Courmayeur: Youla and Arp

Just riding the Arp cable car to this point is often enough of a treat for Courmayeur visitors. From here at just under 3,000 meters is some of the best scenery afforded anywhere.

In fact, all most people get to do from this starting point to the famous Cresta D' Arp off piste run is sight see. As we outline in our description of the Arp, all kinds of elements have to be in line before skiers are allowed even to bring their skis up the lift, let alone ski down the run. However, it is still worth the cable car ride, even if the Arp is not open on that day.

There is also some other high mountain adventure skiing and ski touring from this point, as well. However, as it is largely unfamiliar to us (in fact to most people), we will err on the side of discretion and refer you to a qualified mountain guide for advice.

If the Arp is not open, and sightseeing is not what you came for, then you will be well advised to start your skiing from the arrival point of the Youla cable car. Under most conditions, and depending whether you ski this run in a series of long traverses along the edge, or opt to plunge straight down, the Youla can present a formidable challenge.

In fresh snow conditions, when there is plenty of deep, light new snow about, this can be a good skier’s dream. It can also be a nightmare for those in over their head, so to speak. Even the traverse can be difficult if there has been no fresh snowfall in some time. All is not lost though, as once the steep, difficult parts are successfully completed, there is a fairly long, very pleasant run back to the main skiing slope.

Once back into the main section, you have a choice. If you look on the map, you will see a double poma lift just under the star that describes Lago Checrouit. This area is a dream in most snow conditions. The left side is a fairly easy red run, while the right is a challenging blue. Either way this is nice "posing" territory.