Even though Mount Etna is the most active volcano in Europe, it hosts two ski resorts. Skiing on a volcano is an unusual experience: if you think of putting on your ski and go on ancient lava, it makes you think of a science fiction movie, but in Sicily that’s possible. The Park of Etna hosts two ski resorts, with a total of 17 km of ski slopes.

In this article you will find all the information you need to know if you want to wear your ski and spend some days among the sky of Mount Etna.

Northern side: Linguaglossa

Hillside

Linguaglossa includes the ski resort north of Etna. The northern side is the one with a more beautiful landscape and it’s further from big residential areas. The blue of the Ionian Sea contrasts with the white of the snow will offer your eyes an unforgettable view. On this side of the volcano it snows frequently, so the ski season lasts long enough. Here you can find ski slopes for both beginners and experts.

Further information on the Park of Etna here.

Getting there

By car: it is 60km far from Messina and 40km far from Catania. On the highway Catania-Messina take the exit “Fiumefreddo” and go toward the direction Linguaglossa. Then follow the direction to Etna Nord - Piano Provenzana.
By plane: the closest airport is Fontanarossa in Catania.
By bus: you can take it at the train station in Catania, direction Linguaglossa.

Southern side: Nicolosi

Hillside

The southern ski resort is the most accessible one and it’s located in the town of Nicolosi. It’s usually the most frequented side as it’s the one where you can visit Etna’s craters. Since it’s on the Southern side, there is no flora, but in spite of that it offers good ski slopes for both beginners and experts. The point of reference is Rifugio Sapienza: you can feel the magic of skiing on an active volcano just by getting there.

In Nicolosi you can also take part in our Etna Morning Tour.

Getting there

By car: take the highway Catania-Messina and the exit Acireale or Catania. From there you need to follow the directions to Paesi Etnei, in particular Nicolosi. Once in Nicolosi, follow the direction to Rifugio Sapienza.
By bus: take it at the train station in Catania, direction Nicolosi.

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January 20th, 2021