Despite the diplomatic dispute between France and Italy, relationships between Courmayeur and Chamonix are as strong and successful as they had always been.
On the white background of the mighty Mont-Blanc, residents from Chamonix and Courmayeur form a powerful alliance which cannot be shattered by political disagreements between the two countries.
On a political level, France and Italy are not best friends at the moment.
However, both French people and Italians share a common love for nature and skiing which is above all diplomatic discords.
Therefore, residents from both Chamonix and Courmayeur continue their daily lives as if nothing has changed.
Tourists from Chamonix and France residents arrive at Courmayeur daily to enjoy delicious pasta and pizza, the great skiing slopes and get a taste of the famous Italian shops.
On the other hand, Italians are excited to cross the border to ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views, to go visit the famous ice cave, Mer de Glace, and to enjoy the different but equally tasty French cuisine.
When crossing the border from Chamonix to Courmayeur, it certainly does not feel that you are in a different country: the splendour of Mont-Blanc is still there and most Courmayeur residents speak fluent French.
In fact, it is estimated that a rather high percentage of all tourists in Italian ski resorts during weekdays are French residents.
Massimiliano Lorenzi, the manager of Zillo's cafe in Courmayeur city centre, said that the diplomatic crisis between France and Italy had not affected in anyway relationships between residents of the two ski resorts.
"It's happening at the policy level. The locals, meanwhile, continue their lives normally. Without animosity. Without this changing anything. [...] France-Italy relations have always been complicated, but here, we prefer sports rather than politics!", stated Massimiliano Lorenzi.
Learn all you need to know about Courmayeur.
Our suggestion for a great day trip?
Take the innovative, panoramic Skyway Monte Bianco cable car from Courmayeur, which will take you all the way up to the breathtaking altitude of 3,466 m - Punta Helbronner.
From Punta Helbronner there are several hiking trails which will take you back to Chamonix.
