Courmayeur for Beginners

Received this query by email...

Jennifer wrote:I am organising a trip to Courmayeur for the first time. I have never skied before and I would like to know whether this ski resort would be suitable for me.

I am planning to stay for a short weekend preferably at the end of March (around Easter). Would this be advisable?
Also I would like to know how I can arrange for ski gear and a teacher whom can provide skiing lessons and guidance during my stay. There will be 2-4 people maximum staying.

It's nearly ten years since my last trip to Courmayeur but I think there are some easy runs - anyone got any more recent experience to impart?

Late March (Easter) should be a good time to go; almost certainly enough snow for a beginner, long days and a good chance of lots of sunshine too... 8)

Courmayeur should be a good choice, plenty of sun, good snow record and great restaurants on the slopes. The Easy skiing extends high up the mountain although am not sure where the beginners slopes are. Either way would recommend a few lessons in UK, so you can get on blues which opens up the whole mountain.

Courmayeur is pretty good for ski lessons (there were 6 in my group lessons and we all had fun and made progress) and ideal for short trips. The resort is quite expensive and actually works out cheaper to eat on mountain rather than off, I don't remember names of particular restaurants but the food was great pretty much everywhere, it did get busy lunchtimes so we got in the habit of doing coffee and pastries late morning but not having lunch until mid afternoon.. It was a few years ago when we went so I can't remember who we booked lessons through, but the school will be listed on their website. Have a great time and take extra camera batteries, you'll want to use them!

If you do decide to go, don't get freaked out by your first view of the mountain. As you take a gondola to get to the slopes, all you can see is the steep finishes of red runs that return, the easier runs go across the slope, but you can't see them from the bottom.

I would recommend getting on the chair that takes you up to Pra Neyron, although the slope to the chair is quite steep.

I would say it's not the easiest resort for beginners, but worth the effort.

Good luck and Bon Voyage

Hi

My wife and I went there three years back and we might be heading back next month. Here is a trip report that might be of help to you http://gardkarlsen.com/Courmayeur_trip_report.htm . Get in touch if you have any questions.