Probably better known under it’s French name ‘Mont Blanc’, the highest point in Italy and the highest peak of the Alps is shared between France and Italy. On the French side there is popular resort Chamonix-Mont Blanc and on the Italian side resort Courmayeur.
These two countries for centuries were struggling for the ownership of the mountain, which changed quite often, until recent times when the border goes more less through the peak.
The granite rock is covered with 40 m high cap of ice, that changes size with weather changes, recent measurements give the number 4810 m. In the neigbourhood there are 13 more summits over 4000 m high, altogether making so called ” crown of the Alps” still hard to conquer by professional guides. At the beginning of 21st century still there are some 100 accidents a year among people, who want to climb the highest mountain in Europe ( or second if you consider Caucasus mountains as
a part of Europe).
Of course climbing does not make the list of summer activities by itself, there are places for hiking, mountain biking, or just walking surrounded by the fine alpine landscape. The Dora Baelta river , known as European Colorado is perfect for rafting and canoing.
Not to be missed by any serious player is the Golf Club Courmayeur in Grandes Jorasses tempting with 9 holes located at 1.560 m on over 2 km long path.
Near Courmayeur there is located famous spa at Pre-Saint-Didier with thermal waters of temperature around 37°C.
For centuries Courmayeur and the Italian side of the mountain was separated from the French one. In the neighbourhood there were two passes St.Bernard and small St.Bernard that allowed to cross the mountains during the good summer conditions. After the World War II the tunnel under Monte Bianco connected Courmayeur with Chamonix and the ski lifts from both sides met at punta Hellbroner. Courmayeur became the popular winter ski resort with international clients. There are perfect downhill ski runs and places for other activities like ice hockey, but the real magnet are pure white slopes for freeride skiing.Popular is also heliski, which is forbidden in France. Alpine skiing is possible in small groups led by the professional guides. Interesting is 15 km long ride though three glaciers on the French side combined with small train down to Chamonix, from where skiers can take taxi, or bus back to Courmayeur.
Those, who not ski can stay at spa, or help themselves with the vast choice of cheese and other local products in the restaurants below. There some interesting brands of local wine, among them unique ‘Ice Wine’ produced from the grapes harvested during winter and ‘wines of 4000 altitude’.
[photo courtesy of Laura e Fulvio]
