What's the skiing like? Cervinia (2050m) has some of the highest slopes in Europe, reaching up to 3480 metres, offering excellent snow coverage and a long ski season lasting November into May. Cervinia is located on the Italian side of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain and skiing over to neighbouring Zermatt on the Swiss side is also possible, offering a combined 322km of slopes, linked with fast, modern lifts.
Best suited to? Beginners and intermediates are spoilt for choice with endless long blue and red runs. Cervinia is also popular with freestyle fans who flock to the Indian terrain park (1.2km long, 200m wide and 11 features).
What's the resort like? The small, car-free village has a pretty centre with charaterful cobbled streets and stylish Italian boutiques. It is popular with famillies and there's a good choice of ski-in/ski-out accommodation thanks to the reliable snowfall. Nighlife in Cervinia isn't too raucous, but livens up considerably at weekends with live music, djs and cocktails.
The views from the Italian side of the border are phenomenal which is not at all surprising considering that the resort is set in a jagged high-altitude basin in the middle of the Matterhorn and Piccolo Cervino (Klein Matterhorn).
Non-skiing activities: Not many non-skiing activities, but plenty of sunny terraces on which to take in the dramatic scenery and enjoy afternoon drinks.
Downside? There's not a huge amount for more advanced skiers/snowboarders to get their teeth into. High winds and low cloud can sometimes hamper conditions.
Nearest airport: Turn (121km/90 minutes)
The resort attracts a lot of Zermatt skiers on clear days so the mountain can get packed and queuing is an issue. The upside is that you can ski to Zermatt and it will cost you a lot less than it cost those coming from the other way.
The mountain is also home to Europe’s highest museum, Plateau Rosa, where visitors can marvel at the skill and effort that went into creating the high-altitude lift systems. The museum is open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
And for those with teenagers, there’s cause for celebration as the new teen skipass, for children aged 14-18, offers savings of over 100 Euros. Baby skipasses for small children are free as are skipasses for over 80s.
In town
Cervinia is awash with great restaurants and there are more than 50 restaurants available to suit all tastes and budgets.
Nestled in the centre of town is long-time favourite and cheap-ish Copa Pan. The menu includes steak and chips, pizza, homemade pasta, and fondue. Upstairs is a lively bar with live music. Expect a younger crowd,
Award-winning La Chandelle in Hotel Hermitage is renowned for its creative and international menu. Food is served in a fashionable dining room with wonderful views of the surrounding pine forest. The wine list is highly recommended – ask your waiter to suggest a bottle to compliment your food.
Auberge is famous for its excellent, seasonal food. It’s so good you’ll want to make repeated visits. Specialities include polenta, trout smoked with Valle d’Aosta larch wood, braised meat dishes, and warm chocolate fondant. Chef Damiano Ceva believes in a short supply chain, with ingredients selected from local produce made by small-scale farmers.
On the mountain
On the way down from Cervinia’s longest run, head to Willy’s Bar. It’s a great spot for lunch, popular with visitors and locals.
A little off piste near the start of run no. 9 in Valtournenche is Lo Baracon dou Tene a friendly mountain restaurant with great pasta and reasonable prices. Grab a pew on the south-facing terrace - it has stunning views.
Also very good, and with a loyal following, is the historic Chalet Etoille. Located at the bottom of the Cervino, having first opened in 1974, the restaurant is a family-run affair. Cesare Frassy and his wife, chef Ulla Frassy, have created a sophisticated and delectable menu with offerings like reindeer tempura and Norwegian crab dumplings. Our reporters felt compelled to visit twice.
Meanwhile, on the main slopes, Bontadini has a reputation for excellent service and fresh delicious food. People queue patiently for the self-service counter to open and we can see why when the restaurant has a wide range of satisfying dishes. Popular items include the risotto, the osso bucco and melt in your mouth pasta.
Apres
Cervinia’s apres ski while lively, doesn’t have the same pull as nearby Zermatt’s. This changes at the weekend when locals from Turin and Milan arrive. If you’re willing to drive, there are livelier spots further afield with one such option being the world famous casino at St Vincent.
P.le Funivie
11021 Breuil Cervinia (AO), Aosta Valley
Italy