The Porta Nera freeride skiing experience is one of the most beautiful and classic hikes in the Breuil Cervinia-Zermatt area. The descent on this very beautiful mountain develops through Schwarz Glacier. It offers a priceless freeride ski ride with a very interesting development and some spectacular views. A very long, incredibly evocative and never banal off-piste itinerary.

  • Schwarz Glacier, Matterhorn
  • 6 hours
  • Medium difficulty
  • Presence of nearby refreshment point
  • Maximum number of participants
  • Suitable for adults and boys

Information about the off-piste skiing Porta Nera

The freeride skiing to Porta Nera features a very easy access that is done by cable car from Plateau Rosa, at an elevation of 3480 meters, and from Mount Piccolo Cervino (Klein Matterhorn), at an elevation of 3820 meters. Going east, the path goes up towards the wide iced expanse right below Mount Breithorn and it reaches pass Breithorn Pass, at an elevation of 3831 meters. After going down the hill, the skiers will pass under Mount Centrale overtaking some crevasses. As the ascent resumes, the path goes towards Mount Porta Nera Passing by bivouac Bivacco Rossi-Volante.

From there two descending paths are possible: going straight down or keeping the elevation to reach the slope on the opposite side. Both itineraries connect on the great seracs area. The skiers will, then, keep going towards the glacial "tongue" of glacier Grenz and, once on the plain, they will follow the sequence of moraines towards the exit of the glacier.

After reaching the ravine the skiers have the chance to visit some natural ice caves. Following the creek they will reach the bridge over the brook and they will finally go back to the ski tracks that bring to Furi, Zermatt.

The freeride ski excursion to Mount Porta Nera, from Cervinia to Zermatt, is a particularly long and demanding itinerary. The serac areas need to be faced with caution and in some stretches setting up a roped group might be useful.

Price for the freeride skiing to Porta Nera in the Matterhorn area

€ 450 - Price up to 2 persons

€ 540 - Price up to 3 persons

€ 580 - Price up to 4 persons

Where to meet your mountain guide for the Porta Nera freeride skiing

  • Meeting point On the day of your excursion, meet your guide at:
    Start of Funivie Cervino (ticket office)
    Piazzale Funivie
    11021 Breuil-Cervinia, AO
  • Meeting time 8.30 am
  • Geographic coordinates 45°56'03.0"N 7°38'01.8"E
  • Transfer There are no transfers from the meeting point to the excursion site.

What to bring

  • Freeride skis
  • Freeride ski boots
  • Telescopic poles
  • Skins
  • Crampons
  • Ski helmet
  • Avalanche kit
  • Avalanche backpack

What you need to know

  • Participants Anyone over the age of 16, with an adequate level of training and fitness, can participate in this experience.
  • Under 18 Minors under the age of 18, if unaccompanied, require a waiver of liability from the parent or guardian of the child, that must be given to the guide before the excursion begins.
  • Equipment Remember to bring the minimum required equipment for the activity. If you do not own the equipment let us know, we will provide it for you, if available or for hire.
  • Reservation The reservation for this experience is individual, with a dedicated mountain guide. It may be reserved for a number of participants no greater than the maximum number allowed.
  • Excursion price The price shown is for the excursion with the dedicated mountain guide and possible transfer using the guide's private vehicle. It is valid for individual reservations for a number of participants that does not exceed the maximum number allowed.
  • Skipass The excursion requires the skipass, which is not included in the price, and may be purchased at the ski-lift ticket offices in the departure area.
  • Safety The mountain guide may cancel or suspend the excursion or change the itinerary if minimum safety conditions are not guaranteed. Please view the terms.
  • Moderate terms of cancellation The terms of cancellation and change for this experience are moderate. Please view the terms.

How to reserve your mountain guide

To reserve a mountain guide for the freeride skiing Porta Nera, from Cervinia to Zermatt, you must send a request that provides and specifies your contact information, the number of participants and the date/period in which you wish to take the off-piste skiing excursion in the Matterhorn area.
We will respond immediately to confirm the availability of the guide, the deadline, if any, to confirm the option for the reservation, methods of payment, characteristics and organization of the activity.
Once the reservation is confirmed, we will send you the receipt and the presentation voucher with the details of the service, the name of the mountain guide and all the contact information.