Where To Go For Snow In December

Cervina, Switzerland

Cervinia, with wide, long ski runs, early winter snow, and access to slopes in Switzerland, is the perfect place to ski in December. The area opens earlier than most European ski resorts due to its high altitude. At 2,050 metres above sea level, it’s one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Italy in December.

Getting There

Getting to Cervinia involves flying to Turin (1 hour 40 minutes), Milan (2 hours 20 minutes) or Geneva (2 hours 45 minutes through the beautiful Chamonix valley with views of Mont Blanc). Car hire and taxi transfers to Cervinia are available at all  airports. The closest train station is Chatillon in the Aosta Valley (1 hour away by car), with buses available from Chatillon, Milan and Turin.

Terrain & Difficulty Level

Skiers of all levels will enjoy skiing in Cervinia, with many blue runs for beginners and reds for intermediates. Kids under 9 ski for free, and other discounts are available for teens. Advanced skiers can head to Zermatt in Switzerland, just a few lifts away, increasing the total ski area of 350km on groomed slopes alone.

Skiers seeking a bigger buzz and a real escape can try heli-skiing at reasonable prices. An alternative is the ‘First Track’ deal: a maximum of 60 skiers can book an early lift up the ‘Breuil-Cervinia – Plan Maison’ cable car and make their own tracks before any other skiers.

Food & Accomodation 

A benefit of skiing in Italy is that lift passes, accommodation and ski hire are all significantly cheaper than in neighbouring Zermatt. The restaurants are more affordable too, offering a range of food to please the pickiest of eaters, and hearty servings to satisfy the hungriest of customers.

Apres-ski in Cervinia starts soon after lunch and continues into the evening. The nightlife is typical of a ski resort, with bars and clubs open late, and the occasional live band. It’s not sophisticated, but who can say no to dancing to cheesy tunes?

Other Attractions

Cable car access to Zermatt means beginners and non-skiers can enjoy lunch in Switzerland via the cable car in Cervinia. Lunch along the ridge where the two countries meet provides one of the most breathtaking views in the European Alps: the stunning Matterhorn peak sparkles in the winter sun, and rises high above the sea of snowy white peaks in the valleys all around. Make sure you have your camera with you!

Travelling with a snow bunny who doesn't like to ski? Get their heart beating with a guided snow shoe trek through rugged and picturesque tracks. Let the kids marvel at the ice sculptures inside the highest ice cave in Europe. Anyone interested in engineering will enjoy the ‘Mountain at work’ museum of ski lift construction by the ‘Plateau Rosa’ cable car.

Adventurous visitors can try tandem paragliding, ice climbing, ice karting, mountaineering and air boarding (like boogie boarding on snow). Cervinia also has an indoor heated swimming pool, an ice rink, an indoor climbing wall and snow playgrounds for kids.

Safety Concerns

Cervinia’s altitude and location give rise to regular snowfall, and sometimes bad weather. If the winter sunshine is interrupted by wind and snowfall, no need to worry: ski insurance covers the costs of days lost to piste closures.

Flying in December can be expensive, so book your flights soon and choose early December dates to avoid the Christmas rush. Once you've booked flights and accommodation, don't forget to book your travel and Ski Insurance. As a specialist winter sports insurer, we offer policies designed to give you maximum peace of mind on the slopes — from the moment you start packing until you're safely back home.

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