Ski Touring on Etna

Experience Ski Touring on Etna, a surprising weekend adventure combining snowy slopes, volcanic landscapes, and the Mediterranean Sea. From white snow to black lava, discover unique contrasts and enjoy breathtaking ski mountaineering on Etna, Sicily’s iconic volcano. This unusual trip offers panoramic views, authentic island flavors, and unforgettable moments for anyone passionate about Etna ski touring. During your ski touring Sicily Etna adventure, savour local food and immerse yourself in the scents and colours of the island.

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Duration
3 Days
duration
Period
Jan - Mar
ratio
Guide ratio
min 4 - max 6 for each Mountain Guide
price
From
690€€
Level
Level
low
See scale
fitness
Fitness
intermediate
See scale
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THE PROGRAM:

Ski touring on Etna

Ski Touring on Etna means skiing on Europe’s highest active volcano surrounded by snow, lava, and Mediterranean views. This Etna ski touring adventure offers three exciting days on moderate slopes, with daily climbs below 1,000 meters.
During the volcano ski adventure, you’ll enjoy scenic routes and the unique contrast between black lava and white snow. Moreover, this experience is ideal for intermediate skiers seeking a rewarding ski mountaineering Etna journey.
For experts, the south–north traverse of the volcano provides a spectacular variation across craters and frozen caves. The itinerary crosses the North-East Crater, Pizzi de’ Neri, and the Grotta del Gelo, revealing the true power of Etna.
Throughout this backcountry skiing on Etna trip, IFMGA guides ensure safety, quality snow, and authentic exploration.
Each descent combines adventure, beauty, and emotion in an ever-changing volcanic landscape.
Join Peakshunter Mountain Guides and live an unforgettable Ski Touring on Etna experience that blends challenge and freedom.

Snow and ski mountaineering conditions

From late November, above 2,000 meters, the snowpack on Etna becomes continuous and compact, ideal for Ski Touring on Etna.
Early snowfalls, rich in wet crystals, create a cohesive base essential for winter accumulation.
This compact layer freezes and allows the lighter December snow to bond perfectly to the volcanic surface.
Moreover, it protects the snowpack from strong winds, ensuring stability during the Etna ski touring season.
By late December and early January, conditions are excellent, with firm, enjoyable snow under your skis.
However, watch for icy sections and always carry crampons or ski crampons for safety.
With steady snowfalls through December and January, the volcano ski adventure reaches its best period.
Unlike many resorts, Ski Touring on Etna remains possible and safe throughout the entire winter season.

Etna Volcano

At 3,350 meters, Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano and the heart of Ski Touring on Etna.
Its perfect conical shape dominates eastern Sicily and creates an extraordinary playground for ski mountaineers.
During eruptions, glowing lava flows make the landscape even more spectacular.
Skiing here means gliding between white snow and black volcanic rock with sea views in the distance.
Sometimes the snow shines under a thin layer of ash, creating surreal contrasts.
The Etna ski touring experience combines adventure, Mediterranean light, and the warm spirit of Sicilian hospitality.
From every side of the volcano, countless routes offer rewarding ascents and thrilling descents.
With good weather, the four summit craters are reachable in about three hours using skins and crampons.
Alternatively, the cable car quickly reaches 2,500 meters, saving time for longer descents.
Ski Touring on Etna is pure exploration, a blend of fire, snow, and sea unlike anywhere else on Earth

 

Ski Touring on Etna GROUP DEPARTURES

RATES

GROUP DEPARTURES
  • 690€ per person in open group with 6 participants

THE RATE INCLUDES

  • the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
  • 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"

LIVE THE ADVENTURE, SHARE THE EXPERIENCE

We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits. Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions

LIVE THE ADVENTURE

We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits.

SHARE THE EXPERIENCE

Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions

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Ski Touring on Etna ASCENT DAY BY DAY

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: 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.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

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Avalanche Transceiver + shovel + probe (mandatory)
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ski mountaineering skis + poles
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ski skins
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ski mountaineering boots
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(+39) 3337681414 / (+39) 3289720451
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NOTES

  • ski touringIt is crucial that participants follow all instructions provided by the mountain guides before and during the activities, and that they accept any changes made to the programme in order to guarantee their safety.
  • Fees for lift facilities, transfers and mountain lodges are subject to changes established and applied by the respective owners without any liability attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.
  • The rates listed in the “The rate does not include” section are to be considered merely indicative and are therefore subject to changes.
  • PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides reserves the right to change any route or activity programme based on conditions (weather, accessibility, refuge) and participants’ fitness level.
  • The dates indicated for the activities may change due to weather, snow, or soil conditions, etc. In addition, they depend on the date of opening/closing of the lift facilities, which are established seasonally/yearly by the managing entities of the same and, therefore, are not in any way attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.