Winter tourism in Sicily

1. Skiing on Europe’s highest volcano (over 3,300 m), one of the most active in the world. On Etna, you may encounter lava flows and unexpected eruptions that cover the white mantle with a black blanket of abrasive sand.
2. The amazing possibility of skiing just a few kilometres from the sea, both on Etna and at Piano Battaglia in the mountains of the Madonie Park. Here, from Pizzo Carbonara, the view sweeps into infinity: don’t miss Cefalù, the only place in the Park that directly overlooks the coast, with its crystal-clear waters and very rich cultural heritage, especially the Cathedral, which is part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman itinerary.
3. The most fashionable and tasty panettone cakes on the island, even with the biblical flavour of manna! This unique feature can be found in the village of Castelbuono, where you can experience a mediaeval atmosphere and marvel at the architectural and artistic magnificence of the village with its fabulous castle
4. Etna’s slopes are ideal for off-piste skiing. The extreme temperature range between night and day and the proximity to the sea help accelerate the transformation cycle of the snow, i.e. the aggregation of crystals. For off-piste skiers, this means little risk of avalanches and often compact, load-bearing snow that is perfect for skiing.
5. Don’t miss the traditional honey and cookies for skiers, produced in Zafferana Etnea. But also the green pistachio from Bronte, the excellent PDO olive oil, the delicious Madonie cheeses and the good PDO wine from Etna

Piano Battaglia, SP54, Petralia Sottana (Palermo)

1. Puntaraisi Airport; Palermo railway station
2. by car 89.5 km from Palermo

Rifugio Sapienza Montagnola, SP92, Nicolosi (Catania)

1. Fontanarossa Airport; Catania railway station
2. by car 34.9 km from Catania
3. AST bus from Catania, Piazza Giovanni XXIII at 8.15 am (arriving at Rifugio Sapienza at 10.30 am); from Rifugio Sapienza at 4.30 pm (arriving at Catania at 6.30 pm)

Piano Provenzana, Via Mareneve, Linguaglossa (Catania)

1. Fontanarossa Airport; Catania railway station
2. by car 54.9 km from Catania

Etna, the roof of the Mediterranean, at over 3,300 m high, majestically dominates the north-eastern part of the island and, thanks to abundant snowfall despite its latitude, is an ideal destination for ski mountaineering.

The warm, moisture-laden southern currents from the African continent constantly exchange with the cooler, drier currents coming down from the north. As a result, in every season, the lava desert is covered with large amounts of snow. Combined with the blue of the sea and the deep green of the Mediterranean scrub, the spectacle that presents itself to our eyes is truly powerful.

On Etna, you may encounter strong winds, lava flows and unexpected eruptions that cover the white mantle with a black blanket of abrasive sand.

It is rare to find all this in one place! That is why ski mountaineering competitions have been organised in the Valle del Bove for years. Frequented since the 1930s, it was home to the small Gino Menza refuge, which was covered by lava in February 1992.

The extreme temperature range between night and day and the proximity to the sea help accelerate the transformation cycle of the snow, i.e. the aggregation of crystals.

For off-piste skiers, this means a reduced risk of avalanches and often compact, load-bearing snow that is perfect for skiing.

You can ski from the first snowfall in December and often until May, although the best months are generally February, March and April.

Etna’s flanks are ideal for off-piste skiing: the gullies of the Pizzi Deneri, which from an altitude of 2840 m take us to Piano Provenzana (1800 m), the wide white spaces of the Montagnola with its sandy terrain and the Schiena dell’Asino, which from an altitude of 2642 m (the tip of the Montagnola) slopes down to Piano del Vescovo (1500 m); the wild western slope with Punta Lucia (2930 m), the most prominent peak in the area.

For experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, the Bove Valley is perfect thanks to its countless steep slopes.

The ski resort of Nicolosi in Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (South Etna) and the one of Piano Provenzana-Linguaglossa (North Etna) are equipped with appropriate ski lifts, red and blue ski slopes, ski schools and equipment hire centres. Those who prefer Nordic skiing can enjoy the trails marked out by the Mount Etna Park and Forest Authority in Piano Vetore (Nicolosi), Piano Provenzana (Linguaglossa) and the loop in the Maletto area.

Snowshoeing is a truly special experience: what could be more exciting than observing the unparalleled view of the blue Ionian Sea from above, while the volcano rumbles or “snorts”?

Let us now turn to the mountainous reliefs of the Madonie Park, to the Piano Battaglia Ski Area. Since the 1930s, many Madonites and Palermitans have practised ski-mountaineering on the Park's highest peaks: Pizzo Carbonara (1979 m), Monte Ferro and all the surrounding snow-covered peaks, amidst beech trees and spectacular views, have been and still are a perfect ‘toy’ for novice ski-mountaineers, while the sometimes icy gullies of Monte Quacella are the prerogative of the more experienced ski-mountaineers.

Find out more:

1. visitsicily.info/en/ski-touring
2. visitsicily.info/en/attrazione/mount-etna