In winter, the great volcano Mount Etna becomes a special destination for snow sports enthusiasts. Despite being in the heart of the Mediterranean and in one of the warmest regions in Italy, this mountain exceeds 3,400 meters in altitude, so between January and March it fills with snow. The white layers often exceed 2 meters in height, transforming the landscape, offering unique opportunities for fun. On Etna, you can ski, snowboard, and even go sledding. Here we tell you where!
Ski Resorts on Etna
Mount Etna boasts two winter sports resorts, one on the north flank and one on the south. The resorts located to the north are at Piano Provenzana, a plateau 1,800 meters above sea level overlooking the Alcantara Valley and the coast of Taormina. Destroyed several times by earthquakes and eruptions, they have always been recovered and reopened despite the evident changes to the surrounding landscape. Piano Provenzana offers a beginner ski school, advanced ski courses, snowboard lessons, and the safest slopes for downhill sledding. A chairlift takes you to the highest points for your first skiing experience.
To the south, Rifugio Sapienza is the resort that encompasses hotels, restaurants, the Etna cable car, and the ski slopes. These facilities dominate the panorama of the Gulf of Catania, and although the volcano’s peak is not visible from here, the spectacle is guaranteed. There are also ski schools at Rifugio Sapienza and the slopes are simpler and suitable for everyone.
In general, there are no “black” (i.e., professional) slopes on Etna: Piano Provenzana has four “red” (medium difficulty) slopes and two “blue” (easy) slopes; Rifugio Sapienza has three “red” slopes and only one “blue”slope.
Ideal locations for sledding
If you enjoy sledding and want your children to enjoy the experience in complete safety, be sure to rent everything you need at these Etna facilities. At both Piano Provenzana and Rifugio Sapienza, you can go sledding safely along the “blue” slopes, knowing you’re on well-tested terrain. If you’re unsure, trust the instructors who are especially trained to meet the needs of younger children.
Off-piste sledding
Don’t worry, these aren’t real off-piste! You should never tempt fate by skiing or sledding away from the resorts. However, you can explore small improvised slopes near the larger facilities, with emergency services always close at hand.
If you don’t want to go sledding along crowded slopes, you can find suitable spots at both Piano Provenzana and Rifugio Sapienza. For example, on the road leading to Monte Conca (Piano Provenzana) or on the Sartorius Crater trail (a few kilometers from Piano Provenzana). Try also the Clan dei Ragazzi wood, not too far from Piano Provenzana as well. On the south flank, try sledding at Piano del Vescovo, on the SP92 road that leads up to Rifugio Sapienza.
A winter sports paradise for families, however, is Piano Vetore. Located just a 5-minute drive from Rifugio Sapienza, this plain land at the foot of the summit craters offers easy trails, refreshment areas, and, above all, small hills where you can let the kids enjoy sledding without any fear.