Cervinia ski resort has deep mountaineering roots and when first discovered, went by the name of Breuil. It was only when skiing was developed, that the Italian mountain resort became better know as Cervinia. It’s one of Italy’s most famous ski resorts. Whilst predominantly purpose built and modern, it’s pedestrianised streets are lined with traditional Italian restaurants and bars ensuring a charming ambience. Excellent snow records, high altitude skiing for all and delicious Italian food on the mountainside are just a few highlights to paint a picture; but we are going to let you in for a gallery view of what to expect on a luxury ski holiday in Cervinia. Read below to discover our top 10 reasons to ski Cervinia, featuring our top ski chalets in Cervinia…
#1 Skiing for All
Sitting below the Matterhorn on the Italian side, skiing in Cervinia is undoubtedly a special experience. It is one of the biggest ski resorts in Italy, but the connected area, referred to as the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, makes it part of one of the largest resorts in the world, as well as one of the highest at nearly 4,000m.
Locally, Cervinia offers 150km of groomed pistes but can extend to 360km to include Zermatt with an upgraded lift pass. The majority of the ski runs in Cervinia rise from the base of the village up to the Matterhorn Glacier at 3,900m, except for the connected runs to the resort of Valtourneche at 1,600m. Over half of the pistes in Cervinia are graded red, meaning it’s an excellent ski resort for intermediates. At this level, you can enjoy wide, rolling, cruisy pistes; among them, one of the world’s longest ski runs stretching 12 miles from Plateau Rosa to the traditional Italian village of Valtournenche – it’s definitely one for the bucket list!
Whilst Cervinia is one of the best ski resorts in Italy for intermediates, there is plenty for beginners to build up their confidence. Starting on the nursey slopes, beginners can progress up above Plan Maison to long gentle runs, perfect for practising and improving technique. Home to the biggest snow park in Europe, Cervinia also accommodates courageous skiers and snowboarders with big kickers, rails and boxes to practice their freestyle skills. For those in search of untouched powder pistes, Cervinia offers heli-skiing experiences on high altitude slopes of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa peaks. Otherwise, there are limited options for advanced skiers in Cervinia itself, but with an extended pass to cover Zermatt’s challenging pistes, ambitious off-piste or advanced skiers will not be short of terrain to explore.
#2 High Altitude = Snow Guarantee
Cervinia is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe at an altitude of 2,050m. The Italian ski resort benefits from excellent snow conditions across an exceptionally long winter season stretching from October to May – making it one of the best high altitude resorts in the Alps. Guaranteed snow in December in Europe can be questionable these days, but the Cervina snow report has a strong historical record; after all they are well into their ski season by then! If you’re looking to be spontaneous, keep a close eye on the forecast and head out for a last minute ski holiday when the conditions look good – check out the Cervinia webcam ahead of your trip.
#3 Spring Skiing in Cervinia
For those who love a spring skiing holiday, there is no better place to consider than Cervinia ski resort. Late season is often the best time to ski Cervinia; when the blue skies arrive, life on the slopes for the intermediate skier couldn’t be better! At high altitude, sitting on the southern side of the Matterhorn and with pistes bathing in sunshine, Cervinia skiing scores highly for one of the best spring skiing resorts in the Alps. That iconic goggle tan look will be hard to avoid if you’re not careful, as the UV rays are certainly some of the strongest you’ll come across on a spring ski holiday.
#4 Magnificent Matterhorn Views
The Matterhorn is synonymous with the popular ski resort of Zermatt on the Swiss side, and is renowned for being the most photographed mountain in the world. However the Matterhorn, often referred to as Monte Cervino, also watches over the Italian ski resort of Cervinia from a different perspective. Although the Monte Cervino looks slightly less ‘iconic’, Cervinia benefits from being on the sunnier side, without losing height and impeding snow conditions. It is practically impossible to ski a run in Cervinia without catching sight of the magnificent mountain peak towering over the resort.
#5 Non-Ski Activities in Cervinia
Cervinia ski holidays don’t have to be all about the skiing. There are a selection of non-ski activities in Cervinia for you to break up your days enjoying the snow and mountains in other ways. Better still, if you have a non-skier in the group, you can rest assured they’ll be happily entertained.
Keeping to the snow, you can enjoy the mountain air and views by foot with a range of snowshoeing trails, slide down pistes grinning ear to ear on a toboggan, soar high above the mountain peaks by paraglide, traverse the mountains on a skidoo or snow kite, or enjoy a husky sled excursion through stunning snowy landscapes. If you are keen to take it down a few notches, a relaxing day in the House of Sport is the perfect way to unwind, soothe aching muscles and enjoying an all round pamper – unless of course you are lucky enough to stay in one of our luxury Cervinia ski chalets with its own private wellness facilities. For the shop-’til-you-droppers, there are plenty of shops for the ultimate retail therapy, including jewellers and designer outlets. If keen to explore further afield, the picturesque market town of Aosta is worth a visit.
#6 Après Ski in Cervinia
Despite Cervinia being a small town at the bottom of the Matterhorn, there is nothing small about its après ski and nightlife scene. With the sun-soaked nature of the resort, you can be sure to enjoy a few après rays whilst you unclip your boots and relax into the deck chair with your chosen beverage. Whether you are looking for a vibrant atmosphere or a chilled apres ski, you can be sure that Cervina apres ski will deliver to suit whatever you feel like on the day!
Best Cervinia Apres Ski with Live Music
LOVE Cervinia: On the final run down to the village, LOVE Cervinia is perfectly positioned for a couple of drinks and a boogie on the sunny terrace. If you pass at lunchtime, they offer excellent food to refuel.
Umbrella Bar: You’ll hear the music echo from the foot of the slopes before you arrive! A popular spot for tourists and locals.
Lino’s: Grab a drink and get boogieing with a DJ set from 5-7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Relaxed Apres in Cervinia
Tasty: With over 500 Gin and Tonic varieties, this is a relaxed bar for all the gin lovers!
Ymeletrob: Enjoy a glass of fizz in the champagne lounge or a pre-dinner cocktail or two. Return after 10pm for party vibes!
Yeti Cervinia: Sports bar atmosphere serving relaxed drinks.
Sweet Side: Luxury ski holidays in Italy are not complete without the famous Italian hot chocolate. The perfect way for the family to enjoy après ski in Cervinia.
#7 Restaurants in Cervinia
Italy; champions of pizza and pasta. Expect no less in Cervinia. Some of the restaurants in Cervinia for lunch are so good that skiers from Zermatt will plan their day around having lunch in Cervinia.
Mountain Restaurants in Cervinia
Chalet Etoile: A real must on a luxury ski holiday to Cervinia. Serving exceptional food from traditional Italian style to innovative dishes incorporating seafood dishes and a few Asian twists. At the foot of the Matterhorn, stop by for a mountain lunch with a view or try the unique evening experience which includes a trip by skidoo or snowcat to get there. It’s not hard to see why this is considered as one of the best mountain restaurants in the world!
Bontadini: At 3,100m above sea level and with some of the best mountain views from the terrace, Bontadini is one of the first restaurants in Cervinia. Accessible from the slopes or nearby chairlifts, you can enjoy a range of dishes from both upstairs and downstairs of the self-service restaurant. Its relaxed dining atmosphere and quality dishes make it one of the best slope side restaurants in Cervinia.
La Pera Doussa: Producing almost everything from meats to cheese on their eco farm, La Pera Doussa is located in Valtournenche and offers an authentic and local menu in line with the traditional Aosta Valley cuisine. Also open for evenings meals.
*Partner Recommendation* Alpage: A favourite of our partners at Chalet Blanc. This authentic restaurant sits at the foot of the Matterhorn and offers award-winning typical Aosta Valley dishes. Its rustic style dining room and warm friendly atmosphere certainly adds to the worthwhile experience.
Restaurants in Cervinia Town
La Grotta: Regraded as one of the best pizza restaurants in Cervinia, La Grotta is located at the bottom of the slopes, in Cervinia town centre. It’s the perfect stop off for lunch, a quick hot chocolate or aperitif refreshment, or a great evening destination. Whilst mainly specialising in wood-oven pizza, La Grotta’s menu does extend to homemade pasta, grilled meal and fish dishes, so it is sure to have an option for everyone!
Jour et Nuit: Located on the pedestrian street, Jour et Nuit is a hidden gem! With its wood-burning oven, meats are slow cooked to perfection and other authentic dishes from the Valle d’Aosta are served up in excellent quality. Its inviting cosy atmosphere, authentic menu and its popularity makes it well worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Wine tasting sessions are also available to book for those looking to sample some of Italy’s finest wines!
Ristorante Maison Jean Bich Di Pers da Mario: For fine dining in Cervinia, this commendable restaurant offers exceptional quality dining with a refined menu. The highly experienced chef delivers top quality and freshly prepared dishes including Chateaubriand, homemade tagliatelle with venison, tartar fillet and Barolo risotto. The home of Matterhorn mountain guide Jean Birch, this restaurant in Cervinia is lovingly run by the family, which certainly adds character and warmth to the overall dining experience.
*Partner Recommendation* Le Blason: Popular for its generous service and cosy, authentic atmosphere, Le Blason serves up some exceptional dishes. You can’t dine here without saving room for the outstanding tiramisu; arguably the best in the valley.
#8 Luxury Ski Chalets Cervinia
A predominantly hotel supported ski resort, luxury ski chalets in Cervinia are hard to come by. We currently offer two Cervinia ski chalets which both offer fantastic service and facilities. Whilst each unique in their own way, they are both strong contenders for great places to stay on your luxury ski holiday in Cervinia.
Chalet La Fenice
Built and furnished without compromise, Chalet La Fenice is a stunning luxury chalet in Cervinia. Who would you pick to join you around this elegant and opulent dining table? To indulge on exquisite dining and copious amount of wine? At Chalet La Fenice, from the moment you book, you will be looked after by the highly trained chalet staff and concierge team who will do everything to make your luxury ski holiday bursting with special memories. Not only that, all your guests will be able to take advantage of stunning Matterhorn views, outstanding wellness facilities and impressive games room.
Chalet Blanc
Feet up by the open log fire, sink into the whirlpool bath, revitalise in the Finnish sauna and sip your favourite cocktail at the private bar; these are just a few things you might choose from at luxury Chalet Blanc after a full day skiing in Cervinia. This luxurious mountain home in Cervinia is built with traditional materials and fitted with exclusive, contemporary furnishings, allowing you to relax in ultimate comfort whilst admiring the stunning snowy scenes.
#9 Excellent Value for Luxury
From the food to the ski chalets in Cervinia, this resort beneath the Matterhorn scores well on value for luxury. Now I am not suggesting you’ll be in for a cheap ski holiday, but in comparison to the rest of the Alps, and its Swiss neighbour Zermatt, your money is likely to stretch a little further for very similar quality in Cervinia.
#10 Cervinia All Year Round
Those who are familiar with summer holidays in the mountains, you’ll be au fait with how the scenery transforms into a stunning adventure paradise. It’s certainly no different in Cervina. Alongside plenty of hiking and biking routes, Cervinia opens out to offering watersports such as canyoning, rafting, kayaking as well as mountain golf courses, fishing and horse riding.
Being a high altitude resort, it is possible to experience summer skiing in Cervinia from June to September on the glacier with 25km of slopes reaching heights of 3,883m. It’s one of a handful of unique mountain resorts in the Alps offering skiing nearly all year round!
As you can see, a ski holiday in Cervinia certainly has a lot going for it. Whether you are searching for your next family ski holiday, or looking for the ultimate spring skiing destination, Cervinia should certainly not be overlooked! If you, like us, think Cervinia is a winner, try it out for yourself and get in touch with our Ski Specialists to find out more. Send an email or pick up the phone on +44 (0)1202 203650.
