An insider’s guide to the perfect weekend, curated by leaders in wealth management: boutique hotels, historic shops, and iconic spots in their favorite cities—places where time slows down and the right atmosphere fosters meaningful connections and relationships that go beyond business. In this special feature, we explore the pearl of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur, with Matteo Astolfi.
Matteo Astolfi
He has over 30 years of experience in the investment industry. Since March 2026, he has served as Wealth Leader for Italy at Mercer, a company within Marsh, a global leader in risk management, reinsurance, and capital optimization services, as well as in human resources, investment, and management consulting. From 2019 to 2025, he was Managing Director and Head of the Client Group for Italy and Greece at Capital Group. Prior to that, he served as Country Head for Italy and Greece at M&G Investments (2008–2019). Before that, he was a portfolio manager and head of third-party sales at CreditRolo Gestioni Sim and Pioneer Investments (1998–2008). He began his career as an auditor at KPMG (1995–1998). He holds a degree in Economics and Business from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
Secret Places Weekend: Discovering Courmayeur
The Perfect Stay | Hotel Lo Compagnar – Rue des Granges, 14
Roberto Ruffier’s Hotel Lo Campagnar (Dolonne) has many of the features that make you feel like a guest rather than a tourist: it is located in the hamlet of Dolonne, just a stone’s throw or ten minutes from the center, yet in peace and quiet—surrounded by meadows in summer and at the end of the ski run in winter…. and in addition to typical and traditional Aosta Valley cuisine, it offers renowned seafood dishes (!) and traditional Sardinian fare—known in the local vernacular as “sardostani”—personally prepared by Paola Olla of the Plan Gorret chalet.
A place of art and culture | Duca degli Abruzzi Alpine Museum – Strada del Villair, 2
Opened in 1929, the Duca degli Abruzzi Alpine Museum houses a collection of artifacts that have shaped the history of mountaineering and is well worth a visit for anyone spending even just a few hours in Courmayeur. The Alpine Guides Association, founded in 1850—the first in Italy and the second in the world—still embodies the original values of promoting and fostering a deep understanding of the high mountains, and boasts 38 alpine guides who work daily across the world’s mountains.
My Hidden Gem | La Grolla Chalet & Restaurant – Pendeint
Opened in 1972 by Alessio Truchet (and run since 1983 by his son Ephrem and his wife Elena), it continues to welcome distinguished guests to this day. With a majestic view of the Brenva Glacier, the meadows of La Visaille, and the coniferous forests, it is ideal for events, weddings, and corporate meetings. In spring, the lucky few can admire up close—but safely—the avalanches descending from the Fauteuil des Allemands or the peaks of the Peuterey ridge. In summer, grazing cows offer a bucolic scene to those coming from the city.
A Signature Aperitif | Bar du Skilift – 9 Checrouit Road
The Bar du Skilift in Dolonne, Courmayeur, is run by two young, enterprising women who, through their determination, imagination, and passion have managed to attract numerous patrons who enjoy gathering in the open air of the Dolonne meadows, both in summer and winter, to savor one of their signature aperitifs and breathe in the fresh air of freedom just 1 km as the crow flies from the center of Courmayeur, which can be seen in the distance on the other bank of the Dora Baltea. The aperitifs are famous, with something new every evening.
An Unexpected Evening | Les Dames Anglaises – Plan Checrouit
Les Dames Anglaises is located in Plan Checrouit, offering a unique view of Courmayeur, both by day and by night. In the summer, it’s just a stone’s throw from the renowned outdoor alpine pool at an altitude of 1,700 meters. The cuisine stems from a desire to evoke emotions, offering a creative yet simple blend that revives memories of the past and makes the present moment truly unique. Be sure to try (upon request) the traditional “coppa dell’amicizia” at the end of your meal.
Among the historic shops | Panizzi Courmayeur – Via Circonvallazione, 41
The Panizzi dairy, cheese shop, and deli has been in Courmayeur since 1968. In addition to winning several international competitions over the years for its cheese and yogurt production, it promotes numerous local products from the Aosta Valley and French Haute-Savoie. Among the most famous are their house-made yogurts and cheeses, available at select renowned shops in downtown Milan, as well as the Rochefort mountain pasture toma, the mountain pasture fontina, and local goat’s milk tomes.
Sunday Lunch | Le Vieux Pommier – Piazza Monte Bianco, 25
Opened in 1966, Le Vieux Pommier restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional dishes from the Aosta Valley and throughout Italy. Given its proximity to the French-Swiss border, the menu also features typical dishes from across the Alps. The main dining room is dominated by the tree that gives the restaurant its name—an old apple tree, the establishment’s signature feature.
A signature gift | Buona Stampa Bookstore – Via Roma, 4
Buona Stampa Bookstore specializes in books about the mountains, but also offers a wide selection of children’s books and novels. It is a staple among the storefronts on Via Roma, known for its exceptional courtesy and attention to customer needs. It’s the people who make the difference.
An escape from the city | Pont d’Ael Aqueduct Bridge – Pont d’Ael
This Roman aqueduct bridge stands near the village of the same name in the municipality of Aymavilles, located at the entrance to the Cogne Valley. It was built in 3 BC by the Romans to provide irrigation and water for a mineral washing facility for the city of Aosta (Augusta Praetoria). Walking across this aqueduct bridge and reflecting on the Roman engineers who designed it over two thousand years ago offers a glimpse into history stretching back more than a millennium.
Give Back | Fondazione Montagna Sicura – Villard de la Palud, 1
The Fondazione Montagna Sicura provides operational support and hosts a specialized center for research, meetings, and exchanges, specifically focused on managing issues related to the prevention of hydrogeological instability. The foundation also serves as a branch of CREALP (Centre de Recherche sur l’Environnement Alpin, based in Sion), a center specializing in the study of natural hazards in the Canton of Valais and a partner in numerous European territorial cooperation projects.
Article from the March 2026 issue of We Wealth.
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