It has been a Mecca for elite tourism since the beginning of the century when the Italian royal family and the aristocrats of Piedmont and Savoia made this their preferred destination. Over the years it has never lost its charm. In fact, the greatest names in industry have built their amazing mansions here. While its ambience can be defined as sober, as evidenced by its narrow stone streets in the town centre, Courmayeur is famous for the jet-set that frequents the bars on Viale Roma, also known as the Montenapoleone of Val d'Aosta, where you can observe the bustling masses of people. Le Guide, Cafè della Posta and Cadran Soleil are where people meet at the end of a day of sports to take part in a bit of networking, since many people choose to come here for its highly prestigious visitors. But what makes Courmayeur so extraordinary is its surrounding natural environment, which has also earned it the title of sports capital.

protect it. But it seems as if nature wanted to outdo herself since not far from here we have Mt. Cervino, Mt. Rosa, and Gran Paradiso, peaks of breathtaking beauty. Standing like giants at the foot of these mountains are an impressive 100 castles that defend the entire Val d'Aosta valley, characterised by both romantic and dark and threatening areas. Impervious crests, steeples, steep rocky walls and dripping glaciers. Visitors never tire of admiring the incredible views offered by the Western Alps. But one peak will always dominate over the others, standing proud and uncontested: Mont Blanc. With its elusive height of 4,810 metres its seems to want to escape from view and never fails to instil an almost reverential fear. This peak wasn't conquered by man until 1786 when it gave life to a race to experience the chill of Mt. Blanc in which sports enthusiasts from all over Europe take part.

skill, thanks to the longest lift system in the world, peaks and glaciers have become accessible to even more amateur enthusiasts.The Ferret and Veny Valleys offer a wide range of activities in both the summer and winter. Ski lovers can take advantage of 150 km downhill ski slopes and 40 km of cross-country slopes in addition to the opportunity to ski down the French side all the way to Chamonix. More advanced skiers will find slopes that will put both their skills and their legs to the test. The international Bartolini, Youla and Toula must absolutely be added to their sport resume and if these aren't enough they can give heliskiing a try, for the ultimate outer limits ski experience. Visitors must include the Tour du Montblanc in their vacation itinerary at least once in their life. A trip between the streams, waterfalls and Alpine lakes around Europe's highest peak. A tour to be taken over a few days by following a well-planned itinerary.