Hiking or Skiing on Mt. Etna in Sicily

Most visitors to Italy have heard of Mt. Vesuvius, arguably Italy’s most famous volcano. It’s famous, of course, for having buried the town of Pompeii and the surrounding area in 79 A.D., thereby preserving it for all of us to visit and take pictures of later. But Italy is a country full of mountains, and Vesuvius isn’t the only active volcano in the country. In fact, it’s one of several (Stromboli, Vulcano and the Campi Flegrei near Naples are active, too), and the largest is Mt. Etna (more than 3,300m, and its height changes with the eruptions) on the island of Sicily.

Mt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, one of the more active volcanoes in the world, and yet thousands of people live on its slopes and in the surrounding area. Etna erupts so often that any “most recent eruption” date goes stale within months; the volcano is considered to be in “an almost constant state of eruption.” The most destructive eruption in recent history was in 1669, which lasted 122 days and destroyed several villages.

Despite all this destruction, Mt. Etna is still a popular hiking and skiing spot!

To pay a closer visit to the mountain, there are two ways to get there - from the south, and from the north. The southern route is the easier option, with a daily bus from Catania. From the Rifugio Sapienza a cable car climbs to about 2,500m, and 4WD vehicles then take you close to the 3,000m level. Both run daily when the weather and the volcano allow, so check the times locally. In the winter there is no transport beyond the cable car, because you’re supposed to ski back down!

From the north, there are several ski lifts at Piano Provenzana - though it’s an hour’s walk from the lifts to get anywhere near the top. In summertime, the lifts aren’t operating, but the 4WD vehicles are. In all cases, remember to check the local tourist offices for the most current information when you arrive if you’re interested in making a trip up the volcano, and ask about hiring a local guide as well. Access to the summit craters is restricted and changes with the volcano’s activity; above the upper cable car and jeep stations you’ll usually need an authorized volcano guide.

For more Etna fun, you can read about one person’s experience hiking on the mountain and look at some pictures and video of Etna eruptions.