Trying to decide on a fun winter holiday for the family? It is much trickier to decide on a winter destination when you have teenagers than it is in the summer, as you will need somewhere with plenty of activities to keep them entertained day and night. This is why a ski holiday is a great choice, and resorts like Breuil Cervinia boast plenty of options both on and off the slopes for a fun-packed, memorable and valuable trip.
This alpine resort is nestled within the Aosta Valley, which is found in the north-west of Italy. Lying at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, this is one of Europe’s highest and most snow-sure resorts. It is known as a superb resort for families as it has so much to offer, including sports, spas, shopping and many charming eateries. Due to the lack of an après scene, it also means that you all can get some sleep after a long day on the slopes.
Looking for exhilarating activities in the Aosta Valley? Be sure to give heliskiing a try!
On the Slopes
If you are an expert ski family then you may not find much to challenge you here. There is plenty for novices and intermediates, however, which generally suits most families with differing ski levels. The guaranteed snow and long cruising blue and red runs make for some extremely satisfying skiing with splendid views, with the lengthy 11km Ventina piste running all the way down to the resort. It is recommended to break this run up to avoid jelly legs!
If any of your family are complete beginners then do not be deterred, as the resort has two well-established ski schools that will see you quickly progress and you should be able to master Ventina by the end of the trip. There are also a few nursery slopes where you can quickly progress and boost your confidence.
If snowboarding is more the kids’ style then they are also well catered for, with Breuil Cervinia boasting one of Italy’s best terrain parks – The Indian. Over 1.2km long and 200m wide, the Indian has rails, boxes, kickers and other features, which are designed for all skill levels.
Off the Slopes
Of course, you will not want to spend the entirety of the holiday shredding the powder. Breuil Cervinia has many great activities away from the slopes, so you and the kids can always find something to keep you amused.
Ice skating is always fun and they have a natural rink here, plus there are plenty of swimming pools which can be ideal for a relaxing swim after a day on the slopes. The kids can burn up their remaining energy playing a range of sports, whilst you can slink off for a well-deserved pampering session at the spa! Retail therapy is also available with plenty of shops around the village.
It is also worth noting that Breuil Cervinia has fibre optic and wireless coverage. This is perfect for the children, who can post their snaps on Instagram, catch up with their friends on Facebook and even play Pokémon Go to their heart’s content. This should also stop them from getting moody and feeling disconnected from their friends back home – something that every parent dreads when vacationing with their teens.
Eating Out
One of the joys of going on holiday with kids that are slightly older is that you can have enjoyable meals out where you do not have to worry about them behaving. Breuil Cervinia has dozens of top restaurants to choose from, serving up all kinds of food, so you should not struggle to find somewhere each night.
These are my personal recommendations for excellent family establishments around the resort:
- Copa Pan – Cheap and cheerful, Copa Pan is well located in the centre of the village and has a wide menu of comforting food that includes pizza, pasta, steak and fondue. There is also live music in the bar upstairs.
- Bontadini – Bontadini is a mountain restaurant on the main Cervinia slopes. Downstairs is a stylish eatery with a menu that includes a number of local specialities, including homemade truffle ravioli and chamois with polenta. Upstairs you will find a self-service buffet.
- Lo Baracon dou Tene – Another mountain restaurant found in the Valtournenche area, this eatery serves affordable dishes and has a cosy atmosphere in a small stone hut. It also has a south-facing terrace with brilliant views.
There is no doubt that you will also want to find somewhere romantic where the two of you can escape and have a bit of peace and quiet. The best place for this is Chalet Etoile, which is the most well-known restaurant at the resort. The mountain eatery is elegant and sophisticated, with lobster spaghetti being a popular dish and there is a range of tantalising desserts to choose from.
Book in advance to avoid disappointment!
How to Get to Breuil Cervinia
Travelling with teens can sometimes be an ordeal, but fortunately, Breuil Cervinia is just a two-hour flight from the UK to Turin (TRN) airport and you can fly with reputable airlines including Ryanair or BA. Breuil Cervinia is then 122km from the resort, which will take around an hour and 40 minutes in a transfer. Milan (MXP) is also a two-hour flight from the UK, but this is 183km from the resort and a transfer will take roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.
A private transfer with Shuttle Direct will be the quickest, easiest and most comfortable way to reach Breuil Cervinia from either airport and we can even transport your ski equipment for no additional charge (mention at the time of booking). Before you know it, you will be at the resort and ready to hit the slopes.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Elena – If you are looking for a budget hotel, this could be the one for you. It is located centrally in Saint Vincent and has decent bedrooms, but it’s the many facilities which make it a good choice. There is a large garden, a wellness and fitness centre with a range of baths and saunas, plus an excellent in-house restaurant.
Apartment Sky Cervinia – This mid-range accommodation has alpine-style apartments that are just 350 yards from the ski lifts and offer superb views of the Dolomites. The apartments have wooden walls, a lounge area complete with TV, and fully equipped kitchens for a home-away-from-home feel. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the apartments.
Apartment Minuzzo – A luxury apartment found in the heart of the resort, Apartment Minuzzo offers you great privacy and lavish accommodation which is fully equipped for a family. You get the entire apartment, which comes complete with a terrace with mountain views, a lounge with TV and PS3, dining area, kitchen and 4 bathrooms. Bike hire is available and golf is popular in the area, with cable cars just 300 yards from the property.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct guarantees safe, comfortable and reliable passage between airports, train stations, hotels and other areas of interest throughout Europe.
We have expertise in winter ski transfers and our friendly locals drivers can take you between airports around the Alps to your resort. We also offer free transportation of your ski equipment – request this at the time of booking!
Book your private or shared transfer today using our easy to use online booking system and see how we can improve your trip.
