Breuil-Cervinia is one of the most extraordinary ski areas in Europe. The village sits at 2,050 m at the foot of the Matterhorn (Cervino), and its slopes link up with Zermatt in Switzerland to form one of the largest and highest ski areas in the world: more than 360 km of slopes between 1,620 and 3,883 m.
Skiing in Cervinia gives you access to a unique cross-border ski area, with snow practically guaranteed all year round.
Cervinia centre: the classic choice
The centre of Breuil-Cervinia lies at about 2,050 m, making it one of the highest resort villages in Italy. The heart of the village, with the main lifts, shops and restaurants, is built around the main square, where the gondolas leave for Plan Maison and Plateau Rosa on the Swiss border.
The centre has the best position for the lifts, but prices are high to match. Nightlife is lively for a mountain resort, with several après-ski bars and traditional Aosta Valley restaurants.
Key points about staying in the centre:
- Direct access to the Cervinia-Plan Maison gondolas
- Restaurants with views of the Matterhorn
- Shops for ski gear and technical clothing
- High prices, especially in high season
- Limited parking (book covered parking in advance)
Prices in Cervinia centre
| Category | High season | Mid season | Low season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | €170-320 | €110-200 | €90-150 |
| 3-star | €100-200 | €75-140 | €65-100 |
| B&B / rooms | €80-150 | €60-110 | €50-80 |
| Apartment (sleeps 4) | €110-200 | €80-140 | €65-110 |
Breuil and Plan Maison: between the village and the mountain
The Breuil area (the resort’s historic name before it became Breuil-Cervinia) lies above the modern centre. Some properties here enjoy a prime position at a higher level, with quicker access to the upper slopes.
Plan Maison (2,561 m) is the mid-station of the ski area, 20-25 minutes by gondola from the village. There is no real accommodation up here, but being close to this level lets you reach the highest slopes and the Swiss border quickly.
Lower down and Valtournenche: the budget alternative
Heading down the valley from Cervinia, you pass hamlets and small villages where accommodation is noticeably cheaper. Valtournenche, the village that gives the valley its name, is about 8 km from Cervinia and has affordable places to stay.
| Area | Altitude | Distance from the centre | Average price | Getting to the lifts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervinia centre | 2,050 m | - | €130-250 | On foot |
| Perrères/Cret | 1,800-2,000 m | 2-3 km | €90-170 | Bus/shuttle |
| Valtournenche | 1,524 m | 8 km | €60-130 | Bus |
| Antey-Saint-André | 1,074 m | 18 km | €50-100 | Bus/car |
To find the best rates available:
See hotel availability and prices in Cervinia (affiliate link: the price you pay does not change).
The international Cervinia-Zermatt ski pass
The combined Cervinia-Zermatt ski pass is one of the most expensive in Europe, but also one of the most exclusive. It lets you ski both sides of the Matterhorn, crossing from the Aosta Valley into the Swiss canton of Valais via Plateau Rosa at 3,480 m.
Guide prices for the ski pass (2025/26 season):
- Cervinia/Valtournenche only: about €50-58 a day (adult)
- Combined Cervinia-Zermatt: about €90-110 a day (adult)
- Cervinia/Valtournenche weekly pass: about €270-300
- Combined weekly pass: about €480-550
The price gap between the Cervinia-only pass and the combined one is significant. If it is your first visit, buy the combined pass for at least one or two days so you can experience skiing over to Zermatt.
Summer skiing
One of Cervinia’s special features is summer skiing on the glacier: from July to September you can ski on Plateau Rosa and on the Matterhorn slopes above 3,000 m. The summer season draws professional skiers in training as well as enthusiasts who want to ski in summer too.
In winter, Cervinia has one of the longest seasons in Italy: it usually opens in November and closes in April or May, thanks to its high altitude and favourable aspect.
FAQ
Is Zermatt included in the Cervinia ski pass?
No, not automatically. There are two types of ski pass: one valid only for Cervinia/Valtournenche (cheaper) and a combined Cervinia-Zermatt pass (more expensive, roughly double). With the Cervinia-only pass you can ski up to the Swiss border at Plateau Rosa (3,480 m), but you cannot ski down to Zermatt. To ski both sides you need the combined pass. Buy online and in advance for the best rates.
When does Cervinia open in autumn?
Cervinia is one of the first Italian resorts to open. Thanks to its altitude, some glacier slopes open as early as late October or early November, giving Cervinia one of the longest seasons in Italy. The full season, with all lifts running, usually starts in mid to late November. Always check the official Matterhorn Ski Paradise website for each season’s exact dates.
Is there a tunnel linking Cervinia and Zermatt for skiers?
There is no tunnel for skiers. The link between Cervinia and Zermatt is on the ski slopes only, via Plateau Rosa at 3,480 m. In strong wind or bad weather the crossing can be closed, and you cannot ski over to Zermatt. The Great St Bernard Tunnel is about 30 km away (it links Italy and Switzerland but is not in the ski area). To drive to Zermatt you go via Aosta and on to Visp in Switzerland (about 2 hours).
How does the weather affect a stay in Cervinia?
Cervinia’s altitude (2,050 m in the village, 3,480 m at the highest point) almost always means good-quality snow in winter. Wind, however, is a critical factor: the ski area is exposed to Atlantic and alpine air currents, and windy days (common at high altitude) can close the upper slopes and the link with Zermatt. Before choosing the day for the crossing, check the local weather forecast. In the depths of winter the temperature in Cervinia village is often between -5°C and -15°C, so dress accordingly.
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