Sitting at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, Cervinia-Breuil (2050m) is a small resort on the Italian-Swiss border in the Aosta Valley.
Skiing in Cervinia
This high-altitude resort offers skiing up to 3480m and snow conditions are reliable well into spring. Part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, skiing in Cervinia gets better snow than neighbouring Zermatt. Not only has Cervinia got the Italian family-friendly touch, but coffee over the border in Zermatt is roughly three times more expensive! Also the One Day Open International ski ticket covering Cervinia and Zermatt is roughly €20 cheaper on the Italian side of the mountain (€83/€100). This isn’t all – ski rental and accommodation is cheaper too! Beginners can get value for money with a Beginners Ski Pass for €26 while intermediates opt for the Cervinia-Valtournenche ski pass for €59. See Cervinia ski lift prices.
Cervinia is ideal for beginners and intermediates. The Cervinia bowl is heaven for intermediate skiers, with plenty of wide red and blue runs. The longest run is a 14km leg burner all the way down to the resort. And beginners aren’t stuck at the bottom of the mountain either, instead they have wide, high runs with awesome views. There is plenty of off-piste skiing for powder-enthusiasts. Skiers also have access to the huge glacier on the Klein Matterhorn.
The town isn’t a picture-postcard scene, instead it’s mostly purpose-built apartment buildings. You’ll find food and drink much more reasonably priced than in the French or Swiss Alps. There are countless little bars lining the streets to warm the cockles with a grappa or tuck into traditional fare at one of the rustic Italian restaurants.
From a family point of view the resort is well geared for children and their minders. There are kids’ snowparks and playgrounds. All have plenty of chill-out space ideal for grandparents keeping an eye on young children. There’s also a natural ice rink with an accompanying bar and sun terrace.
Cervinia also has some amazing nearby excursions. Visit the highest ice caves in Europe (at 4,000m). Take lunch at the traditional Rigugio Guide del Cervinio on the Plateau Rosa glacier. Take a trip to the ancient village of Chamois, which can only be accessed by cable car in Buisson just beyond Valtournenche. The Centre Sportif de Valtournenche also offers tennis and swimming.
For more information on transport links, see Milan Airport (90km) or Geneva Airport (110km).
January 31, 2024
