"Porta Nera" freeride tour from Cervinia to Zermatt

Set off for asensational experience in the shadow of the Matterhorn and ride one of the most impressive freeride routes in the Alps: the Porta Nera route, between Cervinia and Zermatt.

Together with a UIAGM Alpine Guide, you will enjoy to the full the emotions that only off-piste skiing can provide, from theadrenalin rush of the deep powder descents to the awe-inspiring alpine panoramas.

The Porta Nera is not a simple freeride itinerary, but a true 360° journey into the purest and most uncontaminated dimension of the mountains. Choose your best adventure companions and get ready to go!

What we will do

The meeting is at 7:00 a.m. in Cervinia-Valtournenche (AO). First, together with the Alpine Guide, there will be a technical briefing on the characteristics of the route, safety rules and the appropriate use of the avalanche rescue kit (probe, shovel and artva).

After that, via the ski lifts, we will reach Plateau Rosa and from there the Little Matterhorn, at an altitude of 3,820 m, the starting point of the first part of the itinerary that will take us below the peaks of Mount Breithorn, for a first and spectacular alpine traverse.

At a certain point, you will have to resort to seal skins (alternatively, snowshoes or a split board), in order to carry out an uphill section of about 150 m in height difference, up to the Porta Nera pass. From here, you really get into the adventure, with a long freeride descent between seracs, crevasses and steep slopes, ending in a splendid gorge furrowed by a river that forms beautiful icy pools.

The last and quietest part of the descent will lead to Zermatt (1,620 m), a small village located just below the Matterhorn, on Swiss territory, which is unique in that all motorised vehicles are banned here.

After a visit to the village and a well-deserved restorative break, you will take the cable car back to Plateau Rosa and from here you will descend to Cervinia with the last descent of the day on the Ventina slope.

The activity lasts a total of about 8.5 hours.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is aimed at skiers and snowboarders who are able to easily tackle red slopes. The route requires a minimum of previous experience in mountaineering and off-piste skiing. Participation is possible from 15 years of age.

Other information

This activity is intended for private groups of 1 to 8 participants and is bookable from February to May, subject to snow and weather conditions and guide availability.

To take part in this excursion, it is necessary to have an international Italy/Switzerland ticket for the ski lifts of the Cervinia/Zermatt ski area (not included in the participation fee).

The participation fee does not include meals. In agreement with the guide, you can decide whether to stop at a mountain hut or take a packed lunch.

Recommended clothing

• down jacket
• thermal windbreaker or Gore-Tex jacket
• fleece or long-sleeved wind stopper
• long thermal trousers
• double pair of thermal gloves
• cap or band

Don't forget to bring

• 30-litre rucksack with possibility of attaching skis or board
• ID
• sunglasses or ski mask
• personal ski equipment with seal skins (or snowshoes/split board)
• hot thermos and energy snacks or packed lunch