This Alpine resort town sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, at 2,050 meters elevation. Its slopes connect with Zermatt in Switzerland, creating one of Europe's highest ski areas.
Breuil-Cervinia sits at 2,050 meters in Italy's Valtournenche valley, beneath the Matterhorn peak. From here, you can ski across glaciers to Switzerland's Zermatt, cycle down from the 3,500-meter Plateau Rosa, swim in the turquoise waters of Lago Blu, or tee off at the golf course with the Matterhorn as your backdrop.
Getting to Breuil-Cervinia
You can reach Breuil-Cervinia from Turin Caselle airport, 120 kilometers away, with a driving time of 1 hour 40 minutes. Take a train to Châtillon/Saint-Vincent station, then catch one of the regular buses from Turin or Milan. In winter, carry snow chains as the high-altitude roads often require them.
Winter Sports and Activities
The 350-kilometer ski network connects three valleys across Italy and Switzerland, with runs from 1,525 to 3,480 meters in altitude. Begin at Plan Maison's gentle slopes, or challenge yourself on the steeper runs toward the Swiss border. You can ski here from late October through early May, and continue on the Plateau Rosa glacier through summer.
Summer Mountain Activities
From June to September, you can bike or hike the mountain trails. Join the Maxiavalanche competition in August to race down from Plateau Rosa glacier at 3,500 meters. Play a round at the 5-kilometer golf course at the Matterhorn's base. Walk to several alpine lakes - follow the trail to see your reflection in Lago Blu's clear waters, or circle the man-made Lake Goillet.
Local Food and Agriculture
In summer, cows graze the high pastures around Breuil-Cervinia, producing milk for Fontina cheese. Try local Aosta Valley specialties like polenta concia with melted Fontina or carbonada, a rich beef stew, at the mountain restaurants where Italian cooking meets Alpine ingredients.
Annual Events
Watch mountain documentaries at the Cervino CineMountain festival, running since 1998. On New Year's Eve, watch ski instructors and Alpine guides create light patterns down the slopes during the torchlight descent, ending with fireworks. Join the winter carnival to see the White Lady parade through the village streets.
Practical Information
Walk everywhere in the car-free village center, with most hotels and apartments close to the ski lifts. The resort closes briefly between winter (October-May) and summer (July-September) seasons. Find cross-country skiing trails near the town center in winter, and follow marked hiking paths to mountain huts in summer.
