian side of Mont Blanc (the sunnier side!) is Courmayeur Mont Blanc, an authentic alpine, luxury ski resort. We recently made our way up the snow-capped mountains and checked into the newly-renovated Gran Baita Hotel, offering one of the best locations and a boutique feel. After settling into our rooms, we took to a cosy snug beside a crackling fire in the atmospheric hotel bar, to cheers over aperol spritz and dive into an accompanying (first of many) charcuterie board. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the spectacular, mountainous scenery, whilst melodic piano music and laughter fills the room – what better way to start a trip?
For our first evening in Courmayeur, we chose to dine at the hotel’s own restaurant, Brasserie La Sapinière. The sophisticated and historic resort of Courmayeur offers a range of accommodation for all tastes and styles, for those staying elsewhere in the resort, Brasserie La Sapinière has a separate entrance to welcome visitors to dine in its intimate setting. The hotel’s use of wood is reflective of traditional Italian alpine cabins, this interior is carried through into the restaurant. Indulge here in the hearty menu and local wine selection, we highly recommend the mouth- watering fried goats cheese starter with bell pepper jam, followed by a traditional chinois, perfect for sharing and socialising.
Start your mornings in the hotel’s dining room to plan your day over breakfast and an Italian coffee, before heading out onto the freshly-powdered slopes. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the Dolonne cable car, making for a short and effortless trip up the mountains. Whilst some may travel with their ski equipment, we chose to hire all of our equipment from Ski Solutions ski hire, conveniently positioned near the top of the cable car. Renting with Ski Solutions made our trip even more comfortable, we did not have to carry a thing and felt reassured knowing everything was readily waiting for us. The staff here are very helpful; beginners and families in particular might appreciate this added assistance.
Courmayeur Mont Blanc’s high-end ski offering includes 100 kilometres of slopes and off piste on two sides of the mountain. The resort welcomes experts and beginners alike, with plenty of variety to accommodate those at different levels. In addition, with pistes as high as 2755 meters and snow-making systems, there is always snow. The resort boasts the most incredible peaceful scenery and the famous Mont Blanc as your backdrop. For those looking for adrenaline-fuelled adventure, there is heliskiing, off-piste and cross-country skiing, as well as joy skating, dogsledding, fat biking, hiking, snowshoeing and climbing, ideal for non-skiers too. Those wanting additional guidance can make use of the ski and snowboard schools. It really is the dream destination for any traveller looking to experience adventure out in nature.
The après-ski scene in Courmayeur is sensational, there are plentiful ski-in / ski-out restaurants. We just couldn’t resist pasta and tiramisu lunches out on the slopes at La Chaumière and Chateau Branlant. The restaurants are authentic and characterful, a perfect setting for locals and visitors to socialise over delicious alpine food, drinks and charcuterie boards, all rich in flavour. Courmayeur is a renowned gourmet hotspot, hosting an annual culinary month in March, known as Peak of Taste. During this time, culinary events take place across the resort as guests meet and eat at altitude with some of the most prolific chefs in the region, as well as a selection of world-class Michelin star chefs. Wine tastings and pairings also take place with fresh and local ingredients.
After lunch, what better way to unwind than back at Hotel Gran Baita’s incredible wellness spa? The spa offers guests the most memorable, magical spa experience. Relieve muscle aches in the unique sauna, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel amongst the landscape. Step into the warmth of the pool and swim through sliding pool doors to make your way outside and be surrounded by sweeping mountainous scenery. Swimming under the blue sky, surrounded by bright-white, snow-covered mountains is an unforgettable experience. Additional facilities include a fitness area, relaxation room, steam room, facial / body treatments, manicure / pedicure and beauty services.
The centre of Courmayeur is just a 10-minute walk from the Gran Baita Hotel, here you will find a number of stylish boutiques, great bars and restaurants. La Bouche offers a mixology masterclass, an experience that is sure to exceed your expectations. Your talented and knowledgable host will invite you behind the bar to guide you in creating your own unique cocktail, artistically using delicate and versatile alpine ingredients. The masterclass is a lot of fun, making for a brilliant evening out before dinner. There are many restaurants to choose from both on and off the mountain. Whilst in the town, we tried Brasserie D’Entreves, sharing delicious gnocchi, raclette and panacotta that melts in the mouth. Enjoy a more formal dinner at La Terrazza, where we highly recommend the steak with a decadent truffle and mushroom cream.
Before ending your trip to head back home, you must make a final stop to visit Skyway Monte Bianco. This is a once in a lifetime experience that is much more than just a cable car. Be transported 3,466 meters up Europe’s highest peak for breathtaking, 360-degree views of the alps, without having to put in any effort at all. Whilst there is the option to ski down from here, most opt to enjoy the restaurant, cafe, museum, exhibitions and shops before leisurely riding back down the mountain again. Courmayeur is rich in natural beauty throughout the year, in the summer months, you can expect a warmer climate and a wealth of outdoor activities. This year, the resort plans to introduce a new e-bike programme with cycling routes, as well as a ‘Green Weekend’ full of workshops and sports experiences such as yoga and a spectacular outdoor concert.
For more information visit: www.courmayeurmontblanc.it/en, call +39 0165 841612 or email [email protected].
7 nights at Gran Baita for two people on a half board basis in December 2023 from £1300 per person including flights and transfers with Ski Solutions.
By Klaudia Burton
