Cervinia and Courmayer

Tony_H wrote:

Funny thing is, I heard you and Rob both say you have never ski'd so much on a holiday before 

Which is true but even though in the past we would also be skiing the first lift up and the last lift down, we would just find a nice run and ski it to death before plucking up the courage to go and find another nice run. This holiday seemed more about ticking off all the runs on the map.

I think what I'm trying to say is that as you progress in skiing the bigger the ski area you'll be wanting to ski.

Having said that, I'm quite happy spending hour upon hour on a 110m dryslope!

I'm a big fan of Courmayeur.

The scenery is stunning. The village is rustic, beautiful and car-free. The moutain restaurants serve up great food (I know you said you like to ski hard all day, but if you go to Courmayeur you must take time out at least one day to have a decent lunch. Try La Grolla - good food, great views of glacier and Monte Bianco).

The ski area is quite compact and there aren't many very challenging pistes. But there's enough to still keep advanced skiers happy for at least a few days even if the snow isn't great. If the snow is good they'll be smiling all week as the off-piste can be fabuluous.

It's very different from the big French resorts and won't necesarily suit those who refuse to ski the same run twice in a week. First time skiers may not like the limited nursery slopes.

From Courmayeur you can very easily ski at La Thuile (15 km away - free bus). Cervinia is 90 mins drive, but you do get a great day out in Zermatt. You can also ski the Vallee Blanche from the Italian side taking the cable car from just up the road over the Punta Helbronner. And if you take a guide, the off piste from the Cresta D'Arp is supposed to be amazing - not done it yet in four visits, but hopefully will do when I visit again later this week!