Even if you`ve never seen mountains or snow, you`ve probably heard of Mont Blanc. It`s hard not to hear about the tallest mountain in the European Alps (4810m/15,781ft).

Most skiers & snowboarders associate Mont Blanc with world-class alpine sports town, Chamonix, France. Chamonix should be on every alpine enthusiast`s bucket list, but the “other side” of Mont Blanc in Italy is where you`ll find less crowds and often better snow in a more sheltered riding zone.

Courmayeur Ski Area isn`t exactly hidden from the masses but you can certainly feel that way when you venture off the trail into some of Europe`s top, snowy tree-lined terrain.

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Tim Bowden built years of knowledge riding in the Mont Blanc area on both sides of the French-Italian border and feels comfortable enough on his deck to pop wheelies through smokey Courmayeur pow in steep evergreens like he was riding a bike with training wheels. He invited me to tag along with him and certified mountain guide colleague from Evolution2 – one of France`s top outdoor sports & guiding companies – to accompany a visiting journalist from the UK. Visibility wasn`t perfect but snow conditions and zero crowds off-piste made for some fantastic riding in the steep gullies, glades and bowls that February day. Hopefully there wasn`t too much published in the UK press about quiet little Courmayeur…we`d prefer it stays off the radar so we can continue hopping into hidden Italian goodies while everyone else stands in lift queues on the French side of Western Europe`s highest peak.

Check out the Alpine Objectives Instagram page for more Italian Alps freshie fotos, @powpusherman