PROGRAM
Ski touring on Etna
A trip for off-piste skiing enthusiasts in the Sicily of the highest volcano in Europe. Three days to enjoy the thrill of ski-mountaineering climbs with limited technical difficulties, with average daily gradients. Never higher than 1,000 meters.
A bit more challenging, but definitely appreciable, the variant that provides for the south-north crossing of the volcano. A fascinating panoramic route. Through the North East Crater, the Pizzi de’ Neri and the Grotta del Gelo, offers unique emotions.
A complete experience to experience the environment of the volcano in all its facets. An excursion to be carried out in conditions of optimal snowfall and of great satisfaction even for the most demanding ski mountaineers.
Snow and ski mountaineering conditions
Already at the end of November, over 2000 meters, the snowpack on Etna is sufficiently continuous and compact. The first snowfalls, due to their constitution of very “wet” crystals, therefore in great cohesion among them, are the most important for the accumulation of winter snow.
The damp and compact layer, by freezing, helps the lightest and driest snow of December to join better to the volcanic soil. Protect it at the same time from strong winter winds. For this reason, the first ascents at the end of December-beginning of January are often very funny. It seems in fact to ski on perfectly beaten snow and compact, even if you have to pay attention to the ice. For this reason, we therefore recommend the use of knives or rampant.
With the snowfalls of December and January, the ski mountaineering season on Etna comes into full swing. On Etna, unlike many other ski resorts, ski mountaineering can be practiced safely throughout the season.
Etna Volcano
With its 3,350 meters of height and its perfect conical shape, Etna is a volcano of great charm. Its profile distinguishes the landscape of all eastern Sicily, because visible at a distance up to 250 kilometers. Every 3 years the eruptions of the most active cones allow you to witness fascinating eruptions while admiring lava flows on the slopes.
The Mediterranean atmosphere, the mild climate, the aromas, the warm and cheerful Sicilian hospitality, as well as the flavors of a traditional and authentic cuisine, will make our Etna adventure unique!
At 3,350 metres above sea level, Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe!
The descent of this unique mountain on skis is an amazing experience. A special snow and the stunning views of the deep blue sea in the distance provide an experience beyond description. Sometimes you can see the snow covered with a thin layer of ash.
Glistening snow slopes alternate with lava rocks as black as pitch, creating surprising contrasts, in the perception of unique surroundings. Strange noises and quivers under the surface of the mountain that breathes. Among clouds of sulphur leaking from the cracks and craters bubbling all around.
Thanks to the distinctive conical shape, Etna offers endless ski mountaineering possibilities on all sides.
The four summit craters of the volcano (over 3,300 m) can be reached with ski skins and crampons in about 3 hours if the weather and volcano cooperate.
The climb can take less time if you hop on the cable car. In less than 15 minutes, it takes you at 2,500 m above sea level. We can decide to take the lifts to save time and get to our destination more quickly.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 800 m uphill (from Sapienza Hut to Montagnola)
Ascent/descent time: 2 hours with lifts
Departure from Milan, Turin, Verona or another airport (depending on where the participants come from), to Catania with low-cost flights.
Meeting with the mountain guide at the airport and transfer with a 7-9 seater mini van to Nicolosi, on the South side of the volcano. The accommodation will be either in B&B or mountain hut. Depending on the flight arrival time and weather conditions, on the first day, we can take a short hike to Montagnola (2,700 m), leaving from Sapienza Hut (1,910 m). And visit the famous Silvestri craters on the South side.
After a rest at Monte Scavo hut for a snack, we go back to the B&B or hut for dinner and overnight stay.
Difference in altitude: 800 m uphill (from Sapienza Hut to Montagnola)
Ascent/descent time: 2 hours with lifts
Departure from Milan, Turin, Verona or another airport (depending on where the participants come from), to Catania with low-cost flights.
Meeting with the mountain guide at the airport and transfer with a 7-9 seater mini van to Nicolosi, on the South side of the volcano. The accommodation will be either in B&B or mountain hut. Depending on the flight arrival time and weather conditions, on the first day, we can take a short hike to Montagnola (2,700 m), leaving from Sapienza Hut (1,910 m). And visit the famous Silvestri craters on the South side.
After a rest at Monte Scavo hut for a snack, we go back to the B&B or hut for dinner and overnight stay.
Difference in altitude: 850 m
Ascent/descent time: 5 hours
Starting from Sapienza hut (1,910 m), we climb the lava slopes next to the ski slopes, taking the cable car up to 2,504 m.
We continue to the area called Piano del Lago on the right, with the new craters opened in 2001 and 2002. Passing by the Torre del Filosofo, we reach the rim of the South-East crater (3,250 m). From here, we quickly reach the saddle between the Central crater and the Northeast crater (3,350 m).
Descending by the same route, we return to the B&B or mountain hut for dinner and overnight stay.
Alternatively
GREAT SOUTH-NORTH ETNA TRAVERSE
Difference in altitude: 1,400 m
Ascent/descent time: 7 hours approx.
Starting from Sapienza hut (1,910 m) we go up the lava slopes next to the ski slopes, using the cable car up to 2,504 m. We go on leaving the new craters opened in 2001 and 2002 (on the map are localized in the Piano del Lago area). From Torre del Filosofo (South East crater), we will reach and visit the summit craters (Central and North East).
Descending along the crest of the Valle del Leone/Bove, we will enjoy the wonderful scenery below, with Taormina on the Peloritani Mounts and the Straits of Messina.
We will continue to descend from the north side of the Northeast crater, towards the Volcano Observatory. We will take one of the large gullies, then we’ll cross westwards towards the lifts, to easily reach Monte Conca and Piano Provenzana.
Dinner and overnight in B&B or mountain hut (according to availability).
Difference in altitude: 850 m
Ascent/descent time: 5 hours
Starting from Sapienza hut (1,910 m), we climb the lava slopes next to the ski slopes, taking the cable car up to 2,504 m.
We continue to the area called Piano del Lago on the right, with the new craters opened in 2001 and 2002. Passing by the Torre del Filosofo, we reach the rim of the South-East crater (3,250 m). From here, we quickly reach the saddle between the Central crater and the Northeast crater (3,350 m).
Descending by the same route, we return to the B&B or mountain hut for dinner and overnight stay.
Alternatively
GREAT SOUTH-NORTH ETNA TRAVERSE
Difference in altitude: 1,400 m
Ascent/descent time: 7 hours approx.
Starting from Sapienza hut (1,910 m) we go up the lava slopes next to the ski slopes, using the cable car up to 2,504 m. We go on leaving the new craters opened in 2001 and 2002 (on the map are localized in the Piano del Lago area). From Torre del Filosofo (South East crater), we will reach and visit the summit craters (Central and North East).
Descending along the crest of the Valle del Leone/Bove, we will enjoy the wonderful scenery below, with Taormina on the Peloritani Mounts and the Straits of Messina.
We will continue to descend from the north side of the Northeast crater, towards the Volcano Observatory. We will take one of the large gullies, then we’ll cross westwards towards the lifts, to easily reach Monte Conca and Piano Provenzana.
Dinner and overnight in B&B or mountain hut (according to availability).
Difference in altitude: 1,000 m
Ascent/descent time: 6 hours approx.
After breakfast, transfer to Linguaglossa on the North side of the volcano.
A beautiful panoramic ride along the South East shoulder of Pizzi Deneri (2,847 m), a great vantage point over Valley of the lion/Bove and the summit craters.
From Piano Provenzana-Monte Conca we skirt the lift facilities up to the “buttonhole” craters split open in 2002, towards the North-East crater. Then, we turn left towards Piano delle Concazze and the Volcano Observatory. From there we can admire the magnificent panorama, including eastern Sicily, Ionian Sea and Calabria.
To descend we will take the fantastic Canalone delle Quarantore and we’ll return from the ski resort of Piano Provenzana. Transfer to Catania airport for the flight home.
NOTE
The program can change according to the snow and weather conditions, as well as depending on the technical capabilities of the participants. Ski-mountaineering climbs do not have particular technical difficulties (the average daily altitude drop is approximately 800-1,000 m). Only some brief final stretches may require crampons or knives (rampant). A bit more challenging (but definitely enjoyable) is the variant that involves the South-North traverse of the volcano.
Difference in altitude: 1,000 m
Ascent/descent time: 6 hours approx.
After breakfast, transfer to Linguaglossa on the North side of the volcano.
A beautiful panoramic ride along the South East shoulder of Pizzi Deneri (2,847 m), a great vantage point over Valley of the lion/Bove and the summit craters.
From Piano Provenzana-Monte Conca we skirt the lift facilities up to the “buttonhole” craters split open in 2002, towards the North-East crater. Then, we turn left towards Piano delle Concazze and the Volcano Observatory. From there we can admire the magnificent panorama, including eastern Sicily, Ionian Sea and Calabria.
To descend we will take the fantastic Canalone delle Quarantore and we’ll return from the ski resort of Piano Provenzana. Transfer to Catania airport for the flight home.
NOTE
The program can change according to the snow and weather conditions, as well as depending on the technical capabilities of the participants. Ski-mountaineering climbs do not have particular technical difficulties (the average daily altitude drop is approximately 800-1,000 m). Only some brief final stretches may require crampons or knives (rampant). A bit more challenging (but definitely enjoyable) is the variant that involves the South-North traverse of the volcano.
DETAILS
RATES
- liability insurance
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (transfers, flights and accommodation)
- 2 nights in hotel or B&B (in double or triple room)
- rental of a mini-van (7-9 seats) and related expenses (fuel) to be covered by participants
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and backpack): €30/day per person while supplies last
- tickets for lift facilities
- flights to and from Catania with departures from various airports (Milan, Turin, etc.)
- air transport of sports equipment (skis, poles and boots)
- mini-van related expenses (fuel) to be covered by participants
- meals, drinks and other expenses not otherwise specified
- surcharge for single room in hotel or B&B
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts and meals) to be covered by participants
- the hiring of any personal equipment (crampons): €10/day per person
- PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE, which must include trip cancellation, early return, assistance during the trip, baggage loss… (not mandatory, but highly recommended by PH Mountain Guides)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
