«SHigher and higher” he shouted in 1976 Mike Bongiorno from the summit of the Matterhorn, during the recording of a commercial for a well-known brand of grappa. Very distant times, but that “shopping space” has remained iconic.
So much so that the very popular presenter since 1999, he became an honorary citizen of the municipality at the foot of the “Gran Becca”, before his death in 2009. And, in the small square of the church of Cervinia-Breuil, in Valle d’Aosta, there is his bust which remembers him forever.
Then came the mountaineer Hervé Balmasse exalted the Matterhorn with his legendary solo climbs between 2002 and 2007 awarded on 7 March 2008 with the Grolla d’oro.
And Balmasse himself is the most authoritative testimonial of this today rock giant is found in the Central Alps, between Italy and Switzerland. Its peak, which culminates at 4478 metres, rises in front of the center of Breuil-Cervinia, in the Aosta Valley, and that of Zermatt, in Switzerland.
360 kilometers of slopes
The Matterhorn was conquered for the first time, from the Swiss side, on 14 July 1865 by Edward Whymper. And today Breuil-Cervinia is one of the most renowned Alpine resorts in the Breuil basin, in Valtournenche.
More generally it is the heart of a unique ski area in the world: the Cervino Ski Paradise, which connects the slopes of Breuil -Cervinia and Valtournenche with Zermatt, in Switzerland, for a total of 360 km.
You always ski on the Matterhorn
The good news is that from this season there will no longer be a distinction between winter and summerspring and autumn because the ski lifts will continue to operate every day, eliminating the break between one season and the next from the calendar.
Until May 5th there will be non-stop skiing on the Italian side and from the following day – until September 8th – on the slopes of Plateau Rosa and Zermatt, accessible from Italy with the international ski pass.
The Cervino Sky Paradise area will guarantee 320 days a year thanks also to the recent inauguration of the 3S Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car which connects Testa Grigia to the Piccolo Cervino, uniting Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt even more.
Meanwhile, i. has been active since January 1stthe luggage transport service to eliminate any difficulty in traveling between Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt.
Hervé Balmasse: «We respect the mountains»
(photo by Marco Piraccini/Marco Piraccini Archive/Mondadori via Getty Images)
With the opening of the Alpine Crossing between Testa Grigia and the Klein Matterhorn, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, you can experience the SnowXperience Plateau Pink around the valley station of the new 3S Matterhorn Glacier Ride II cable car.
From here, in just four minutes, you can reach the highest station in Europe: the 1600 meter stretch is built without pylons and it is possible to admire the imposing Teodulo glacier from above.
Hervé Balmasse is a true ambassador of the mountains. His concerns go to the intensive exploitation of the peaks made less interesting also due to climate change.
«We need to propose something different to be more attractive and guarantee economic development with innovative tourism activities more related to climate adaptation.
In other words we must offer services of all kinds to allow a life for the entire year. The mountain has been in crisis for some time and we must act. Even those who love her ask how they can live it by going beyond these difficulties »she admits.
For Balmasse, mountain communities should offer services from healthcare to leisure activities.
«We could also think about a different use of existing systems, the creation of museum and educational networks, always preserving the natural qualities of territories that are not yet degraded.
Furthermore, we must prepare the mountain for the demands of young people by adapting them to the prospect of work.
Many residents say they love the mountains but then favor exploitation because tourism immediately generates significant well-being.”
The controversy over the name Breuil-Cervinia
The route that leads to Breuil-Cervinia offers postcard views of the Matterhorn, but to admire it more closely you can go up with the lifts to the Plateau Rosa glacier.
Among the numerous activities you can also focus on trekking and nature trails.
Like the Sentiero Sant’Anna which develops through the pastures of Tramal Dameun (2,390 metres) of Alpe Promindoz and allows you to reach a small crystal chapel built in 1994.
In 2000 it was chosen by Pope John II for a day of prayer and meditation.
Environment in the Blue Lake area it is possible to drive snowmobiles and whoever wants can also experience it The Huski experience.
Finally, we should mention the Matterhorn Guides Museum, where memorabilia and photographs tell the story of the great feats of mountaineering, with thematic exhibitions.
All against the backdrop of the controversy that at the end of the year, in 2023, it sparked excitement when it was decided to call Breuil-Cervinia just Breuil.
Breuil is the original name in French which has been attested since the 19th century and indicated a flat and marshy area between the mountains.
The municipality of Valtournenche had decided on the change in January 2023, the municipal council had officially adopted the new name already in April and the region had finally approved it with a decree on 21 September.
The announcement of the change raised a wave of criticism.
The mayor of Valtournenche, Elisa Cicco, announced that the administration is intervening to maintain the old name.
Where to eat and sleep
The Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche area offers 90 accommodation facilities, mostly family-run, for a total of 5300 beds.
Luxury Hotel & Spa St. Hubertus
Breathtaking views of the Alps and the Matterhorn. The Saint Hubertus Resort in Cervinia offers free parking and a shuttle to the ski lifts.
Designed by architect Savin Couelle, the Saint Hubertus Resort is located five minutes from the town centre.
Info: +39 0166 545916. Email: [email protected]
A hotel restaurant immersed in the woods. The contemporary design of the furnishings mixes with the warmth and Alpine atmosphere. Not to be missed, in addition to the cold cuts, cheeses and meats, is the seuppa alla valpellinentze, according to the family recipe.
Address: Crêt Perréres, Breuil Cervinia Tel. 0166.94.87.75 Cell. 340.24.35.179.
The Foyer des Guides restaurant is located on the ski slopes, but is easily accessible by car. Typical mountain chalet, it offers natural and organic products at km 0. Try the chestnut tortello with “salignon” (seasoned ricotta) and the beef guanciotto.
Address: loc. Laviel, Pessey, Valtournenche Tel. 0166.93.27.80.
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