Breuil-Cervinia

Breuil-Cervinia is a modern resort lying at the foot of Matterhorn. Chances to practice some sport are countless all year round, from climbing to winter sports to the most recent yet adrenaline disciplines. Its ski resort is among the widest of the Alps, since it is linked both to the Valtournenche ski slopes and to the ones in Zermatt (Switzerland): here one can even practice summer skiing on the glacier.
Set in the first decades on last century in a wide hollow at the top of Valtournenche valley – at 2,000 metres – today Breuil-Cervinia is a famous high-mountain resort, well-known both in the Aosta Valley and abroad.

WHAT TO SEE
● Plateau Rosà Museum of Work: lying at Plateau Rosà, at 3,400 m of altitude, a spot always covered by snow, this photo and equipment exhibition relates the exploit that lead to the construction of Plateau Rosà and Furggen cableways.
● Mountain Hut Luigi Amedeo di Savoia: this structure used to be used as a mountain hut but now, after having served for a long time, it has been re-built in the town centre and today it welcomes a museum about the history of alpinism.

NATURE AND SPORT
Breuil-Cervinia is one of the main reference points when speaking of high-mountain sports. Not only alpinism and ski: the open-air activities are numerous and they can be done all year long. In summer, various ski facilities can be used by hikers and MTB lovers. Various enduro and downhill tracks, (about 90 km in total) are available among snowfields, moraines and meadows. E-bike itineraries are available too.
Breuil-Cervinia is the kingdom of climbers, hikers, cyclists and skiers, and not only in winter! In the higher part of the ski resort summer skiing can be practiced thanks to the ski facilities that reach Plateau Rosà and Ventina glaciers. A stunning summer ski resort, the highest and widest of the Alps, linked to Switzerland with about 25 km of slopes suitable for everybody and for any kind of Alpine skiing, without forgetting snowboard in the wonderful Gravity Park. It is also possible to reach the ‘ice cave’, one of the wonders of the Alps, by ski or with the suitable equipment and accompanied by an Alpine Guide.
In addition to some hikes of various difficulty levels, one can have a nice stroll around the Layet lake, also known as Lago Blu (Blue lake) of the Matterhorn, a picture-perfect spot where the iconic silhouette of the famous mountains reflects in the stretch of water. Here one can also play golf in a stunning natural context, right at the foot of the Gran Becca (the local name of the Matterhorn), where one can find an 18-hole golf course which is more than 5 km wide and among the highest in Europe. The summer offer also includes the chance of practising horse riding, swimming, tennis, football and fishing.
In winter, Breuil-Cervinia offers a great selection of possibilities linked to skiing and winter sports in general. The ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia, which owns 150 km of slopes – linked with Zermatt in Switzerland and with Valtournenche – is one of the widest of the Alps and offer a total of 360 km of runs. It offers a complete range of ski slopes suitable for every kind of skier. The Plateau Rosà cableway is the perfect spot from which one can enjoy a stunning view: its large windows give the sensation of being in the void and immerged in the surrounding environment. Soon to be opened is the modern cable car that will connect Plateau Rosà to the Klein Matterhorn, giving even non-skiers the possibility to reach Zermatt. Snowboard lovers have a huge reference point, the ‘Indianpark’, one of the longest snowparks in Italy.
One can also practice off-piste skiing thanks to heliskiing with various formulas that vary according to the length and the difficulty of the activity. There are also various routes for ski-tourism - which is here highly celebrated during the Trofeo Mezzalama contest – and for showshoes.
In Breuil-Cervinia one can even practice cross-country skiing along an easy, 3-km-long rink. Beginners can find professional ski instructors for all levels and specialities, in the various ski schools.
Here one can also practice kite sailing, snowcatting, airboarding, snow scooting, snowbiking, experiences in snowmobiles and mini snowmobiles. Moreover, one can try also natural ice skating and curling. In addition, sleddog experiences in snowy woods together with some huskies, are organised.
To conclude, Breuil-Cervinia offers the chance of practicing paragliding all year round to the daredevils.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS
● New Year torchlight procession: striking parade on the ski slopes by Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche ski instructors and Alpine guide followed by a firework display.
● Carnival: a true must-see with parades and fun in the occasion of the return of the White Lady, a charming lady from Breuil, who is told to have been kidnapped by a giant and then saved by her fellows.
● Cervino CineMountain Film festival: one of the most significant Italian festivals related to mountain filming which also deals with themes such as environment, climate, sport, adventure, history and culture.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES
This destination is the ideal one to make kids discover high mountains. Both in summer and in winter there are various activities and kids can get keen on nature thanks to some funny and didactic activities. In summer, for instance, they can have a stroll and discover some nature treasures, such as the Lago Blu area, or the easy hike to the Church of the Aosta Battalion of the Alpine Troops, which is a bit more linked to history. The Cavalieri del Cervino stables organises activities such as English and American-style horse and pony rides for kids.
Kids can have fun at the Adventure park in the picnic area of Breuil, close to the playground, right above the tunnel that leads to the town. Or they can even try the Kid zone Fun Park with many facilities and inflatables. Open in winter too, the “Fun Park” also owns a magic carpet and bobs. Snowmobiles and mini snowmobiles are also available. Kids can learn how to ski – always accompanied by professional ski instructors – on some easy slopes, such as those served by the magic carpet of the Crétaz area. Close to it, there is also an ice-skating rink. And up in the mountains there are some other areas for kids, such as the Plan Maison magic carpet, especially conceived for teaching. Also, a part of the ’Indianpark’ snowpark is dedicated to kids. And a true must is a sleddog excursion.
The Mini Club is open during the winter: Highly qualified entertainers guarantee assistance and funny activities for everybody.

IDENTIKIT
● Altitude: 2000 m
● Inhabitants: 700
● How to get there by public transports: after reaching Châtillon by train or by bus, take the bus to Breuil-Cervinia. Timetables are available on the website of the Arriva company (timetables 'Bassa valle').

USEFUL INFORMATION
● Download the map of the village