Courmayeur is ideal for those who like challenging off-piste skiing on big mountains and wide-open spaces.
Classic off-piste runs go from Cresta d’Arp starting from the top of the lift network in three directions:
- In a clockwise loop via Arp Vieille to Val Veny, with close-up views of the Miage glacier.
- East down a deserted valley to Dolonne or Pré-St-Didier.
- South through the Youla gorge to La Balme, near La Thuile.
The Toula Glacier starts from the Helbronner Cable Car in Courmayeur at a height of 3,450m. A metal staircase allows access to the Toula Glacier followed by a spectacular 2,000m vertical descent ending in the village of La Palud.
Vallee Blanche in Chamonix
Along with the longest, most famous, most spectacular off-piste descent in the world, 23km and 2,800m vertical descent.
Heli-ski
Plenty of heli-drop options, including a wonderful 20km run from the Ruitor glacier into France – you ride the lifts back up from La Rosière and descend to La Thuile (then take a taxi back).