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Introduction
Cervinia is one of Italy's most important resorts. For the country's skiers it has carved a niche as a rather upmarket enclave, perhaps in part because of its cross-border link to Zermatt in Switzerland (you can actually ride over the border on a six-seater chairlift). The resort is named after Mt Cervinio, the Italian name for the Matterhorn, which it stands below.
It is also significant in ski history generally because this was one of the first resorts to be ‘purpose built' (more or less from scratch) in the 1930s. It also remains one of Europe's highest resorts, and with the ski lifts linking up to 3,899m (12,792ft) - Europe's highest lift-served point, Cervinia can offer something in the way of guaranteed snow.
In fact it is open for winter sports through the summer months, accessing Zermatt's glacier skiing with some on its side of the border too. The summer vertical is usually the biggest available anywhere, just as the huge winter one is - providing a 13.5km (8.5-mile) long run.
It is also significant in ski history generally because this was one of the first resorts to be ‘purpose built' (more or less from scratch) in the 1930s. It also remains one of Europe's highest resorts, and with the ski lifts linking up to 3,899m (12,792ft) - Europe's highest lift-served point, Cervinia can offer something in the way of guaranteed snow.
In fact it is open for winter sports through the summer months, accessing Zermatt's glacier skiing with some on its side of the border too. The summer vertical is usually the biggest available anywhere, just as the huge winter one is - providing a 13.5km (8.5-mile) long run.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 2,050m (6,726ft).
Top elevation: Cervinia: 3,480m (11,417ft); International (with Zermatt): 3,899m (12,792ft).
Base elevation: Cervinia: 2,050m (6,726ft); International: 1,524m (5,000ft).
Number of lifts: Cervinia: 24; International: 57.
Number of runs: Cervinia: 54; International: 130.
Average annual snowfall: 10m (33ft).
Where in the world?
Cervinia is at the head of the Aosta Valley of the Alps, on the western side of northern Italy, right on the border with Switzerland.
Hit the slopes
The altitude and glaciers mean the season can begin in October and lasts to late April. Then snow sports begin again in mid June and continue through to mid September for summer skiing.
Cervinia's skiing is spread over wide treeless slopes climbing up to the Swiss border. Most of the remaining drag lifts have been replaced in recent seasons by state-of the-art, high-speed chairs.
Beginners have a snowsure nursery area right next to the resort. (Cervinia's high altitude means that this should be snow covered all winter, whereas in many traditional resorts at lower altitude, resort-side nursery slopes may only be open a month or two in midwinter).
Intermediates have the most to enjoy with some of the world's longest reds, including a 13.5km (8.5-mile) red back down to the resort from Plateau Rosa.
Advanced skiers and boarders have enough exciting steep terrain on and off piste here to keep them happy all season, thanks to the lift link with Zermatt. Heli-skiing is also popular with vertical descents of around 3,000m (just under 10,000ft) possible in good conditions - the biggest in the Alps.
Cervinia's skiing is spread over wide treeless slopes climbing up to the Swiss border. Most of the remaining drag lifts have been replaced in recent seasons by state-of the-art, high-speed chairs.
Beginners have a snowsure nursery area right next to the resort. (Cervinia's high altitude means that this should be snow covered all winter, whereas in many traditional resorts at lower altitude, resort-side nursery slopes may only be open a month or two in midwinter).
Intermediates have the most to enjoy with some of the world's longest reds, including a 13.5km (8.5-mile) red back down to the resort from Plateau Rosa.
Advanced skiers and boarders have enough exciting steep terrain on and off piste here to keep them happy all season, thanks to the lift link with Zermatt. Heli-skiing is also popular with vertical descents of around 3,000m (just under 10,000ft) possible in good conditions - the biggest in the Alps.
Beyond the slopes
Cervinia has a good range of activities besides skiing and boarding. There's a sports centre, cinema, bowling and amusement arcade.
On the snow, options include snowshoeing, snow biking, telemarking and airboard (a kind of inflatable sledge) or toboggan rental.
There is a natural ice rink which stays frozen longer thanks to the resort's altitude. You can also visit an ice grotto on Mt Cervinio. Other outdoor options are paragliding and horse riding.
On the snow, options include snowshoeing, snow biking, telemarking and airboard (a kind of inflatable sledge) or toboggan rental.
There is a natural ice rink which stays frozen longer thanks to the resort's altitude. You can also visit an ice grotto on Mt Cervinio. Other outdoor options are paragliding and horse riding.
Family fun
Cervinia's wide and generally easy pistes are family friendly, as are its mostly chair and cabin lifts.
Biancaneve (located near the ticket office and cable car station) accepts children from birth to age 10 in its non-ski nursery. There are three ski schools, with the Cervino Ski School operating a ski kindergarten for children aged four and older.
Biancaneve (located near the ticket office and cable car station) accepts children from birth to age 10 in its non-ski nursery. There are three ski schools, with the Cervino Ski School operating a ski kindergarten for children aged four and older.
Retail therapy
Cervinia's shopping opportunities are definitely above the ski resort norm, with about 70 shops in town, including some sharp fashion outlets up from Milan and jewellers for the well-heeled clientele.
Beyond these there is the usual selection of ski and souvenir stores, mini market, photographers, bakers, butchers and a shoe shop.
Beyond these there is the usual selection of ski and souvenir stores, mini market, photographers, bakers, butchers and a shoe shop.
Après ski
Cervinia can be lively at weekends and holiday periods when the in-crowd from Turin and Milan are in town, but equally it can be very quiet in the week. There are 30 or so bars to choose from.
Lo Yeti (Via Jean Baptiste Bich 10) is one of the more popular choices, and the Dragon Bar (Via Jean Baptiste Bich 3) tends to attract North Europeans, particularly for its satellite TV coverage of big sports events.
The Garage Disco Club (Località Giomein), one of two clubs, livens up after midnight and has a traditional dress code.
Lo Yeti (Via Jean Baptiste Bich 10) is one of the more popular choices, and the Dragon Bar (Via Jean Baptiste Bich 3) tends to attract North Europeans, particularly for its satellite TV coverage of big sports events.
The Garage Disco Club (Località Giomein), one of two clubs, livens up after midnight and has a traditional dress code.
Eating out
There are more than 50 restaurants in and around Cervinia so there's plenty of choice, and with its somewhat glitzy reputation, these include several gourmet establishments.
La Chandelle (Via Piolet 1) is in this category and offers local and international haute cuisine and an excellent wine list. La Taverna di Gargantua (Località Cielo Alto) is another quality choice.
For the Italian staples, Falcone (Via Meynet) does a great pizza. The Copa Pan (Via J A Carrel) is often lively and has an international selection.
La Chandelle (Via Piolet 1) is in this category and offers local and international haute cuisine and an excellent wine list. La Taverna di Gargantua (Località Cielo Alto) is another quality choice.
For the Italian staples, Falcone (Via Meynet) does a great pizza. The Copa Pan (Via J A Carrel) is often lively and has an international selection.
Getting around
Central Cervinia is relatively compact and bus services are banned. This means that it's possible to walk to and from the ski lifts from most accommodations, but also that if you arrive on a tour bus you may have to carry your luggage to your accommodation. Some outlying hotels organise their own shuttle services to the slopes.
Splashing out
The Hotel Miravidi (website: www.miravidi.com) organises all sorts of action snow sports if you fancy something really different. Snow kiting (if it's windy!) involves being towed along the snow on your skis or board pulled by a giant kite. Zorbing involves you being strapped inside a giant, transparent ‘hamster ball' and rolling down the snowy slopes. Dog sledding, snowmobiling and paragliding are also available.
Accommodation
Luxury
Hotel HermitageLuxurious Relais & Chateaux hotel 300m (940ft) from the town centre, with 34 rooms and a spa reserved for guests.
Via Piolet 1
Tel: (0166) 948 998.
Website: www.hotelhermitage.com
Moderate
Hotel The DragonFriendly small hotel with great views of the Matterhorn, and the popular Thistle bar on site.
Via Jean Baptiste Bich 3
Tel: (0166) 948 085.
Website: www.hoteldragon.it
Budget
Leonardo CarrellFamily-run 1-star accommodation, with satellite television in all rooms, 1km (0.6 miles) from the resort centre.
Frazione Avouil 1
Tel: (0166) 949 077.
Website: www.albergocarrel.it
Getting there
Nearest airport: Turin (TRN); Milan (MXP).
Distance to resort: 1 hour 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Driving time: 118km (74 miles); 160km (100 miles).
Nearest railway station: Chatillon St Vincent.
Distance to resort: 25km (16 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes
Distance to resort: 1 hour 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Driving time: 118km (74 miles); 160km (100 miles).
Nearest railway station: Chatillon St Vincent.
Distance to resort: 25km (16 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes
Website
This resort is good for...
Snow reliability, Summer skiing, Après ski, Intermediates, Experts, Families, Snowboarders, Beginners
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