Did you know you could ski on Mt Etna in winter?

Probably you think holidays in Sicily are connected to the sun, sea and Italian ice-cream, but they can be different too.

The treeless upper slopes of the Mt Etna volcano are perfect for snowboarding and alpine skiing and the lava bumps and high-altitude winds make Etna the perfect place for kite skiing also. There are two slopes to choose from, both equipped with ski lifts and ample facilities, including instruction and rentals. Each slope is in a different district ­– the northern one ascends from 1800-2300 metres and ends in Linguaglossa, while the southern one (1900-2600 metres) leads down to Nicolosi. Visitors may be attracted to Mount Etna with the promise of some exciting skiing and that is what they will get! But clearly this part of the island of Sicily in Italy has much more to offer.

So take some time to explore the unique natural beauty of this area when you go skiing on Mount Etna.

A stone’s throwaway from Malta, one doesn’t have to travel far or dream about getting to ski. It just involves loading your private vehicle and catching the ferry to Sicily for a weekend for a little bit of money.

For more information on skiing on Mt Etna call Virtu Ferries on 2206 9022 or send an e-mail to info@virtuferries.com.

South Etna

One can opt for Etna’s southern flank’s volcanic history and its natural catastrophies through a Nicolosi excursion, the town thought to be the doorway to Etna, going up to Stazione sud, crossing Monti Rossi, the eruptive fissure which led to the important 1669 eruption, which covered the towns on Etna’s southern flank, even reaching Catania.

Across the plateau where the 2001 lava stopped and a series of switchbacks crossing the evocative 1983 lava flow, one can capture fabulous photo opportunities.

Hike from Piano Vetore along the Monte Nero degli Zappini nature trail, a first chance to know Etna’s most important volcanic and botanic features, amid various lava flows, hornitos, lava caves and Etna’s endemic plants.

Then go along all the 1892 eruptive fissure, where the Silvestri craters originated from.

East Etna

Take an interesting nature trip highlighting the presence of nordic woodland on Etna, which is most unusual in the Mediterranean. From Fornazzo up the Mareneve road which leads to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana. During the scenic drive, Etna’s birch woods, which can only be found on this side of Etna, can be seen. Proceed to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana along the road which was rebuilt after the devastating 2002 eruption. The hike climbs off-road up the eruptive fissure. Cross the 2002 lava flow field and then the 1923 eruptive fissure, with views over the Ionian and the Sicilian Tyrrenian coasts. Going along the fissure, one can see the various hornitos (small lava scoriae cones) which follow the outline of the fissure.

West Etna

Discover the little-nknown flank of Etna, through various woodlands, pinewoods and vast lava fields. From Nicolosi, climb up towards C.da Milia, amid fruit orchards, bearing mostly apples and pears.

Continue to hike through pinewoods which cover the ancient Monte Nespole craters, then go along the 1974 lava fields originating from Monti de Fiore.

Continue through the various woodlands and ancient lava flows to the popular Monte Egitto crater.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.