Skiing in Cervinia, at the Foot of the Matterhorn

Breuil-Cervinia sits at 2,050 metres at the head of the Valtournenche, directly beneath the Italian side of the Matterhorn. Almost the whole ski area lies above the treeline, between 1,524 and 3,480 metres, which is why the season here runs from late October to early May while lower Alpine resorts are still waiting for snow.

The terrain is unusually generous: wide blue and red pistes, gentle gradients and descents that run for kilometres rather than minutes, including the long route from Plateau Rosa back down to the village. That combination makes Cervinia one of the easiest places in Italy for beginners and confident intermediates, and a comfortable choice for families or mixed-ability groups skiing together.

From the top of the glacier the lifts cross the ridge into Zermatt, in Switzerland, so a day in another country is part of the week rather than an excursion. The international pass and a passport are needed; the crossing also opens steeper terrain for stronger skiers who want more than the Italian side offers.

Our ski weeks are based in the resort itself, within walking distance or a short shuttle from the lifts. The package covers the hotel on half board, the ski pass for the length of the stay and return transfers from Turin or Milan airports, with lessons, equipment hire and guiding booked locally on request.

Outside the slopes the valley keeps its alpine character: mountain huts serving polenta and fontina on the piste, Aosta with its Roman gate and theatre an hour away, and thermal baths at Saint-Vincent for a rest day. Snow is reliable through the season, but February and March give the best combination of cover and daylight.