Cervinia, Italy

Set dramatically beneath the Matterhorn (known as ‘Monte Cervino’ in Italy), Cervinia is one of the highest and most snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps.

Cervinia - the resort - Resort height: 2050m

Originally an old climbing village, Cervinia has grown over the years to become one of Italy’s premier ski destinations. Although it is essentially modern in appearance, its resort centre retains a degree of historic charm with an animated traffic-free main street jammed full of shops, bars and restaurants.

The impressive array of high mountains surrounding the village adds to its Alpine feel.

It also offers some of the best intermediate cruising around, with lots of long gentle runs and easy access to Zermatt’s equally flattering Klein Matterhorn area, just across the border in Switzerland.

WHERE WE ARE

The Resort is located in Cervinia which, together with Valtournenche and Zermatt, constitutes an area with approximately 350 km of slopes connected by a dense network of facilities. In Cervinia, in the splendid Breuil basin, the lifts are open every day from mid-October until early May. A winter that spans two other seasons, autumn and spring, thanks to the high altitudes and the quality of the snow, which is never lacking here.

Ski Area

Altitude: 1525-3480m incl. Zermatt

Pistes: 150km - 350km incl. Zermatt

Cervinia’s high open slopes are divided between three main sectors. The Plan Maison area is ideal for confidence building, with lots of long gentle runs of up to 1400m vertical.

The Laghi Cime Bianche sector is slightly steeper but with even longer pistes of up to 1800m vertical from the top of the Klein Matterhorn, high on the Swiss border. This area is also connected to a network of runs above the village of Valtournenche, down the valley from Cervinia.

Zermatt’s slopes can be reached via both Plan Maison and Laghi Cime Bianche, both of which take you to the Klein Matterhorn glacier area where the skiing is again mostly easy. Zermatt’s other more challenging areas are easily reachable in a day, but an early start is advisable.

Although Cervinia does have one or two challenges dotted around, the resort is best suited to intermediates, especially those looking for lots of long, wide, easy cruising.

Cervinia for expert skiers

Options for expert skiers in Cervinia are relatively limited, with just a smattering of black runs and very few moguls.

The off-piste here can be good, but the nature of the high mountain terrain means that a guide is absolutely essential.

Cervinia for intermediate skiers

Cervinia is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps for early intermediates, with mile upon mile of gentle cruising.

More adventurous intermediates will enjoy the epic Ventina red run down from Plateau Rosa, as well as the moderate blacks above and below Plan Torrette.

Cervinia for beginner skiers

Cervinia is an excellent resort for beginners with gentle, snow-sure resort level nursery slopes and lots of long easy runs to progress above Plan Maison.

Mountain restaurants in Cervinia

Cervinia has a number of excellent mountain restaurants. One of the most popular is the Chalet Etoile above Plan Maison, with a wide-ranging menu, friendly service and huge sun-terrace overlooking the pistes. Another excellent (but quieter) option is the Ristorante Bontadini just below Theodul Pass (Colle del Teodulo).

Cervinia's après-ski

Cervinia is relatively quiet during the week but can come to life at weekends with its decent array of bars. Livelier options include the bar at the Hotel Grivola, as well as the cosy Lo Copa Pan.

(Photos courtesy of Cervinia Resort)

Top Of Page