Courmayeur

On the sunny Italian side of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is a popular destination for both serious skiers and unabashed sybarites who prefer to sip Aperol spritzes on terraces during the day and eat fine dining at night.

There is no denying the appeal of skiing on the slopes of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. Take the Funivie Monte Bianco cable car, with or without skis, to the ridgeline for views from the top of Europe. Similar to Courmayeur's extensive off-piste ski terrain, the expert-only pistes from the Arp are unmarked and, when they are open at all, may only be skied with a guide.

Although there are beginner-friendly slopes in the nearby town of Dolonne, experienced skiers are better suited to this area. However, cross-country skiers will adore the 20-kilometer network of routes starting at Val Ferret, near Courmayeur. There isn't much improvement in the area's scenery. Given the clientele, it should come as no surprise that lodging and dining in Courmayeur are expensive.

Country: Italy

Website: www.courmayeur-montblanc.com