Cervinia sits just under the Matterhorn — or Monte Cervino, as it is known in Italy — close to the Swiss border, and Zermatt. But saying Cervinia is “under” the Matterhorn makes it sound too low — at 2050m, Cervinia is a fantastic high-altitude ski resort, with lots of snow; a ski season which often runs between October and May; incredible views; and incredible access to a vast range of ski terrain. And the best places to stay in Cervinia are significantly friendlier in price than those on the Swiss side of the Matterhorn! They include traditional ski hotels in the compact village centre, with its great Italian restaurants, and above the village in ski-in ski-out lodges.

Cervinia is a great ski resort for intermediates, with lots of long runs. Most of the pistes are above 2000m, and get plenty of snow and plenty of sunshine. There is good scope for beginners too, with nursery slopes close to the village, then a flat plain just above it, and gentle blue runs graduating upwards. After your day on the slopes, there’s a great après-ski atmosphere in the pedestrianised main street, with its Italian restaurants and bars, ice rinks, shops, spas and swimming pools. And the best places to stay in Cervinia are great for foodies too.

In addition to the Matterhorn, or Monte Cervino, Cervinia is breathtakingly surrounded by the Jumeaux, the Château des Dames, the Fruggen, and the Grandes Murailles summits. There are glaciers and peaks, alpine pastures and dramatic ridges — the town really began as a centre for climbers and mountaineers, before ski mountaineering took off in the19th century, at which point Cervinia became one of the world’s first ski destinations. But far from being a picturesque and old chalet-laden resort, Cervinia is peppered with modern buildings reflecting the imperious austerity of pre-WW2 Italy, and some of the best places to stay in Cervinia will impress those with an interest in architecture, as well as skiing, climbing or hiking.

The Best Places to Stay in Cervinia

For a Special Occasion

• Hotel Hermitage is one of the most idyllically positioned hotels on our list; it sits right at the foot of the Matterhorn, in a clearing of ancient larch trees. This is a wonderfully traditional chalet, built of local stone and wood that you can see everywhere. Its communal areas retain that wonderful alpine cosiness, while its 38 rooms and suites have been redecorated to make sure they’re as cosy and comfortable to contemporary guests as they always have been — expect dark wood and natural colours. At 6,726 feet above sea level you can pretty much guarantee spectacular views — except when the snow is falling too thickly to see! The spa is excellent, as is the restaurant, and the wine list won't disappoint either.

In Central Cervinia

• Just a few minutes walk from the closest ski lift, the Sertorelli Sport Hotel is central and convenient, with 70 rooms and suites and plenty of alpine charm. This is a proper ski hotel, with plenty of pine, furs and open fireplaces, and a fantastic spa. It also has a very well regarded Italian restaurant.
• The Hotel Da Compagnoni is a traditional ski hotel, with cosy charm and plenty of pine. There are just 27 rooms and suites, the majority with small balconies, and our Gurus recommend you aim high, because the top floors have the best views. There’s also a small spa and a bar. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty within a short stroll, and they offer a hearty breakfast. Some of the rooms are ideal for families too.

For Families

• The Saint Hubertus Resort is a collection of spacious suites and apartments, complete with self-catering facilities and comfortable living space. The rustic interiors are cosy, but stylish, with stone fireplaces, yet high-tech kitchens. Outside are larch and pine forests, and towering over them guests can see the Matterhorn. There’s a restaurant and champagne bar, if you need either, and it’s only five minutes walk from the ski lifts.

For Skiers

• The Hotel Bucaneve is a great choice for outdoors folks and skiers. Its location is spectacular, under breathtaking alpine peaks, its 66 rooms and suites are super comfortable and cosy, and it has an exceptionally good, and large, wellness centre geared up to recovering aches quickly. The heated indoor pool helps too. Rooms range in size, so this is good for families too.
• The Principe delle Nevi is a wonderful re-imagination of the traditional chalet idea — the designers kept the exposed stone and toffee-coloured woods in the communal areas, but opted for pale wood and a Scandinavian, high design edge in the 32 generously proportioned rooms and suites. Although relatively small in guest numbers, the Principe has an impressive spa offering — and it’s possible to have your own hot tub in your room or on your private terrace. There’s a gourmet restaurant, a chic bar for stylish après-ski, and slope-side location.

For Great Value

• Le Neiges d'Antan is a traditional Alpine lodge, just below Cervinia in an Aosta Valley meadow. There’s still great access to the slopes in the ski season, and those returning from the mountains may appreciate the whirlpool baths, hammam, ice bath and sauna. They also offer massage treatments. There are only nine rooms, decorated with alpine antiques. The views are incredible.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you’re looking for a self-catering option browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com

Travel Information

• There are lots of ways into the Aosta Valley, depending on where you’re starting out from, and how you want to travel, but the closest international airports to Cervinia are Turin Airport, about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, and about three and a half hours by public transport; Milan Malpensa Airport, which is about two hours away by car, or three and a half hours by bus; and Geneva Airport, which is about two and a half hours away by road, or five hours by bus. If you’re travelling by train, you will probably arrive via Geneva, Turin or Basel. But there are plenty of options overland.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re coming to ski, the ski season in Cervinia is pleasantly long, usually starting around the end of October and running all the way through to late April. It’s busy over Christmas, New Year, and the February school holidays, so book well ahead if you want to travel in those periods. If you’re visiting the Aosta Valley to hike, or mountain bike, most people plan for the late spring and early summer, to avoid too much snow, while maximising the fresh, alpine beauty.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Aosta Valley
• Consider some of the Aosta Valley’s other ski resorts. Try best places to stay in Courmayeur, quieter La Thuile, big Champoluc or historic Aosta
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.