How do you decide between Zermatt or Cervinia? We examine the key factors you need to consider:
- The Location, including travel time to resort
- The Skiing, including the lifts & runs
- Family ski areas
- Investment in lifts
- The Villages
- The Après Ski
- The view of the Matterhorn
You know Zermatt: it’s one of the finest ski resorts in Switzerland. It boasts traditional Swiss chalets, it’s run on Swiss engineering, it is home to a Swiss icon, and the skiing is fantastic.
But both Zermatt and Cervinia share the same ski area, so in a choice between the two, should you choose the Italian neighbour?
Zermatt or Cervinia?
Since 1995 skiers have been able to buy a joint lift pass and enjoy skiing in both areas and now thousands of people cross the border on skis every winter.
Both resorts share the same epic ski area. Here are some key stats about the ski area:
Ski Area Summary
Resorts: Zermatt/Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche
Runs: 322km (Easy 23%, Intermediate 69%, Difficult 8%)
Lifts: 51
Max Elevation: 3899m
Snow cannons: 1000+
Glacier skiing?: Yes, 365 days a year
Following the success of the world’s newest and highest 3S cableway on the Swiss side, there are plans underway to develop the link at the top of the glacier, allowing even pedestrians to travel between the two resorts.
Location: Shorter to Cervinia by car, more enjoyable to Zermatt by train
Despite Zermatt and Cervinia being just 30km apart as the crow flies, the feel of each resort is very different.
It would take nearly four hours to drive between them (incidentally, a colossal taxi fare if you get stuck on the wrong side!), but the two towns are separated only by the Monte Rosa Massif, home to the Matterhorn and the glacier that forms part of the ski area.
Cervinia is on the south side, located in the Aosta Valley. The most convenient airport is Turin, an hour and a half away. A transfer from Geneva is also possible at around 2 hours 45 minutes by road.
Driving from Geneva to Zermatt takes roughly the same as Geneva to Cervinia. However, by far the most enjoyable (and environmentally friendly) way to travel to is by train, which normally takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.
A much quicker, but significantly less environmentally friendly option that you can take to Zermatt is by helicopter!
The Skiing: Better lifts, more challenging runs in Zermatt
While the ski area is shared, most people stay on their side of the mountain during during their stay without ever crossing the border.
Cervinia is a smaller ski area with slightly older infrastructure and less investment in new lifts. The runs are less challenging, but still great fun with the pistes suited to beginners and intermediates.
Like Zermatt, most accommodation requires you to walk, catch a bus or drive. You can of course ski-in, ski-out to our serviced chalets in Zermatt.
Family ski areas in Zermatt
Zermatt has more varied terrain with multiple ski areas covering a wider area. The custodians of the Zermatt ski area understand that its topography doesn’t lend itself to easy, natural runs, so it has worked hard to create some of the best family ski areas in the Alps.
Investment in lifts in Zermatt
Zermatt is one of the biggest investors in lifts in the world. It is always upgrading and installing new lifts, features, and runs. This constant ploughing of funds back into the resort is quickly evident if you slide over the border to Cervinia.
The Towns: Traditional, historical Zermatt
Zermatt is a wonderful place to visit, even for non-skiers. People come to experience its ambience and history throughout the year.
The tourist come to ride the trains, eat in the renowned Michelin restaurants and stroll through its captivating architecture.
Cervinia lacks the charm and depth of character that Zermatt offers, with generally bland architecture.
If you are planning on driving to either resort, it’s worth noting that parking can also be an issue in Cervinia in winter. Zermatt, on the other hand, is a car-free resort, populated only by electric taxis and buses.
Cervinia offers up a selection of apartments and hotels, but most lack the charm and delight of the traditional ski chalets found along the road of Zermatt.
Après Ski: From the mountain to the town
Cervinia is not well known for its après scene, but if you like your drinks to feel British, then you will be well accommodated at Thistles Pub or the Irish Bar along the front strip.
The après experience of Zermatt probably deserves its own blog as there are so many options.
The highlights start straight off the mountain at Papperla Pub, on to Harry’s Ski Bar or Pollux Bar. Then if you plan to party later try the Broken Bar Disco and Hotel Post.
The Matterhorn: Simply looks better from Zermatt
One thing separates the two towns more than anything else — the view of the Matterhorn or Monte Cervino, as it is referred to in Italy.
The view from Zermatt is the one most associated with the mountain. It isn’t unrecognisable from Cervinia, but it is the satisfying North Face (as featured on Toblerone) that means it’s an iconic symbol across the world.
Climbed first from Zermatt
It was also from Zermatt that the peak was first scaled by Edward Whymper in on 14 July 1865.
Almost a week later, it was summited by an Italian team lead by Jean-Antoine Carrel who started out in Cervinia. Yet again Zermatt beat Cervinia…!
Accommodation in Zermatt
If you are planning a stay in Zermatt then get in touch with our small team who can help you find the perfect accommodation for you.
Matterhorn Chalets offer a selection of luxury catered and serviced chalets as well as self-catering apartments.
For more information please visit our website or call us on +41 79 247 15 88
