With 360km of interlinked and perfectly groomed pistes, spectacular views across the Valle d’Aosta and snow-sure skiing with slopes lying well above 2,000 metres, Cervinia is certainly a place not to be underestimated. Here we bring you the Ultimate Cervinia Resort Guide including where to go, where to eat and where to stay for your ultimate luxury ski holiday in Cervinia.
Located on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, Cervinia is the perfect base for high-mileage skiing and sunny, high, snow-sure slopes. The area is mainly comprised of easy blue and light red runs and is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates. With Zermatt as it’s neighbour, there is ample opportunity to explore more than just the Italian slopes! Of course, it may be the perfect resort for those finding their ski legs, but that’s not to say there aren’t a fair few challenges available for those looking to push the limits!
If you’re only just finding your feet on the slopes, the village nursery slope offers you the perfect opportunity to build your confidence. With a magic carpet to get you started, there’s also a nearby chair lift in preparation for those progressing steps. Fast learners will quickly become a familiar face to the Plan Maison; the ideal base for developing your technique and perfecting your skills down its network of gentle blue runs.
Once your skiing (or snowboarding!) skills are a little more finessed, Cervinia’s extended peaks are packed with long cruisy intermediate-level runs. Taking the next chairlift up from the Plan Maison into Theodulpass is good place to base yourself if you want to increase your daily mileage, with a number of pleasant reds that will be easily accomplished by capable novices. If the sun is shining and the skies are clear, taking on the 21km red run from Plateau Rosa to Valtournenche Village (the worlds longest on-piste decent) is an absolute must. There are, of course, a few mountain restaurants on the way down if you need to revive tired legs with a Bombardino! For days where 21km is feeling a little too overwhelming, Plateau Rosa also delivers a spectacular 11km light red run, which takes you right into Cervinia’s base.
For confident skiers looking to take the level up from Plateau Rosa, as opposed to skiing down from it, the brand new ‘Progetto’ gondola will take you straight up to the Klein Matterhorn for the most sensational views and every advanced skier’s dream ski area – The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Theodul Glacier boasts some of the most impressive snow conditions in the entire region as well as being your link to Zermatt, taking you on a 16km off-piste adventure down into the Swiss town. Just don’t forget that you will need an international pass for this trek, something the team at your ultimate luxury chalet can organise for you.
Cervinia ski holidays are fast becoming a popular choice for those who appreciate the authentic charm of a small historical village. Keeping things traditional, Cervinia, is without a doubt, a paradise for Italian food-lovers and coffee-drinkers alike. Whether you’re looking to taste the international haute cuisine and perfectly paired fine wines at La Chandelle Restaurant, or just seeking a quick afternoon pick-me-up with a homemade pizza from Sotto Zero, you can guarantee that the locally sourced, fresh ingredients will deliver the very best flavours that Italy has to offer.
Ambling around the quaint, timeless village before heading off for an evening of fine wines and dining has never been more special. The centre of Cervinia may be smaller than competing resorts, but who can resist the overwhelming views of the Matterhorn as you stroll from one local shop to the next? It truly is a breathtaking sight. Spend some time looking at everything the stylish fashion outlets have to offer before gazing at the most exquisite pieces the jeweller has on show. Of course, it wouldn’t be a luxury ski holiday in Cervinia without your token souvenir shops for holiday memorabilia – you’ll find cowbells to be Cervinia’s signature buy!
To fuel your skiing whilst you are busy exploring the pistes, Cervinia’s selection of on-mountain gastronomy will not disappoint. Below are some of the finest on-piste restaurants that are definitely worth a ski break.
The historic Chalet Etoile is recognised as one of the best mountain restaurants in the world. Serving rustic food fused with exotic seafoods and Asian twists, the innovative menu and exceptional ambience is sure to offer you an incredible lunch experience. If an exclusive dinner with flowing champagne is on the cards for your your trip, Chalet Etoile promises an evening you won’t forget, starting with a skiido or snowcat pickup from Cervinia town and an evening filled with unprecedented views and top-notch service.
If you’ve built up an appetite, Bontandini is ready to impress with their local charcuterie boards, traditional handmade Italian pasta, and their signature slow-braised game dish. Located at 3,100m high, Bontandini boasts some of the best views on the entire mountain. For those who are saving themselves for their gourmet evening feast, you can still take advantage of the views with a well-deserved espresso break and a snack.
When the snow is falling and feeling warm and snug is a priority, be sure to head over to the cosiest, most intimate mountain retreat, Les Neiges d’Antan. Small nooks and crackling fireplaces means you can bundle up with a well-crafted cocktail in the softly-lit ambience. On snowy days when you would much rather be inside than out in the cold, Les Neiges d’Antan is the perfect, intimate place to take a break from the world and take advantage of a menu full of local treasures.
Better known as just “Walter”, if you really want to experience local, traditional Valtournenche cuisine, this is your place. Priding themselves on serving fine Aostan dishes made with the freshest, local ingredients, this family owned restaurant is the perfect lunchtime spot to soak up the sunny rays and dine with the locals.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a ski holiday without a little après to celebrate the day’s hard work. We have picked out the finest, champagne-serving taverns that Breuil-Cervinia has for you to enjoy, before you head back for an evening of ultimate luxury.
If the day’s activities are leaving you a little peckish, and you’re looking for some unique aperitifs to pair with your carefully selected Champagne, this elegant après ski bar in Cervina welcomes you into their warm and comfortable mountain retreat. Their extensive wine list will certainly leave you spoilt for choice! For an intimate evening out, The Hermitage’s Cellar offers you the possibility to enjoy an exclusive evening dining in the most unforgettable location. Inside an ancient stone grotto dug into the rock, the menu offers the very best local dishes paired with a choice of over 1,000 wines. Served by your personal waiter, The Cellar is the perfect private location for a special night.
Best known for its extensive collection of champagne and sparkling wines, La Champagnerie du Cervin boasts a relaxed atmosphere amongst an outstanding collection of mountaineering antiques dating back to the 1700’s. On snowy afternoons, choose a glass of champagne to satisfy the taste buds, snuggle up by the centuries-old fireplace, and watch the world fly by.
Completing a long day on the pistes is deserving of some downtime. Maybe relaxing to some soulful music surrounded by local art in Ymeletrob Champagne Lounge before heading back to your ultimate luxury chalet for a well-prepared gourmet dinner? Allow the host to serve you with a glass of the finest champagne whilst you take in the atmosphere of après ski, or treat yourself and mix things up with one of their world-renowned classic cocktails made by a skilled mixologist.
A skiing holiday doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be out on the pistes from morning until evening, and Cervinia has plenty of non-skiing activities for you to get stuck in to.
There really is no other way to explore Cervinia’s endless peaks (other than skiing, of course) than with a traditional husky experience. Using routes and tracks that replicate the exact experience of real mushers, this 3km husky sleigh-ride is an unforgettable winter adventure to suit everyone. With spectacular views of Monte Cervino for the entire duration of your sled, venture on this amazing, but challenging, journey together for long-lasting memories.
For a true bird’s-eye view of the resort, why not take on the ultimate challenge with Cervinia’s most exhilarating paragliding experience? Fly high above the snow-capped mountains, where the serene colours of the Alps unfurl beneath you. A tandem paragliding experience is the ultimate experience to round-off your luxury ski holiday in Cervinia.
If a little downtime is more on your wavelength, and you are looking to ‘slope off’ for some me-time, Cervinia has some amazing restorative spas that will leave you feeling like a new person.
Other than the facilities in your very own ultimate luxury chalet (which, of course, cannot be beaten!), the best spa in Cervinia is located in The Hermitage. With highly-qualified therapists providing bespoke treatments and some of the most sophisticated facilities in the valley, you can enjoy your choice of a herbal tea and simply unwind for the day.
The wellness centre located at White Angel Resort also promises ultimate peace and tranquillity. Relax with a cocktail by the indoor swimming pool with magnificent views of the mountains, before heading into the floor-to-ceiling ‘salt room’ for a natural cleanse. Of course, there are many beauty and therapy treatments on offer, so treat yourself to a relaxing massage before you head back to your ultra luxury chalet for the night.
There really is no more luxurious chalet rental in Cervinia than Chalet La Fenice. Integrating traditional Italian chalet features with modern technology this is your perfect accommodation for the ultimate luxury Cervinia ski holiday. The breathtaking Swarovski flower centrepiece suspended above the atrium welcomes you home after an enjoyable day on the pistes, and sets the exclusive tone found throughout this property. An incredible 1,200m² chalet, there is no stone left unturned when it comes to relaxation with it’s unrivalled private wellness facilities. Soak away the day’s aches in the glass-walled steam and sauna rooms before finishing with a few laps in the indoor swimming pool.
A full team of staff promise to take care of the hard work and spoil you, whilst you sit back and fully immerse yourself into your ultimate luxury ski holiday. Choose a fine wine from La Fenice’s cellar before admiring the unimpeded views over the Matterhorn in front of the roaring open fire.
Of course, if you still want the indulgence of an ultimate luxury chalet but prefer spending a little more time exploring the resort, Chalet Blanc is a promising choice. Offered on a bed & breakfast basis and located at the foot of Mount Cervino, this contemporary mountain chalet is perfect for groups of friends and families alike. Start your day with a hearty and carefully prepared breakfast, whilst admiring the views of the Plan Maison and it’s network of pistes. With the concierge team on hand to assist with all the finer details for your luxury ski holiday in Cervinia, you can go ahead and enjoy a day of exploring, leaving the hard work behind. Rest assured, the chalet’s fire pit located on the sun terrace will be lit in time for you to view the sunset!
For sleepy evenings where venturing out into the town feels too much, Chalet Blanc is on hand to provide the services of a professional chef. Relax with a simple family feast and chat about the day’s adventures, or opt for a more refined, sophisticated meal to celebrate a special occasion – whatever your vibe, you can trust that your chalet team are there to make sure your luxury ski holiday in Cervinia is a perfect one.
If you need 10 more reasons why you should visit Cervinia, we’ve got that sorted too. Otherwise, if a luxury ski holiday to Cervinia is now firmly on your list of travel experience, and you are looking for a chalet that delivers ultimate luxury, please do get in touch with our expert Ski Specialists. You can reach them by calling for a chat on +44 1202 203653, or sending an email with your criteria.
Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
