Cervinia Ski Resort in Italy – Ultimate Guide to the 2024-2025 Season

Cervinia (also known as Breuil-Cervinia; Italian: Cervinia, French: Breuil) is a ski resort located in the northwestern part of Italy, nestled in the picturesque Aosta Valley between the majestic peaks of the Alps, covered in eternal ice: Mont Blanc (15,774 ft / 4,808 m), Monte Rosa (15,203 ft / 4,634 m), and the southern slope of the Matterhorn (14,692 ft / 4,478 m). This region of Italy shares its borders with the French and Swiss Alps. Just 6.2 miles (10 km) over the mountain pass Colle del Teodulo lies the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt.

The longest slope (14 miles / 22.5 km) connects two countries, starting in Switzerland at Klein Matterhorn and ending in the Italian Valtournenche Valley. The ski resort shares its name with the mountain village, which is situated at an altitude of 6,726 feet (2,050 meters).

Advantages of Resorts in Cervinia

The resort’s popularity among winter sports enthusiasts and professional athletes can be attributed to several reasons:

• The highest ski slopes in Europe are at the Rosa Plateau near the Testa Grigia cable car station – 11,417 feet (3,480 meters).
• Natural snow trails that are wide and long, featuring a mix of steep and gentle sections.
• The territory is divided into sectors suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts.
• Automobiles are prohibited in Cervinia, ensuring exceptionally clean air making the area one of Europe’s most environmentally safe places.

Here, one can start the descent above a sea of clouds, pass through them, and descend into a green valley surrounded by enchanting nature.

When to Visit Cervinia

Cervinia enjoys a mild mountain climate with soft winters (night temperatures ranging from 26.6°F to -11.2°F / -3°C to -24°C, morning temperatures from 24.8°F to -12.2°F / -4°C to -24°C, and daytime temperatures from 30.2°F to -17.6°F / -1°C to -27°C), low precipitation, high humidity, and winds only at the mountain peaks.

Situated in a valley surrounded by mountain slopes, Cervinia experiences sunny, warm, and windless weather for most of the year. It boasts the longest skiing season among all resorts in Italy.

Skiing on the slopes of Cervinia is possible year-round due to the high altitude, where snow remains even in the summer. The peak tourist season occurs during the main seasons: December 19th to 25th, January 11th to February 5th, and February 22nd to April 10th.

High Season

High season: December 26th to January 10th, February 6th to 21st. During this period, all slopes are operational, and in case of insufficient natural snow, snow cannons with artificial snow are used.

Low Season

Low (off-season): October 31st to December 18th, April 11th to May 1st. During the low season, due to rising air temperatures above 32°F (0°C), some areas may experience snow melting, insufficient natural snow cover, and unstable conditions, leading to the closure of certain slopes depending on weather conditions. However, most slopes for both amateurs and professionals operate on a regular schedule.

Skiing in Summer Months

From June to September, skiing is only available on the Rosa Plateau at the highest-altitude slopes. As a result, during this time, the resort mainly attracts professionals, while enthusiasts and beginners have to wait until October.

In the summer months, only 5.5 kilometers of slopes are open. Additionally, there are trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarders, including half-pipes, snowboard parks, freeride tracks, and more. In summer, the air temperature even at the mountaintops stays above 32°F (0°C). The unique spectacle of snow on the mountain slopes blending with green meadows in the valley at the foot of the mountains is truly captivating.

Ski Trails Map

The ski resort of Chervinia offers guests fluffy snow, picturesque views, and clean air. There are various types of slopes available:

1. For beginners, there are 12 easy slopes marked as “blue routes” with gentle descents.
2. For enthusiasts, there are 21 “red routes” in the central part of the resort, perfect for skiing at medium and low speeds across a wide area with elevation changes, leading to the town.
3. For professionals, there are 2 “black routes” with steep descents leading to Italy and Switzerland.

Popular “blue” routes include Rocce Nere in the Plan Maison area and more.

As for the “red” routes:

• Plan Torrette and Fornet 2 in the Plan Maison area.
• Ventina Ghiacciaio, the main route, impresses with its elevation changes, considerable width, and excellent snow coverage in the Laghi Cime Bianche area.
• Gran Pista, a 15-kilometer route descending into the Valtournenche valley.
• Bontadini, designed for high-speed skiing.
• Bardoney, a route in the Laghi Cime Bianche area, combines thrilling “black” sections with fast-paced “red” sections.

The “black” route on the Italian slope is Ghiacciaio Theodulo, an 8-kilometer descent in the Plan Maison area.

Skiing areas are covered with natural or artificial snow, depending on weather conditions. Off-piste skiing (freeride) is possible on pristine terrains.

The resort is divided into four sectors:

1. Plan Maison Zone, located at an altitude of 2555 meters (8399 feet), is mainly comprised of “blue” slopes and includes several “red” slopes for more experienced skiers (Fornet 2 and Plan Torrette). This zone also features a segment of the “black” Ghiacciaio Theodulo slope.
2. Laghi CimeBianche Zone, situated at an altitude of 2982 meters (9781 feet), serves as the central skiing area with long descents stretching for several kilometers.
3. Plateau Rosa Zone, starting from TestaGrigia at 3480 meters (11417 feet) above sea level, is designed for high-speed and long descents for professional athletes, experienced skiers, and snowboard enthusiasts. Within Plateau Rosa, there are two “red” slopes: slope #6, leading to Switzerland and splitting into “red” slope #6B, and “black” slope #44 with significant changes in altitude and steep turns. Additionally, Plateau Rosa is perfect for freeride enthusiasts – skiing on open snow fields.
4. The “Slope to the Valturnanche Valley” zone offers a 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) descent from the Colle Superiore Cima Bianhce pass (2982 meters / 9781 feet) with “red” slopes for experienced athletes and several “blue” routes as well.

The number of routes in different sectors of the resort allows visitors to explore new areas at various altitudes every day.

Lifts

The ski resort is equipped with a modern and highly secure lift system, including:

• 16 chairlifts with 2, 3, 4, and 6-seater chairs, offering both fixed and detachable clamps;
• 33 moving handle tow lifts for skiing without a fixed clamp;
• Conveyor belt lifts;
• 12 funiculars;
• 14 cable cars with gondolas;
  The highest pendulum-type lift in Europe on the Swiss side of the mountain slopes.

Extreme Sports in Cervinia

In addition to mountain skiing, other popular sports at the resort include:

• Snowboarding at “Indian Park” with a kilometer-long descent and a width of 100 meters;
• Cross-country skiing;
• Ski mountaineering (ascent in the mountains on skis, with or without skis, and skiing off-piste);
• Heli-skiing (helicopter ascent to the starting point of the descent and skiing off-piste);
• Snow kiting (skiing or snowboarding across snowy plains using a controllable air kite);
• Airboarding (skiing with jumps and tricks);
• Ice karting on the icy tracks of the “Ice Kart” karting circuit;
• Paragliding flights;
• Snowmobile descents and races.

Webcams

Webcams are installed on the slopes of the Chervinia mountains, allowing visitors to familiarize themselves with the difficulty of the slopes, assess their busyness, and check the weather conditions.

Ski Pass Prices in 2024-2025 Winter Season

For comfortable skiing, it is recommended to purchase the SKI-PASS, which includes access to both the Italian and, if desired, the Swiss side. The cost of the SKI-PASS depends on the skier’s category (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), the number of days spent at the resort, and the selected routes.

On the Italian side of Chervinia, during the 2024-2025 season, the SKI-PASS has the following prices: adults 41-46 euros (depending on the season), children aged 4 to 15 – 29-32.5 euros, seniors aged 65 and above – 37-41 euros.

Skiing in Chervinia and Zermatt: adults 51€, children aged 4 to 15 – 31€, seniors aged 65 and above – 38€.

Additionally, tickets for 6 or 13 days and SKI-PASS for skiing in Chervinia and neighboring resorts are available (valid for 3, 6, and 13 days). Children under 4 years old and seniors over 80 years old receive free tickets. Detailed information and current prices can be found on the official resort website: www.cervinia.it.

How to Get to Cervinia

The Chervinia resort is situated near the airports of Milan and Turin, where regular flights arrive from most airports worldwide.

Distances to the Chervinia resort are as follows: from Caselle in Turin – 118 km; from Milan Malpensa Airport – 160 km; from Linate Airport – 180 km.

From Milan, there are several ways to reach the resort:

• By bus – takes 3.5 hours for 11-18 euros;
• By train to Chatillon – from 14.40 to 46.75 euros, then take a bus from there;
• By car or hitchhiking.

From Turin, the journey is slightly faster:

• By bus – takes 2.5 hours to Chatillon for 5-10 euros, then 3 euros to Chervinia (children up to 12 and seniors over 65 travel for free);
• By car via A5 highway (Torino – Aosta) to Chatillon and then to Chervinia.

Hotels – Where to Stay in Cervinia

Chervinia Resort offers various accommodation options: luxurious 5-star hotels (rooms with enhanced comfort; prices per person per day ranging from $280 to $830 depending on the season and accommodation type); 2-star hotels (room-only rates between $37 and $45); “Mountain Refuge” amidst romantic wilderness – a 90-bed hotel with breakfast and dinner for $50; economy lodging with breakfasts ($50-$65 per day).

Below are the top-rated hotels based on tourists’ and our friends’ reviews:

5 Stars

Hotel Hermitage Relais & Châteaux

Hotel Hermitage Relais & Châteaux is a half-board hotel at the foot of the Matterhorn peak, offering a complimentary bus shuttle to the ski lifts.

The rooms feature luxurious panoramic views from the balconies. Guests can indulge in spa services and relax in the indoor pool, while the restaurant serves exquisite national cuisine.

4 Stars

White Angel Hotel

White Angel Hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access with breathtaking Alps views and a sun terrace.

Guests can enjoy the fitness center and wellness salon. The rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi and essential amenities.

3 Stars

Hotel Baita Cretaz

Hotel Baita Cretaz is situated at the foot of the Matterhorn, just 100 meters away from the ski lifts.

The hotel offers half-board accommodation and direct access to the ski slopes. Guests can enjoy rooms in a rustic style, a breakfast buffet, and homemade national cuisine, all with wonderful views from the windows and terrace.

Hotel Lyskamm

Hotel Lyskamm is designed in a rustic style and provides ski-in/ski-out access.

The rooms feature balconies with panoramic views of the mountain slopes and peaks. The hotel offers a fitness center, spa, sauna, pool, and a restaurant with a buffet breakfast and traditional and national cuisine.

Infrastructure of Cervinia

The ski resort of Cervinia in Italy offers comfortable facilities for all categories of vacationers with various interests:

• Shops, boutiques, souvenir stores, and supermarkets;
• Pizzerias, bars, and restaurants;
• Nightclubs and bowling alleys;
• Golf courses, swimming pools, ice-skating rinks, and more.

For novice skiers, sports schools with experienced instructors operate year-round. Sports equipment for both adults and children can be rented. Detailed information is available on the official website of Cervinia Resort: www.cervinia.it.