The village at the base of Matterhorn is called Cervinia, today's acclaimed ski resort. Cervinia ski resort is a skier's sanctuary, allowing beginner and intermediate skiers the vast snowfields they need to eventually become experts.
If you've come to Cervinia to try your hand at skiing, you have easy access to Switzerland's Zermatt. You get here by buying a lift ticket (you can make online reservations) that allows you access to both the Italian and Swiss sides. To access Zermatt, start from the Plateau Rosa. Generally, beginners and intermediates stick to the Italian side of Matterhorn while the steeper runs and tapered trails on the Zermatt side affords experts some strenuous challenges.
The lifts are interconnected so you can access so much in the way of multifaceted runs. In Cervinia, for example, you'll have access to Val Tournenche, affording any energetic skier over 100 km of groomed ski runs. You can even take the Plateau Rosa to Val Tournenche run for over 20 km, flying down the mountainside for over 5000 feet. You'll have no trouble, however, getting back to the top as long as the ski lifts don't break down (not likely).
At an altitude of just over 2000 meters, Cervinia ski resort lies in a high valley of biting mountains. Unlike some ski resorts that unfortunately face the wrong way from the sun and snowfall, Cervinia's direction (south by southwest) and altitude assures snow coverage and sunny weather. As any alpine resort in Europe favors, Cervinia has extensive slopes that have greeted FIBT World Champions in the 70s and 80s. Way back then, you'd need a reservation a year in advance.
The infrastructure, then, is in place and ready for whatever tourist want to do. Though the lift can close in blowing winds and the upper reaches of the resort areas are treeless, the long runs are gentle with a good dusting of powder and excellent panoramic views. From launch to finish, you'll have nothing blocking your foray with the mountain.
And a mountain it is: The highest lift takes you to all but 3500 meters with a 22 km run from one country into the next (Switzerland to Italy). There are as good as 60 different-16 beginner; 36 intermediate; and 7 advanced-runs and one snowboard park. You'll have access to 5 cable cars, 13 chairlifts and 28 snow cannons assuring sure-fire fresh flakes. Plus, Cervinia resort can accommodate almost 30,000 uphill capacity people. You'll have no reservation about mingling with new friends on-slope or apres ski.
Speaking of apres ski, popular venues include skidoo, gym, bowling, indoor pool, ice skating, snowshoeing, heated outdoor pool, bowling, parapenting, walking trails, discos, bars, restaurants and cinemas. You and your family can all go your different ways (making reservations at some of the more popular restaurants is a fine idea). Then, meet up later for drinks and music at any one of the bars. There will be no time for sleep if you want to fit it all in.
Most of the accommodation in Cervinia should be made by reservation if you plan on visiting during the high season. If not, there's a fair choice of hotel or apartments to choose from. Chalets are harder to find, though you'll have access to all the said apres ski ventures as the center of the resort town is reserved for pedestrians. Here, you'll find a softer glow than what tourist saw in the 60s. At present, a good deal of the erstwhile unsightly buildings are getting makeovers, a facelift that will add a wooden ambiance to the whole of downtown.
Related Articles
Tignes France: From Avant Ski to Apres Ski
By: Robert | 13/07/2008 | Camping
Tignes, France is so popular with European vacationers because of its 300 km of multifarious slopes and paths; it's one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps chain.
Les Arcs: Accommodation Reserved for All
By: Robert | 13/07/2008 | Camping
"I do not participate in any sport," said U.S. humorist Erma Bombeck, "with ambulances at the bottom of the hill." A similar wise person once said of skiing: "[Skiing is] the art of catching cold and going broke while rapidly heading nowhere at great personal risk."
Demand for US Ski Chalets Going Up and Up
By: Helen Gienke | 08/06/2008 | Vacation Rentals
Catered chalets, which Brits know and love, are still few and far between in the USA, but some Uk companies are beginning to take advantage of this gap in the market and are bringing more and more UK skiers to their US catered ski chalets.
Finding long-term solutions to your fear of flying
By: Liam Perkins | 11/05/2006 | Travel
Does this sound familiar - the engines roar, you're thrown back into your seat for take-off, and the knuckles on your hands turn white as you grip the armrest for dear life? Liam Perkins suggests some simple steps to combat your fear of flying.
Majorca Developments Upset Locals
By: Roger Munns | 27/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
Locals have seen the island of Majorca being developed over the last thirty years.
But new building proposals are a step too far for them, and they have been protesting on the streets.
Yachting World Boost For Menorca 2007 Tourism
By: Roger Munns | 30/08/2007 | Travel
The Spanish island of Menorca, the quietest of the Balearic Islands, is set to welcome the Classic Yachts weekend.
It's a boost for the island's tourism figures.
Airline Prepares for Malta 2008 Skies
By: Roger Munns | 12/01/2008 | Flights
Air Malta has seen a host of competitors enter her traditional markets.
But just as Malta prepares for a bumper 2008 holiday season, the airline has staged a revival.
When East Goes South
By: Roger Munns | 30/01/2008 | Travel
East Midlands airport's recent reports confirm that the rush for winter holidays and booking summer holidays early isn't confined to one area of the UK, and East Midlanders are flying south to get some winter sunshine!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Travel Tips Articles
Tips to Get an Affordable Car Rental in Global City of Paris
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Paris, the largest city and capital of the France situated by the River Seine is an important international city for two millennium in politics, business, education, entertainment, fashion, science eventually in every sphere of life its effect and importance cannot be ignored.
Why and How to Do Cheap Hotel Reservations in Cheap Hotels in Singapore
By: Peter Fleming | 20/08/2008
The city of Singapore offers remarkable tourist attractions. People love to visit this island-state where the combination of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian culture can be seen. Singapore is an excellent place for good shopping and a vibrant nightlife with spicy food. Plan a perfect vacation in Singapore and explore the city with full of fun.
Hire Car Rental in Ancient City of Seattle for Hassle Free Journey
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Seattle that is the place of great anthropological value to the Unites States of America was inhabited for 4000 year’s is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States.
Cheap Cruises for Everyone
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
As the summer approaches every year, demand in cruising increases. It is one of the popular vacations in the warmer periods. But many can’t afford a luxurious cruise and need to find a cheap cruise. Fortunately, it is not that big of a problem now to find cheap cruises easily.
Key to Cheap Cruising
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
For everyone who dreamed of traveling on a cruise, cheap cruises are like a gift from cruise companies. Gone are the times when you had to pay an arm and a leg to travel on cruise. You can enjoy all the adventures of a cruise without paying a hefty sum.
Luxurious Cheap Cruise
By: Alien | 20/08/2008
Inexpensive cruise packages are very common these days. Various travel companies are getting involved and making full use of the facilities that one may avail onboard. A cheap cruise does not mean that you are not eligible for the luxuries of a cruise. It just means that you pay less for your perfect vacations.
Buy Cheaper Car Rental to Travel American Capital Washington
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
Washington, D.C. that is also known to be District of Columbia located by the north bank of the Potomac River is surrounded by states of Virginia and Maryland is capital of United States of America.
Car Rental-an Affordable Means of Transport in City of Vancouver
By: Mansi Gupta | 20/08/2008
The coastal city of Vancouver is located in the Lower Mainland of Southwestern British Columbia in Canada is surrounded by the Strait of Georgia, the Fraser River, the Coast Mountains and Burnby.
More from Robert
You Can Make Social Security Obsolete
By: Robert | 20/08/2008 | Motivational
Learn how to create your own financial nest egg and retire early with easy to use principles that are changing peoples lives.
Cash Gifting Excellence: Cash Gifting Success Requires Leadership
By: Robert | 20/08/2008 | Internet Law
If you truly desire to excel in your cash gifting endeavors, then you must realize the necessity of solid leadership skills. Leaders are those who possess and demonstrate qualities that others do not. These personal attributes attract others and attraction marketing is a profound concept to consider for the development of your income generating endeavors.
Genewize Life Sciences Review - Learn About Genewize Here
By: Robert | 20/08/2008 | Fitness
In this article you're going to get an in-depth review of what Genewize Life Sciences is really all about, you're going to learn a lot of things that you won't find anywhere else guaranteed.
How to Make Money With Photoshop Tutorials
By: Robert | 20/08/2008 | Art
A simple 5 step process on how to make recurring income by creating Photoshop tutorials.
All New Article Directories
By: Robert | 20/08/2008 | Internet Law
We have been distributing articles since 2005. So we have collected many directories of directories. I have just prepared full quality article directories.
Tourism in Namibia
By: Robert | 19/08/2008 | Travel Tips
Namibia lies in the Southern part of Africa and on the Atlantic coast. It is famous for its safaris and tourists also love the Atlantic beaches. A fly-in safari will give tourists an unforgettable experience.
Sightseeing in Munich
By: Robert | 19/08/2008 | Travel Tips
Munich the third largest city in Germany has many attractions for residents and visitors. We will take a guided tour of the city to find some of the most important landmarks and places of interest.
Enjoy Your Leisure Time in Bethel Park
By: Robert | 19/08/2008 | Travel Tips
Bethel Park is a municipality in Pennsylvania State. The town has many leisure activities for residents and non residents. Let us check out some of the leisure activities in this town.