Breuil-Cervinia has always been one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Alps. From its first cable car built back in 1936 to today’s world-class ski area connected with Zermatt, the resort has constantly evolved while preserving its unique alpine character.
Now, Cervinia is preparing for its most ambitious project ever.
Introducing Cervino The One: a brand-new 3S ropeway that will completely transform the way visitors travel from Breuil-Cervinia to Plateau Rosa. Scheduled to open in December 2029, this €200 million investment is set to become one of the most advanced lift systems in Europe.
As a local ski instructor, I genuinely believe this project will mark the beginning of a new era for Cervinia.
What Is Cervino The One?
“Cervino The One” is the name of the future 3S cable car that will replace the current lift system connecting Breuil-Cervinia with Plateau Rosa.
The name isn’t just a marketing choice.
It also stands for Our New Elevation, reflecting Cervino Ski Paradise’s vision of taking the resort to an entirely new level in terms of technology, comfort and year-round tourism.
Unlike traditional gondolas, a 3S (Three-Rope System) combines two fixed carrying cables with one hauling rope.
This technology offers several major advantages:
- exceptional stability
- outstanding wind resistance
- higher transport capacity
- smoother ride
- fewer support towers
- increased passenger comfort
It’s the same technology used in some of the world’s most prestigious mountain destinations.
Two Ropeways, One Seamless Journey
Although many people simply refer to it as one lift, Cervino The One will actually consist of two interconnected ropeways.
The first section will connect:
Breuil-Cervinia → Plan Maison
The second section will continue from:
Plan Maison → Plateau Rosa
Passengers will remain within one integrated transport system, making the journey quicker and much more comfortable than today.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The scale of the project is truly impressive.
Here are some of the key figures:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total length | Around 6 km |
| First section | 1,850 metres |
| Second section | Over 4,000 metres |
| Vertical rise | Nearly 1,500 metres |
| Operating speed | 8 m/s (29 km/h) |
| Capacity | 3,000 passengers per hour |
| Travel time | Less than 17 minutes |
| Opening target | December 2029 |
For visitors, this means less waiting, faster access to high-altitude skiing and a much smoother experience throughout the day.
From Cervinia to Plateau Rosa in Less Than 17 Minutes
One of the most exciting improvements will be the dramatic reduction in travel time.
Today’s journey involves multiple lifts and can take considerably longer depending on queues and weather.
With Cervino The One, passengers will reach:
- Plan Maison in approximately 4½ minutes
- Plateau Rosa in around 12 additional minutes
The total journey will take less than 17 minutes.
For skiers, snowboarders and sightseers alike, this will make accessing the glacier faster than ever before.
Built for High-Altitude Conditions
Operating above 3,400 metres, this project faces unique engineering challenges.
Extreme weather, heavy snowfall, strong winds and difficult logistics all need to be taken into account.
That’s precisely why Cervino Ski Paradise chose a 3S system.
Compared with conventional gondolas, 3S technology offers exceptional stability even during strong winds, helping reduce weather-related interruptions and increasing reliability throughout the winter season.
For a resort like Cervinia, where wind can sometimes affect lift operations, this represents a significant improvement.
Designed by Industry Leaders
The construction has been entrusted to a consortium led by Leitner, one of the world’s leading ropeway manufacturers.
Several experienced local companies will also contribute to the civil engineering works.
The project isn’t only about engineering.
It’s also about design.
The panoramic cabins have been created in collaboration with Pininfarina Architecture, promising a premium travel experience with elegant interiors and spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
The stations have been designed by the architectural studio Policreo, combining modern aesthetics with functionality.
The goal is to create a lift that becomes an attraction in itself.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Project
One of the most interesting aspects of Cervino The One is its strong environmental focus.
The lift will operate using electricity generated from renewable energy sources supplied by CVA.
Additional sustainable technologies will include:
- photovoltaic panels on every station
- geothermal heating at Plan Maison
- heat pumps throughout the system
- energy-efficient operating solutions
The aim is to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance throughout the year.
More Than a Ski Lift
Although skiers will certainly benefit the most, Cervino The One is designed for much more than winter sports.
Thanks to its panoramic cabins and comfortable ride, the lift will also attract:
- hikers
- mountain bikers
- photographers
- families
- international tourists
- visitors simply wishing to experience the spectacular views of the Matterhorn
Perhaps the biggest change is that it will become possible to reach the high mountain environment even without skiing.
This supports Cervinia’s ambition of becoming a genuine 365-day mountain destination, rather than being known only as a winter resort.
A €200 Million Investment in the Future
With a total investment approaching €200 million, Cervino The One represents one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the Italian Alps.
Approximately €70 million will be funded by the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley, while the remaining investment will be financed by Cervino S.p.A.
Preparatory works have already begun, with major construction expected to progress over the coming years as final authorisations are completed on both the Italian and Swiss sides.
If everything proceeds according to schedule, the first passengers will board the new lift in December 2029.
Why This Matters for Skiers
As someone who spends every winter teaching in Cervinia, I see this project as much more than simply replacing an old lift.
It represents a completely different experience.
Less time travelling.
Less waiting.
More comfort.
Greater reliability.
More time enjoying the slopes.
For families, beginners and experienced skiers alike, faster access to the upper ski area means making the most of every ski day.
And for international visitors, it further strengthens Cervinia’s position as one of Europe’s premier alpine destinations.
Looking Ahead
The history of Cervinia has always been closely linked to innovation.
From the first cable cars in the 1930s to today’s connection with Zermatt, every generation has transformed the resort while respecting the spectacular mountain that surrounds it.
Cervino The One is simply the next chapter.
When it opens, it won’t just be one of the most technologically advanced lifts in Europe—it will become a new symbol of Cervinia itself.
As a ski instructor who calls these mountains home, I can’t wait to experience that first ride.
If you’re planning your ski trip and want help choosing where to eat, ski, or stay, don’t hesitate to reach out — you can email me anytime at info@skiwithriky.com. I’ve personally eaten at all these spots, skied these slopes for many winters, and I’d be happy to help you plan your perfect food-and-ski adventure in Cervinia.
See you on the slopes,
Riky
