4. Courmayeur, Italy
4. Courmayeur, Italy
Courmayeur has an excellent snowfall record. The breathtaking view is not just a pretty face, and Monte Bianco stops southerly weather systems in their tracks, dumping their fruits on Courmayeur. Like Italian cuisine, the resort’s strength is in its simplicity, and the top quality ingredients here are varied terrain, powder and trees. Due to its relatively low altitude, however, Courmayeur is a dish best served cold. Caution should always be exercised but there is loads of playful terrain accessible from the chairlifts, for example under the Dzeleuna and Plan de la Gabba chairs or, more adventurously, off the back of the Pra Neyron. Unlocking the well-guarded secrets of Courmayeur may take time but that means there are plenty of nooks and crannies for everyone.