History and Traditions

Whilst the traces of the Roman era have largely been lost, the legacy of the Middle-ages is still very much alive in Courmayeur: the Malluquin Tower located in the center of the town, the medieval church and the many local families  descended from notaries, vassals, etc.
With the discovery of the thermal waters in the 1700s, Courmayeur became a favorite destination for high profile visitors, including the Italian royal family. In the 1800s the international fame continued to grow with climbers coming from all over Europe attempting to conquer Mont Blanc and its peaks. In fact, in 1850the very first Italian Alpine Guide company was created in Courmayeur,.     
The town’s geographic location, natural resources and the area’s dramatic scenery have spurred many innovations and revolutionary initiatives.  The ice-pick and the first crampons were invented in the forge of Henry Grivel at the base of Dolonne and roof-top snow retainers were patented in 1961 by Mr. Salluard from Dolonne.
The cable cars, which have made Courmayeur a world renowned ski destination, are equally innovative. Next to the traditional ones, Courmayeur is connected to Chamonix via a horizontal cable car traversing Mont Blancs glaciers and that, more than 50 years after its design, remains one of the most daring and innovative in the world.  
The inauguration of the Mont Blanc tunnel in July 1965 opened Courmayeur to Europe.
Alongside the economic and historical events, traditions continue to occupy a very important place in the village with the Carnival, the Badoche - the traditional dance group – the band, the choir and the festivals dedicated to the patron saints, remaining a firm reference point for the whole community.