CERVINIA
On the sunny side of the Matterhorn, the resort of Breuil-Cervinia has less of a historic village feel but no less tradition. Since before the middle ages, the Theodulpass that connects the Mattertal with Cervinia’s Valtournenche was a major north / south trading route, until advancing glaciers effectively closed it in the early 1700’s. Italian mountain guide Jean-Antoine Carrel and his party finally summited the Matterhorn (Cervino in Italian) from the Italian side only 3 days after the first ascent from Zermatt in 1865, which cemented its place in alpine folklore and created the tourism that would define it. Just prior to WWII, Cervinia began a resort development that would put its lift system at the forefront of technology and access in the Alps, eventually linking with Zermatt’s ski lifts, creating one of the largest domains in the world.
While the south-facing Breuil Valley can be susceptible to high winds, there are many days that the snow falls in Italy and it’s clear in Switzerland, or vice-versa. One year, we had a surprise powder day in Cervinia of over 70cms of snow at the end of April, while it was clear and sunny spring-skiing in Zermatt. Additionally, the benefits of using the Cervinia heli-skiing access opens up countless unhyped runs from the border ridge, as long as they land on the unregulated Italian side.
Piste-lovers will also love the choices in Cervinia and Valtournenche – they are a veritable Italian autostrada of wide, fast groomers. One even goes 13km from the top to bottom, with descents to Cervinia clocking in at around 10km long.
Of course, the best part about skiing in Italy is the cuisine – and Cervinia has several of our favorite restaurants in the Alps slopeside. Rustic Aostan cuisine, often mixed with unexpectedly-fresh seafood and the ultimate Italian wines, with a warm hospitality found nowhere else.
- On the sunny side of the Matterhorn
- One of the best mountain restaurants with rustic Aostan cuisine, unexpectedly-fresh seafood and the ultimate Italian wines
- Countless unhyped runs with Cervinia heli-skiing
- Wide and fast groomers
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Experience options: Cervinia
WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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