About the Course
Feeling eager to get your ski season started early? Us too! This pre season training camp, led by internationally renowned coaches Demelza Clay, Brenna Kelleher & Sebastian Baribeau will put you through your paces so you can hit your peak faster.
Ability Level and Terrain: Solid Intermediate to Advanced
Ability to ski refined parallel turns on groomed black runs.
Be able to 'pure carve' clean turns (no skidding) on an easy blue or a steep green run.
Can make short turns on blue runs with speed control.
Perfect technique is not required but a good level of fitness is essential.
This camp is not appropriate for skiers who are learning to parallel.
CARV
CARV user? So are us coaches! If you're skiing with CARV we will help you progress using the software. If you are curious about demo'ing CARV we can arrange a free trial so you can test it out during the camp. If you have no interest in using CARV, we TOTALLY get it! You will be coached conventionally (the good old fashioned way), rest assured CARV will not be the focus of the group coaching. Unless the whole group are using it, haha.
Groupings:
The camp will be divided into 4 groups of 6 skiers each. You'll be coached by the same coach all week to ensure continuity and personalized attention. However, there will also be a team coaching day where all coaches collaborate: each coach sets up specific task at a station on a slope so the groups can cycle through. This means you will receive coaching and feedback from every coach on the team!
Physical:
You should be in good physical shape and be able to ski 5 full days in a row.
Cost: $4310 CAD
Price quoted is for the on snow program only. Accommodation, flights and meals etc are to be booked and paid for by camp participants.
About Cervinia/Zermatt:
Stunning scenery, incredible groomers, challenging off piste and epic Italian food - that should be enough, right?! Cervinia is one the best early season training resorts due to its location, right on the backside of the Matterhorn, the resort receives fantastic early season snowfall and gives us the option to ski over to Switzerland.
Hello Skiers,
We’re excited to share some information for the upcoming STOKE LAB First Tracks camp in Cervinia, Italy.
Brenna Kelleher has put together the following recommendations with our contact who lives in Cervinia. This should be all the information you'll need to plan your ski trip to Cervinia this November - however this list is not exhaustive - please do your own research as there are many more options on line.
Below you’ll find details on arrival airports, transport options, lodging, pricing estimates, ski selections, WhatsApp group for comunciations and some important on-mountain notes everyone should be aware of before we go.
Please read this email all the way to the end!
✈️ Airports
There are two main airports I’d recommend flying into for international connections:
1. Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) — Best Option
Turin is the top pick. It’s the closest major airport to Cervinia at around 120 km away, with a transfer time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by road. Airlines including British Airways and Ryanair fly here, making it accessible from many European hubs.
2. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — Most International Connections
If you’re flying from further afield or need more airline options, Milan Malpensa is the better choice. It’s about 180–190 km from Cervinia (around 2.5 hours by road) but has a much wider range of long-haul and international routes — particularly useful for anyone flying in from the US.
🚌 Getting to Cervinia
Below are the main ways to get from the airport to the resort. Everyone will need to arrange their own transport.
Public Transport
The cheapest option, though not the most convenient. Arriva Italia (formerly SAVDA) runs bus services from both Turin and Milan Malpensa airports directly to Cervinia. There’s also a train to Châtillon-Saint-Vincent followed by a connecting bus up to the resort. Expect a total journey of around 3.5 hours from either airport.
Rental Car
Renting a car gives the most flexibility. Pick one up directly from the airport rather than driving through the city. Key things to note:
• Snow tyres or snow chains are essential — confirm any rental includes these
• All-wheel drive or 4WD is strongly recommended for the mountain roads into Cervinia
• If renting a diesel, fill up at the petrol station in Breuil-Cervinia to avoid fuel issues in the cold
• Road access is via the A5 Aosta Valley motorway, exiting at Châtillon, then 28 km of mountain road
Private Shuttle Companies
For those who’d prefer a direct, door-to-door transfer, the following companies all operate routes from Turin and/or Milan to Cervinia:
Ski-Lifts skilifts.com
Private, shared, luxury & coach
From €44/person from Turin. Award-winning, 24/7 support
Alps2Alps alps2alps.com
Shared shuttles & private transfers
From €44/person from Turin (~1.5 hrs). Groups of 3–49+
ATS airportransferservices.com
Shared & private cars/minibuses
Shared: €50/person (Turin), €70/person (Milan). 24/7 trilingual support
Cervinia Taxi Services cerviniataxiservices.com
Private (any day) & shared shuttles (weekends)
Local operator; also covers Aosta Valley & Switzerland
HOW2TRANSFER how2transfer.com
Private, prestige, minivan, group bus
VIP/luxury options available. Taxi-Bus-Taxi hybrid for cost savings
Hoppa hoppa.com
Door-to-door private
Good for families and groups; set your own departure time
🏨 Lodging Options — November 9–13
I’ve looked into three tiers of accommodation. November is one of the cheaper months to be in Cervinia, so prices are more favourable than peak season. Everyone will need to book their own accommodation based on their preferences and budget.
🎫 Lift Ticket Discounts
Many hotels in Cervinia offer discounts on lift tickets as part of their booking. Make sure to ask about this when you book your accommodation — it can result in meaningful savings on your ski pass.
🔴 Luxury Hotels (4–5 Star)
Hotel Hermitage — 5 Star
A classic, historic hotel at the foot of the Matterhorn. Stone-and-wood chalet styling, superb spa, heated indoor pool, gourmet dining, and a private shuttle to the ski lifts. One of the most iconic stays in Cervinia.
Estimated rate: €400–900+ per night
VRetreats Cervino — 5 Star (SLH Collection)
A newer luxury property with a 9.8 guest rating. Indoor pool, steam room, sauna, rooftop terrace, panoramic Matterhorn views, and daily wellness services. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
Estimated rate: €400–900+ per night
Saint Hubertus Resort & Spa — 5 Star
A luxury aparthotel offering self-contained serviced apartments with spa, pool, in-room dining, fitness centre, private shuttle to lifts, and stunning Matterhorn views.
Estimated rate: €400–900+ per night
🟡 Mid-Range Hotels (3–4 Star)
Sertorelli Sport Hotel — 4 Star
Central location, close to the slopes. 70 rooms and suites with classic alpine decor — pine, furs, open fireplaces. Fantastic spa and a highly regarded Italian restaurant.
Estimated rate: €150–350 per night
White Angel Hotel — 4 Star
Rated 8.6 by guests. Full-service spa with sauna and pool, ski shuttle access, and pet-friendly. Well positioned for the slopes and good value for a 4-star.
Estimated rate: €150–350 per night
Hotel Bucaneve — 4 Star Boutique
Traditional alpine charm close to the slopes. Spa, swimming pool, and gourmet dining with mountain views. A more intimate, boutique feel.
Estimated rate: €150–350 per night
🟢 Budget Hotels (2–3 Star)
Hotel Mignon — 3 Star
A family-run traditional hotel right on the main street. Praised for its friendly staff, cosy bar, and excellent value. Good for those who want a solid, central base without the extras.
Estimated rate: €80–150 per night
Hotel Meubé Mon Rêve — 3 Star
Direct ski-to-door access, shared lounge, garden terrace, evening entertainment, and daily breakfast included. Flexible room configurations — doubles, twins, triples, or interconnecting rooms.
Estimated rate: €80–150 per night
🏠 Private Apartments
For more space and flexibility, self-catering apartments are a great option. There’s a solid range on Airbnb and VRBO — everything from studios to multi-bedroom apartments with ski storage, balconies, Matterhorn views, and private parking. Many are right in the village centre or ski-in/ski-out. November prices are very reasonable.
• Airbnb: airbnb.com/breuil-cervinia-italy
• VRBO: vrbo.com (search Cervinia or Breuil-Cervinia)
💰 Group Accom Pricing
THIS PRICING HAS BEEN SOURCED BY OUR CONTACT IN CERVINIA - ONCE YOU HAVE PAID FOR THE CAMP YOU WILL RECEIVE INSTRCUTIONS ON HOW TO ACCESS THESE DEALS!
Hotel Bergman
Double Room - €300
Single Room - €270
NEW OFFER FROM BERGMAN - DEMELZA AND BRENNA ARE STAYING THERE!
2 double rooms two twin beds : 210€ a night
1 triple room three twin beds 310 € a night
• Breakfast included and spa
• Resort tax: €2.50 per person per night (additional)
• Garage parking: €20 per night (additional)
Red Fox
1 Bedroom (1–2 persons)
Weekday Rate €220
Weekend Rate €230
2 Bedrooms (1–2 persons)
Weekday Rate €260
Weekend Rate €270
3 Bedrooms (1–4 persons)
Weekday Rate €480
Weekend Rate €500
• Breakfast included
• Garage parking included
Please contact each hotel for a summary of a 4 day package
Note: Bergman resort tax (€2.50/person/night) and garage (€20/night) are additional. Red Fox weekend rates (Fri–Sat) are slightly higher than weekday rates shown.
🎿 Skis
You will need a carving ski to get the most out of this camp. We recommend a performance ski with a radius of between 14 - 17m, 15 metres is the sweet spot. 70 - 85mm underfoot. Anything wider than that will be a lot more work for you. Make sure your skis are sharp. Tuning shops will be open in Cervinia.
Bring a powder ski if you want however please note that Coaches will not be leading the groups off-piste (Local Guides are the only people who can take groups off-piste in Europe).
⚠️ Important On-Mountain Information
Please read the following before the trip — these are things everyone in the group needs to be aware of.
🎫 Lift Ticket Pricing — Not Yet Released
Cervinia has not yet released their lift ticket prices for the 2026-2027 winter season. This information is not available at this time. In the meantime, remember to ask your hotel about any lift ticket discounts they may offer when booking.
🎫 IKON Pass Information
For Ikon users and your trip to Cervinia/Zermatt:
* Your physical Ikon Base Pass works directly at the lift gates. You do not need to exchange it for a local ticket.
* As long as your pass has been fully paid for, your photo is uploaded, and the pass has been issued, it is valid immediately upon receipt. My pass typically arrives in October every year but in the event that it doesn’t arrive, normally you can go to customer service and have one printed.
* Your Ikon Base Pass includes:
* 5 days at Zermatt
* 5 days in the Aosta Valley (Breuil-Cervinia/Valtournenche)
One important nuance for your itinerary:
If you cross the border and ski both Zermatt and Cervinia on the same day, Ikon deducts one day from each allotment. So a single day spent skiing both countries counts as:
* 1 of your 5 Zermatt days, and
* 1 of your 5 Cervinia/Aosta Valley days.
You MUST have your IKON PASS CARD WITH YOU - the physical card - (or you will get the run around!) Please ensure you read up on your inclusions for the pass you decide to purchase - this is general information. Other members of the camp have purchased IKON passes and will gladly help you out with purchasing the right deal once you get into the WhatsApp group.
⚠️ Italian Law: Helmets Are Mandatory for All Skiers
Italy has introduced a law requiring all skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet on the slopes — this applies to everyone, regardless of age or ability. This is not optional; it is a legal requirement. Make sure everyone in the group has a helmet before hitting the mountain. Helmets can also be rented at the resort if needed.
🛡️ Ski Insurance: Required at Point of Purchase
When purchasing your lift ticket in Cervinia, you are required to also purchase ski insurance (third-party liability insurance). This is added at the point of sale when buying your pass and is not optional. Make sure to factor this into your budget when planning for lift ticket costs.
🛡️ Travel Insurance — Essential, Not Optional
⚠️ Please purchase travel insurance before this trip
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone on this trip. Your US health insurance does not cover medical expenses in Italy. A skiing injury, emergency evacuation from a mountain, or a trip cancellation could result in tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs without coverage. Please do not skip this.
There are two things to be aware of when buying insurance for this trip:
• Standard travel insurance does NOT automatically cover skiing or snowboarding. You must either choose a plan that explicitly includes winter sports, or add a winter sports rider to your policy.
• Your US health insurance will not cover you in Italy. Emergency medical care, hospital stays, and especially helicopter evacuations from the mountain can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
What to Look for in a Policy
• Emergency medical coverage — minimum $100,000 recommended
• Emergency medical evacuation — aim for $250,000 or more (mountain rescues are expensive)
• Winter sports / adventure sports coverage explicitly included
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Ski equipment coverage if bringing your own gear
• Personal liability coverage (required in Italy; your lift ticket ski insurance covers on-slope liability, but broader liability is worth having)
Recommended Companies for Ski Travel Insurance
The following are well-regarded providers for ski and international travel insurance. Always compare plans and read the policy details carefully before purchasing:
Travelex
Rated #1 overall by U.S. News 2026. Strong medical and evacuation limits. ‘Ultimate’ plan includes ski resort closure coverage.
World Nomads
Widely used by adventure travelers. Winter sports coverage included in Explorer plan. Covers 150+ activities.
AXA Assistance USA
Strong adventure sports coverage. Silver plan includes skiing near the Dolomites/Alps. Optional Cancel for Any Reason add-on.
Travel Guard
Offers an ‘Adventure Sports Bundle’ add-on specifically for skiing and snowboarding. 24/7 emergency travel assistance.
Allianz Travel
Good for families. Strong baggage/equipment coverage. 24/7 claims network. Trusted by 59 million travelers annually.
Faye
App-based, easy to use. Up to $250,000 medical and $500,000 evacuation per person for international trips.
Squaremouth
Comparison marketplace — compare multiple providers side-by-side. Filter specifically for winter sports coverage.
Tip: Use Squaremouth or a similar comparison site to get quotes from multiple providers at once. Filter for ‘winter sports’ or ‘adventure sports’ coverage to make sure skiing is included. Average cost for a ski trip policy runs around $275 for a full trip, or roughly $23/day — a small price given what’s at stake.
Getting There And Away:
Plan to arrive at least 1 day early to get settled in. Please visit this link for more details about Cervinia:
https://www.cervinia.it/en/inverno/cosa-fare
More About The Coaching Team:
Your Coaches
Demelza Clay, Brenna Kelleher, Sebastian Baribeau and special guest coach TBA!
Demelza Clay, Brenna Kelleher and Sebastian Baribeau are high-performance ski coaches fuelled by a love for two things: carving deep arcs on corduroy and chasing adventure on off-piste terrain down untamed backcountry lines. Both National Team Alumna for their respective associations (Demelza APSI, Brenna PSIA, Seb CSIA) they are joining forces to put on an unforgettable camp experience that will get your technique dialled in so you can start skiing the terrain and the turns you've always dreamed of.
A requirement of your registration and participation in a Coach Collective Camp is the signing of our waiver. Click here to view a copy of our waiver.