Feel like an adrenaline rush? Find out where to ski on Etna
Skiing on the highest volcano in Europe is among the things to do at least once in a lifetime. Le wonderful sea view slopes give winter sports enthusiasts a decidedly incredible panorama. So, all that remains is to find out what theEtna in winter.
Curiosities about Etna Park
The Etna Park with an area of 59,000 hectares is a treasure chest of biodiversity, in which the evolution and transformation of the earth over time can be observed. In 1987 theprotected area developed all around the volcano. This happened a few years after the establishment of Sicily’s first nature reserve (see more here).
As stated by the park authority, that of Etna is a “representative” volcanic site. Geodiversity characterized by eruptive phenomena, tending to create caves and tunnels or lava fields, give space for lush flora. L’Etna is the perfect example of life, even where there is only rock a flower can be born, as in the case of the
broom. This is precisely why the trekking on Etna.
Are very popular with nature lovers. Here it is possible to undertake long paths immersed in forests Of larch pines, oaks and chestnut trees. This is by encountering some foxes, a peregrine falcon, or why not? A’golden eagle’.
When is the snow coming to Etna?
With its 3,357-meter peak and a favorable year-round climate, on the Mongibello, as it was once called, it is possible experience all four seasons. From the blooms of March to the autumn atmosphere of October. Most striking, however, is the cold season, with large snowfalls as early as mid-December through late February.
The winter period never disappoints expectations, despite its fairly southern location compared to the rest of Italy. Once suitable temperatures are reached, usually allocated between 2° e -7° degrees, already at an altitude of 1800 meters the landscape is filled with white.
This not only gives incredible scenery, both to those who “a muntagna,” as the Catanese call it, look at it from simply the city, and for those who live it every day. It allows the more reckless to pick up snowboards and skis and dabble on Sicily’s best slopes.
How many slopes are there on Mount Etna?
The morphology of the park territory has allowed, with the advent of winter sports, the construction of two ad hoc facilities On two sides of the volcano. In both facilities it is possible to practice alpine skiing, snowboarding and at lower altitudes among snow-covered forests, cross-country skiing.
Etna South ski facilities: Nicolosi
In order of size we find the Etna Sud ski area in Nicolosi with three ski lifts, a two-seater chairlift, a six-seater gondola, and three red and one blue run (representative map Etna Sci Nicolosi). La base of the facility is located at Sapienza Refuge (elevation 1924 meters) e winds up to 2700 meters in the following manner:
- With the gondola you start from Sapienza Refuge arriving at the red slope Little Refuge at an elevation of 2505 m, with a descent of 2700 m and 580 m of elevation gain.
- Taking the Crateri Silvestri – Capannina chairlift (1928 m) you will reach the 865 m red slope at elevation 2142.
- With the Skilift Capannina – Piano dell’Omino of reaches the red slope at 2294 m altitude, 1992 m long.
- Taking the Skilift Piano dell’Omino – Piccolo Rifugio you will reach the end of the gondola and the beginning of the 1,500 m red slope with an elevation gain of 211 m.
- La Piccolo Rifugio – Montagnola ski lift leads to elevation 2608 m, as well as the starting point of the 1000 m long blue slope with 103 m elevation gain.
Etna Nord ski lifts: Linguaglossa
On the other side, in the municipality of Linguaglossa, we find the Etna Nord ski facilities of Piano Provenzana – Monte Conca, as well as the most active ski area. It is here that the almost alpine landscape meets the marine one, with wonderful views of the Peloritani, Taormina and Castelmola.
Its northern position, relative to the structure of the volcano, facilitates the permanence of the snowpack. This allows plants to be kept open for all three winter months compared to those of Etna Sud, which are often closed due to lack of snow.
For this very reason Piano Provenzana is an international destination. In 2001, she was selected to compete in the slalom and giant slalom of the Italy Cup F.I.S.. In 2002 was destroyed by a violent eruption and was rebuilt step by step.
Today thefacility, developed between 1800 and 2400 m, offers three ski lifts, a chairlift with four red and two blue slopes (representative map Etna Sci Linguaglossa):
- Puchoz Tanaurpi chairlift,
- Monte Conca ski lift,
- Ladybug ski lift,
- Amphitheater ski lift
Moreover, right at Monte Conca there is a “Poiana” track 5 km long, perfectly groomed and suitable for cross-country skiing. Access to the slope is detached from the rest of the facilities and surrounded by forest.
Ski and snowboard lessons on Etna
Provenzana Plan is a suitable place for those entering the world of winter sports. In the renowned area of Linguaglossa you will can participate in classes 1 hour to 8 hours. You can practice them individually, in pairs or in groups.
La Etna Nord Ski School consists of as many as 23 instructors divided into snowboarding, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. Why choose to learn a new discipline right here? Simply for the professionalism of the instructors and for the setting in which newcomers are welcomed: well-structured tracks and the sea in the background.
The classes, in addition to being for all ages, have some advantageous prices. We list the various links below with useful info and booking contacts:
Equipment rental and cost of Etna Nord ski pass
For those who do not have their own equipment of their own, Piano Provenzana provides several chalets employed in the rental and refreshment of food and beverages. È possible to rent for one day the‘s complete ski or snowboard equipment at a price ranging from €15 to €30.
But not only skiing, those who prefer to stay at lower altitudes while still having fun can rent comfortable sleds and bobsleighs.The cost of the ski pass varies depending on the formula chosen and the time of arrival. Rates are per adult or child and are divided into:
- Daily adult €35,
- Child daily rate (up to 12 years old) €25,
- Adult afternoon from 12:30 pm €20,
- Afternoon Child (up to 12 years old) from 12:30 p.m. €15,
- Adult Seasonal €300,
- Seasonal child €200.
How to get to Piano Provenzana?
To reach Piano Provenzana it is advisable to use the highway, exiting at Fiumefreddo, after the toll booth take the third exit for Linguaglossa, cross Piedimonte Etneo e Linguaglossa. After the latter we find 18 kilometers of Mareneve road, passing through the Ragabo forest until reaching the destination at 1900 meters.
How to know if there is snow on Etna
Before going up the mountain, it is always recommended to check the weather and the situation in real time. Through the webcams of Piano Provenzana and of Sapienza Refuge anyone can ascertain the snow conditions at any time of the day.
In addition, theentity in Piano Provenzana shares every morning the snow report
Etna North, with updates aimed at the condition of the slopes and roads. Regarding the viability is mandatory to carry snow chains in the absence of snow tires.
Snow hotels on Mount Etna
Etna offers magical all-around experiences. Choose to stay overnight in the snow after a day of skiing could prove to be a great idea. There are many facilities that offer excellent rooms at short distance from the Etna North ski facilities.
Among them we find the Etna Juniper, a lovely chalet on the snow right next to the ski resort of Piano Provenzana. The accommodation, equipped with two bathrooms, sauna, flat-screen TV, one bedroom, a well-equipped kitchen and a sea-view patio, is perfect for those who want to enjoy an unforgettable snow experience.
A few kilometers further down we find Chalet Clan dei Ragazzi, a structure completely immersed in the forest. It has twelve cozy rooms, some very nice cabins and a well-stocked camping area.
Finally, we mention the Mareneve Resort recommended for those who want to be pampered by a contemporary environment under the banner of relaxation e of well-being. Tourists can enjoy the comfortable rooms, the spa, and the many activities offered by the staff.
All that remains is to pack your bags and indulge in a ski week on Europe’s highest and most active volcano.
Luca Russo