By European standards the ski area in Courmayeur is small, with 63 miles (100km) of its own pistes and short but numerous runs that cater to mainly intermediate and beginner skiers and snowboarders. However, access is provided to the other resorts in the Aosta Valley, with a combined area of almost 497 miles (800km) of runs and 32 miles (51km) of cross-country trails available. Chamonix is just across the border and is lift-linked to one of the resort's ski areas, offering a wide range of skiing options and off-piste routes on both sides of the border.Courmayeur offers skiing and boarding for all standards, but the groomed slopes are best suited for intermediates, while advanced skiers will find plenty of off-piste opportunities and high mountain ski areas. There are two main ski areas at Courmayeur. Checrouit-Val Veny, directly above the resort, is mostly suited to intermediates and beginners, although the nursery slopes lower down are limited and can be crowded. Absolute beginners can also ski at Dolonne in the village. The most famous run is the 13-mile (20km) descent of the Vallée Blanche from Helbronner Point at 11,053ft (3,369m) down to Chamonix, which is daunting and demanding, but can be undertaken by intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The skiing from Cresta Youla at 8,700ft (2,652m) is excellent, but higher up at Cresta Arp the terrain is for experts only and should be undertaken with a guide. The second ski area is Mont Blanc and is for advanced skiers and boarders; a guide should accompany skiers on the high mountain terrain and the glacier. Snow is reliable and there are widespread snowmaking facilities.
