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Cervinia |
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| Brueil Cervinia
has what the outdoor athlete wants in the winter and the
summer, altitude. For centuries now, athletes have been
coming to this resort to enjoy the challenge of the Matterhorn.
In the summer |
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months,
climbers leave from here to climb the Matterhorn, or
Monte Cervino as it is known by the Italians. In the
winter, the mountain’s perfect snow conditions
on over 150 miles of slopes, combined with beautiful
weather make Cervinia one of the best places to ski
in Europe.
Located in the Italian Alps, Cervinia is a ski resort
town that is located on the Italian side of the Matterhorn.
Built with the express purpose of being a ski resort
in the 1960’s, the town lacks the picturesque
charm that many other resorts lay claim to, but the
incredible views from every angle of the majestic Matterhorn
more than makes up for the lack of charm in the town. |
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| Skiing |
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ski area
map
and description |
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| For skiers, Cervinia
has the perfect intermediate level slopes. The 394 inches
or 1 meter of fresh powder lit |
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gets
every year earns the resort the distinction of having
the best snowfall in the country. The nearby resorts of
Valtournenche and Zermatt are linked to Cervinia by lift
and it is possible to ski and snowboard on the glacier
in the summer.
About 34% of the 153 miles or 247 km of slopes on the
mountain are intermediate or red-coded runs. These are
generally very long and wide, and there are mountainside
restaurants to stop at and enjoy the view along the way.
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Located mostly
above the tree line, there can be high winds, and most
of the more advances runs are on the higher slopes. The
area of Plateau Rosa, which stands at 11,182 feet, is
the link to Zermatt in Switzerland and has some of the
most spectacular views. |
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The
resort is mainly for intermediate skiers and some of the
black-coded runs are technically at the intermediate level.
The resort of Zermatt, on the other side of the mountain
will have runs better suited to the expert skier.
The summer skiing and snowboarding on the Plateau Rosa,
a glacier, goes from June to September. While the expert
and intermediate skiers will not find much of a challenge
here, freestyle, racing and beginner skiers, as well as
boarders will find the glacier a great place to ski. |
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| Ski
Map of Cervinia |
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| lifts
and tickets |
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The lifts at Cervinia
can transport 21,000 skiers per hour. Some of the lifts
are old, but the resort is modernizing its facilities.
Be-
sides the lines are not so long, due to the fact that
passes for over two days are checked |
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with
an electronic system run by Swatch country. There are
two lift tickets that are available. The local pass
gives skiers access to the Italian resorts of both Cervinia
and Valtournenche with an extension in others county’s
resorts. The international ski pass is comprised of
Cervinia, Valtournenche and Zermatt in Switzerland.
The local pass for one day costs about $38, while the
six-day pass is about $204. The international pass costs
$12 more daily or about $45 more for the six-day ticket.
Other discount passes are available. Kids, that are
5 and under, ski for free. Passes for children under
12 are discounted. There is a discounted pass that is
good for the beginner slopes. There are also group passes
available and senior citizens discounts.
One problem with crowds is that there is no limit on
the number of lift passes sold by the resort. The mountain
also closes in case of inclement weather or avalanches. |
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for
beginners |
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| The beginner slopes
or the blue-coded slopes make up about 34% of the runs
in Cervinia. The best beginner area is called Plan Maison,
and can be reached by cable car. One should note however,
that students in the ski |
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schools
have first priority on the lifts, and this area will
in general be very crowded on the weekends.
Most of the beginner slopes are in the mid-mountain
area, but there are some that are nearer the top. This
means that even someone just learning, can enjoy the
spectacular views the Matterhorn has to offer.
The glacier, as stated above, is a great place for
beginners to ski in the summer, and the First Bends
Ski-Pass is a discounted lift ticket that beginners
can buy to use on the Cretaz blue-coded slopes. |
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| for
intermediates |
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| The majority of
the runs in Cervinia, 61%, are red-coded intermediate
runs. The fact that the slopes are long and wide guarantees
intermediate skiers runs that are fabulous for cruising.
One of the best |
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| intermediate
runs is Ventina, which is five miles long and goes from
the Plateau Rosa, all the way to the village. The 14-mile
trail the leads to Valtournenche will be challenging to
intermediates, and some of the black-coded runs will be
a good choice for advanced intermediates. Heli-skiing
is something that the intermediate skiers should try as
well. |
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| for
experts |
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The resort is
not the best place for the advance skiers as only 5% of
the runs are black-coded and some of these are in actuality
on the intermediate level. The most challenging trails
are in Zermatt, in Switzerland, which is linked to Cervinia
through the lift system. For one wishing to hit Mach 5,
the Kilometro Volante is the best bet, as well as the
off-pist skiing near Cieloalto.
For someone who wants to race, Cervinia is not the resort
for you. But, for someone who wants to watch a race, Cervinia
is heaven. The Cervino-Valtournenche Ski and Race Club
is located here and with 900 members with 150 actively
competitive racers, there are a lot of races to watch.
The club has children’s races as well, and trails
are set up and then taken down after the race. |
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for
children |
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| On Plan Maison,
the kid zone is open and there are ski lessons for children
over 5. There is also an outside children’s park
located in the middle of the resort. Children’s
lift tickets are discounted. The Topolino |
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(Italian
name for Mickey Mouse) Sport Snow Festival is an event
hosted by Disney held in the spring where kids six to
fifteen years of age can compete in giant slalom and cross-country
skiing events. For the younger skiers there are obstacle
races.
The resort itself is child-friendly and there are babysitting
services that are available at the Biancaneve Childcare
Center, for children over the age of two: a Baby Club
with snow games, group activities, creative workshops
and parties. |
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| night
skiing |
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| There are lighted
slopes in Cervinia but only for some events or competitions. |
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free
skiing
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| The heli-skiing
is a great option for the advanced and intermediate skier,
discovering the most enthusiastic descents in the Matterhorn
valley and of Monte Rosa One can ski the glacier or the
forest, but one |
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needs
to reserve it early. Is a quite expensive but it is an
amazing experience. As group numbers increase, rates drop.
Safety is guaranteed by a highly experienced high-altitude
pilot and Alpine Guides that know their mountain. You
can choose from different time and itinerary.
It’s also possible to enjoy some free skiing without
the helicopter flight but always with the highly safety
facilities. |
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| cross
country skiing |
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Cross-country
skiers will be disappointed with what Cervinia has to
offer. There is only a two-mile prepared track for any
level that is close to the base of the mountain and has
some restaurants close by.
In the close Valtournenche there are other two cross country
skiing trails: the Champleve one, long 2 miles and the
Maen one with three different lengths (from 1 to 4 miles)
around the little Maen lake.
Thanks to the high altitude the trail of Breuil Cervinia
is open all winter long with natural snow cover.
The entry costs about $5 but it’s free with the
weekly ski-pass. |
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only
for snowboarding |
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Cervinia is a
paradise for snowboarders. Progress
and fun in all aspects of the new and big Snowpark. But
Cervinia is the most not only for freestylers: heliskiing
is a great option for borders, |
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as
well as the slopes in Zermatt, in Switzerland.
Routes 19 and 20 are runs to try and are located off the
Lago Blu lift as well as the Valtournenche trail which
is long and full or curves which the hard boot carvers
will enjoy.
Many events are held at the snowpark in Cervinia: official
competitions and exhibitions with parties, famous riders
and equipment trials.
Indian Park, this is the name of the new snow park of
Breuil-Cervinia situated next to the chair lift Fornet
just above Plan Maison. Almost one kilometer in length
and 100 meters wide, narrowing naturally to divide the
beginners area from that of the experts. At the entrance
to the Park, on your right, you will find the area reserved
for beginners with three kickers in line, of different
heights (2,4,6 meters) and technical level. Next to the
jumps, a series of three rails (6 m flat, flat descent
of 3 and 5 and a box of 4 meters by 50 cm in height and
width). Also two tubes of six meters for beginners. The
expert area consists of four jumps in line with a flat
of 10 to 18 meters. |
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| Alternating
with the jumps is a series of rails with the possibility
to try out the series of six structures (kickers of 10,
box of 4, flat descent 3+3+3 meters). From here three
possibilities; large wall of 6 meters and 3.6 meters in
height, kicker of 18 meters, descending rail of 6 |
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meters
with the last two kickers of 12 and 15 meters in line.
Someone will be available all winter long to video your
day inside the park. This service is the only one of
its kind, it records for posterity your unforgettable
day on the snow via images and video that are personalized
and unique.
A special daily ski pass for all snowboarders is available
at about $ 26 valid for a return trip to Plan Maison
and unlimited access to the chair lifts Rocce Nere,
Plan Maison and Fornet.
The glacier has a snowboard park as well, the GRAVITY
PARK di Plateau Rosa, so for some great summer boarding,
Cervinia is the place to go.
They also organize a summer camp: lessons will take
place from Sunday to Friday mornings on the glacier
and during the afternoon lessons about the freestyle,
freeride techniques and respect for the mountain. |
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Other
Activities |
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| snow
sports |
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In Cervinia you
can enjoy a variety of snow activities for everyone.
Cervinia is a place noted for its popularity in ice
climbing. Experts |
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love the ice climbing options in this
area; however, there are possibilities for the beginner
as well. You can book lessons as well as guided trips.
The best climbs are located near Courmayeur, under the
Mont Blanc massif. The companies can provide transportation.
A guide can take you snow hiking in
the backcountry over a variety of terrains.
One can find snowshoes for rent at most of the rental
shops in town. However, one’s best bet is to hire
a guide for snowshoeing excursions.
There are excursions for all levels, and they provide
equipment as well as transportation.
For someone who wants to have fun, there is a myriad
of possibilities.
The outdoor ice skating rink in the
town is open only in the winter during the afternoons
and evenings. There are skate rentals available. |
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Mountain
bike excursions take place on the snow at night,
with the possibility to feel the difference to drive the
bike on it.
You will have taken up the pist by ski-doo,
then descend together in a Family dinghy
or you can come down individually on single |
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dinghies,
adult or child ones.
Why not try the newest Zorbing? Imagine
yourself suspended inside a ten-foot clear plastic sphere
by nylon ropes, then rolled to the top of a steep hill
and pushed off. No brakes, no steering, just you and
gravity.
And is also possible to enjoy Quad, DevalKart,
bob, tubing and sleg dog on
an almost 4 miles slope.
For the most daring, the backcountry snowmobiling
is fantastic in Cervinia. The only rental places is
located just outside of town. A one-hour trip goes through
a beautiful mountainous terrain. Snowmobiling is available
also in the night.
For the most fearless, the most amazing activity to
do in Cervinia is paragliding flights.
With a qualified instructor, in extreme security, enjoy
the emotion to fly and to admire the wonderful panoramas
from the sky. |
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excursions |
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| Take a break on
the slopes and discover a fairytale-like place. An immense
transparent cathedral, the ice caves
can be found 15 meters under the surface of the glacier
Plateau-Rosà and can be reached by a 50-meter long
gallery |
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carved
out of the ice. It has a clover-like form, a diameter
of 26 meters and height of 5 meters; with these dimensions
it is the highest and largest in the world. Extremely
evocative of intense emotion, this cavern is enforced
by particular illumination and classical music diffused
in the background. The entrance is situated near the
arrival station of the Piccolo Cervino cable car.
But the fairytale atmosphere continues with the seven
castles in the area, that they are especially captivating
in the winter months when they are covered in snow.
The Fenis, Issogne, Saint-Pierre and the Verres are
the most famous. Most of these castles date back to
the 14th century and were under control of the Challant
family. The castles are now museums that hold painting,
furniture and artifacts.
A little curiosity: the highest museum in the World
in located in Cervinia. Called a “Mountain at
Work”, this museum shows tells the story of the
ski lift, from its invention, to the modern machinery
used today. This will be interesting to skiers and is
located on top of the Plateau. |
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| fitness
facilities |
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| In Cervinia there
is a swimming pool with a little sauna, a gym center and
an indoor climbing wall at the Municipal sport center.
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| Relax |
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| spa |
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| There are no spas
in Cervinia though some of the four-star hotels will have
some spa facilities. There a massage service in some beauty
shops of Cervinia too. |
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| shopping |
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| Cervinia has its
fair share of shopping. One will find sporting good stores,
shoes stores, shops for beauty supplies, and jewelry as
well as souvenirs and locally produced crafts. There are
better options as well as prices |
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| in
nearby Aosta and Chatillon, but for duty-free shopping
head over the border to Zermatt, Switzerland where one
can find the best deals. |
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| Apres
Ski |
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The town of Cervinia
is not famous for its nightlife, but the reality is that
there is plenty to do after skiing in this resort. There
is a myriad of dining possibilities as well as for dancing
and drinking.
Be a part of a tradition, enjoy the Italian merenda after
an hard skiing day in some coffee shop. The pasticceria
is the Italian word for cafes with pastry
shop but don’t forget to taste the real traditional
merenda valdostana is the Mourdja: with salami, potatoes,
cheese and good wine. |
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There are over
40 different restaurants in Cervinia;
the town has enough variety to satisfy any eater. Specialties
of the regions include speck (a sort of bacon), polenta
and meat stew. Grappa and genepi are local liquors to
warm one up after a cold day of skiing. |
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The
resort has a laidback atmosphere but there are high-class
restaurants as well as eateries that cater to the casual
diner. The fancier restaurants are usually located in
hotels.
Some of the resorts restaurants are located on the mountain.
The prices are not outrageous and the food is quite
good. One is recommended to eat on the Italian side
of the Matterhorn, rather than in nearby Switzerland.
After a delicious Valdostana dinner, let’s start
to party.
There are many clubs and bars in which
to spend the evening in Cervinia.
Two discos in town are the Etoile, which generally has
an older crowd, and the Garage.
The most popular bars are just across from the slopes.
You’ll find plenty of English-speakers, be they
from the England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Sweden or
the Netherlands. All bars have good happy hours and
all are within five minutes’ walk of each other.
For a more elegant and quiet après-ski enjoy
a Tea Room for drinks, tea and pastries. Or one instead,
can try a rustic wine bar.
Close to Cervinia you can find one of most famous Casino
in Italy. The casino is 19 miles away in St. Vincent.
Be aware that casinos in Europe tend to be more elegant
than their stateside cousins, so dress appropriately.
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| Festival
& Events |
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| As stated above,
during the second week of April Disney hosts the Topolino
(Mickey Mouse) Sport Snow Festival. The One-Kilometer
High Speed Race was started in Cervinia and occurs annually.
The White |
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| Skin
Game, is a golf tournament held on the snow for both professionals
and amateurs. |
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| Useful
Information |
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| location
and elevation |
Italy, Aosta Valley.
An infinite snowy area that begins at 1,524 meter, in
Valtournenche, it embraces Breuil-Cervinia, rises up to
3,480 meters of Plateau Rosà, touches the 4,000
meter peak of Piccolo Cervino, climbs up to 4,478 metr
to the top of the Matterhorn. An area where the infinite
snow continues on the Swiss side to Zermatt. This is an
area where the snow is the setting of sport, holiday and
fun.
Resort: 6,742 feet or 2,050 meters
Top of Mountain: 11,472 feet or 3,488 meters
Vertical Drop: 4,730 feet or 1,438 meters
Cervinia is a glacier resort with the best annual snowfall
in the country. |
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snow
and weather |
The high altitude
insures that Cervinia receives plenty of snow each year.
The average yearly snowfall is 394 inches.
Due to its southern exposure, Cervinia is mostly in the
sun. This insures great temperature for skiing, but also
can create |
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icy
slopes in the morning or late-afternoon hours. These icy
conditions are usually only a problem late in the season.
Avalanche warnings are posted on the lifts.
This is a high-altitude resort and so altitude sickness
may be a problem for some. It is recommended to drink
plenty of water, be careful of the sun, eat enough and
if prone to altitude sickness, take one’s time ascending
the mountain. |
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| ski
& snowboard school |
The 14 rental shops
in Cervinia carry modern equipment for skiers as well
as snowboarders, but there tends to be a better selection
for skiers. Prices may vary, but the generally, the better
the quality of equipment, the higher the price.
One can avoid a lack of selection and long lines by planning
ahead. Beware that shops are very busy during weekends
and holidays.
There are some family or group discounts available as
well as discounts on children’s rentals. Credit
cards are accepted and insurance is not included in the
price. |
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| ski
rent |
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| The 14 rental
shops in Cervinia carry modern equipment for skiers as
well as snowboarders, but there tends to be a better selection
for skiers. Prices may vary, but the generally, the better
the quality of equipment, the higher the price. |
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One
can avoid a lack of selection and long lines by planning
ahead. Beware that shops are very busy during weekends
and holidays.
There are some family or group discounts available as
well as discounts on children’s rentals. Credit
cards are accepted and insurance is not included in
the price.
Why don’t you extend your Italian holiday…
...pass a day in marvelous Venice with its mysterious
canals and its colorful Carnival, famous throughout
the world. Or else travel to Milan, and walk in the
shadow of the Duomo through the shops along one of the
most famous streets in the Italian fashion world.
We offer extensions of your trip in Italy with different
locations and durations. Contact us for more information...
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