Our Cervinia Guide

Visit Cervinia, also called Breuil-Cervinia, a top ski resort for all skill levels. Please read our Cervinia guide for more information about this marvelous ski resort in North Italy.

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Overview of our Cervinia guide

Situated at an impressive altitude of 2,050 meters in the picturesque Aosta region of the northwestern Italian Alps, Cervinia is a stone’s throw away from the Swiss border. Nestled beneath Italy’s iconic Matterhorn, also known as ‘Monte Cervino,’ The resort boasts some of the finest snow conditions in the Alps, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

Cervinia, with its strategic location easily accessible from Milan, is a paradise for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers. The resort’s proximity to the Swiss border adds to its allure, making it a convenient choice for all types of adventurers. In the summer, the resort transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering many activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.

With shared glacier terrain with Zermatt, Cervinia ensures skiing year-round and is Italy’s most snow-reliable ski resort. Furthermore, its sunny and snowy slopes provide excellent skiing and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In Cervinia, most accommodations are in the village center, with many excellent ski-in-ski-out hotels nearby, so you’re close to the slopes. Cervinia connects with Valtournenche and Zermatt, giving you access to over 350 kilometers of ski runs. This change from a climbing village to a busy ski resort provides everything you need for an unforgettable vacation! We decided to present this charming ski resort in our Cervinia guide.

How to Get To Cervinia

Getting to Cervinia is a breeze, especially for those flying into Italy. The closest airport to Cervinia is Turin, which has a 2-hour transfer time, followed by Milan Malpensa (2hr30) and Geneva (3 hours). With three easy-access airports, finding the best flight deals and planning your journey is effortless. While there are no direct train connections to the resort, the nearest railway station is Châtillon/Saint-Vincent, just an hour away.

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Our Cervinia Guide: When to Go

Every tourist wonders when to visit Cervinia, known for its excellent snow and long ski season, which runs from late November to early May. Summer skiing is available from late June to early September.

In winter, the Valtournenche-Cervinia-Zermatt area offers skiing, snowboarding, and over 150 km of slopes, with ski schools for beginners. Other winter activities include snowshoeing and winter hiking on various trails.

In summer, Cervinia offers hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels, and the scenic Lago Blu is perfect for a relaxing day. Take the chance to spot local wildlife like chamois and ibex. For a stunning backdrop, play a round of golf surrounded by mountains.

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Cervinia Guide: Where to stay

Cervinia is an excellent destination for luxury travelers, offering a range of high-end hotels. From the 5-star Hermitage Hotel & Spa to the boutique Saint Hubertus Resort
and the 4-star Hotel Bucaneve. These accommodations ensure a lavish getaway with excellent dining and comfort.

The Cervino – VRetreats offers excellent dining and comfort for a lavish getaway. Hotel Bucaneve offers direct ski access, a wellness center, and a heated indoor pool. Principe delle Nevi combines modern luxury with a great spa and gourmet food. Les Neiges D’Antan presents a traditional lodge experience with Alpine antiques and beautiful views.

Cervinia also has budget-friendly hotels, such as Hotel Meuble Mon Reve, Hotel Punta Maquignaz, Le Samovar Guest House , and Hotel Baita Cretaz, which offers easy access to the slopes.

In summary, Cervinia features a lively après-ski scene and luxurious accommodations, ensuring a memorable alpine experience for all travelers. To truly immerse yourself in the culture of this charming ski resort, indulge in the local cuisine, which includes hearty mountain dishes and fine Italian wines.

Note: We usually use Booking.com to book our preferred accommodation.

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Top Things To Do in Cervinia

Next, our Cervinia guide will show you the best things to do while on vacation in this ski resort. Exploring the pistes is just one of the many activities to experience in this remarkable ski resort. From snowmobiling to paragliding, Cervinia offers diverse activities that keep you entertained and eager to explore. Here is our pick of the top 10 things to do in Cervinia, including detailed descriptions and tips for each activity.

Skiing in Cervinia on the most scenic slopes in the world

Cervinia is a premier ski destination with over 350 km of runs suitable for all levels. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes at Plan Maison, while intermediates can explore numerous blue and red pistes. The extended lift pass also allows skiers to venture into Switzerland. Advanced skiers can take on challenging runs around Zermatt and benefit from excellent off-piste conditions.

Home to the longest ski run in Europe, a thrilling 22 km descent from the Klein Matterhorn glacier to Valtournenche, Cervinia offers breathtaking views of Monte Rosa and Mount Cervino. Skiing is available from November to May, making it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery.

Cross-Country Skiing

Practice your hand at cross-country skiing next time you visit Cervinia. The trails are stunning panoramic tracks amongst the beauty of the Matterhorn. There is a 3km loop that both beginners and experts can use. It is found on the edge of the village, near the golf course, and in a lovely sunny spot. A few minutes’ drive from the center of Valtournenche, an unspoiled area of clearings and woods exists. Here, you will find three routes perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced cross-country skiers, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn.

Note: You can also read our Zermatt Guide, which covers the famous ski resorts on the other side of the Matterhorn mountain.

Ski Mountaineering Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche

In the Plan Maison area, you can take a cable car from the village to enjoy two scenic walking routes with views of the Matterhorn. The first route is 4.5 km long and follows the left side of the Plan Maison chairlift (2,500 m) to the Teodulo refuge. The second route is longer at 6 km and leads to the Cime Bianche Laghi station (2,812 m) at the Plateau Rosà cable car. It takes about two to three hours to walk this route.
Please remember that ski lift operators are not responsible for accidents on off-piste routes. If conditions are risky, ski mountaineers must have proper electronic systems for avalanche rescue. Hiring Cervino Mountain Guides for off-piste skiing or exploring less-traveled paths is best.

Freeride/Heliskiing

Experience the thrill of fresh, powdery snow as you glide on your skis or snowboard in the pristine setting of Cervino Ski Paradise. With unique itineraries and breathtaking views, you can enjoy freeriding with your tracks.

Reaching the peaks by helicopter is a standout experience. You’ll be accompanied by Alpine Guides or ski instructors, allowing you to ski in stunning locations, breathe pure mountain air at four thousand meters, and enjoy unforgettable descents. Please note that this activity depends on weather conditions and the availability of helicopters and professionals.

Ice Skating

Swap your skis for skates when you’re off the slopes. Ice skating is an excellent activity for groups and families, as both beginners and more experienced individuals can get involved. Plus, the ice rink in Cervinia is open during the day, which is perfect for the non-skiers in the group to occupy themselves. Skates can be rented, and there are plenty of sizes. The ice rink is in the resort center, so it is easy to find when you want to show off your skating flair!

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Take the cable car to Plateau Rosa.

The cable car starts at the valley station in Cervinia and goes to Plateau Rosa at 3,480 meters. It provides a stunning view of the Cervino mountain range and the nearby valleys.

The ride takes about 30 minutes and travels through green meadows, snow-covered areas, forests, and glaciers.

A restaurant serving typical Aosta Valley dishes is also located at Plateau Rosa, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view.

Snowshoeing in fresh snow

Snowshoeing in fresh snow in Cervinia is an unforgettable experience that lets you enjoy the beauty of the Alps. Cervinia is a popular spot for winter sports, and snowshoeing is a great way to explore the mountains if you want to avoid skiing.

You can choose from many exciting snowshoe routes in Cervinia:

Blue Lake Route: This route starts in the center of Cervinia and takes you along a snowy road to Blue Lake, a lovely spot surrounded by mountains.
Lake Goillet Route: This route begins at the Plan Maison car park and leads you through beautiful forests to Lake Goillet, another stunning place surrounded by mountains.

Summer skiing in Cervinia

Cervinia offers a long ski season because of its high altitude. You can ski from June to September in the summer on some slopes covering about 26.5 km on Plateau Rosa.

During the warmer months, you can access the Swiss glacier at Zermatt, where you can enjoy some of the highest slopes in Europe, reaching an altitude of 3,900 meters. Although Zermatt is not in Italy, the easiest way to get to the glacier is from Cervinia on the Italian side.

In summary, Cervinia is perfect for those looking to enjoy a summer holiday in the snow or an unforgettable winter holiday.

Paragliding

Explore Cervinia from new heights on a tandem paragliding flight when you visit this season. Observe the ski resort from a different perspective and take in the serenity of gliding from up high. The activity is the perfect mix for daredevils and peace-seekers alike. The exhilarating take-off and the solitude of floating above the lively ski resort is an unforgettable experience. Choose whether to keep your skis on or not – we recommend keeping them on for the ultimate James Bond landing!

Is Cervinia Family-friendly?

The great value of money makes Cervinia an excellent choice for family ski trips. Cervinia is much cheaper than the neighboring resort of Zermatt, yet it shares much of its terrain and exceptional snow cover! Cervinia has fantastic beginner areas for children and plenty of accommodation conveniently close to lifts and the pistes, so the morning rush to ski lessons can be a little more laid-back! Cervinia is a buzzy resort with a family-friendly atmosphere. It hosts an array of family-friendly amenities and activities. From an ice-karting track to a climbing wall, there is much to entertain the whole family on and off the slopes!

Après-Ski Scene in Cervinia

Although purposely built, the town has a charming center with cobbled streets and a main street full of shops and restaurants. It is lively, especially on weekends, but it’s not known for a wild party scene. Visitors can enjoy affordable Italian food at places like the Grivola restaurant and Michelin-starred Wood.

The village center feels cosmopolitan, with pedestrian areas, boutiques, and many bars. Popular bars include Ymeletrob, Gasoline, and the Yeti, which offer snacks and internet access. A new après-ski bar at Principe delle Nevi provides a fun atmosphere with a sunny terrace.

Restaurants like La Table Ronde and the Matterhorn are well-liked, with the Matterhorn offering good vegetarian options. For après-ski, lively spots include La Bricole, which serves cocktails; Le Samovar, a cozy bar; and Bar Foyer, perfect for hot chocolate and relaxation.

Prices

Lift Passes: A single-day lift pass usually costs between €50 and €60, but multi-day passes can save you money.

Accommodation: Budget hotels cost €70 to €150 per night, while mid-range hotels cost between €200 and €300 per night.

Meals: Expect to spend about €15 to €25 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Cheaper options, like pizzerias, are also available.

Cervinia Tips

Lift Passes: If you plan to ski for several days, buy a multi-day lift pass to save money.
Early Arrivals: Arrive early to the slopes to avoid long lines at the lifts during busy seasons.
Local Cuisine: Try local dishes like polenta, fontina cheese, and hearty mountain meals at nearby restaurants.
Weather Check: Always check the weather before heading out, as mountain conditions can change quickly.
Cash: Although many places accept cards, having money for small shops and eateries is a good idea.
Language: Italian is the primary language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Other Insider Tips:

Visit the highest ice cave in Europe, at the top of the Piccolo Cervino cable car.
Ride the highest cable car in Europe – the Kleine Matterhorn cable car!
Go to Lino’s Bar for live music and karaoke nights!
Allow enough time to return from Zermatt, as an expensive ride back to Cervinia happens when the lifts close!

The Conclusion of Our Cervinia Guide

Cervinia offers a fantastic range of activities year-round, making it an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers. With its stunning scenery, vibrant atmosphere, and numerous outdoor activities, you will indeed have an unforgettable experience. Whether skiing on the slopes or hiking in the summer sun, Cervinia has something for everyone!