Four days of ski touring on Etna, two crossings of the volcano and a final day discovering Sicily via the legendary Circumetnea.
Etna is a ski area quite unlike any other. Here, snow-covered slopes sit side by side with craters and lava flows, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. The volcano stands at over 3,300 m and offers, when snow conditions permit, a vast and open terrain for ski touring.
This holiday is designed as a true ski tour, rather than a series of day trips from a single base. We arrive via Catania, head to the northern slopes, then traverse Etna to the south before heading back the other way the next day. Luggage stays at the Rifugio Alpino Ragabo during these crossing days, allowing us to ski light and maintain a genuine journeying ethos.
After a final day of skiing on the north-facing slope, we leave the mountain on skis to head down to Linguaglossa. The next day, a change of scenery: we take the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a small historic railway line that crosses the landscapes of Etna through the interior of the island. A stop in a village like Randazzo gives us time to discover Sicily before continuing towards the coast, then Catania and the overnight train heading north.
The programme thus combines ski touring, a volcanic traverse, train travel and the discovery of Sicily. Mount Etna nevertheless remains the focus of the programme: snow cover, wind and volcanic activity can alter itineraries and accessible areas.
Arrival in Catania in the morning, then transfer to the northern slope of Etna and Piano Provenzana.
First day of ski touring in the northern sector, with a route adapted to the conditions. At the end of the day, we reach the Rifugio Alpino Ragabo, where we leave our luggage for the next three days.
Night at the Ragabo Alpine Refuge, on half-board.
February is an interesting time for ski touring on Etna, generally offering better snow conditions than in the early winter. However, conditions remain highly variable: Etna is subject to Mediterranean influences and can experience major variations in temperature, wind and snow cover. The itinerary is therefore adapted to the conditions found on site.
Skiing across Mount Etna forms the heart of the trip. We set off from the northern slope, reach the upper parts of the volcano and then drop down towards Etna South. The next day, we make the crossing in the opposite direction, with a route adapted to the conditions. The objective is therefore to traverse Etna from one slope to the other twice.
Not necessarily. The summit and summit areas of Etna are subject to restrictions that may change depending on volcanic activity. The ski touring route on Etna is therefore chosen according to permitted access, snow cover and conditions on the day.
Starting from Etna North allows us to drop off our luggage at the Rifugio Alpino Ragabo before the two days of the crossing. We can thus ski with a lighter backpack during the North-South and then South-North crossing, before collecting our things on the return.
The first night is spent at the Rifugio Alpino Ragabo, on the northern slope of Etna. We then spend a night at the Rifugio Sapienza, on the southern slope, before returning to Ragabo for a final night. The fourth night is planned in Linguaglossa, in the valley.
The programme includes four days of ski touring: a first day on Etna North, two days dedicated to crossing the volcano in both directions, and a final day of skiing on the northern slopes.
The itinerary is adapted to the conditions. The objective is not to maintain a pre-planned route at all costs, but to find the best skiing opportunities on Etna during the stay. Snow cover, wind, weather and potential volcanic restrictions may lead to changes in the routes or areas covered.
The northern slope offers enough possibilities not to limit the stay to just the crossing. After the two North-South and South-North days, a final day allows you to explore Etna North further, particularly around Piano Provenzana and, depending on conditions, the Pizzi Deneri sector.
The final day is dedicated to discovering Sicily. From Linguaglossa, we take the Ferrovia Circumetnea, which crosses the landscapes of Mount Etna through the interior of the land. Depending on the timetable, we can stop off in a village like Randazzo, then continue towards the coast, possibly as far as Taormina, before taking the sleeper train back.
Yes. It is even one of the particular aspects of the trip. The outward and return journeys are by train, while travel around Mount Etna is organised using public transport. The trip thus allows you to combine ski touring in Sicily with train travel, without hiring a car.
To completely change terrain and atmosphere. Skiing on an active volcano, crossing Etna from one side to the other, returning to the Mediterranean at the end of the day and finishing the trip with Sicilian villages: the holiday combines ski touring, journeying and the discovery of Sicily in a single trip.
Live with your guide, from first contact to the summit.
Creative and flexible
A flexible framework for devising the most appropriate itinerary or activity for each day, depending on the group and the conditions.
