Zermatt-Cervinia (Combined)

Zermatt-Cervinia is a renowned ski area that spans the borders of Switzerland and Italy. This combined ski resort offers an extensive and diverse terrain, breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn, and a rich history that dates back centuries. With its excellent snow conditions and extensive lift network, it has become a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The ski area of Zermatt-Cervinia is interconnected, allowing skiers to transfer between the Swiss and Italian sides. 

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, located at the summit, is the highest point in the ski area, providing breathtaking panoramic views and access to a vast network of slopes. The lift system is well-developed and efficient, ensuring minimal waiting times and easy navigation across the resort, but due to their high altitude and exposed nature, the connections like any others of their kind, can close in extreme wind. 

The side you choose depends on the ambience that you want. Zermatt, located in the Swiss canton of Valais, is a charming Alpine village with a long-standing tradition as a ski resort. It is a car-free, which adds to its charm and tranquility. The village retains its traditional Swiss architecture, featuring cozy chalets, elegant hotels, and quaint streets lined with shops and restaurants. Zermatt has a strong mountaineering heritage, and visitors can explore its mountaineering history at the Matterhorn Museum. The ski area on this side is a more scattered and eclectic collection of 2 areas served by funiculars and Gondolas. The home of amazing big mountain terrain. 

Cervinia, on the Italian side, is a purpose-built ski resort nestled in the Aosta Valley, far less picturesque. It offers a more modern atmosphere, with a range of accommodation options, slightly more vibrant après-ski scene, and excellent culinary offerings. Cervinia is known for its wide-open slopes and long ski runs, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. We wouldn'te recommend it for Snowboarders as the terrain lends itself to a lot of flats. It also provides easy access to the expansive slopes of the Matterhorn Glacier, which offers exceptional skiing conditions even in the late spring. 

There's also the relatively small mountain town of Valtournenche which connects to Cervinia and offers a quieter (and cheaper) alternative.

Check out the individual resort pages (links at the bottom of the page) for more detail on the different sectors.