Au revoir Chamonix!

Inside the winding streets of Courmayeur, Italy

I wish we had been able to spend more time inside the tiny picturesque town of Courmayeur, Italy, but after a half day of skiing AND lugging all our ski gear off the mountain and back to the bus stop, we were pretty well spent.

We did meander around a bit, but only long enough to realize that these winding rustic streets have a lot more to offer than meets the eye! Apaaarrrentlyyy, the word on the street is that this charming alpine village has somewhat of a wild side (aka happening nightlife.) I have zero proof on this matter—so don't quote me on this!—but if you happen to meet her wild side, do report back and tell! :)

We snuck across the border to ski the Italian Alps

JK JK JK! INSERT: crying-eyes-laughing-emoticon.

Actually, we just bought a bus ticket like everyone else and were chauffeured there. whomp whoooomp!
Losers, I know.

Courmayeur, Italy is a 45 minute bus ride from Chamonix, and it's really easy to book your ticket ahead online. I would reallyyy suggest heading over to this mountain. Even though we left Courmayeur to our last ski day—because we thought it had the hardest runs—we ended up doing our best skiing there! AKA: not falling as often! :)

Unlike a lot of the mountains in the Chamonix valley, there are several restaurants and rental places ON TOP of the mountain, so you can spend the entire day up there without having to leave the slopes. And I'm talking like real authentic Italian restaurants with delicious pizza, pasta to satisfy your cravings and carb-loading, NOT just snack bars with baguettes and beers.

Not that I'm complaining!

If you're looking for more intermediate runs, this mountain is your guy! You won't be disappointed!

Insane views from the Aiguille du Midi 3842m

The views from the Aiguille du Midi were breathtaking. Both figuratively and literally. At 3842m (approx. 12,500 ft), you get insane panoramic views of the Italian, Swiss and French Alps, an up-close and personal visit with the Alps tallest mountain, Mont Blanc and a bird-eye view of Chamonix valley.

I've never been one to say that I have a fear of heights—it's never really been my thing—but I definitely struggled/had a mini panic attack stepping out onto the exposed platform of the Aiguille du Midi. It was just sooooo open! After taking a few deep breaths, I pulled it together and I ended up really enjoying myself up there. I think it just took my body a little bit of time to get used to the altitude, but I was definitely holding on to the railing tighter than I normally would!