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What is the Italian side of Zermatt called?

Cervinia Italy is connected to Zermatt, which makes enjoying the Swiss side of the Matterhorn's 224 miles of skiing incredibly easy. More adventurous skiers or snowboarders can even ski to Zermatt from the Plateau Rosa.



The Italian side of the vast, cross-border Zermatt ski area is the high-altitude resort of Breuil-Cervinia (often simply called Cervinia). Located in the Aosta Valley, Cervinia sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, which Italians call Il Cervino. While Zermatt offers the "classic" jagged view of the peak, Cervinia offers a softer, "back-side" profile and is famous for its long, sun-drenched, and perfectly groomed runs that are generally more intermediate-friendly than the Swiss side. In 2026, the two resorts are seamlessly connected by the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a state-of-the-art cable car system that allows non-skiers and pedestrians to travel between Switzerland and Italy year-round in just 90 minutes. For skiers, this international connection means you can start your day in Zermatt for breakfast and ski over the Theodul Pass to have authentic pasta and wine for lunch in Italy, provided you have the "International" lift pass and your passport or ID card handy for the mountain border crossing.

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The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing between Switzerland and Italy opened in July 2023. The cable car journey links 9 different stations on the 90-minute trip. Beginning at 1,620m in Zermatt, it climbs to the incredible views of Klein Matterhorn at 3,883m. From the peak, it descends to Breuil- Cervinia at 2,050m.

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Peak glamour at this luxury Swiss ski resort Boasting snow-covered slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer, Zermatt is a take-your-breath-away setting whatever the season.

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No combustion engine vehicles are allowed in Zermatt. In fact, this Swiss municipality has been free of cars for most of its history. The road linking St. Niklaus and Zermatt was closed to automobiles in 1931.

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The Bahnhofstrasse is Zermatt's main street, and a delight to walk along at any time with its bars, restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, bakeries and shops selling cakes and chocolates.

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Why is Zermatt so famous? Firstly, Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn. At 14,692ft-high, it's one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, distinguishable for its pyramid-shaped peak. It's a mecca for mountaineers and climbers.

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