Breuil-Cervinia, often referred to simply as Cervinia, stands as one of the premier ski resorts in Italy. Strategically located at the Aosta Valley's terminus and framed by the iconic Matterhorn, this high-altitude haven offers a wealth of intermediate cruising terrains.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Cervinia ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Breuil-Cervinia is located in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy, at the base of the Matterhorn mountain.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Phenomenal views and landscapes | Lifts often close during high winds |
| Excellent snow quality & reliability | Drive up to Cervinia village can become challenging during bad weather |
| Ideal for beginners and intermediates | There's not a huge amount for expert skiers, and snowboarders |
| Linked with Zermatt in Switzerland | Sometimes, strong winds and low clouds can make the conditions a bit challenging |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Breuil-Cervinia has to offer.
(Ref: Ski Resort Videos)
Cervinia's nursery slope, complemented by a long magic carpet and a nearby chairlift, serves as the perfect starting point. As beginners gain confidence, they can transition to the expansive flat areas around Plan Maison and the gentle blue trails higher up. Notably, fast learners often find themselves reaching the resort's zenith within just a few days, descending via the network of blue trails.
This resort could very well be described as an intermediate skier's paradise. Its vast terrain, consisting of wide and rolling pistes descending from the Swiss border, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Skiers can indulge in the iconic runs leading to Valtournenche or traverse the long Ventina red run. Additionally, with the option of upgrading to the Zermatt lift pass, intermediates can unlock a whopping 295 km of blue and red slopes in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise.
While Cervinia might not be a hotspot for experts, it does offer some tantalizing opportunities. There are several marked black runs, with Black 59 being particularly notable for its steep descent and challenging mogul section. Despite its limited black pistes, when it snows, the untouched off-piste terrains become an expert's playground, remaining pristine longer than in many other resorts.
While Cervinia isn't traditionally known for its off-piste skiing, those seeking fresh powder will be delighted post-snowfall, as the untouched terrains remain pristine for an extended period. However, it's essential to employ a guide due to the area's high-mountain terrain.
The Theodul glacier, perched on the Klein Matterhorn, is a realm of impeccable snow quality. Accessed by Europe's highest cable car, this glacier boasts a selection of wide blues and gentle red slopes, offering a serene skiing experience amidst panoramic views.
Snowboarders will find the expansive, wide runs of Cervinia particularly appealing, not to mention the minimal drag lifts. The resort also features a prominent snow park near the Red 27 run, offering a plethora of jumps, tricks, and a speedy boardercross course.
It's possible to ski in Cervinia year-round, thanks to its proximity to the Plateau Rosa glacier and the 25 km (15 mi) of slopes available for summer skiing. If you're planning a ski holiday to Cervinia, be sure to explore our Cervinia deals for the best ski offers available.
Breuil-Cervinia offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 37 cm (14.5 in) and 40 cm (15.7 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 38 cm (14.9 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Breuil-Cervinia, with an impressive 57 cm (22.4 in) of snow over 4.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 41 cm (16.1 in) of snow over 4.5 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 37 cm | 3.5 days |
| January | 40 cm | 3.4 days |
| February | 38 cm | 3.8 days |
| March | 47 cm | 4.3 days |
| April | 41 cm | 4.5 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Cervinia resort map here
