A rather characterless, compact town, Cervinia's main appeal lies in its generally relaxed atmosphere, a buzzing apres-ski scene and an area of outdoor cafes and deck chairs where one can soak up the hot sun, complete with panoramic views. At its centre is a pedestrianised main shopping street. The main cable-car station, Plan Maison, is a long climb up steep steps from just outside the village centre. This is the place where almost every skier aspires to return home with a "me and the Matterhorn" snap for his/her photo album, but many are disappointed, as the top of the mountain is commonly shrouded in mist.

A popular ski-resort, which is generally full in winter, with some facilities for nonskiers. Despite over 100 mls of piste, there are not enough difficult runs to keep experts satisfied. The wide "motorway" runs on sunny pistes best suit beginners and intermediates. A real mixture of nationalities (mainly European), with a large proportion of British guests in winter. In summer the town attracts mostly Italians.

Hotels and apartments, which are generally full in winter. Mainly 2- and 3-star properties, with half a dozen or so well-equipped 4-star hotels. B&Bs on offer, as well as self-catering holiday flats and aparthotels. The hotels are mostly located on the approach road or in the main town, with some up the slope, E of the town, behind and above the main cable-car station.

A variety of small speciality shops including ski/outdoor wear, designer clothes, children's clothes, souvenirs, delicatessens, jewellers, furniture, perfumeries, hardware and wines and spirits. Also a supermarket and minimarkets. Shops generally close between 12pm and 3pm.

Daytime: ice-skating, ice hockey and rather daft apres-ski games on natural ice rink (open until March); bobsleigh rides; skidoos; horse riding; tennis; paragliding; hang-gliding; mountaineering; quad biking; bowling; fishing; heli-skiing; children's fun park. A sports centre in Valtournenche (7 mls) offers a variety of facilities, including indoor pool, volleyball, football, climbing wall and spa. Nightlife: rather unsophisticated apres-ski, with a good selection of bars and restaurants; cocktail bars and 1 or 2 discos.

Plenty to choose from, serving mainly the usual pasta and pizza. Some a la carte dining; half-board options in the more upmarket hotels. Many cafes and takeaways too.

Main bus stand at the S end of town, near the main pedestrianised shopping street. Many hotels offer a courtesy-bus service to the main cable car, and a free ski-bus operates from the car parks around town. Half a dozen taxi firms.

The town of Chatillon (17 mls) has shopping, museums and a castle.

In NW Italy, almost on the border with Switzerland. 100 mls NW of Milan; 117 mls N of Turin Casselle airport.

High in the Aosta Valley on the sunny side of the Matterhorn, reached by a steep road with sharp bends. The main town itself is fairly flat, with gentle slopes to the N. Steep roads to the E of town run to Plan Maison cable-car station, and to the residences and hotels of Giomein, La Vieille, Bardoney and Cielo Alto.

Post Code: 11021
Website: www.montecervino.it

Airport : Caselle
Airport Code: TRN
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr 45 mins