Travel Eye on Cervinia (Italy)

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Overview:

Based on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, Cervinia is lift-linked to Zermatt, with 200km of its own runs. Because of its high altitude, it has a long season, great snow and is an absolute haven for intermediates. The slopes are superb for cruising and mileage skiing, while beginners will find masses of coverage. Advanced skiers will need to head over into Switzerland for extended challenges, although you'll have to pay extra to cross to Zermatt. Because of its position, the scenery is outstanding, but this can be marred by poor weather and high winds, which can often cause the higher lifts to be closed. If the weather holds, you can usually be guaranteed loads of sun as well as long tree-lined runs. The ski school is getting better but, as with many Italian resorts, childcare is rather limited.

On the downside, Cervinia is not the most attractive resort and is entirely purpose-built. It was founded in the 1930s by Mussolini and still doesn't cater very well for non-skiers. There are good restaurants on and off the mountain, but their prices are nearly as steep as the Matterhorn itself. Weekend crowds can put pressure on the old lift system, but also improve the quality of après-ski. Although many hotels are convenient for the slopes, access from some may require an awkward uphill walk.

Overall, Cervinia is great for beginners, intermediates and boarders and much cheaper than its Swiss neighbour. Experts, kids and party animals may not find Cervinia ideal, although the first group do have Zermatt nearby to keep them busy.

Locality:

Cervinia is located in NW Italy, almost on the border with Switzerland (100 mls NW of Milan; 117 mls N of Turin Casselle airport). is set high in the Aosta Valley on the sunny side of the Matterhorn, reached by a steep road with sharp bends. The main town itself is fairly flat, with gentle slopes to the N. Steep roads to the E of town run to Plan Maison cable-car station, and to the residences and hotels of Giomein, La Vieille, Bardoney and Cielo Alto.

Entertainment/Activities/Things To Do:

There are three ski-schools with plenty of English-speaking instructors.

Shopping here offers a variety of small speciality shops including ski/outdoor wear, designer clothes, children's clothes, souvenirs, delicatessens, jewellers, furniture, perfumeries, hardware and wines and spirits. There is also a supermarket and minimarkets. The shops generally close between 12pm and 3pm.

During the daytime activities include ice-skating, ice hockey and rather daft apres-ski games on the natural ice rink (open until March). Alomng with bobsleigh rides, skidoos, horse riding, tennis, paragliding, hang-gliding, mountaineering, quad biking, bowling, fishing, heli-skiing, and a children's fun park. There is a sports centre in Valtournenche (7 mls) which offers a variety of facilities, including indoor pool, volleyball, football, climbing wall and spa.

The nightlife here is rather unsophisticated apres-ski, with a good selection of bars and restaurants; cocktail bars and 1 or 2 discos.

For food there is plenty to choose from, serving mainly the usual pasta and pizza. There is aome a la carte dining, and half-board options in the more upmarket hotels. There are many cafes and takeaways too.