Skiing in Cervinia: Wide runs with views of the Matterhorn

Skiing in Cervinia offers high-altitude slopes at a cheaper price than neighbouring Zermatt.

Skiing in Cervinia

Sitting at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, Cervinia-Breuil (2050m) is a small resort on the Italian-Swiss border in the Aosta Valley. This high-altitude resort offers skiing up to 3480m and snow conditions are reliable well into spring.

Zermatt, Cervinia, and Valtournenche are three interconnected ski resorts located in the Alps, spanning Switzerland and Italy. Together, they form one of the largest international ski areas in Europe, the ‘Matterhorn Glacier Ski Paradise’. The vast lift-linked ski area spans 350km of slopes and is known for its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

The high-altitude terrain, especially on the Plateau Rosa glacier (3,480 meters), allows for a long ski season, typically from late November to May, and in some areas, skiing is possible in the summer. Cervinia has 150 km of local terrain and is known for wide, gentle slopes, making it a great choice for beginner and intermediate skiers, as well as snowboarders.

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. 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.

Cheaper in Cervinia

The resorts of Cervinia, Zermatt and Valtournenche offer a joint pass, but generally, lift passes in Cervinia (on the Italian side) are a bit more affordable than those in Zermatt (on the Swiss side). Beginners can get value for money with a Beginners Ski Pass. See Cervinia ski lift prices.

Not only has Cervinia got the Italian family-friendly touch, but coffee over the border in Zermatt is roughly three times more expensive! This isn’t all – ski rental and accommodation is cheaper too! The cost of accommodation in Cervinia is typically lower compared to Zermatt. Zermatt is known for its luxury offerings, and many high-end hotels, chalets, and resorts cater to affluent clientele, which drives up prices.

Cervinia has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Zermatt, with a number of Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and après-ski spots. It’s also less expensive than Zermatt, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable alpine experience.

Cervinia town

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.