Why go? To learn how to holiday in style from the people who do it best: the Italians. Here mountain eating is an art form: whether stopping for a succulent breakfast doughnut at Chez Croux, admiring the jaw-dropping view of Mont Blanc over an espresso at Courba Dzeleuna, or tucking into sublime pizzas at a table on the snow at Maison Vieille. Pick up style tips from the fashionable Milan and Turin clientele: take a long, leisurely breakfast; ski gently (falling over is so uncool); and remember, afternoons are for sunbathing (that’s why the terrace of a mountain café is called a solarium). In the evening, join the leisurely passeggiata along car-free Via Roma in the picturesque old town (no ski boots, please), and stop at one of the stylish bars for an aperitivo before a gourmet dinner. Further info: www.turismo.courmayeur.ao.it
Best for Beginners and lower intermediates, plus experts for the stunning off-piste; fans of la dolce vita; hungry holidaymakers.
Best avoided Hotels near the bypass road (the main route up to the Mont Blanc tunnel); posing: you have to be pretty good to beat the Italians at it.
Need to know All the accommodation is down in the valley, a cable-car ride away: choose another resort if you prefer to stay slopeside.
Also consider Kitzbühel ( www.kitzbuehel.com ) This medieval town with its cobbled streets, frescoed houses and charming cafes is the perfect resort to enjoy Austria’s tradition of Kaffee und Kuchen on a lip-smacking cake crawl – with extra whipped cream. Megève ( www.megeve.com ) Chic French resort with cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs, an open-air ice rink, and of course gourmet restaurants. Plus plenty of good-value eateries on the mountain: and relaxed, cruising skiing that flatters a full tummy.
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