Cervinia's trick is geography: high, sunny and snow-sure beneath the Italian side of the Matterhorn, with enormously wide, gentle pistes that let new skiers cruise for kilometres feeling like naturals. The famous Ventina run descends forever at a merciful gradient. Prices undercut its Swiss neighbour Zermatt substantially, and the mountain lunches are far better than beginners deserve. Wind can close the top lifts, so use calm days for the high, easy stuff.
Featured in Ten ski resorts where beginners won't feel silly · Mountain