Ski paradise in Cervinia
“Skiing in Cervinia sets quality bar so high. This quiet Italian town shows unprecedented devotion to winter sports which enriches your excitement and admiration to its nature and tradition…”
Just a few places in the Alps can claim to have such an incredible touch with the essence of skiing, without trying to reach any type of fancy ski resort concept. It seems that Matterhorn peak, between northern Italy and Switzerland decided to divide fairy tale slopes in two directions. One, leading to iconic, charming and famous Zermatt ski resort, and the other, leading to its Italian sister – Breuil Cervinia.
Located on the north-western tip of Italy and guarded by 4475m (14692ft) high Matterhorn summit, Cervinia stands for one of the best snow-sure areas in Europe. It is undisputed ski jewel of the famous Aosta Valley region, and I could not believe, that winter vacation in Cervinia, finally became reality for me and my family. Having our rented studio at 2079m (7119ft) altitude, was more than perfect for the start. We were aware, how serious part of the Alps we are dealing with. Snow depth easily reached 3m (10ft) in town, and incredible 4.2m (13.8ft) on the slopes!
… an Alpine town that lives tor winter sports
Charming Cervinia town center
Center of Cervinia, Italy
Perfect ski slopes of Cervinia
For the next two weeks of our winter vacation, we haven’t seen a piece of asphalt, just beautiful whiteness everywhere. I always preferred to use Italian resorts in the winter, specially when my son was under eight years old. Kids get free ski pass, if a parent pays a full fee. Thirteen days ski pass, for two of us was only 384EUR, which is truly affordable price for such a fabulous resort with more than 180km of ski runs.
First morning, my son and I were ready for a very short, blue slope No 2. We wanted to test our technique, being close to the city. Second option, with way more speed involved, was blue No.5 – very enjoyable run, but frequently closed due to avalanche danger.
Matterhorn summit view from Cervinia
Next day, it was time to test the closest red slopes. Plan Torrette point and slope No.3 attracted our attention. It provided great variety of terrain, enabling us to practice our turns and speed on steeper parts, while being relaxed on easier sections of the slope. After a week, this slope became our testing ground, and we were able to do it almost blindfolded. Network of spectacular runs just started to reveal its potential. Eastern side of ski area close to Matterhorn offered fabulous slope No.9, where sometimes, you simply need to stop for a unique photo. Red runs 27 and 29 are great during the morning, while later, they become demanding, due to hoopsters. One of the main hubs of ski lift traffic is certainly Plan Maison point, with possibility to easily reach, high altitude, Thedoulpass area.
Ski break in sunny Cervinia
From there, you can say “hi” to Swiss ski slopes and enter another country from Italy (this was our adventure fair enough for another article). Otherwise, you can simply enjoy perfectly wide and super prepared, red and blue run No.6. No matter how many skiers you are facing on these slopes, you will have plenty of space for your maneuvering. Our excitement continued, because wherever we skied, there were no queues for the ski lifts at all.
Plateau Rosa gondola above the clouds, Cervinia
After exploring majority of the area, it was time to embrace Italian slopes in Cervinia entirely. We took a super modern gondola to Plato Rosa, reaching 3450m (11318ft) altitude. Oh God, what a view. No, it’s more than that. Nature with all its power and magic. Sharp, mighty mountain peaks, ski runs, endless sea of snow intersected by charming valleys were posing just for our eyes.
From Plato Rosa, my son and I started to ski on a legendary, and one of the longest runs in Europe – La Ventina run, number 7. Skiing this 12km long red run, with six years old child is always an adventure. First part was quite steep and we did it slowly. Then came some easy parts, while fascinating winter landscapes were changing in front of us. We had some five short breaks, to finally reach Cervinia town.
My family and I at the Italian – Swiss mountain border
Panorama of mountain peaks above Cervinia, Plateau Rosa
Vertical drop of 1400m (4593ft) was done and one of the longest red runs was conquered. My legs were almost dying of pain, while my son shouted: “Daddy, can we do it again!?” Day after day, Cervinia continued to impress us with its charming, narrow streets and snowfalls on every second day. We made our gigantic family snowmen and enjoyed afternoon snow plays like never before. My son improved his skiing skills every day by practicing with his ski instructor for 50.00$ per hour. We started to feel Cervinia slopes as our second home. By the end of each day, traditional family stroll through the town was done with our superb snow activities, jokes, and purest family happiness.
Night charm of Cervinia
By the end of exciting two weeks, we realized how strongly we were connected with nature. It was clear how Cervinia attracts people who simply adore skiing, snowboarding, and those who deeply respect mountains and Alpine landscapes. Just a tiny memory from Cervinia still excites me. Far from fancy, “show off” Alpine resorts, but absolutely on the top of everything, quiet and hidden in the shadows of the Matterhorn, Cervinia ski paradise stays in our hearts forever.
Grazie per tutto incredibile Cervinia!!!
(Thanks for everything incredible Cervinia)
Travel Authentic. Live Inspired.
Ready for Cervinia skiing
Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
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