Cervinia is one of the largest ski areas in the Alps, connected to Zermatt in Switzerland. Known for its high-altitude slopes, silky snow and Matterhorn views, Cervinia mixes an authentic Italian atmosphere with varied skiing and snowboarding.

Located in the Valle d’Aosta, in the northeast region of Italy and bordering Switzerland, the resort stretches across three valleys in a sea of snow-capped peaks, with the Monte Cervino as its centrepiece.

The ski area extends from the resort base at 2,050m to the top lift station at 3,883m, descending to 1,524m in neighbouring village Valtournenche for more than 2,000m of leg-burning vertical.

Between Cervinia and Zermatt, the skiable area is colossal with more than 360km of slopes, from the long and mellow runs on the Cervinia side, including a must-do 21km descent from the Plateau Rosa, to the steeper and more demanding slopes over in Zermatt for a sterner test of your skills.

Cervinia is Italy’s most snow-sure resort, boasting a great snow record with 4 metres of annual snowfall and glacier riding all year round, linked to Zermatt’s equally snow-laded slopes. Cervinia’s impressive altitude means top-to-bottom snow coverage is consistent and high quality.

Situated at 2,050m, the village of Breuil-Cervinia is centred around a car-free, cobblestoned main street. There’s a relaxed atmosphere here, but a lively one too when you know where to look.

The village centre is quiet and compact, surrounded by beautiful scenery with welcoming locals always keen to swap stories. There is a good choice of cosy bars and delicious, independently-run Italian restaurants, all proximate to each other, stocked with regional wines and craft beers.

The town isn’t rock ‘n’ roll, but when the bars get going at weekends the nightlife livens up considerably. Après ski is pub-based and occurs throughout the village, with happy hours kicking off after the lifts close. From the slopes, you can ski to the terraces of a couple of piste-side bars in the base area, like the chic hotel Principe delle Nevi.

Later on, the scene is focused around the same popular bars, with DJs and live music on some evenings: the Principe delle Nevi, Bianconiglio and the Lo Copa Pan. There are also two small nightclubs which fill up at the weekends.