Cervinia

Cervinia (Breuil-Cervinia) is one of Italy’s most famous ski resorts, sitting at 2,050 m in the Aosta Valley and directly linked with Zermatt in Switzerland. Together with Valtournenche, they form the Cervinia–Zermatt–Valtournenche ski area, one of the world’s largest, with over 360 km of pistes and Europe’s highest lifts reaching the Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 m.

Cervinia is known for its high-altitude snow reliability, long cruising runs, and spectacular Matterhorn views. With wide, gentle pistes, it’s a dream for intermediates and families, while experts can test themselves on Zermatt’s steeper terrain or the famous 20 km descent from Klein Matterhorn to Cervinia — one of the longest runs in the Alps.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Cervinia ski area is vast, high, and snow-sure.

• Beginners: Cervinia’s wide, gentle pistes are some of the best for learners in the Alps. Nursery areas in Plan Maison and village-level lifts provide easy starts, with smooth progression onto blues.

• Intermediates: This is Cervinia’s sweet spot. Long motorway-style blues and reds dominate, perfect for carving and big mileage. The 20 km run from Klein Matterhorn to Cervinia is an unforgettable highlight.

• Experts: Cervinia itself offers limited steeps, but access to Zermatt opens up more challenging terrain. Off-piste with a guide includes powder bowls and glacier routes.

• Freestylers: The IndianPark Snowpark at Plan Maison is one of Italy’s best, with lines for beginners through to advanced riders.

Glacier access ensures a long season — skiing typically runs from October through May, with summer skiing also possible.

Ski Lift Passes

Cervinia offers local and international passes:

• Cervinia–Valtournenche only: ~€67/day | ~€335 for 6 days
• International (Cervinia + Zermatt): ~€79/day | ~€395 for 6 days
• Child (8–14): ~50% reduction
• Under 8s: Free

Deals:

• Family discounts available.
• Early/late season promotions.

Details at the Cervinia lift pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Cervinia has invested heavily in modern lifts:

• High-capacity gondolas and chairs link Cervinia with Valtournenche and Zermatt.
• The Klein Matterhorn 3S lift (from Zermatt side) is the highest in Europe, connecting directly to Cervinia.
• Snowmaking ensures top-to-bottom skiing to Cervinia and Valtournenche.

While the terrain on the Italian side is generally less steep than Zermatt, it offers enormous verticals, wide pistes, and reliable snow.

Accommodation

Cervinia offers a range of accommodation, with many ski-in/ski-out hotels.

• Budget: Guesthouses and self-catered apartments in Valtournenche.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels in Cervinia, often family-run, such as Hotel Breuil.
• Luxury: Spa and design hotels including Hotel Hermitage, Principe delle Nevi, and Saint Hubertus Resort.

Browse via the Cervinia accommodation search.

Dining & Après

On the mountain, huts like Rifugio Guide del Cervino at 3,480 m and Chalet Etoile offer some of the best mountain dining in the Alps, blending Italian and Swiss influences.

In town, Italian cuisine shines — from cosy pizzerias to fine dining. Après-ski is sociable but more restrained than Austrian resorts: bars like Yeti Bar and Lino’s are popular, while many visitors prefer long dinners over late-night partying.

Non-Skiing Activities

Cervinia offers plenty beyond skiing:

• Winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Ice skating and snowmobiling.
• Spa and wellness facilities in many hotels.
• Excursions to Aosta’s Roman sites or Turin for culture and shopping.
• Summer skiing and glacier tours.

Village Character & Access

Cervinia is a purpose-built resort village at high altitude. While it lacks the medieval charm of Zermatt, it makes up for it with ski-in/ski-out convenience, stunning Matterhorn views, and reliable snow. Valtournenche, lower down the valley, offers a more traditional Italian village feel.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Turin Airport (2 hrs) is closest; Milan Malpensa (2.5 hrs) and Geneva (3 hrs) are alternatives.
• By train: Rail to Châtillon–Saint-Vincent, then 45 mins by bus/taxi.
• By car: Around 11–12 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Cervinia offers high-altitude reliability, vast terrain, and unbeatable Matterhorn views. It’s one of the best destinations in the Alps for intermediates and families, while its international link to Zermatt adds expert challenges and world-class variety.

For skiers who want snow certainty, big verticals, and Italian hospitality, Cervinia delivers in style.