If you're up for an unforgettable ski holiday in Italy, look no further than Cervinia. Nestled in the stunning Valle d’Aosta, this premier ski destination boasts 360km of perfectly groomed pistes with incredible views. And the best part? Cervinia is snow-sure with slopes well above 2,000 metres, so you can hit the slopes all winter long.
Originally an old climbing village, Cervinia has grown into a top-notch ski resort with access to Europe’s highest slopes. Plus, it’s conveniently linked to Zermatt in Switzerland and Valtournenche, making for an even longer winter season with guaranteed snow. You can even ski in and ski out thanks to the slopes that descend from the surrounding mountains and end right in the village center.
But skiing is just one part of the Cervinia experience. The village itself has a relaxed and welcoming ambiance with a mix of historic charm and modernity. And the best part? Everything is within walking distance, so you don’t even need a car to explore. Check out the main street with its array of shops, bars, and restaurants serving up mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
So, if you’re ready for the ultimate luxury ski holiday, check out this Ultimate Cervinia Guide for all the must-see spots and top-notch culinary experiences. Get ready to hit the slopes and enjoy the magic of Cervinia for yourself. Here’s my Cervinia travel guide!
Skiing In Cervinia
Are you looking for a ski holiday that’s perfect for beginners and intermediates? Then Cervinia should be at the top of your list. As Italy’s leading ski resort, it’s located on the sunny side of the Matterhorn, boasting high-mileage skiing and snow-sure slopes that are perfect for those just starting out. Plus, with Zermatt right next door, you can easily explore beyond the Italian slopes! But don’t let the easy blue and light red runs fool you – there are plenty of challenges for advanced skiers too! So, whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Cervinia is a great place to ski.
Want to explore the other side? See my Zermatt guide!
Cervinia View of Matterhorn
When you think of the Matterhorn, you probably picture the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, right? But did you know that the Matterhorn also watches over the Italian slopes of Cervinia? Yep, it’s true! And the best part? Cervinia offers a different perspective of the famous mountain, plus it gets way more sunshine! Even though it may not be as iconic as its Swiss neighbor, Cervinia is the perfect spot for skiing with breathtaking views. Everywhere you turn, you’ll catch a glimpse of the magnificent Monte Cervino towering over the resort. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist snapping a few pics!
Cervinia Ski Slopes
The snow-covered landscapes and exhilarating slopes of Cervinia offer a skiing experience for every level. Whether you’re a novice eager to build confidence, an intermediate skier seeking scenic runs, or an advanced adventurer craving challenging descents, Cervinia has a lot to offer.
Cervinia Skiing For Beginners
Don’t worry if you’re new to skiing – Head over to the village nursery slope, where you can start building your confidence with the help of a magic carpet. Once you’re feeling comfortable, you can take on the nearby chair lift to progress even further. And if you’re a fast learner, you’ll soon find yourself at the Plan Maison – the perfect base for perfecting your technique with its gentle blue runs. Trust me, before you know it, you’ll be skiing like a pro!
Intermediate Skiing In Cervinia
Once you’ve gained a bit more confidence on the slopes, Cervinia has plenty of intermediate-level runs that will keep you cruising for days. The Theodulpass area is an excellent spot to base yourself for some longer runs, and the reds here are perfect for those who want to up their mileage. And if the weather’s on your side, you simply can’t miss the 21km red run from Plateau Rosa to Valtournenche Village – it’s the world’s longest on-piste descent! If that sounds a bit daunting, there’s also an 11km light red run that takes you right back to Cervinia’s base. Don’t worry if you need a break, there are plenty of mountain restaurants to refuel with some delicious food and drinks.
Cervinia For Advanced Skiers
As an experienced skier who’s up for a challenge, the new ‘Progetto’ gondola is a game-changer. It will whisk you straight up to Klein Matterhorn, providing you with stunning views and access to The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – a ski area every expert skier dreams of. Theodul Glacier is where you’ll find some of the best snow conditions in the region, and it’s also your gateway to Zermatt, where you can embark on a 16km off-piste adventure down into the Swiss town. Just remember, you’ll need an international pass for this trip, but no worries, the team at your hotel or chalet can help you out with that. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Cervinia Village
This charming village is the perfect destination for those who appreciate a bit of history and culture. And the food? Let’s just say you won’t be disappointed. From the international haute cuisine at La Chandelle Restaurant to the delicious homemade pizza at Sotto Zero, Cervinia’s restaurants use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to bring you the very best flavors Italy has to offer.
But it’s not just about the food. Taking a stroll through the quaint, timeless village while admiring the Matterhorn is an experience in itself. And with a smaller town center than some of the other ski resorts, you can easily pop in and out of local shops and boutiques without feeling overwhelmed. Take some time to browse the stylish fashion outlets and admire the exquisite pieces of jewelry on display. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir or two – cowbells are Cervinia’s signature buy!
Let’s take a break from the slopes and talk about food, because let’s face it, skiing can make you hungry! Lucky for us, Cervinia has some seriously tasty options for on-mountain dining. Here are a few of my personal favorites that I think are definitely worth a visit:
Chalet Etoile
Looking for a dining experience that will leave you with lasting memories? Look no further than Chalet Etoile, known as one of the best mountain restaurants in the world! With its innovative menu featuring a fusion of rustic and exotic seafood dishes, Chalet Etoile promises to deliver an unforgettable lunch experience. And if you’re after an exclusive dinner complete with flowing champagne, this restaurant has got you covered! With pick-up via skiido or snowcat from Cervinia town, Chalet Etoile offers unprecedented views and top-notch service that’s sure to impress even the most discerning of diners. This restaurant is a five-star culinary sensation, having been reviewed by some of the most renowned magazines, and is a favorite of VIPs and gourmet enthusiasts alike.
Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the luxurious terrace view near the Matterhorn or the option for private parties and dinners – Chalet Etoile truly is a must-try experience!
La Motta Chez Gabriel
The charming restaurant La Motta Chez Gabriel is a hidden gem on the slopes of Valtournenche. This place has been around since 1978 and was reopened in 2011 after an amazing renovation by Gabriele and Nicole Maquignaz. Their artistic touch is everywhere, and the fine woodwork creates a cozy and elegant atmosphere. When it comes to food, La Motta serves traditional dishes that are simply refined. You can choose from delicious pizzas, platters of meat and cheese from the Aosta Valley, fresh fish, and grilled meat. And if you want to take in the stunning panoramic view, just have your meal on the terrace.
Whenever our legs needed a rest from all the skiing, we made sure to stop by this spot for some delicious hot chocolate and drinks. It was the perfect way to warm up and recharge before hitting the slopes again. So take a break from skiing and indulge in La Motta’s unforgettable atmosphere!
Foyer des Guides
For the finest traditional Valtournenche cuisine, you need to pay a visit to “Walter”. To reach this destination, you will need to ski down slope 1 until you almost reach the Valtournenche village. This family-owned restaurant is the ultimate lunchtime spot where you can taste the freshest local ingredients in the most authentic atmosphere. The locals love to dine here, and so should you! This charming spot is the place to be for a truly local experience with some of the best Aostan dishes around. Soak up the sun on their terrace and savor every bite in this must-visit restaurant.
Lo Baracon Dou Tene
If you’re searching for great food that won’t break the bank, Lo Baracon dou Tene is the perfect spot. This charming stone hut in the Valtournenche area serves up delicious food at affordable prices. But don’t be fooled by the lower prices, Lo Baracon dou Tene still offers incredible quality and taste.
This spot was a big hit with the guys in our group! They couldn’t get enough of the different selection of meat dishes on offer. It’s definitely a must-try if you’re a carnivore looking for a satisfying meal. Their sunny south-facing terrace will treat you to stunning views while enjoying your meal. And the best part? You won’t have to pay the steep prices of other restaurants on the main Cervinia slopes or in Zermatt.
Aprés Ski in Cervinia
After all, a ski holiday without après-ski is like a sandwich without the filling – it’s just not right! Breuil-Cervinia has plenty of après-ski to offer, complete with chilled champagne and a buzzing atmosphere. From sophisticated cocktail lounges to lively après-ski bars, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. Honestly, what’s better than winding down with your favorite drink after a day on the slopes? So, let’s raise a glass and toast to an unforgettable ski holiday!
LOVE Cervinia
If you want to make the most out of your ski day, then let me introduce you to the best après-ski spot in town. LOVE Cervinia has it all: drinks, music, and delicious bites to satisfy your cravings. Imagine sipping on your favorite aperitifs or cocktails, while enjoying a homemade burger and soaking up the sun on the outdoor terrace. To top it all off, they often have DJs spinning tunes to keep the party going. Trust me, this is the perfect spot to end your ski day with a bang.
At LOVE Cervinia, every day from 15.00-17.00 is après-ski day! However, if you’re looking for the ultimate experience, check out Friday and Sunday. These are the days when the atmosphere really kicks off, and the terrace is filled with skiers and snowboarders enjoying a well-deserved drink or two after a long day on the slopes. But no matter what day you choose, they guarantee you a good time at LOVE Cervinia.
Where to Stay in Cervinia
I want to tell you about Millefiori, a hotel located in the charming Italian Alps village of Valtournenche. In 2016, a group of adventurous Scandinavians bought and revamped the hotel, recognizing its immense potential due to its location just minutes away from the lift, providing access to more pistes than you could ever dream of, as well as unlimited ground for off-piste, heli, and ski-touring adventures.
But what really sets Millefiori apart is its unique concept, where the hotel’s employees act as your hiking and ski guides, planning daily activities for guests. During the summer, enjoy guided hiking tours, and in the winter, take part in ski tours, off-piste skiing, and heli-skiing adventures. They provide all the necessary equipment, including DPS skis for advanced skiers, as well as their own ski shop on the ground floor, so you don’t have to go anywhere else to get your gear. The hotel’s ski guides will take care of all transportation to and from the lifts and hiking paths, so no need for a car here.
At Millefiori, inclusivity is key, and guests are encouraged to eat and socialize together. This makes it an ideal destination for lone travelers. Dinner is the same for everyone and changes every night, and you can expect a 4-course dinner with a massive cheese plate and wine. Plus they make the most amazing gorgonzola pasta! After a long day, cozy up with a brandy and coffee by the fireplace in the hotel’s apres-ski lounge, or enjoy a beer with friends while reminiscing about the day’s adventures. The hotel offers a drink package that allows guests to make any drink they desire from the open bar, which the staff fills up every day with all necessities.
And the best part? Millefiori offers an all-inclusive deal starting at just 42€ per day per person, which is incredibly affordable considering all that you get. One of the things I loved about my stay at Millefiori was the exceptional customer service. Not only did they go above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable, but they also helped us with all of our travel arrangements. From booking our flights to arranging transportation to and from the airport, the staff at Millefiori truly went the extra mile. This level of personalized service is hard to come by these days and it really made our trip stress-free and seamless.
But don’t wait too long to book, because they’re usually fully booked months ahead! So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Italian Alps, I highly recommend staying at the Millefiori.
Getting to Cervinia and Valtournenche
Distance to Cervinia’s nearest airports:
→ Milan (Malpensa airport): 182km / ~2.15h by car
→Geneva: 205km / ~2.50h by car
→Turin airport: 120km/ ~1.40h by car
Facts About Cervinia
Elevation between 1524 m and 3883 m. / Resort height: 2050
- 150 km of slopes (Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche)
- 354 km of slopes (Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche & Zermatt)
- 53 lifts (19 at Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche and 34 at Zermatt)
Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche:
- 41 km blue
- 98 km red
- 11 km black
Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche & Zermatt:
- 75 km blue
- 220 km red
- 59 km black
*Prices may be subjected to a slight increase during high season holiday periods.
Adults: 53€
Teens: 39€
Children: 31€
Senior: 39€
*Prices may be subjected to a slight increase during high season holiday periods.
Adults: 53€
Teens: 39€
Children: 31€
Senior: 39€
Cervinia is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the ultimate luxury ski holiday, with stunning views, fantastic skiing opportunities, and mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
Have you been to Cervinia and what did you like? I’d love to see it in the comments below!
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