The Italians have their own ski resort called Breuil-Cervini and know the Matterhorn Mountain as Monte Cervino. When most people think of the Matterhorn they think of Zermatt ski resort, Switzerland. However, the Matterhorn mountain is situated in both Switzerland (Canton of Valais) and Italy ( Aosta Valley ).
About Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort
Breuil-Cervinia Italy is one of the most stunning ski resorts that I have skied in. At an altitude of 2,050m is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe. It literally feels like you are on the Matterhorn (cervino) as soon as you come out of your accommodation.
There is so much going for this resort from ski-in and out accommodation to having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. As well as being able to ski as early as October as late as May with guaranteed snow. No wonder why so many people keep coming back for a ski holiday.
⇒ Looking for other Italian ski resorts you might not hear of? Read More – A weekend Ski Trip to Monte Bondone Italy
Skiing in Breuil-Cervinia
I cannot fault this resort in any way, instead, all I can do is tell you about all the reasons why you should go skiing in Breuil-Cervinia. Combined it with the Valtournenche and Zermatt ski areas, you have over 300 klms of groomed ski runs. Which they are looking to expand within the next couple of years.
They already say that if you ski continuously for 4hrs every day for 6 days that you would not do the same run twice. If the new gondola goes through it will make it one of the biggest ski areas in Europe.
One of the cool things I like about the resort is that you can ski over to Zermatt Switzerland for lunch. Then back to Cervinia Italy for dinner. If you are a moderate skier, take the number 69 or 70 towards Zermatt village, which should take you around the Matterhorn (cervino). Most of the run is red but to be honest, I didn’t find it too hard to do but this is my personal opinion.
However, if you do decide to go over to Zermatt make sure you get home before the last chairlift. Otherwise, it will cost you a fortune to get back by taxi (Cab) and will take around 4 hours one way. If it does happen it is best to find a cheap room for the night in Zermatt.
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Overview of the Ski Runs & Area
Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort is located in Italy’s Aosta Valley, one of the highest resorts in the Alps. It’s high-altitude ski area links with both Valtournenche and Zermatt in Switzerland. That offer’s over 300klms of groomed runs and guaranteed snow during the ski season.
- Lift systems: 19 in Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche (combined) + 34 in Zermatt.
- Groomed Ski runs: 72 in Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche (combined) + 78 in Zermatt.
- Three children’s ski areas
- 3 Snowparks. Please note though that you CANNOT use the Snowpark without wearing a helmet!
Do the famous number 7 slope from the top to the bottom, where it ends in the Breuil area. It has some of the most amazing views, especially of the Matterhorn (Cervino). So make sure you have your GoPro ready.
Whether you are a confident skier or a beginner, it is always best to wear a ski helmet when skiing.
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A Family Resort
This is a great resort for families with children to enjoy together, especially while learning. A lot of blue & red runs are wide and in gullies. Making ideal for children to learn and not to be scared of going over the edge.
A few of the chairlifts have childproof locks so they won’t fall out, giving parents and guardians peace of mind when skiing in Breuil-Cervinia.
Other ski activities for kids
There are other fun activities off the slopes that will keep you and the kids entertained. The best bit some of them being FREE if you hold a ski pass for more than 3 consecutive days. Here are just a few of these other none ski activities;
- Go Ice-skating on the natural rink in the village
- Try your hand at snowshoeing
- Go swimming with the kids at the Valtournenche public swimming pool
- Take an adventure dog sledging that can be enjoyed by the whole family
It can get really cold in Breuil-Cervinia especially at the top, once when I was there it got to -16. So make sure to have good ski gloves for you and your kids, especially when skiing and waiting around. I wear Leki ski gloves they are a little pricey but fantastic for keeping the cold out.
Breuil-Cervinia Ski Passes
Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche offers various promotions and discounts during the ski season. They allow you the flexibility to use a ski pass for a couple of hours, half days, or over consecutive days.
Below are a couple of main things to know about the ski pass. A full list of prices and promotions is available on the tourism website under tariffs.
⇒ Looking for ways to save money? Read More – Top Tips for Saving Money for a Ski Weekend
- You can get a ski pass just for the Breuil-Cervinia / Valtournenche ski area or an international pass for Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche and Zermatt.
- Buy your ski pass online to miss the queue and pick it up from the ski office.
Location of Breuil-Cervinia village
Turin Airport
Turin Airport (also known as Torino) is the closest international airport. From Turin to Breuil-Cervinia is roughly an hour half drive. Geneva and Milan Malpensa airports are also alternative arrival points but add an extra hour of driving. If you are on a budget and looking for cheap flights, you can take Easyjet from London to Turin.
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Transfer
There are no direct trains to the resort and the public bus does not run every day. The best way to get to the resort is by private transfer, shared transfer, or hire a car. All vary in price depending on what you can afford and what time of the season you go.
Hire a car
As there were just the two of us, we hired a car for our 4 days, which worked out cheaper than a private transfer going one way. Although there are car rental companies available from the airport, I suggest booking a car online beforehand. You can get fast and easy comparison rates on companies and rates with Travel Supermarket for FREE
Ski Hire
We hired our skis from Sports Centre in the middle of Cervinia Village, which was recommended to us. We also received a discount with our ‘Winter Card’ (refer to the tips for more info), which is around 10%-15% off your rental. The staff was really friendly and the skis were of a high standard.
Beware if you are skiing for half a day during the week as most of the Village shops close for 2hrs over lunchtime for a Siesta. So you will need to get your skis back before 12.30pm. If it is going to be later, I would suggest talking to the shop.
⇒ Looking for ideas for skis that you can use both on-piste and off-piste terrain, then check out this range of downhill skis.
Staying in Cervinia Italy
There is an exceptional range of accommodation available in Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort. You can choose from basic apartments on AirBnB to luxury hotels with heated pools on Booking.com. The best bit is that most of the accommodation is either within walking distance to a chairlift or they are ski in-ski out hotels (something I definitely love). Check current availability for accommodation in Breuil-Cervinia.
Another option is staying in the connecting ski resort of Valtournenche which is part of your ski pass. Accommodation here is cheaper and the ski run back is pretty cool to do. I stayed in Valtournenche once and the hotel I was in pretty nice and the owners were great.
Hotel Excelsior Planet
We stayed at the beautiful 4-star family-run Hotel Excelsior Planet right across the road from the ski slopes and with views of the Matterhorn. This place had everything you need for a holiday, warm hospitality, a four-course dinner mixed between traditional Valle d’Aosta and Italian gastronomy, and a Wellness area to relax in the afternoon.
- Breuil-Cervinia area uses European adaptors
Apres-ski
Bait Cretaz
I usually do at least one (or maybe two/three) afternoon’s Apres ski skiing in ski resorts. However, I was unwell when I was in Breuil-Cervinia (not the resort’s fault), so I didn’t venture out. I did stop at a place called Bait Cretaz just above the Resort Village one night on the blue run home for a glass of prosecco.
This cosy place with a small adjoining hotel was run by a lovely Italian couple with a dog. Who occasionally wander into the bar looking for a friendly pat.
The bit I loved about this place is that they served sushi and it was really yummy. They even delivered to your hotel, if you didn’t feel like going out. I would usually be a little bit funny about these things but I tried the sushi and it was nice and fresh.
Eating on the Mountain
Chalet Etoile – Breuil-Cervinia
Chalet Etoile is renowned for making some of the best food on the mountain. Making them very popular over the years, even for skiers from Zermatt. You will have to book in advance during the peak period to get a table for lunch.
It is also a great spot to stop for a drink with the Matterhorn (Cervino), as your backdrop and Breuil-Cervinia Ski area below. It is definitely one of those views that you have to see to believe.
Schwarzsee – Zermatt
Looking for an option to eat in Zermatt on the Swiss side? Then I suggest skiing over to Schwarzseeo for lunch or even a drink. It has some amazing views of Matterhorn Mountain (Monte Cervino) and you can get some great pictures.
You will need to get the international ski pass that covers Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche and Zermatt. If, you want to see over to Zermatt even to eat.
Top Tips for Breuil-Cervinia
- Check with your hotel to see if you are eligible for the ‘Winter Card’, which gives you all sorts of discounts.
- Beware that a lot of the restaurants and shops close in Cervinia Village for a Siesta
- Don’t forget your GoPro for all those action shots while on the slopes in Italy.
- Catch the cable car from Laghi Cime Bianche to Plateau Rosa and stand on the yellow line, which is the border between Italy and Switzerland.
- If you do decide to head over to Zermatt or vice versa make sure you get home before the last chairlift. Otherwise, it will end up costing you a small fortune to get back via a taxi (Cab) and will take around 4 hours one way.
- My understanding is that you are not allowed to use a drone on the ski slopes and in the ski area.
- Activities: Looking to take a break from Skiing? Turin is just over an hour’s drive away from Cervinia and has lots to offer.
Booking links and information for skiing in Breuil-Cervinia
- Hotels and accommodation available, during winter in Breuil-Cervinia
- Here is the tourist site for additional information on winter in Breuil-Cervinia
- book a car hire and check prices for Turin International Airport
- Get a quote for free for insurance for winter in Italy.
Other Ski resorts in Italy
If you are interested in discovering other Ski Resorts in Italy. Then I suggest checking out the following Italian resort that offers a variety of activities on and off the ski slopes.
- Cortina D’Ampezzo – Where luxury and skiing meet
- Val Di Fiemme – A winter guide on places to ski and where to eat
- Monte Bondone Ski Resort – LA weekend Ski Trip to Monte Bondone Ski Resort
⇒ Make sure that you have the right insurance for your or your family skiing in Italy. Compare, get a quote and check out what the insurance covers for FREE
Thank you for reading this article ‘The Italian side of the Matterhorn, Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort Italy’, I hope it helped you to decide where to go for your next ski trip. Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort is definitely a great gem of a ski resort in Italy.
Have you been to Breuil-Cervinia Ski Resort Italy before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
If you liked this article, please, share!
⇒ You can never have enough ski goggles for a ski weekend
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Breuil-Cervinia Tourism Office Italy. All views are my own and based on my own experience
Video Highlights – Cervinia Ski Resort Italy
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Gorgeous ski runs! And so many runs to choose from. What a glorious ski destination.
Thank you Jen, it is a beautiful place and I highly recommend it. Not only is the runs great but the food is pretty amazing too.
Oh wow this place looks amazing. I never knew there was an Italian side, so good to know. On the bucketlist!!!!
Thank you very much and glad I was able to inform you about Cervinia. I definitely recommend adding it to your list and please let me know if you ever go.
I love the sound of being able to ski out of a hotel straight onto the slopes – this place sounds perfect for some friends of mine, I’m going to get the m to check it out!
I love love love this place and it is only an hour from the airport. I highly recommend it for your friends and drop me a line if you need anymore information.
I love the sound of being able to ski out of a hotel straight onto the slopes – this place sounds perfect for some friends of mine, I’m going to get the m to check it out!
I’ll have to check this resort when we book our ski vacation for next year! Wide runs and hotels near the slopes is just what we need when skiing with kids. Thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful pictures. That picture of the Matterhorn lit at night is simply incredible!
I definitely recommend especially because you have children, especially the children proof chairlifts. If you are missing Switzerland, you can ski over to there 🙂
I had no idea that the Matterhorn mountain is situated both between Switzerland and Italy. I thought it was all Switzerland! I like that you tell me exactly which lift or line to ski down. Pinning this for later!
To be honest, I never knew either until a few years ago when I was skiing in Zermatt and then I came across it. I love the place, it is like a hidden gem.
I am one of those people who didn’t know the Matterhorn was partially in Italy. I guess I never looked at a map. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Funny how I can not know about a place, read a little, and be dying to go! And I’d try the sushi, too.
I have to admit it was not until I went to Zermatt Switzerland and skied on the Italian side that I knew it was there. I know bad right but it least I can share it with everyone else now 🙂
O, how I wish I could go on more winter ski resort vacations. I can’t ski, but just the views itself makes me want to go to these ski resorts. I would love to go here someday !
Ski resorts these days are so developed that they cater for nonskiers especially if you have children. You are right the views along are gorgeous and it the one thing I never get sick of seeing.
Whooooaaaaaa. I am not a skiier but things I LOVE include: Italy, Switzerland, the Matterhorn, and good photography so I LOVE this post! I’d like to go here just to shoot it, even though I am not a big snow fan 🙂 Chalet Etoile looks and sounds like one of the most dreamy places on earth – what an experience! Thanks so much for sharing.
Cervinia is definitely a photographers paradise for sure. There a lot of tourists that go there just for the day to take photos, as it is not that far away from major cities. I have seen photos of it in the summer and it looks just as stunning.
I am not a skiing person, as I broke my leg on a ski slope!! I would love to go see the Matterhorn as it looks so beautiful. Maybe I can go in summer and do some hiking there instead. It looks like a stunning area.
Sorry to hear about your broken leg. Apparently, it is just as stunning in the summer.
The Matterhorn overwhelms one with its sheer majesty. Have been to Zermatt and hence have viewed the Matterhorn from the Swiss side only. Breuil Cervina looks like a Skiers paradise, would love to get there some day and view the Matterhorn up close from the other side. Loved your skiing action pics.
The first time I saw the Matterhorn was when I was on the Swiss side to skiing. That is when I learnt about the Italian side and it does not disappoint. It is always only an hour from the airport.
Wow it looks like a fantastic destination for a ski trip! It somehow reminds me of Whistler in Canada! I am not a skier, but I would love to visit just for the view!
I never been to Whistler but I have heard so many good things about it and definitely high up on my bucketlist. A lot of people do visit for the day to just take pictures.
I was just in Disneyland and one of my favorite rides is the Matterhorn bobsleds. I’ve been wishing to see the real thing in person. Wow, how majestic it looks!
I lovvvve Disneyland and their Matterhorn was the first one I had seen but nothing beats seeing the real thing. It is huge and definitely majestic looking.
So beautiful – it makes me miss the mountains seeing these beautiful photographs. It looks like an absolutely perfect place to go skiing in! Lots of long blue and red slopes would suit me totally! As would the apres ski!!
It really is a perfect place to ski and has everything going for it. I love Italian food too, so I don’t feel guilty eating all the pasta and pizza I want after skiing 🙂
It’s always funny to remember how close Switzerland and Italy are, given how incredibly different the two countries are from one another. It must be such a different experience on each side of the mountain!
To be honest they are not that much different and apart from the prices in food and accommodation. They share the same ski area, so most people ski between the two countries.
I ski in New Zealand all the time during our winter season. I never knew that there was an Italian side to the matterhorn and those ski fields looks great. My kids would love it
You would love the Breuil-Cervinia ski area, you never run out of slopes to ski. Don’t forget the great food and wine!!! 🙂
I’m so depressed!!! I still haven’t skied in my life so far. I really hope I’ll do it in future! Atleast fall in such a gorgeous landscape if not ski (as Dr. Leonard Hofstadter says to Penny! Lolz!). I was in Milan last summer. Sadly I couldn’t visit the places in winter! The border between Swiz & Italy is interesting!
Milan is only 2hrs away from Cervinia 🙂 You don’t have to ski to go there, lots of people go to take pictures of the Matterhorn and to enjoy the food and wine 🙂 I highly recommend it!!!!
Bloody hell, I can’t get over how beautiful it is! We are going to Zermatt in late May but if I had known you could do this I probably would have booked a ski trip instead, especially because flights to Milan from London are normally quite reasonable. Maybe I’ll look into doing this as well because I have just stalked all the links and priced it and sent this post to my ski loving boyfriend haha. AMAZING! Thanks so munch for the inspo.
Milian is just over a 2hr drive to Cervinia (but Turin in only an 1hr and half) and if you are going to Zermatt get the skipass that covers you for both areas. You know you can ski in Zermatt/Italy late May on the glaciers?
Not going to lie – this was not high on my list of places to visit. However, seeing it from Italy and the cute little town and skiing, I am intrigued. I don’t even ski – but now I want to give it a go.
Cervinia is not that far away from Milian and a lot of people go here for the day to see the mountain and to enjoy the food and wine. I can’t wait to go back in the summer, as it looks just as stunning. Skiing is great by the way and even nicer if you have Italian instructor to teach you 🙂
Italian Winter Wonderland 😍 I wish I was there, even though I’m a terrible skier. I’d probably spend more time in the lodge than the slopes, but that view though… Amazing!
You don’t have to ski to go here, lots of people come to enjoy the views, Matterhorn, food and wine 🙂 It is definitely worth a visit.
Matterhorn was on my bucket list as my best friend lives very nearby, but I had no idea about all of the offerings on the Italian side. I haven’t yet been to Italy, and I am planning an epic tour of the country, eventually. I’m not much of a skier, but I love the views, hot chocolates, good food, and spas!
Lots of people go there to enjoy the views and to enjoy the good wine and food. I highly recommend it, as it is only 2hrs from Milan.
Looks like a dream ski vacation, and the mountain looks so much different from Italy! I wonder how long the ski season lasts?
It has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe.
Guess I’ve never looked at a map of the Matterhorn because I hadn’t realized it straddled that border. Very interesting. Looks just stunning too on all sides. What an awesome place to go in the winter.. on the Italian side or the Swiss side. ^^
You are right it is beautiful on both sides of the mountain and the best bit is your ski pass will allow you to enjoy both sides.
We were in Zermatt this past summer and saw the Matterhorn in all it’s glory then. Loved the vibe and the entire region and while I was aware that part of it is in Italy as well, and we took a gondola to the Italian side, I wasn’t aware of the resort.
I don’t ski, but even then I think this is a region that can be appreciated by everyone for its majestic beauty. For Skiers though, you are right, i’m sure it is a thrilling experience.
Thanks and hopefully next time we stay on the Italian side.
The resort is opened all year around and they have some amazing hikes and activities during the summer. You can even ski on the glaciers on the boarders during the summer too. Let me know if you ever go and I will happily point you in the right direction.
Wow Melissa, it is so so so beautiful! The views from up there are breathtaking!
I love the Alps but I’ve only been in the summer, never seen them covered in snow.
I have friends who went to the Mattherhorn though, for a ski trip, and they highly recommended it!
p.s. first thing that came to my mind was “Toblerone!!” hehe
lol, I bought some Toblerone yesterday for my husband. I have skied in Zermatt as well and it is just as beautiful but expensive. I have seen pictures of Cervinia in the summer and it looks amazing. I definitely want to go back in the summer to do some hiking.
I think this is the first time I’ve read about the Italian side! What a fun adventure. The kids have not been skiing yet and we always travel with them. I had one – terrifying experience skiing when I was a kid so I haven’t been keen on going back…even to give them the experience. I like to encourage people to step outside their comfort zone….perhaps I should take my own advice on that and take the kids skiing!
This is a great place to learn how to ski as a lot of the runs are wide and in gullies, so I think it makes you feel a lot safer. They also have child proof locks on some of the chairlift which i think is a great idea.
I love that first picture and the way it appears with the light on it at night. I have visited the Swiss side of the Matterhorn so maybe whilst living in Northern Italian this year I can explore this side.
Definitely, take a trip there especially if yo are living in Italian. They drive to the mountains from Turin airport were really stunning as well as, you pass by castles.
Ah I was in that part of Italy (Milan and the area) just a month ago, and did not get to go skiing – I’m so jealous looking at these pictures! 😀 It looks like a perfect weekend in the mountains. That Chalet Etoile got me intrigued – if skiers from Zermatt go there, it must be worth the hype haha! Looks like you had a great time!
Milan is only a 2hr drive away, so very close. We fly into Turin which is just over an hours drive, you are correct it is a great place to go if you want to ski for a weekend.
Oh my … the pic of the mountain at night is stunning! I don’t know skiing … I want to learn it. I am planning to join a course in India in Dec and then head to Europe next year. Will bookmark this post for my reference when I plan the trip!
Skiing is a lot of fun, once you have learnt. I wish you luck in your adventure 🙂
Wow, what an amazing scenary! Your pictures are really beautiful and this must have been such a great experience!
xx finja |
Thank you very much.
I haven’t skied for over 20 years. In fact the last time I went I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with my youngest son much to my husbands dismay lol. I used to go all the time I just can’t cope with the cold anymore. My boys and hubs living boarding and I know they would love this. I on the other hand could enjoy the apres ski in the bar! It looks so cute and cosy and I love that’s it’s family run.
That is something I would do:-) I am definitely a skier but I am going to take my first ever snowboarding lesson in a couple of weeks, which I am really excited about. Apres ski 🙂 I will join you
Your photos are gorgeous and so much of what you write is true! Most people never think of Italy as a skiing destination but it does have some of the best alps! Great read love
I concur lovely and it is definitely one of my favorite places to visit.
Wow, it’s amazing photos. I didn’t know Matterhorn is the border between Italy and Switzerland. I found your blog while I was looking for the way from Chamonix to Matterhorn by a car next week. 🙂 We don’t plan to ski but want to see Matterhorn. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. How was driving to Breuil-Cervinia?
Glad you come across and thank you in regards to my photos. You can actually ski up until late May if you like 🙂 The drive was easy and picturesquely, you pass a couple of castles and forts. Also you will go through a couple of tolls, we used coins but I think you can use credit cards too. I hope that helps.
Great info. Makes me wish I was there NOW!!! I’m booked for 10 days in January of 2020 for my 57th birthday ski trip. Staying at Baita Cretaz. This Southern boy’s gonna get his carve on. Any other suggestions?
Before, I forget a very big Happy Birthday for January what a great way to spend your birthday. Definitely head over to Zermatt one morning and not in the afternoon because you don’t want to miss the last lift back to Cervinia otherwise it is too expensive to catch a cab back. I can’t remember the number of the run but there is a really great ski run from Cervinia to Valtournenche it is mostly red but it is a bit of mix between hard and easy. It will take you all the way into Valtournenche village and then you can catch the cable car back.