Cervinia Italy ski resort: travel and skiing guide
We’d initially booked a ski trip to Megéve but realized there was basically no snow on the slopes just a few weeks before departing. It was mid-January and we wanted to find a sure resort in the Alps with beautiful landscapes. That’s when Cervinia popped up on our radar and oh, what a fantastic shift in plans it turned out to be. Perched on the Swiss border, offering breathtaking views of iconic Matterhorn and an elegant village, Cervinia proved to be one of Europe’s top ski destinations. To inspire and help you plan a trip to this Alpine gem, I crafted this bespoke Cervinia Italy ski resort travel and skiing guide. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover in this post:
Best things to do in Cervinia
Cervinia is a renowned ski resort situated in the Aosta Valley of Italy. Boasting access to the vast ski area of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, it offers an extensive network of pistes catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. As a top European ski-resort, winter sports like ski and snowboard are naturally the top thing to do in Cervinia. However, Cervinia goes way beyond as a destination and offer a myriad of things to do for non-skiers as well. Let’s explore our curated list of best things to do in Cervinia!
1) Have a meal at Chalet Etoile
Of all amazing experiences we had in Cervinia, having meals at Chalet Etoile were the most memorable of them. There’s just something magic about having a delicious pasta surrounded by mountains and a cozy alpine atmosphere. And that’s exactly what Chalet Etoile provides. Perched amidst the slopes of Cervinia, this restaurant boasts a luxurious terrace and innovative fusion cuisine, blending rustic alpine flavors with exotic seafood. It’s an absolute must-try in Cervinia and one of the best mountain restaurants in the world!
There are two main options during lunch. The first is a reduced menu which can be enjoyed without reservation and at the main area of the restaurant. In sunny days, it’s possible to sit outdoors and enjoy the most beautiful views while having your meal or drink. The second is a la-carte section of the restaurant where you can order from a more elaborate and varied menu. You’ll need reservation for that, also if you want to book a private dinner experience at the chalet. Oh, they also serve delicious pastries, so make sure to plan stop overs in the afternoons as well!
2) Ski from Cervinia to Zermatt
Since July 2023 it’s possible to travel from Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt and vice versa through the highest border crossing in the Alps. Non-skiers and beginners will also be able to enjoy the unique experience that was exclusive to expert skiers before. Visiting Zermatt is a dream and now everyone can enjoy the best of the Italian and Swiss Alps in the same trip!
This is huge news for me, since I didn’t feel confident enough to traverse to Zermatt in a red slope last year. Can’t wait to go back and ski between resorts, like we did in the Three Valleys in France this year. Zermatt is one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve visited and is worth any effort to get there!
To make the most of your day trip to Zermatt hire a private guide to show you the best runs in the region!
3) Explore the village of Cervinia
Exploring the timeless village of Breiul-Cervinia, adorned by the Matterhorn’s majestic backdrop, is a wonder. Small in size but lively in nature, the village is filled with restaurants, hotels and shops. We absolute loved the delightful alpine atmosphere of Cervinia, emphasized by the historical buildings and mountains that surround it.
I’d recommend staying in the village to enjoy ski-in ski-out convenience and proximity to excellent restaurants and après-ski options. Cervinia is a small, car-free and cozy village which you can easily explore by foot during the days and evenings of your stay!
4) Have an oysters and champagne aprés-ski
Nestled amidst the charming village streets lies a hidden gem that promises the ultimate après-ski experience: an enchanting oyster and champagne stall. A chic, practical and authentic way to rejuvenate after exhilarating runs and before the evening unfolds. We found ourselves irresistibly drawn to this stall time and time again, making strategic pit stops on our journey back to the hotel. After enjoying oysters and bubbles, we we’re set to relax and enjoy the evening!
The stall stands by Casa Montana restaurant, close to Uainot Shop Cervinia.
5) Take a panoramic walk in town
A stormy day in the slopes gave us some quality time to explore the village of Cervinia and nearby walks. Just a stone’s throw away from Hotel Miravidi, we stumbled upon a couple of pathways leading up the mountains amidst charming chalets and awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Mount Cervinio. While the primary route follows Segnavia 13EE, we wholeheartedly recommend venturing off the beaten path to explore different trails and perspectives of the mountains. It’s the perfect thing to do during bad-weather days, combined with some spa time!
6) Snow activities
Besides skiing, you will be able enjoy a myriad of fun snow activities in Cervinia. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, snow biking, tobogganing and cross-country skiing are some of the best options. But if you’re interested in an adrenaline-fueled experience, you may want to try a paragliding flight or Helinski over the mountains or a snowmobile excursion!
7) Visit Lago Blu
In close proximity to Cervinia lies a breathtaking natural wonder: Lago Blu. In the summer, the lake boasts ever-changing hues of blue and green, courtesy of the unique algae thriving within its depths. On clear days, the grandeur of the Matterhorn is mirrored in its serene waters, creating picture-perfect sceneries. During winter the lake freezes and gets covered by snow, but it’s nonetheless a beautiful place to visit. A short hike leads to Lake Goillet, where breathtaking vistas of towering peaks such as the Col du Teodulo, the Testa Grisa, and the Dent d’Hérens await, promising unforgettable moments of awe!
8) Skiing in Salette
Salette is a nearby skiing area with exciting blue and red runs. It’s easy to reach from Cervinia, and you can commute by car or local bus, or even ski from one area to the other. We spent a day skiing in Salette and had an amazing lunch at “La Motta”, a super cozy restaurant chalet on the slopes. Definitely recommend spending some hours in Salette in case you’re staying in Cervinia for a week!
Best spa hotels in Cervinia
If you’re a frequent reader of the blog or an instagram follower, you already know we are BIG lovers of spa hotels. There’s nothing quite enjoying the wellness center, especially after a full day of strenuous skiing. So, in Cervinia, as well as other Alpine destinations, I recommend booking a boutique spa hotel to make the most of what the winter season has to offer. These are my top spa hotel picks in Cervinia:
Where to stay in Cervinia: best hotels
We stayed at Hotel Sporting, a comfortable and reasonably priced hotel in the heart of Cervinia village. Our room had great views to the Matterhorn the ski-in ski-out location couldn’t have been greater for us. I’d recommend staying there if you’re on a budget, but if you can splurge a little more, these are greater options:
In case you want to explore other hotel options besides the ones I recommended above, please research using our Booking.com link. When you book through this link, we may earn a small commission and you won’t pay extra for this. It’s a win-win, so thanks in advance! 🙂
Skiing in Cervinia
Cervinia alone has 322 km of slopes and 38 km of ski pistes. Combined, the resorts of Cervinia, Valtournenche and Zermatt have 350 km of slopes connected through a network of lifts and pistes. Which means, a myriad of routes and moments to enjoy with an international skiing card in hands. These slopes cater perfectly for beginner and intermediate skiers, having most of the runs classified as blue and reds. But there are exciting pistes for experts as well, so let’s explore the options:
Cervinia for Beginners: Cervinia is a great ski resort for beginners. For those venturing onto the slopes for the first time, the village nursery slope is the best place to hone skills and boost confidence. With a magic carpet for beginners and a nearby chairlift for progression, learners can swiftly ascend to Plan Maison, an ideal hub for refining techniques amidst gentle blue runs. Once you feel more confident, explore the easy blues of Cervinia and Salette!
Italy only use 3 colors to mark slopes: blue, red, black. As there are no green runs, it’s important to research if the piste is closer to red or green standards.
Intermediate Skiing in Cervinia: Cervinia boasts an array of long intermediate ski runs across its peaks. From Theodulpass or Plateau Rosa you can pick an array of exciting red slopes. If you’re comfortable with all types of red runs, I recommend making daytrips to Valtourneche and Zermatt. That’s how you’ll make the most of the network of ski runs and lifts in the area!
Advanced Skiers in Cervinia: Cervinia has a couple of black runs named Cieloalto 1 and 2, but if that’s not enough challenge to you, head to Zermatt and enjoy epic expert skiing with Matterhorn view.
Best ski runs in Cervinia
- N. 7 Ventina from Plateau Rosa to Cervinia
- Rocce Bianche in Cervinia
- Plan Torrete in Cervinia
- Plan Maison in Cervinia
- Rientro in Salette
- La Reine Blanche to Valtournenche
Best restaurants in Cervinia
It’s no secret that food in Italy is beyond delicious and it couldn’t be different in Cervinia. Here, you’ll find an array of exceptional restaurants offering everything from typical Italian Alpine fare to innovative fusion dishes and traditional pasta options. The dining scene is as diverse as it is democratic, catering to every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving a rustic homemade pizza or seeking a refined dining experience at a Michelin-starred establishment, Cervinia has it all. Here are my top restaurant recommendations in Cervinia:
- Wood, a Michelin starred restaurant: Named for its woodsy decor, the restaurant seamlessly blends Scandinavian, Italian, and Asian influences. Led by a female chef from Swedish Lapland, Wood is a must visit for foodies and lovers of wine.
- Chalet Etoile: Perched amidst the slopes of Cervinia and boasting a beautiful terrace, this is a must visit restaurant. You can either opt for a reduced lunch menu with friendly prices or book a table at a la carte section for a more luxurious experience.
- Bontandini: Perched at 3,100m, Bontandini captivates with its local charcuterie boards, handmade Italian pasta, and signature slow-braised game dishes. All against the backdrop of panoramic mountain views and followed by a delicious espresso.
- Les Neiges d’Antan: A classic and idyllic restaurant in Cervinia, boasting cozy nooks by the open fire. This is also a hotel spa and a very recommended place to stay!
- La Bricole: We visited this restaurant multiple times and it never disappointed. Conveniently located at Plan Mason with hearty dishes and fair prices, this has got to be one of the best places to have lunch and enjoy after skiing drinks. The views from the terrace are pristine!
- Le Bistrot de l’Abbe: A lively restaurant to visit in the evenings, serving traditional Italian and Alpine dishes. The wine selection is great, but we tough the service was a bit too much even though that’s what reviews on Tripadvisor praise the most!
- Pizzeria La Grotta: delicious homemade pizzas with a lively atmosphere. One of the most popular and well rated restaurants in Cervinia. We ordered a risotto and a calzone and they were both delicious!
- Jour et Nuit: a cute little restaurant serving traditional alpine dishes such as polentas and sausages. Their menu is reasonably priced, and I definitely recommend visiting it while in the center of Cervinia.
- Le Blason: we had a great experience at Le Blason, having ordered a risotto and fondue and enjoyed delicious food. Latest reviews on Tripadvisor were not so positive, so I would double check the restaurant before booking a table.
Best after-ski in Cervinia
Breuil-Cervinia may be a small town, but come ski season, its nightlife bursts into life. The après-ski scene is exciting and diverse and offer skiers a chance to unwind and socialize. For those with boundless energy, the party can continue well into the night. Here are some of the best bars in Cervinia for enjoying après skiing:
- LOVE Restaurant & Après-Ski: Located at Plan Torrette, directly on the slopes, this is a popular spot for après skiing. Great burgers and bruschettas are paired with live DJ set making of LOVE a perfect place to have a few drinks before tackling the last run down to the village.
- La Champagnerie du Cervin: Renowned for its extensive collection of champagnes and sparkling wine, La Champangnerie is upscale place for après skiing in Cervinia. There you can savor fine bubbles amidst mountaineering antiques dating back to the 1700s. This is a popular spot and epitomizes the spirit of après-ski indulgence.
- Umbrella Bar: The music will guide you to Umbrella Bar, a lively spot for après skiing at the foot of the slopes. This is a hotspot for both locals and tourists and boast live music on Wednesdays.
- Lino’s Bar: Close to Cervinia’s ice rink, Lino’s bar is a popular après ski sot run by father and son duo. Known for its friendly atmosphere and live music Sundays, it offers great views of the Matterhorn. It’s a great place for a laid-back drink after a day on the slopes.
- Après Ski Bar: Conveniently located in the run back to the village, Après Ski Bar promises an unforgettable après-ski experience. Situated within the charming Hotel Principe delle Nevi, this hotspot is renowned for its authentic cocktails, live DJ sets, as well as live gigs. A perfect spot on the slopes!
- Ymeletrob Champagne Lounge: A perfect spot to savor a glass of champagne or a crafted cocktail before dinner, amidst soulful music and local art that set the stage for refined relaxation. Despite its elegant facade, this sophisticated venue transforms into a lively party destination after 10 p.m and is the go-to partying spot for many visitors.
How to get to Cervinia
Turin is the most convenient airport for getting to Cervinia, as with a car you can reach the resort in less than 2 hours. Alternatively, Milan (Malpensa, Linate and Geneva), as well as Geneva airports are good options to fly to. We landed Milan Bergamo, as this was the best option flying from Stockholm and with a rental car, we reached Cervinia in about 2,5 hours.
How to get from Milan to Cervinia
Although it’s possible to catch a train to Chatillon Saint Vincent and from there take a cab to Cervinia, renting a car is the most practical and cheap option to commute from Milan to Cervinia. That’s what we did and recommend, as the journey was beautiful and safe. In Cervinia, you’ll need snow tires or chains, and if possible, an all-wheel drive or 4WD for added safety. We rented a car with snow tires, and it wasn’t enough to go up the hills of Cervinia in days of extreme snow, so I recommend booking an appropriate vehicle.
I recommend booking a rental car through Discover Cars. We have used their services multiple times and never had a problem. Plus, they always have the best rates if you book in advance!
Cervinia Italy ski resort travel guide
Now for the practical tips and informations about Cervinia. Let’s uncover some of the most asked questions about the destination in our highly curated Cervinia Italy ski resort travel guide.
