What if we told you that there was a way to ski from Zermatt (Swiss Alps) to Cervinia (Italy’s highest town)? You would probably think that we were dreaming, or that we had been drinking some extraordinary beverage, but it’s true โ at least, for the brave among us.
While it’s not exactly a straightforward journey โ you will need a valid passport, a visa for Italy, and a working paper trail as well as your own two feet โ it’s still possible to make the most of this magnificent itinerary and dip a toe into the wonderful world of skiing.
Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about skiing from Zermatt to Cervinia.
Table of Contents
The Best Time To Ski From Zermatt To Cervinia
The best time to ski from Zermatt to Cervinia is during the first two weeks of April, according to the experts at Swiss ALPS, the region’s ski industry association. The next best time to make the trip is between mid-October and early November, but even then, the skiing season in Italy is relatively short. On the other hand, the winter months in Switzerland are, well, wintery! The temperature in the area can reach a low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it’s important to prepare for extreme cold.
The Most Challenging Part Of The Trip
The most challenging part of the trip is going to be the visa for Italy. You will have to obtain an entry visa for Italy, which is something that you cannot do online and will require you to go to an Italian embassy or consulate abroad. However, this is not a problem, as there are many locations where you can get this documentation. You can also look for assistance from an Italian embassy or consulate in your home town.
The second most challenging part is going to be the crossing of the Italian frontier. You cannot enter Italy without a valid passport and a visa. Going through customs is usually not a problem, but it’s an additional fee you have to pay (about โฌ100). Even when you have a visa, there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter Italy. The best thing is to contact the Italian embassy or consulate in your home town for more information and assistance.
Where To Stay In Between Places
Once you have obtained your visa and are in between places, the best thing to do is to look for a welcoming hotel. You have to keep in mind that you are outside of the main ski areas, but you are still in a ski area, and it’s a pretty big one. There is usually some kind of affordable accommodation available in these places, especially if you are a member of a loyalty program or an annual pass holder at one of the nearby resorts. These types of accommodation provide you with the best of both worlds: a central location and the luxury of a hotel with the intimacy of a cozy bed and breakfast.
Ski Equipment
As we mentioned above, the best time to ski from Zermatt to Cervinia is between mid-October and early November. This is also the best time to buy your ski equipment. Most shops and boutiques in the area close down around April, so if you want to purchase something for the trip, you have to do it in the autumn. Fortunately, you can find most of what you need at least a month before your departure date. This means you will not have to rush into buying equipment that you might end up not needing (or want).
The best way to enjoy the trip is by going to the store and trying on different snow shoes, ski jackets, and other accessories. Don’t forget about goggles and skis! With these four essentials, you will be able to ski anywhere in the area (at least, in the French and Swiss parts). If you want to increase your chances of having fun, you should also buy a handbook or guide that specializes in the area. These books are usually available at the local bookstore or library and will provide you with tips and tricks for the best experience.
Italy: Past And Present
If you are not up to date with the geography of Italy, here’s a quick refresher course. The country is made up of the northern half โ Lombardy, Piedmont, and Valle d’Aosta โ and the southern half โ Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and the Ionian Islands. The largest city in Italy is Milan, which is also the country’s administrative capital. The smallest is Ladakh, which is located in the most northerly part of the country (in the Himalayas). The total area of Italy is 1,296,670 square miles, which makes it the fourth-largest country in Europe after Russia, France, and Germany. The population is roughly 44.8 million, and there are around 300 known native languages (more than 200 are now spoken solely online).
The first time we went to Italy was in 2013, and we had the chance to enjoy a magnificent autumnal view of one of Europe’s most scenic regions from our hotel room. In fact, we stayed at the Hotel Dolder in Zermatt, one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe and the place where thousands of tourists gather every day to take a peek at the majestic Swiss Alps. After our excursion to the nearby town of Visp, we walked along the lively streets of Zermatt looking for food and coffee shops. But the views of the Alps from our hotel room were more than enough to satisfy our hunger for adventure.
Now, we are going back to Italy. This time, we are going to enjoy the experience of skiing in Cervinia, a charming Italian village located in the Southern Alps. If you ever dreamed about taking a trip to Italy, this is the perfect opportunity. Not only will you get to enjoy the beauty of the country as well as its majestic ski resorts, but you will also be able to practice your Italian.
With the information shared here, you will have no trouble enjoying the trip of a lifetime. If you follow the above-mentioned guidelines and do your research, you will not just have fun, but you will also have memories that will last a life time. So, go ahead and book that trip today!