Breuil-Cervinia ski holidays

Breuil-Cervinia ski holidays

ABTA & ATOL Protection
ABTA & ATOL Protection

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities

Breuil-Cervinia ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (7,099 REVIEWS)
7,099 REVIEWS

Breuil-Cervinia is where big-mountain skiing meets Italian warmth. Set beneath the iconic north face of the Matterhorn in Italy's Aosta Valley, this high-altitude resort combines dramatic scenery with exceptional snow reliability. The village sits at 2,050m, with skiing reaching 3,480m on one of the highest lift-served points in Europe, the Plateau Rosa glacier. The glacier ensures a generous season from late October through early May, with summer skiing available too.

With 104km of pistes and 43 runs, Breuil-Cervinia's terrain leans towards sweeping blues and reds, with wide-open bowls and descents that seem to go on forever. The skiing suits everyone from families and beginners finding their feet to experienced skiers seeking long, cruisy runs. Factor in the link to Zermatt across the Swiss border, and you've got access to one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world.

Beyond the slopes, Cervinia offers Italian mountain hospitality at its best - excellent food, genuine character, and a relaxed, authentic village atmosphere. Expect proper Italian coffee, sun-drenched terraces, and a pace that encourages leisurely lunches as much as vertical metres.

Check out Breuil-Cervinia ski deals to start planning your trip.

Breuil-Cervinia resort facts
Ski areaMatterhorn Ski Paradise
Total slopes226 km
Easy slopes35 runs
Intermediate slopes83 runs
Expert slopes13 runs
Number of lifts54
Snow range1,524 m - 3,899 m
Resort height2,050 m
Snow parks2
Rating by ski level
Beginners
10/10
Intermediates
8/10
Experts
6/10
Snowboarders
6/10
Rating by group type
Friends
4/10
Families
7/10
Couples
5/10
Transfer times to Breuil-Cervinia
Turin airport1 hr 30 min
Milan Malpensa airport2 hr
Geneva airport2 hr 45 min

Breuil-Cervinia ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (7,099 REVIEWS)
7,099 REVIEWS

Breuil-Cervinia is where big-mountain skiing meets Italian warmth. Set beneath the iconic north face of the Matterhorn in Italy's Aosta Valley, this high-altitude resort combines dramatic scenery with exceptional snow reliability. The village sits at 2,050m, with skiing reaching 3,480m on one of the highest lift-served points in Europe, the Plateau Rosa glacier. The glacier ensures a generous season from late October through early May, with summer skiing available too.

With 104km of pistes and 43 runs, Breuil-Cervinia's terrain leans towards sweeping blues and reds, with wide-open bowls and descents that seem to go on forever. The skiing suits everyone from families and beginners finding their feet to experienced skiers seeking long, cruisy runs. Factor in the link to Zermatt across the Swiss border, and you've got access to one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world.

Beyond the slopes, Cervinia offers Italian mountain hospitality at its best - excellent food, genuine character, and a relaxed, authentic village atmosphere. Expect proper Italian coffee, sun-drenched terraces, and a pace that encourages leisurely lunches as much as vertical metres.

Check out Breuil-Cervinia ski deals to start planning your trip.

Breuil-Cervinia resort facts
Ski areaMatterhorn Ski Paradise
Total slopes226 km
Easy slopes35 runs
Intermediate slopes83 runs
Expert slopes13 runs
Number of lifts54
Snow range1,524 m - 3,899 m
Resort height2,050 m
Snow parks2
Rating by ski level
Beginners
10/10
Intermediates
8/10
Experts
6/10
Snowboarders
6/10
Rating by group type
Friends
4/10
Families
7/10
Couples
5/10
Transfer times to Breuil-Cervinia
Turin airport1 hr 30 min
Milan Malpensa airport2 hr
Geneva airport2 hr 45 min

Breuil-Cervinia skiing & snowboarding

Skiing in Breuil-Cervinia feels expansive and unhurried. Wide, forgiving slopes let you build rhythm and confidence, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn as a constant backdrop. High altitude means snow stays reliable, and on clear days, the glacier skiing feels almost otherworldly.

Skiing for beginners in Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The nursery slopes near Plan Maison offer a gentle introduction with dependable snow and plenty of space to practise. Once you've found your balance, longer blue runs with mellow gradients make progression feel natural rather than forced.

The descent from Plateau Rosa back to the village is often cited as one of the best runs for developing skiers - 11km of cruising that builds confidence without difficult surprises. English-speaking instructors are available at the local ski schools, and the relaxed Italian approach creates an encouraging learning environment.

Intermediate skiing in Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia is essentially an intermediate's playground. With 28 reds and 12 blues, you'll find kilometres of beautifully groomed slopes sweeping across the mountain. The Ventina and Bontadini runs are local favourites - long, rolling descents with enough gradient to keep things interesting without becoming exhausting.

The link to Valtournenche extends your options further, with more challenging reds that test your technique on steeper pitches. For a real adventure, take the cable car up to Plateau Rosa and ski the glacier - at this altitude, snow is often at its best, and the views into Switzerland are spectacular.

WeSki insider tip: The Ventina piste holds snow well into the afternoon and rarely gets icy - save it for your last run of the day when other slopes are getting scraped.

Advanced and expert skiing in Breuil-Cervinia

Advanced skiers will find Breuil-Cervinia's on-piste offering more limited - but there's still worthwhile skiing here. Three black runs deliver genuine steep pitches, and the Gran Sometta provides a proper leg-burner with sustained gradient and often challenging conditions on its exposed face. That said, experts typically visit for the scenery and snow reliability rather than extreme terrain.

The real draw is the off-piste potential and access to Zermatt's more demanding slopes. Itinerary routes between the two resorts reward strong skiers with high-alpine adventure. For serious off-piste, hire a guide - the glacier demands respect and local knowledge.

WeSki insider tip: Book a guide for the Ventina valley descent - it's an unmarked itinerary with 1,400m of vertical and powder stashes that rarely get tracked out.

Snowboarding in Breuil-Cervinia

Snowboarders will appreciate the wide, open slopes with minimal flat sections. The Indian Park terrain park offers progression from beginner boxes to advanced kickers and rails, maintained even in summer. Glacier runs provide excellent early and late-season riding when lower resorts are struggling for cover.

Off-piste skiing in Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia's altitude and glacier terrain open up serious off-piste possibilities. The couloirs accessible from Plateau Rosa and the powder fields of the Theodul glacier attract freeride enthusiasts throughout the season. Local guides know the safest lines and can access slopes that stay untracked for days after snowfall.

Breuil-Cervinia snow school and lessons

Ski schools here cater to all ages and abilities, with the Scuola di Sci del Cervino being the largest and most established. Group and private lessons are available, and English-speaking instructors teach throughout the season. Children's programmes include all-day options with lunch supervision. The mellow slopes make Cervinia excellent for learning, and the Italian teaching style is typically patient and encouraging.

Breuil-Cervinia snow parks

The Indian Park is Breuil-Cervinia's main terrain park, located in the Plan Maison area. It features jumps, rails, and boxes suited to different ability levels, with solid progression opportunities. Regular shaping keeps features in good condition, and high altitude ensures reliable snow coverage throughout the season.

Breuil-Cervinia piste map

Breuil-Cervinia piste map
  1. Breuil-Cervinia Family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Breuil-Cervinia
  3. Planning your trip in Breuil-Cervinia
  4. How to get to Breuil-Cervinia
  5. Breuil-Cervinia FAQs

Breuil-Cervinia family ski holiday

Breuil-Cervinia works well for families with children of all ages. The gentle terrain means everyone can ski together rather than splitting up by ability, and the long, wide runs give kids plenty of room to find their feet without feeling overwhelmed. Italian hospitality extends warmly to families, you'll notice the difference in how relaxed the whole atmosphere feels.

Young children will enjoy the dedicated beginner areas and ski kindergarten programmes, while teenagers can test themselves in the terrain park or spend a day exploring the link to Zermatt. Off the slopes, the swimming pool complex, ice skating, and sledging runs keep non-skiing hours entertaining, and the village is compact enough for older kids to explore independently.

The village has plenty of family-friendly dining without any fuss. You'll find pizzerias and pasta spots serving crowd-pleasing Italian classics, and mountain rifugios with sunny terraces where kids can play in the snow between courses. The relaxed Italian approach to mealtimes works in your favour - long lunches are the norm, portions are generous, and nobody rushes you out the door.

WeSki insider tip: Book a mountain lunch at one of the rifugios on the Plateau Rosà - the views of the Matterhorn are spectacular, and kids will love the novelty of eating at nearly 3,500m.

Things to do in Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia offers more than just skiing. The village and surrounding area provide plenty of ways to fill rest days or evenings, from adrenaline-fuelled activities to more relaxed pursuits that make the most of the stunning mountain setting.

Set beneath the iconic Matterhorn, Breuil-Cervinia's high-altitude location and wide-open landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a variety of winter experiences. Whether you're looking to add some adrenaline to your trip or slow the pace on a rest day, there's plenty to enjoy in the village and surrounding areas.

Snow activities

Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Breuil-Cervinia delivers a range of snow-based activities that make the most of its vast terrain and high-mountain environment. These experiences are ideal for adding variety to your week in the Italian Alps.

  • Snowshoeing: Guided snowshoe excursions through the Valtournenche Valley, offering peaceful trails and Matterhorn views.
  • Cross-country skiing: Groomed Nordic trails around Lago Blu, perfect for scenic, low-impact skiing.
  • Ice climbing: Guided ice climbing on frozen waterfalls near the resort for adventurous climbers.
  • Heli-skiing: Advanced heli-ski experiences accessing untouched powder and remote high-alpine terrain.
  • Ski touring: Expert-led ski touring routes into the backcountry for confident skiers seeking off-piste exploration.
  • Snowmobiling: Snowmobile tours on dedicated circuits, providing a fast-paced alternative to skiing.
  • Night skiing: Evening skiing sessions on floodlit slopes for a different after-dark mountain experience.
  • Sledging: Dedicated sledging runs suitable for families, groups, and all ages.
  • Guided glacier walks: Guided walks on the Plateau Rosa glacier, combining spectacular scenery with alpine insight.

Non-snow activities

When you need a break from the slopes, Breuil-Cervinia offers plenty of ways to enjoy the mountains at a slower pace. These off-snow experiences make the most of the resort's high-altitude setting beneath the Matterhorn:

  • Swimming & sports centre: Indoor swimming pool and spa facilities at the local sports centre, ideal for rest days and recovery.
  • Ice skating: Outdoor ice rink in the village centre offering classic winter skating with mountain views.
  • Winter hiking: Cleared mountain paths for scenic walks through snow-covered landscapes.
  • Hotel spa treatments: Wide range of wellness treatments available at hotel spas across the resort.
  • Village shopping: Browse Italian fashion, ski wear, and local crafts along the main street.
  • Matterhorn viewpoints: Take in iconic Matterhorn views from the Plateau Rosa observation deck.
  • Alpine Museum: Learn about local mountaineering history and life in the high Alps.
  • Day trip to Aosta: Easy excursions to Aosta to explore Roman ruins and enjoy regional wine tasting.

Breuil-Cervinia restaurants

Italian mountain cuisine doesn't disappoint in Breuil-Cervinia. From hearty pasta dishes to local Valdostan specialities, you'll eat well both on and off the mountain. Expect hearty flavours, excellent local ingredients, and memorable settings beneath the Matterhorn.

Here are some recommendations:

  • Ristorante Matterhorn: Upscale dining offering creative takes on regional classics, paired with stunning Matterhorn views.
  • Lo Ratrak: Cosy chalet-style restaurant known for generous portions of homemade pasta and warming alpine dishes.
  • Baita Cretaz: Popular slope-side favourite for long lunches, featuring a sunny terrace and occasional live music.
  • Les Neiges d'Antan: Refined mountain dining housed in a historic building, complemented by an impressive wine cellar.
  • Copa Pan: Buzzing pizzeria serving excellent wood-fired pizzas late into the evening.
  • Ristorante Al Solito Posto: Friendly local spot specialising in authentic Valdostan fonduta and regional specialities.
  • La Bricole: Traditional Valdostana cuisine served in a welcoming, rustic village setting.
  • Igloo: On-mountain restaurant at Plateau Rosa offering panoramic glacier views and relaxed high-altitude dining.
  • Chalet Etoile: Iconic piste-accessed restaurant famous for champagne lunches at 2,700m.

WeSki insider tip: Aosta Valley specialities include fontina cheese fondue, carbonada (beef stew), and polenta concia (polenta with melted cheese). The local wines from the valley are excellent and underrated.

Breuil-Cervinia après-ski

Après-ski in Breuil-Cervinia follows a distinctly Italian rhythm - relaxed, sociable, and centred on good company rather than wild partying. Think aperitivo culture, quality wine, and easy conversation, often enjoyed with the Matterhorn glowing in the background as the sun sets.

Most days wind down with a spritz or glass of wine on a sun terrace before moving on to dinner, followed by a quieter bar later in the evening. The atmosphere is friendly and unhurried, making it especially well suited to couples and families. That said, there are livelier spots if you're in the mood, and live music or DJs are easy to find, particularly around the main piazza on weekend evenings.

Après-ski spots worth knowing include:

  • Yeti Bar: The liveliest après-ski spot in Cervinia, buzzing from around 4pm with DJs, dancing, and a fun crowd.
  • Dragon Bar: Central bar with an outdoor terrace, good cocktails, and a sociable early-evening atmosphere.
  • Chimera Café: Relaxed wine bar offering an extensive Italian wine list and classic aperitivo snacks.
  • Lino's Bar: Old-school local bar full of character, known for its strong grappa selection and friendly regulars.
  • Hostellerie des Guides Bar: Elegant hotel bar with a fireplace and mountain views, ideal for quieter, refined drinks.
  • Etoile: Late-night option for those with energy left after dinner, offering music and dancing into the evening.

Breuil-Cervinia map

Breuil-Cervinia map

Planning your trip to Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia accommodation

Breuil-Cervinia is compact, so most accommodation sits within walking distance of the main lifts. The village clusters around the piazza, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and the main gondola station. Staying central puts everything within easy reach, though you'll use the lifts to access the slopes each morning.

Hotels range from cosy three-stars to more upscale options with spa facilities. Apartments and chalets are available but less common. For ski-in/ski-out convenience, look at properties in the Cretaz area - you'll have direct piste access, with the trade-off being a 10-minute walk to the village for evening dining.

WeSki insider tips:

  • For ski-in/ski-out access, Cretaz is the best area, just a 10-minute walk to village centre
  • The village centre area is walking distance to restaurants and bars, and a short walk to the main gondola.
  • Plan Maison area has mid-mountain options via gondola, which are quieter but require lift access.

Breuil-Cervinia ski pass

Several ski pass options cover Breuil-Cervinia's terrain, and your choice depends on how far you want to roam. The basic Cervinia-Valtournenche pass covers the Italian slopes, including access to the linked resort of Valtournenche lower down the valley. Its lift system uses contactless technology, so keep your pass in your pocket and the barriers open automatically.

You can select your lift pass options when building your Breuil-Cervinia ski package on WeSki.

Equipment hire

Several rental shops operate in Breuil-Cervinia, clustered around the village centre and near the main lift stations. You'll find everything from basic starter packages to high-performance gear for experienced skiers. Booking in advance is recommended during peak periods, though same-day hire is usually possible.

Most shops offer overnight storage, so you don't need to lug boots and skis back to your accommodation each evening. If you're staying away from the centre, check whether your rental shop offers a delivery service to your hotel.

Getting around Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia is compact enough that most visitors get around on foot. The village centre is largely pedestrianised, making it easy to navigate between hotels, restaurants, and main lifts. If you're staying slightly outside the centre or in the Cretaz area, the walk to amenities takes 10-15 minutes.

A free ski bus runs between the village and outlying areas during the day, though services can be limited in the evening. Taxis are available, and if you need one for dinner or late evening we recommend you book.

How to get to Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia is accessible from several airports in northern Italy and Switzerland. Turin is the closest major airport at approximately 100km, while Milan Malpensa sits around 170km away. Geneva is also an option at roughly 260km, particularly useful if combining your trip with time in Switzerland.

The drive from Turin takes you through the dramatic Aosta Valley, climbing steadily as the mountains close in around you. The final stretch up to the resort involves some switchback roads, so winter tyres or chains are essential. Train travellers can reach Chatillon-Saint-Vincent station on the main Aosta line, then take a bus or taxi for the final 27km up to the resort.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Breuil-Cervinia. Add them to your package for seamless door-to-door travel. Browse Breuil-Cervinia ski deals to build your complete trip.

Breuil-Cervinia FAQs

Is Breuil-Cervinia good for beginners?

Breuil-Cervinia is excellent for beginners. The wide, gentle slopes make learning feel less intimidating than in many other resorts, and the high altitude ensures reliable snow throughout the season. The nursery areas at Plan Maison offer dedicated space to practise away from faster skiers, and once you're ready to venture further, the blue runs here are notably forgiving - wide and mellow with no sudden surprises.

How reliable is the snow in Breuil-Cervinia?

Very reliable. Breuil-Cervinia's high altitude is its secret weapon - with the village at 2,050m and skiing up to 3,480m on the glacier, snow conditions stay consistent even when lower resorts are suffering. The Plateau Rosa glacier allows skiing from late October through early May in most years, giving one of the longest seasons in the Alps. Snowmaking supplements natural snowfall on key lower runs, so coverage is rarely an issue.

Can you ski between Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt?

Yes, and it's one of the highlights of a Breuil-Cervinia ski holiday. The two resorts are linked via the Klein Matterhorn cable car and glacier runs, creating one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas. You'll need an International lift pass to cross into Switzerland, and passport checks have been known to occur, so carry ID. The skiing on the Zermatt side is generally more challenging with steeper terrain, making it a rewarding day trip for confident intermediates and above.

Is Breuil-Cervinia expensive?

Breuil-Cervinia offers better value than many comparable high-altitude resorts, particularly those in France and Switzerland. Italian mountain food and drink prices are generally reasonable, and accommodation ranges from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. The international lift pass is pricier than the local pass, but if you're crossing to Zermatt, you'll appreciate that Italian prices feel positively reasonable compared to Swiss ones. Overall, expect mid-range Alps pricing with good value for money.

What's the après-ski like in Breuil-Cervinia?

Expect a relaxed, Italian-style après scene rather than Austrian-style party anthems. The afternoon winds down with aperitivos on sunny terraces and progresses to leisurely dinners featuring excellent local cuisine. There are livelier bars for those seeking them - the Yeti Bar gets going from late afternoon - but the overall vibe is civilised and sociable rather than raucous. Families and couples will feel comfortable throughout the village.

When does Breuil-Cervinia's ski season run?

Breuil-Cervinia enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, typically opening in late October and running through to early May. The glacier skiing at Plateau Rosa can remain open even when lower slopes close, and in good snow years, some summer skiing is possible. The resort's high altitude means reliable conditions throughout, though the best combination of snow quality and weather is usually found from December through March.

Is Breuil-Cervinia good for expert skiers?

The local terrain is predominantly intermediate - not primarily for experts seeking steep challenge. The Zermatt connection opens up more demanding options. Off-piste potential exists with guides. Experts often visit for the scenery and reliability rather than extreme terrain.

When can you ski in Breuil-Cervinia?

The season runs from late October to early May - one of Europe's longest. The glacier offers summer skiing (typically June-September with reduced terrain). Snow reliability is exceptional throughout the main season thanks to the altitude.

What is the longest run from Breuil-Cervinia?

The descent from Klein Matterhorn (3,883m) to Valtournenche (1,524m) covers approximately 20km and over 2,300m vertical - one of the longest lift-served descents in Europe. It's intermediate-graded and genuinely memorable.

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