Courmayeur: a square in the snow at the foot of Mont Blanc

As you head up the valley towards the ‘Roof of Europe’, Courmayeur is ushering in a genuine high-altitude urban development revolution at Plan Checrouit. The arrival of two new ten-seater Leitner cable cars (Diamond Z Line – Deep model) marks the retirement of the historic Checrouit cable car and the Maison Vieille chairlift. The result goes beyond technical performance, with spacious cabins, internal ski racks, wind stability up to 80 km/h and speed adjusted to passenger flow. The consolidation of the departure stations frees up space and creates a genuine square on the snow, the beating heart of the resort where skiers meet and disperse. What’s on offer? Beginners will find an upgraded ski school area at Maison Vieille, complete with new magic carpets, whilst experts can head straight for freeriding along the legendary Youla couloirs or stop for dinner at high-altitude restaurants, accessible by gondola, to enjoy fine dining with views of Mont Blanc.