Where to ski on Etna: 2 places for your ski holiday

Not many people think that Sicily is not just sea. And it could be a great surprise if you’re thinking about spending a pleasant ski holiday. Especially in Linguaglossa and Nicolosi, the two places where to ski on Etna.

Linguaglossa (North Etna)

The ski resort of Piano Provenzana, in the municipality of Linguaglossa, has an “alpine” appearance thanks to the characteristic pinewood that surrounds it. On the background there are not mountains, but the sea. The ski slopes are at an altitude of 1.810 meters above the levels of the sea.

The ski resort of Piano Provenzana offers:

• 5 red ski runs
• 3 ski lifts
• 2 blue ski runs
• 1 chair lift

Nicolosi (South Etna)

Between the two ski resorts of Etna, this is the biggest. This ski resort extends from Nicolosi to Montagnola (1.700 meters above the level of the sea). This is one of the most favorite because it’s a great starting point from which you can reach the summit craters of Etna.

The ski resort of Nicolosi offers:

• 3 red ski runs
• 1 blue ski runs
• 3 ski lifts
• 1 cableway
• 1 chair lift

Specialties

The two ski resorts of Etna are suggested for all the skiers, from the beginners to the most experts. Here you can do alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, Nordic ski and off piste.

How to reach

To ski on Etna, we suggest you to start from the inhabited center of Catania, on the oriental coast of Sicily.

• To reach Nicolosi. Take the provincial road 10 following the road signs to Nicolosi. Once you arrive in the inhabited center, take the provincial road 92 that takes to the Sapienza shelter. The trip lasts less than a hour by car.
• To reach Linguaglossa- Take the A18 to Messina and, once you arrive in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, take the state road 120 up to Linguaglossa. From here, continue following the road signs to Etna Nord – Piano Provenzana. The trip lasts about a hour and a half by car.

In both cases, drive prudently and always carry the snow chains with you.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/leandrociuffo