 Poster: A snowHead
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My wife’s happier going down Ober National than a narrow relatively flat red road. It a beginner with 40 years skiing but not getting younger. We will go back via Testa Grigia, just the gondola across and the cable car. Thanks for all replies.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Soreen wrote: |
| I can see on Google there’s a fair few bars within Cervinia, can anyone recommend any of them specifically? A couple of us tend to go out for fairly long stretches in the evening so anything that has good music and is open late is a bonus. If not, any pub which keeps the doors open late is good too! |
If you are open to partying on the mountain, Love bar/restaurant, at the top of the Cretaz lift is quite lively in the afternoon. Music booming out and often a live act. But I don't think you can go down on the lift, so you have to be in a state to ski safely.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Any Cervinia experts can say which week of Easter is generally busy, the first week leading up to Good Friday, when most European countries, but not Italy, are on school holidays, or the second week (i.e., starting Easter Monday) when most European schools are back but Italy is off?
IE, who makes up the most people in Cervinia over Easter, Italians or Europeans?
Also any tips on alternative websites for accommodation beyond booking or airbnb? If anyone knows good ski in ski out options with kids feel free to suggest
Thanks in advance!
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| Wildsmith wrote: |
| I was with an intermediate the times I did the link…. Totally agree that testa Grigio is easier but if you are enjoying chalet Etoile and the magnificent blues in Cervinia … and don’t fancy carrying skis then the Tp route is a good deal Imv. Re the two way bit of the piste, it is completely flat poling no one is speeding on it… it is just a really relaxing and beautiful walk! |
Even better than Chalet Etoile is the Bontadini restaurant (the waiter service one downstairs, not the self serve upstairs) (in my opinion anyway). Also, insider tip, ski as if you were going to the Bontadini chair, rather than to the restaurant, and leave your skis/boards propped up above Bontadini (you’ll see where I mean). You then can enjoy lunch and not have to carry skis up to the chair … and that chair is the only one then needed to get back to Zermatt village (provided the Furg-Furi black is open).
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Just curious, is Rote Nase open? How much snow do they need to open that section? Any rumors on the Stockhorn replacement project timing?
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| comish wrote: |
| Just curious, is Rote Nase open? How much snow do they need to open that section? Any rumors on the Stockhorn replacement project timing? |
It is a good question. I appreciate that Zermatt as a high altitude recently deglaciated area is very rocky. Hence it takes a lot of snow to get the itineraries open. However, I remain sceptical as to quite how long they take to get them open. For example, the Mittelritz itinerary (same area as the Rote Nase but comes off the Hohtälli-Gant run 28 rather than being separately lift accessed) didn’t open at all last year. I skied it as an off piste route and I can tell you the snow was deep and the cover was excellent.
The Rote Nase area wouldn’t be scheduled to open until February at the earliest. It is not open at present (it might run for guides with clients as that sometimes happens earlier). I would guess there needs to be at least a couple more good dumps to get it open but who knows.
As regards the replacement lift for that area/Stockhorn this is what the most recent annual report said:
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The following projects remain in the medium- and long-term investment planning:
Replacement chairlift Gifthittli, plan approval started
Replacement chairlift Patrullarve, plan approval started
Expansion of Peak Infrastructure Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Further stages of construction of the FIS slope
Optimisation of the region of the freeride area Rote Nase/Stockhorn
Replacement of the Theodul Express by a chairlift from Furgg to the upper garden
Chairlift Breitboden – Rosenritz
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You tell me what “medium and long term” is. Also the replacement lift is now called “optimisation”. Inviting a conspiracy theory there.
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Where is rosenritz, because a chairlift above breitboden would be much better than the Hotali cable car
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| mcg wrote: |
| Where is rosenritz, because a chairlift above breitboden would be much better than the Hotali cable car |
See below (an old map - it is not shown on current ones). I assume the intention would be to connect up to piste 44 so people could ski down to Riffelberg. Even some reasonably good intermediates don’t like that ski at the top part from Hohtälli. So it would connect the Rothorn area with the Gornegrat area much better.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks for that. It's honestly one of the primary things that keeps me from coming back to Zermatt. That area is magic! Not too many places in the world that have 3000' vertical drops, north facing high elevation, that are uncrowded. I get there are tons of other benefits to Zermatt, but that one to me is where I would spend much of my time and just chafes me when it's closed. Doesn't sound too promising...
Is the Theodul express the Furgg - Sandiger Boden on the current lift list or somewhere else? From some googling, it sounds like there used to be an upper station, why was it dismantled? Glacier change?
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| comish wrote: |
Is the Theodul express the Furgg - Sandiger Boden on the current lift list or somewhere else? From some googling, it sounds like there used to be an upper station, why was it dismantled? Glacier change? |
Yes. That is the one. It looks weird where it ends now. But it used to continue on up to the Upper Garden (you can still see the old infrastructure). The top part was dismantled when the Matterhorn Express was built. It will be a much more useful lift going back to the Upper Garden. I assume it will have to go over the Matterhorn Express - there is not room to get under it.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@JohnMo, thanks again, looking at that, it is a no brainer, and it seems crazy it has not been completed to date. there is so much skiing in that area to be had.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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How are overall conditions currently . I’m scheduled to visit the first of march as part of my third annual Zermatt/Verbier week from the USA. I’m not, and I repeat not asking for a forecast. I see 20-80 cm in the Zermatt app but other sites suggest conditions are rather bony with significant lift closures. I’m interested in open pistes and coverage. I’m getting my powder fix currently in Jackson Hole and Utah. Thanks
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| 8611 wrote: |
Any Cervinia experts can say which week of Easter is generally busy, the first week leading up to Good Friday, when most European countries, but not Italy, are on school holidays, or the second week (i.e., starting Easter Monday) when most European schools are back but Italy is off?
IE, who makes up the most people in Cervinia over Easter, Italians or Europeans?
Also any tips on alternative websites for accommodation beyond booking or airbnb? If anyone knows good ski in ski out options with kids feel free to suggest
Thanks in advance! |
usually ski the 1st week of the easter hols. Cervinia tends to be quieter than swiss side through week and can be ridiculous at the weekend. Can't comment on the 2nd week i'm afraid. The area is big though and there is ample opportunity to explore and visit less busy parts of the resort
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You know it makes sense.
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@Kj82, ta - yes I heard Easter weekend itself is busy. I can avoid that as it happens. Part of me is wondering if the week after would be super quiet though!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Ptspeak, we left Saturday and piste conditions were excellent and able to get easily down the resort tracks. Obviously depends upon how it holds up. My interest is now waning till next year 
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Poster: A snowHead
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Advice pls Cervinia regulars
Imminent 'lads' trip (40-50 somethings!) last week of March; we are staying 'on piste' at the Hotel Meuble Furgenn which is up the slope (ski in ski out - think its located up the hill on Red Piste 3 adjacent to the Cretaz Chair) and annoyingly I'm the only one with his own skis . . .so on arrival (lunchtime on Sunday) I'll need to find somewhere reputable to service them in readiness for Monday first lifts (the others will be in the bar immediately after sorting their rentals the day we arrive).
Any recommendations pls? I have spangly newish Black Crows skis with weird edge angles so was wondering who to go for / avoid - and pref at the north end of the village presumably?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Why not get them serviced at home, then you can be first in the bar on arrival day.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@LeighOnSki, Did exactly this a few years back and had a very bad experience. . .they totally screwed up my edges on a pair of pretty standard Rossis and I almost stacked it on the first day . . .had to take the skis to a local shop to get them 'rectified' . . . 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Fair point. I’ll keep an eye out for you in March, I’m staying in Cervinia but will mostly be over your side. Fingers crossed for excellent conditions!!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Have been recommended Nol Ski - they have a Wintersteiger which I'm going to risk (they had one in L2A a decade ago and tbf it did a fantastic job). . .
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Belch, I’m booked in there in April. Give us some updates
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@what...snow, at the Meuble Furgenn? If so will update you . . .looks more than decent for the price (we are now too posh / all snore too much to room share so this trip is relative luxury!); my only nervousness is the 1k walk uphill should we get inebriated past 11.30pm in town (last Hotel shuttle bus) . . . 
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Just back form 10 days in Zermatt, I have never seen so little snow in the area. Obviously with the low temps and exceptional amount of snow making the pistes are excellent but it is man made snow mostly being skied on. All very evident at the end of the days. Infrastructure is great as always but with the price of the pass(mostly paying for snow making I assume) it is not time to upgrade the sunnegga funital to something more up to date and replace the anachronistic Gant - hotali cable car. If the rosenritz project goes ahead in some form (gondola /Fast chair) the cable car would only need serve the off piste area. however the way things are going i fear that area may be open less and less in the coming years.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Tue 25-02-25 13:28; edited 1 time in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Hi. I am seeking some answers from Cervinia regulars. I am planning a Cervinia trip from 3.4. - 6.4.2025. Since it will be my first time I am wondering what are the conditions (generally) in this period? Is everything open or did they shut down some areas?
Can you also provide some information about free ride routes in the Cervinia-Valtournenche area, since I will be based in Cervinia?
Thank you in advance  .
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| matejp wrote: |
Hi. I am seeking some answers from Cervinia regulars. I am planning a Cervinia trip from 3.4. - 6.4.2025. Since it will be my first time I am wondering what are the conditions (generally) in this period? Is everything open or did they shut down some areas?
Can you also provide some information about free ride routes in the Cervinia-Valtournenche area, since I will be based in Cervinia?
Thank you in advance . |
That can be one of the best times to visit. Everything should still be open (the season runs to end of first week in May). Depending on the weather, the afternoons might be a bit slushy below Plan Maison but above that should be fine.
I appreciate not everyone’s budget will stretch to it but by far the best way to enjoy the off piste is to go get a guide and, if you like that sort of thing, go touring. There should still be some great snow away from the lift served lines.
The main lift served off piste areas are: to skier’s right off the Pancheron lift (the far left one on the Cervinia piste map); to skier’s left from Theodulpass; and to skier’s right from Testa Grigia (although the top of this is glacier with the risk of crevasses). All three areas have the Alpine hazards of off piste so, unless you are experienced in back country skiing, even these popular areas are best done with a guide.
Of course everything depends on snow. We had a great December and January but unfortunately someone then turned off the tap. I left here end of January and got back yesterday. The snow here now is OK (if rather tired) but is basically the same stuff as when I left. There is some coming through tomorrow but not the mega dump we would like.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Belch, yes. Well easyJet moved our flight forward by about 10 hours so instead of a night near Malpensa, our first night is in Valtournenche followed by a week in the Furggen. Any hints about drinks on the way to the hotel and restaurants in town or on the slopes much appreciated.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Any Cervinia experts remind me of the following:-
1. Is there dynamic pricing, ie, any advantage to booking lift passes in advance?
2. Can you still upgrade to an international pass on a given day and what is the cost?
3. If not is there any 4 day Aosta pass that includes a day of your choice in Zermatt?
4. Am I correct in my recall that there are lockers in the Plan Maison cable car mid station? Or even base station as my accommodation is near to there. How do you get keys if so, do rental places keep a few or is it independent?
5. Failing this is there a piste from approximately the bottom of the Cretaz chair over to the cable car station? I remember the former being the kind of centre of the resort, but can't remember how you get over the cable car
Any advice appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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I'm interested in the answer to Q4.
I'd like to buy a 4 day Aosta valley pass, but would only be interested in Cervinia if I could get over to Zermatt. If not I guess I have to queue up everyday depending where we go.
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You know it makes sense.
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Spent today skiing in Zermatt before taking the Glacier Epxress to St Moritz tomorrow. Very quiet and link to Cervinia closed due to winds but pistes in good shape considering. Run back to Furi end of day was soft/sticky/slushy but above 2000m good day on piste though visibility nearer 3000m was challenging come the afternoon.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| rinky75 wrote: |
| Spent today skiing in Zermatt before taking the Glacier Epxress to St Moritz tomorrow. Very quiet and link to Cervinia closed due to winds but pistes in good shape considering. Run back to Furi end of day was soft/sticky/slushy but above 2000m good day on piste though visibility nearer 3000m was challenging come the afternoon. |
Yep, the northern part of the resort had better visibility. The good news is that the southern part was getting a bit of a snow top up - see photo. However, the greedy Italians were keeping most of the good stuff for themselves. Underneath that bank of cloud is the high Alpine ridge that separates Switzerland from Italy. When storms come in from the south west (as today’s did) it is not unusual for them to barely make it over the ridge meaning Cervinia can have a day of snow while we get a few flurries.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@8611, Not an expert but I have looked at the price guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mXQHehvBzR39FtN9t_5SFMKihn1bmam4/view
I don’t think there is dynamic pricing. This is the price list.
It says 3+ days of a Cervinia/VT pass allows use at any VdA station.
The cost of an international upgrade is a very closely guarded secret but I think it’s €50.
If you get an international pass, it doesn’t work in the rest of VdA 
I think going from the bottom of Cretaz to the bottom of Plan Maison is a hefty walk on pavements. Not something you would want to do.
I don’t know anything about lockers, sorry.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@what...snow, that's very helpful thanks. I was wondering was it a secret as I couldn't find out! The international / aosta quandary is something i've encountered before, but at least if dynamic pricing isn't a factor I can wait till closer to the time and see how much I might need or want to go to the other resorts.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hello. We are off to Zermatt this week for a short trip (3 full days of skiing). Weather looks good  which is fab.
We are decent skiers and can get round the whole resort.
Any thoughts on how we should split the time across each mountain would be great. Would it be a good idea to spend a day across each mountain/ area Rothorn, Riffelalp, Matterhorn? Or does one area warrant more time?
Also am assuming there is no real need to buy a day pass to Cervinia as there will be more than enough skiing in Zermatt?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I was just at Zermatt late Dec-early Jan for 5 days skiing. I conceptualize it more in terms of which lift you use to get up the mountain at the start of the day. Since there are 3 of them, and you are skiing for 3 days, I would do one day each. Once you get up, just focus on not repeated terrain and it will take care of itself. The 3 ways up are Gornegrat (that is the train - take it all the way to the top), Sunnega (that is the subway 45 degree funicular) and the Matterhorn Express (which is a normal gondola). Whatever day you use the Matterhorn Express is the day you will want to have the international pass. However, getting the international pass for all 3 days will not be that much more money (unless you have IKON, in which case I think it is a full add on). You won't be able to do much of the Italian side, but I would think it worth it to dive down in their, do one or two long runs, than come back. For decent skiers who get to the mountain early and make a day of it, 3 days is enough time to see much of Zermatt plus dip your toe into Italy.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| what...snow wrote: |
For anyone wondering why there wasn’t much mention of snow on this thread in February Let’s hope March is a bit better. |
It is not the first time that this has happened in February - but it is weird. December and January were above average months. But then it stopped completely in February. Cervinia and the south end of the resort did a bit better.
Fortunately the temperatures stayed low so the snow stayed in good condition. Because of half terms February is even more dominated by piste skiers and the pistes are in great shape.
One benchmark is the cross country course down the valley in Täsch at 1400m. There is no artificial snow making and some seasons it doesn’t get opened at all because of the lack of snow. This season it opened at the beginning of December and has stayed open since. My wife and I skied it last week. Despite skiing on basically the same snow as we had done so at the end of January it is in really good condition.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I have noticed that the Hohtalli-Rote Nase off-piste/yellow itineraries have been closed for much of the last 3 years.
Does anyone know what is going on? I know it takes a while to accumulate enough snow, and there have been below-average snow years. Is the Rote Nase tram functional?
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@chrisc, it was open yesterday. Presumably the route down needs plenty of snow and there’s hardly been any fresh for the last month. @JohnMo, have you been there yet?
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FAQ
