Ski Italy

The highest European active volcano, Etna ( 3.343 m ) is the great attraction for both tourists and scientists, who want to see by themselves the possible smoke going out of the craters.
Having the image of hot lava eruptions in front of your eyes it is hard to imagine snow covered slopes for gentle skiing.
But yes – also during the winter, the volcanic area offers amazing skiing and snowboarding possibilities.

There are two villages, Nicolosi located south of the craters, and Linguaglossa on Northeastern slopes of Etna.
The eruptions in 2001/2 damaged heavily the area but after some necessary reconstruction held till 2005 the resort slowly recovers, and soon is going to restore its old splendour of the area, that hosted several Italian Ski Cup competitions.

The zone near Linguaglossa, this season offers three ski lifts (Monte Conca and Anfiteatro) , features also the area for cross-country skiing on trails in Piano Provenanza and newly restored snowpark.

Located only about 25 km from Catania, Nicolosi offers the whole year working gondola, that takes the tourists to Montagnola 2 500 m above sea level.
From that point the tours with professional guide depart to visit the points, from which is possible to observe the possible volcano’s activity.
During the winter ( Nov – Apr) the ski area offers five downhill runs, and snowboard facilities.
The runs are few, but the long ones, like 2,7 km long red Piccolo Rifugio,or another red 2 km long Omino.
Skiers who want to meet new challenges can try alpine skiing with local guides from Nicolosi.

Etna is definitely worth spending the winter holidays there, but remember the sleeping beauty can wake up suddenly,
so it is necessary to check the volcanic activities before arrival.

Funivia dell’Etna

Nicolosi Sicily , Italy
snow info : + 39 095 914141

Website: http://www.etnasci.it

[photo courtesy of meyer family]