What brings people to Breuil Cervinia (as the resort now styles itself) in winter in the 20th century? It’s altitude. Altitude’s what brought climbers to the original village of Breuil in the 19th century. For climbers, it was a launch pad for assaults on the nearby Matterhorn (Monte Cervino).

This resort an unusual combination: slopes that are gentle and extensive, sunny and snow sure.

It’s great for cruisers who like to cover the miles on flattering slopes with no worries about unexpected challenges. There is nowhere like it. However, experts should steer clear. They’ll find the slopes of Cervinia tame. In addition to that, the link with Zermatt is disappointing because it doesn’t access Zermatt’s best slopes.

What’s Great

• Extensive mountain with miles of long, consistently gentle runs, usually with excellent snow
• High, sunny and snow-sure slopes amid impressive scenery
• Link with Zermatt in Switzerland provides some spectacular views and good lunches