Italy’s Aosta Valley Skiing, Think Cervinia

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Cervinia stands as a winter wonderland, inviting adventure junkies and skiing enthusiasts alike to experience the thrill of gliding down pristine slopes against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. With its high-altitude charm and access to the iconic Matterhorn, Cervinia promises an unforgettable skiing experience that combines exhilaration and natural beauty. In our view, if you like to cruise on gentle high snowsure slopes, there isn’t a better ski resort for you than Cervinia.

The Majesty of the Matterhorn

Cervinia’s claim to fame lies in its proximity to the majestic Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps. The sheer grandeur of this snow-capped giant provides a stunning backdrop to every skiing adventure. The panoramic views from the slopes are nothing short of awe-inspiring, creating a sense of wonder and tranquillity that enhances the overall skiing experience. The flip side of the mountain is the Swiss super ski resort of Zermatt, which is covered on the same ski pass.

It is fair to say, the best views of the Matterhorn are best from the Swiss side, but your ski pass includes Zermatt too.

A Skier’s Paradise

Cervinia boasts a vast and varied ski area that caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. The resort is part of the larger Matterhorn Glacier Ski Paradise, which spans across Italy and Switzerland, offering an extensive network of interconnected slopes. With over 360 kilometres of groomed pistes, skiers can explore a diverse range of terrains, including gentle slopes for beginners, that combine both high-altitude ski runs with wide cursing runs. Intermediate skiers, won’t find a better ski resort, than Cervinia. While the more challenging runs for experts and thrilling off-piste options for the adventurous will be found in the Zermatt sector, which offers truly exceptional off-piste runs for all levels and Heli-skiing too.

Mountain lunches at Cervinia

There are some great places for lunch if you know where to go. Compared to many ski resorts in France, and certainly in Zermatt, the restaurants offer great value for money. We especially love the Chalet Etoile, on the blue runs above Plan Maison, it’s at its best on a sunny day but unfortunately, everyone knows this, so advance booking is essential. Their food is delicious, the service attentive and there is a self-service restaurant too.

On run 39 try the Grand Sometta which has a pleasant atmosphere and great food. For Burgers and other mountain favourites like schnitzels, the Plan Tottette is a must.

Another excellent self-service restaurant for lunch (on a sunny day) is the Rigugio Guide del Cerino.

Snow Reliability

One of the key advantages of Cervinia is its impressive snow reliability. Thanks to its high-altitude location, the resort typically enjoys a long and snow-sure season, running from late November to early May. This extended season provides skiers with ample opportunities to enjoy the slopes in optimal conditions, making Cervinia a reliable choice for those seeking a winter sports getaway.

The ski range is also impressive, 95% of the skiing is above 2100m, which makes Cervinia, one of the best snowsure resorts anywhere. There are no lower ski runs, that could suffer from poor snow, in fact, even the lower slopes, (at 1525m) are higher than many well-known ski villages in Austria, France and Italian ski resorts.

The top skiing at 3480m makes it one of the highest skiing available in Europe.

The predominantly west-facing ski runs are open, sunny and hold the snow in good condition, even in weeks without fresh snow.

Après-Ski that’s more relaxed than a full-on party

Beyond the exhilarating slopes, Cervinia offers a laid-back après-ski scene that adds a touch of Italian warmth to the skiing experience. The village is dotted with cosy cafes, traditional trattorias, and a few lively bars where skiers can unwind, share stories of their day on the slopes, and savour delicious Italian cuisine. The blend of good food, warm hospitality, and the stunning mountain backdrop creates a perfect ambience for relaxation after a day of skiing. But don’t expect to be dancing in your ski boots here.

Accommodation and Infrastructure

Cervinia’s commitment to providing a seamless skiing experience extends to its accommodation options and infrastructure. The village offers a range of lodging, from luxury hotels to cosy chalets, ensuring that visitors find the perfect home base for their alpine adventures. The well-developed lift system ensures quick and efficient access to the slopes, allowing skiers to maximize their time on the mountain.

Where to stay?

We love the 4/5* Grand Hotel Cervino, a new addition to Cervinia, located above the resort’s centre, guests enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to and from the lifts. The hotel has an excellent spa, great service and food too.

Resort Facts

Resort height – 2050m
Ski range – 1525m 3480m
Local pistes – 160km
Full area including Zermatt – 360km
6-day Child ski pass (8-14yrs) – €218.00
6-day Junior ski pass (14-18yrs) – €280.50
6-day Adult ski pass – €311.50
6-day Senior ski pass (65+) – €280.50

Italy’s Aosta Valley Skiing, Think Cervinia: A Summary

Skiing at Cervinia is more than just a sport; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of the Italian Alps. With its unparalleled views of the Matterhorn, diverse ski terrain, very reliable snow conditions, and charming après-ski offerings, Cervinia stands as a beacon for those seeking the perfect blend of adventure and alpine beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, Cervinia invites you to carve your own path through its snow-covered slopes and create memories that will last a lifetime.