We meet at La Terrazza dell’Etna (Meeting Point), a bar, restaurant, and self-service area, where we’ll get organized before departure.
The snow excursion is available during the winter season, whenever conditions allow.
It can take place at low altitude (between 1,800 and 2,100 m above sea level) or at medium altitude (between 2,500 and 2,900 m above sea level).
It is often carried out with the help of snowshoes. The route may vary (decided by the guide) depending on snow conditions.
The following characteristics can be considered as a general reference, but may vary:
– Distance: 5 km
– Elevation gain: approximately 500 meters
– Starting and ending point are the same
INCLUDED:
• Volcanological and/or Alpine Guide
• Full safety equipment (if required)
• Trekking boots, poles, helmet
• Insurance
NOT INCLUDED (EXTRA COSTS):
• Cable car and/or 4×4 ticket
• Cable car (round trip) 54.00 EUR
• Cable car (round trip) + 4×4 (ascent) 65.00 EUR
• Snowshoes (at the guide’s discretion)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
• Long trousers
• Windproof jacket
• Trekking shoes / long socks
• Sunglasses / sunscreen
• Backpack
• At least 1.5 L of water (summer season)
• Snacks
SERVICES AVAILABLE:
• Free parking (white lines)
• Paid parking (blue lines)
• Bar – Restaurant – Souvenir shop
We meet at La Terrazza dell’Etna (meeting point), a bar–restaurant–self-service area, where we’ll get ready before departure.
The hike begins at an altitude of 1,900 meters, along the 2002/03 eruption trail, with views over the Etna South tourist station.
We continue along the 1537 eruptive fracture and then head up toward the 1892 crater.
Next, we reach the 2001 eruptive cone: we climb to the top and… yes, this is where a stop is a must. The view from up there is absolutely worth it.
From here, the trail leads us toward the Schiena dell’Asino, crossing pioneer vegetation that is slowly reclaiming the volcanic terrain.
We arrive at the viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Valle del Bove, at around 2,200 meters: in front of us, the remains of ancient volcanic structures.
This is where we stop for lunch—and trust us, everything tastes better with this view.
After the break, we begin our descent: we walk down a sandy channel toward the Pitagora Cave, a fascinating volcanic dyke carved into the rock.
The final stretch gently leads us back through a conifer forest… and then back to the starting point.
A hike of great natural value that will allow you to rediscover the eruptive activity that shaped today’s landscape.
The “Private” excursion option can be requested at the time of booking.
It includes only you and the guide, with no other participants.
You can choose one of our existing excursions, or—if you already have a specific place in mind—we’ll be happy to plan a custom experience just for you.
FOR MORE INFO AND PRICING, CONTACT US.
The lava flow excursion, although it is the most sought-after and magical experience, is a service that cannot be guaranteed.
Etna, despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, does not have constant effusive activity.
Please note that eruptions can occur at the summit (from the summit craters) and/or along the flanks (on the volcanic edifice).
For this reason, the “Lava Flow Excursion” cannot be defined in advance, neither in terms of timing nor location.
We, at GuideEtnaSud, will offer it as a “last minute” experience whenever conditions allow.
