12 days Classic Route – Full circle

Hystory of the City

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, Courmayeur is a picturesque town in the Aosta Valley of northwestern Italy. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-class skiing, Courmayeur has evolved from a humble mountain village into one of Europe’s most prestigious alpine destinations. Its history is a tapestry of ancient traditions, mountaineering feats, and the enduring allure of the mountains. The 18th and 19th centuries marked a turning point in Courmayeur’s history, as the town became a focal point for the burgeoning sport of mountaineering. In 1786, Mont Blanc was successfully summited for the first time by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, an achievement that put Courmayeur on the map as a gateway to the Alps. The town quickly gained a reputation as a base for explorers and adventurers seeking to conquer the surrounding peaks. The founding of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) in 1863 further cemented Courmayeur’s status as a mountaineering hub. Today, Courmayeur is synonymous with luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. Its ski slopes, part of the expansive Mont Blanc ski area, attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. The town is also a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and wellness tourism, with its thermal spa, QC Terme, offering relaxation amidst breathtaking mountain views. Courmayeur’s historic center, with its cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and charming boutiques, retains its alpine character while catering to a sophisticated clientele.