Of the 20 regions of Italy, Valle d’Aosta is among the lesser-known components for everyone who doesn’t like to go skiing. Among skiers from all over the continent however, Valle d’Aosta offers certainly some of the finest skiing in the Alps, and Cervinia is where the best of it happens.

Situated in the far northwest of the country near the mountain border with Switzerland, Cervinia is about 2 hours drive from the main northern airport in Italy (Malpensa). The alpine town is situated more than 2,000 meters above sea level, and on a clear day, the westering sun illuminates every square inch of the nearby Matterhorn’s magnificent 4,400 meter-high faces.

The town is technically called Breuil-Cervinia, and it’s the largest ski resort with the largest total hectares of slopes on the Italian side of the mountain range. Skiing here can go on even in summertime, with the season occasionally opening even in May.

Many news reports showed images of resorts closing due to record-high winter temperatures—but not Cervinia. If in doubt, check the 24-hour webcam.

At night once the skiing is done, the town is lit up with eateries offering typically-wonderful mountain Italian cuisine with a touch of French influence such as cheese fondue.

Doing a little research will likely save visitors a few hours of confusion, as well as unlock the full potential of the area as a destination.

A ‘Valle’ of confusion

Cervinia shares its fame (and ski pass tariffs) with another area called Valtournanch. Driving to Breuil-Cervinia involves traversing the same uphill road for several dozen kilometers, all the while a morass of tourist information signs might confuse one into believing they’ve found or missed their destination.

At a town called Paquier, and another just beyond it, there are other ski lifts, but these are not part of the overall Cervinia destination. At a location in Google Maps labeled: Cime Bianche Funivie Valtournanch, or Valtournanch White Peaks Cable Car, a massive sign reading “International Ski” hangs over a left turn.

Here is a ski rental shop and an official ticket counter for the various ski lifts. It’s a decent place to rent and buy passes, mainly because there’s ample parking. Attached to these is a ski lift that goes to a red slope, which is intermediate and dangerous for novices.

Remember that when buying tickets one pays per person, per day, per skiing area: in this case, Cervinia-Valtournanch are in the same zone. Furthermore, all rental kit must be returned there, and there are rental shops in Cervinia, though they’re likely more expensive if more convenient.

In any case, one must continue driving up the road for another 12 minutes before arriving in Cervinia.

The slopes (Piste)

The maps are well made, and provided it isn’t your first visit to a ski resort, they should be understandable. Three main lifts take skiers and boarders up to the slopes, or “piste” as you will commonly hear people call them after their Italian name.

Where you want to ski determines where you should park, but if you’re staying at a resort with parking included then ignore the next two paragraphs.

Upon driving through the short tunnel and entering the town, there is free parking on either side of the road, but they offer a long walk in ski boots, and there are no lockers anywhere to leave a pair of shoes in. Driving all the way up to the end of the free parking, just before the roundabout, it’s about one hundred meters to the Breuil Plan Maison lift (Lift A on the map) which goes to one of the main skiing areas, as well as the one with the kiddy slope for practice. There is a parking area under the lift, but it’s small and often full.

Otherwise, at the roundabout take a left turn and there’s free parking on the right side of the road for the Pancheron ski lift (Lift E). The Pancheron lift will take you nearly 900 meters up the mountain, with beginner, intermediate, and expert routes intermingling 900 meters back down. It is possible to do the blue slopes all the way down, but it’s grueling for first-timers. Lift A is the best area for beginners.

For experts or intermediate-level skiers, the T Lift, or Laghi Cimi Bianchi, will go up to nearly 3,000 meters. Afterwards it’s possible to ski into the neighboring area called Cimi Bianchi down a series of red slopes, or take the F Lift to Plateau Rosa at an eye-watering 3,500 meters above sea level, where there are routes on red and black slopes over a kilometer to Cervinia, or nearly 2 kilometers all the way back to the Valtournanch rental station.

Even in the workless period just after New Years, there was never more than a 1-minute wait to use the lifts.

All in all, Cervinia is about as close to skiing heaven as makes no difference, and based on its location and routes is probably the best for someone looking to go skiing for a few days, since the Dolomites east of Milan, and the famous resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo are 5 hours away by car. WaL

PICTURED ABOVE: The view from the summit of the Pancheron ski lift. PC: Andrew Corbley ©

Donate

If you think the stories you’ve just read were worth a few dollars, consider donating here to our modest $500-a-year administration costs.

 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Continue exploring this topic — Northern Italy — In Northern Italy Lago d’Orta is as Beautiful as It is Unknown

Continue exploring this topic — Skiing — Macugnaga – Trekking, Skiing, and Dining on Europe’s Second Highest Mountain

Continue exploring this topic — Northern Italy — The ‘Fungiatt’ Northern Italy’s Mushroom-Mad Mountain Men