Mountain Layout—Skiing

Here is a larger, more detailed map.

To the Italians the Matterhorn is Il Cervino, and the village at the base of the Italian side of the mountain is called Cervinia. Cervinia's lift system is connected with Val Tournenche, a nearby village, to provide more than 100 km. of prepared ski runs with an extensive lift system. The longest run covers more than 20 km.—from Plateau Rosa to Val Tournenche—with a vertical drop of nearly 5,000 feet.

Skiing here is wide open and virtually all intermediate. The descent to Zermatt starts from Plateau Rosa. Special lift tickets for use on the Swiss side should be purchased before you go up the mountain; otherwise, expect to pay double for the lifts back up the Swiss side. The Zermatt side has much steeper terrain and narrower trails. An expert can have a field day on the Swiss side, while the beginner and intermediate can find enough easy runs to make the trip enjoyable.

In Cervinia experts can drop from Plateau Rosa, or try out the lifts above the Cristallo Hotel. Cervinia is paradise for beginner and lower intermediate skiers—the gentle, wide-open snow fields above Plan Maison build confidence.

Mountain rating
The Cervinia/Valtournenche slopes support beginner and intermediate skills. Wide open and excellent for practice, they offer a number of challenging steeps.

Expert skiers can enjoy several great days of cruising the wide slopes, but may also become bored. However, should a group of experts invest in the services of a ski instructor, they’ll find the most challenging slopes Cervinia has to offer. Experts will also have a great time on the Zermatt side, and this is part of the allure of Cervinia as a resort: it lets you take advantage of the savings made possible by staying in Italy and skiing the wilder-and-woolier Swiss side.