Cervinia- Valtournenche 

Cervinia-Valtournenche is located off the Aosta Valley region of Italy. It is situated at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, offering breathtaking views. 

The ski resort consists of two main resorts, Cervinia and Valtournenche, each with its own distinct charm and character. 

Cervinia is a purpose-built ski resort that has been developed over the years to cater to winter sports enthusiasts. The resort has a decent après-ski scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs where visitors can unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere, whilst the selection is good, the purpose built nature of the town means an eclectic and not necessarily picturesque town compared to other ski resorts. 

Valtournenche, on the other hand, is a more traditional village with a rich history dating back centuries. Nestled in the valley, it exudes a charming Alpine ambiance and offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Cervinia. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and experience the local way of life. 

While Valtournenche has a quieter après-ski scene, there are still several cozy bars and restaurants or retreat to a hotel. Despite being surrounded by first-class big-mountain territory, Valtournenche's ski area mainly consists of gentle blue runs. The ski area is accessible via a gondola, located 1km north of the village center - An infrequent ski-bus service runs between the village and the lift station, but many local hotels also operate shuttle services for their own guests. 

In terms of suitability for skiers, beginners and intermediates will appreciate the wide, well-groomed slopes that provide a comfortable learning environment - the vast majority of the resort, although labled red, is comparable to blue in many other resorts. 

Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on steeper terrain and explore the off-piste opportunities if you use the connection to Zermatt. However, due to the extreme altitudes and exposed nature it is sometimes a gamble on the opening of these connecting gondolas. 

The high-altitude location of the ski area ensures good snow conditions throughout the season, making it a popular choice for early and late-season skiing. 

The infrastructure in Cervinia is begining to become outdated however, being percieved by many as slow and not the best connected. 

Overall, Cervinia-Valtournenche offers stunning scenery and extensive cruising slopes - however the value for money is put into question.