Ski Mountaineering on Etna Volcano

Ski mountaineering on Etna Volcano is an unforgettable experience and one that must be carried out with a certified local guide to ensure safety and access to the top spots of this emblematic peak in Sicily.

This flexible program is designed so that we can plan an itinerary suited to your expectations. This means that you can choose the duration of your adventure (1 or more days), and whether to explore one of many routes or to go on an immersive Etna experience and explore different faces of this unique mountain.

Some options that we can consider for your Etna experience include:

Etna Nord from Piano Provenzana to the central craters:

•  1780 meters of elevation gain

• About 10 km uphill (variable distance depending on the chosen route)

From the parking lot, we will skin up for 3 or 4 hours (depending on the pace of the group) to the central craters. If time and weather permits, we will head to the northeast crater which overlooks the possible volcanic activity and the breathtaking landscapes from 3300m above sea level.

Additionally, we have the option of reducing the uphill height difference, only if the lifts are open, by paying the ticket and reaching 2400m with the lifts. In this case, we will have 900 meters of elevation gain and about 7 km of uphill skinning (variable distance depending on the chosen route).

Descent Options:

• Straight descent through the gully, fast, direct, and beautiful skiing on fresh and typically crunchy snow.

• Descent towards the north to visit the Grotta del Gelo, the southernmost perennial ice cave in Europe at 2000m above sea level. It involves an ascent of about 500 meters in altitude and then a descent back to the parking lot.

• Punta Lucia descent to admire the west side of the volcano. The least populated area and the most pristine snow cover. This is the longest and most demanding route, to be tackled only in stable weather conditions with little or no wind. It foresees a descent up to 1780m a.s.l, a further ascent up to 2500m a.s.l, and then a descent back in the direction of the parking area on the Provenzana floor.

Etna Nord Piano Provenzana – Observatory excursion

• 1000 meters of elevation gain approximately

• About 9 km uphill   (variable distance depending on the chosen route)

From the car park in Piano Provenzana, we will skin directly to the INGV observatory at an altitude of 2800m a.s.l in the Pizzi Deneri area. From the observatory, it is possible to admire the Valle del Bove and the central craters from below.

This slightly less demanding excursion is often a fallback in the event that volcanic activity or conditions of strong wind or bad weather do not allow to approach the summit area.

Direct descent towards the square.

Etna South Excursion

From Etna’s south face it is possible to reach an altitude of 2500m comfortably with the cable car, from where we can enjoy great descents and then head up on a 300 m ascent to the road, where a car will be waiting, or visit to the craters with only 700 m of altitude gain, among other options.

South-North crossing

In stable conditions (volcanic and meteorological) it is possible to take the lifts to Etna south, skin up the last 700 meters to the central craters, and then enjoy a long and satisfying descent from Etna north arriving in the Provenzana area.

Keep in mind that regardless of the itinerary that we create together, the trips may vary according to snow, weather, and volcanic conditions, and the unquestionable judgment of the Alpine Guide.

If you’re interested in planning a ski mountaineering adventure, contact me and let me know the number of people you will be, your alpine skiing level, and your initial plan. From there, we can build together to ensure that you have an unforgettable Etna experience. I look forward to being your guide!