Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia​

Latest page update: 27 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
A popular mountain resort town in the Valle d'Aosta region, Breuil-Cervinia is located in the commune of Valtournenche.

​The town sits at an elevation of 2,005 metres. Key highlights include the Matterhorn, a cable-car, activity centres, and various hiking routes. It is located approximately 40 km southeast of Aosta, the regional capital.
The resort's name is made up of two words: the French word Breuil and Cervinia, an Italian word which relates to the Matterhorn. The Italian name for the Matterhorn is Monte Cervino. Italy's international border with Switzerland lies just under five kilometres to the north and west of the resort. Breuil-Cervinia is a frazione of the Valtournenche Comune. 

What People Ask About Breuil-Cervinia

What is Breuil-Cervinia known for?
Breuil-Cervinia is known for its extensive ski area, high-altitude setting, and direct connection to Zermatt in Switzerland. It sits beneath the Matterhorn and offers year-round skiing on the Plateau Rosa glacier.
Is Breuil-Cervinia good for beginners?
Yes, Breuil-Cervinia is very beginner-friendly, with wide, gentle slopes and good ski schools. The altitude ensures long seasons with reliable snow conditions, making it ideal for learners and early-season practice.
Can you ski from Cervinia to Zermatt?
Yes, the ski area is fully linked and allows you to ski from Cervinia to Zermatt and back, as long as you have the correct lift pass. Weather and lift conditions should be checked before planning the route across the border.
How do you get to Breuil-Cervinia?
Breuil-Cervinia can be reached by car or bus from Châtillon, the nearest train station. Châtillon is connected by train to Turin and Milan. From there, buses or private transfers take around one hour to reach the resort.
Is there skiing in Breuil-Cervinia in summer?
Yes, summer skiing is possible on the Plateau Rosa glacier, which is shared with Zermatt. The glacier offers a limited number of runs but is a unique experience, especially for training and off-season enthusiasts.
Related links

Overview

Overview
Breuil-Cervinia, located in the Aosta Valley, is a well-known ski resort town at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the Alps. This charming alpine town offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway. The town itself is a mix of traditional alpine architecture and modern amenities, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels catering to winter sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
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The resort is primarily famous for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with extensive slopes and access to the Matterhorn Glacier for year-round snow activities. The town is also part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, one of the largest ski areas in Europe, offering more than 350 km of interconnected slopes. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking along scenic trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn. For those looking to relax, the town offers several spas and wellness centres to unwind after a day on the slopes or hiking in the mountains.

Things to Do

Things to Do
  • Cervino (Matterhorn): One of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, the Matterhorn dominates the landscape around Breuil-Cervinia. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, climbing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views in the warmer months. The mountain is a key attraction for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Cervinia Ski Resort: A popular destination for skiing, Cervinia boasts over 150 km of slopes and is known for its excellent snow conditions. It connects with Zermatt in Switzerland, offering a wide range of skiing options. The resort is ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers.
  • Lago Blu: A picturesque mountain lake near Breuil-Cervinia, Lago Blu is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a scenic photo opportunity.
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: This high-altitude attraction is one of the highest cable car stations in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Visitors can experience breathtaking vistas, explore ice caves, or enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the glacier.
  • The Valtournenche Valley: Just a short distance from Breuil-Cervinia, the Valtournenche Valley offers hiking and mountain biking opportunities, as well as scenic views of the Alps. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, with a range of trails suitable for all levels of experience.
Tours & Activities
Cervinia - frazione di Valtournenche
Comune: Valtournenche

Region: Valle d'Aosta

Elevation: 2,005 metres

​​Highlights: Matterhorn, cable-car, activity centres, hiking routes

Close by: ​Lake Maen, Saint-Vincent, Chatillon, Champoluc

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Hotel Breuil Located in the heart of Breuil-Cervinia, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Alpine cuisine. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and the easy access to the ski lifts and nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Miramonti Hotel Set in a tranquil location near the slopes, this well-regarded hotel offers cozy rooms with stunning views of the Matterhorn, a spa, and a restaurant serving regional dishes. Visitors enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, friendly service, and the proximity to the ski resort and Breuil-Cervinia's main attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Il Nido del Picchio Situated just outside Breuil-Cervinia, this bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Guests enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to the ski slopes and hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Principe delle Nevi Located near the ski lifts, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Alpine cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and proximity to the slopes and town centre. €€€ (high-end)
  • Residence Campigli Set near the ski resort, this residence offers self-catering apartments with modern amenities, a wellness centre, and a restaurant. Guests enjoy the flexibility of apartment living, convenient access to the ski lifts, and the proximity to Breuil-Cervinia's shops and restaurants. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Ristorante Al Solito Posto: Located in the heart of Breuil-Cervinia, Ristorante Al Solito Posto offers a cozy, traditional dining experience with a focus on local Valle d'Aosta cuisine. Known for its hearty pastas, such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and delicious meat dishes like roast venison, the restaurant provides an authentic taste of the region. The rustic charm and warm service make it an excellent spot for a comforting meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante La Bricole: Situated near the ski slopes, Ristorante La Bricole offers a refined dining experience that combines Italian and regional dishes with a contemporary twist. The menu features options like risotto with truffle, fresh pasta, and grilled meats. The elegant setting and impeccable service make it ideal for a special meal after a day on the slopes. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Le Blanc: For an upscale dining experience, Ristorante Le Blanc offers gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, local ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as risotto with saffron, wild game, and fresh pasta. The chic decor and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
  • Ristorante Baita Cretaz: Located at the foot of the mountains, Ristorante Baita Cretaz offers a rustic yet refined experience with a menu focused on traditional mountain cuisine. The menu includes local specialties like polenta with cheese, hearty meat dishes, and fresh pastas. The cozy, alpine atmosphere and stunning views make it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante Vetan: Situated just outside Breuil-Cervinia, Ristorante Vetan is known for its creative approach to traditional Valle d'Aosta cuisine. The menu features innovative dishes like risotto with mountain herbs, roasted meats, and local cheeses. The elegant interior and excellent service make it a great choice for a fine dining experience with a unique twist on regional flavours. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)

Photo Gallery

Close  to  Breuil-Cervinia

  • Valtournenche (approx. 12 km south of Breuil-Cervinia): A charming mountain village located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Valtournenche is known for its traditional alpine architecture and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The area offers skiing in the winter and a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer. Visitors can also explore the local culture and cuisine, which reflect the village's strong Swiss and Italian heritage.
  • Aosta (approx. 40 km southwest of Breuil-Cervinia): The capital of the Aosta Valley, Aosta is a town steeped in Roman history. Key attractions include the Roman Theatre, the Arch of Augustus, and the beautiful Cathedral of Aosta. The town is surrounded by mountains and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby Gran Paradiso National Park.
  • Zermatt (approx. 35 km north of Breuil-Cervinia): A famous Swiss resort town, Zermatt is known for its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and its car-free streets. The town offers excellent skiing, hiking, and mountaineering opportunities. Visitors can also take the Gornergrat Railway for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, or explore the Matterhorn Museum for insights into the area’s mountaineering history.
  • Chatillon (approx. 30 km south of Breuil-Cervinia): A small town with a rich history, Chatillon is known for its beautiful medieval castle, the Château de Fénis, and its scenic location in the Aosta Valley. The town is a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions such as the Mont Avic Natural Park, which offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife watching.
  • Cogne (approx. 60 km south of Breuil-Cervinia): A village located in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Cogne is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, the town offers a wide range of activities including hiking, skiing, and ice climbing. Cogne is also home to the Sant'Orso Abbey and offers visitors a chance to explore traditional alpine life.
Valle d'Aosta Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Gran Paradiso National Park
2. Aosta
3. Monte Bianco
4. Breuil-Cervinia
5. ​Matterhorn
6. Courmayeur
7. Fort Bard
8. Castello Savoia
9. Fontainemore
10. Lillianes

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Valle d'Aosta

Breuil-Cervinia  Travel

By Rail: Breuil-Cervinia does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Chatillon, about 30 km away. Trains from major cities like Turin (around 1.5 hours by train) and Aosta (about 1 hour by train) connect to Chatillon. From the station, you can take a bus or taxi to Breuil-Cervinia, which takes about 30 minutes.

By Road: Breuil-Cervinia is approximately 120 km from Turin, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours via the A5 motorway and the SS26 road. From Aosta, it’s about 30 km, and the drive takes around 45 minutes. There are several car parks near the town centre, though parking can be limited during the ski season.

Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Breuil-Cervinia is Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle), located about 120 km away. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly to Breuil-Cervinia, or alternatively, take a train to Chatillon and then transfer to a bus to Breuil-Cervinia.

Another alternative is Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa), about 160 km away. The drive takes around 2 hours. From Milan, you can take a train to Turin and then transfer to a local train to Chatillon, followed by a bus to Breuil-Cervinia.

Additional Transport Options: During the ski season, there are shuttle buses and private transfers available from Turin and Milan airports directly to Breuil-Cervinia, offering a convenient option for visitors arriving by air.

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