Northern Etna snowshoeing: 3 routes for walking in the snow

The trekking itinerary

We have 3 different routes. Depending on your experience, the presence of snow and your stamina. The snowshoeing meeting is at Rifugio Ragabo. Here the guide goes from the briefing and you can rent (for those who need) snowshoes. From Rifugio Ragabo we move (by private car) together with the guide to the starting point.

Snowshoeing at the craters of 2002 – hard (difficult)

For this snowshoe hike, we start from Piano Provenzana by trekking. We start walking on the lava from the last major eruption in 2002, where we pass by the hotel buried under the lava. From there we start climbing in the direction of the 2002 craters. After a stop at the edge of the craters, time for photos and an explanation from the guide, we descend in the direction of Piano Provenzana.

Snowshoeing in the Sartorius Mountains – medium

We start from the trail to the Sartorius Mountains about 1 km from Rifugio Ragabo. So first we move this way with our cars. After putting on our snowshoes, we start our route immersed in the unique birch forest on Mount Etna. After passing through the forest, we arrive at the path leading to the craters of the 1865 eruption, also called Sartorius Mountains. We cross the crater mouth and enjoy a unique view of Etna’s snowy landscape with its many craters. After a walk through these craters, we return toward the car, where the snowshoe hike ends.

Snowshoeing Pineta Ragabo + Corruccio Cave – easy (easy)*

We start right from Rifugio Ragabo, our meeting point. From there we enter the Ragabo pine forest. After a short forest trail, we descend to visit the corruccio cave. To enter the cave we have to take off our snowshoes and put on a mountaineering helmet for the protection of our heads. After the cave visit and the guide’s explanation we return to Rifugio Ragabo.

* This route is simple and short. Therefore, it is ideal for families with children who want to have a first experience on snowshoes!

Details Snowshoeing Etna North

The meeting with the guide is at Rifugio Ragabo. Snowshoeing start time varies from hike to hike. Times may always vary, but to give you an indication:

Snowshoeing at the craters of 2002 – hard (difficult)

• Departure at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Snowshoeing in the Sartorius Mountains – medium

• Departure 9 a.m. + 11:30 a.m. + 2 p.m.

Snowshoeing Pineta Ragabo + Corruccio Cave – easy (easy)*

• Departure 9 a.m. + 11 a.m. + 2 p.m.

The meeting is always at least 15 minutes before departure so that you can check your equipment, receive the guide’s explanation, and have time to go to the bathroom. The duration of the hike depends on the snowshoeing and varies from about 1 hour up to 4 hours. Enjoyment of walking and a desire to explore are required for this hike. The trail is suitable for sportsmen and walkers. Good hiking condition is needed given the duration.

• Meeting point: Ragabo Refuge
• Total duration: 1 to 4 hours
• Meeting times: 08.45 - 10.45 - 13.45 hours
• Departure time: 09.00 - 11.00 - 14.00
• Height difference: 20m to 500m
• Distance: 1.5 to 5 km
• Difficulty: Itineraries for all
• Duration walking trek: 1 to 4 hours

Price and availability excursion

The price of snowshoeing varies depending on the type of hike. Any snowshoe rental is always excluded. You can also use your own snowshoe. If you do not have your own snowshoe, you can rent it from the guide at a reduced rate:

• Adult snowshoe rental: €15.00 per pair
• Child snowshoe rental (size 30-26): $10.00 per pair

Snowshoeing at the craters of 2002 – hard (difficult)

• Adult: €35.00
• Child 8 to 12 years old: €25.00*.

*Not suitable for children under 8 years old

Snowshoeing in the Sartorius Mountains – medium

• Adult: $30.00
• Child 6 to 12 years old: €20.00*.

*Not suitable for children under 6 years old

Snowshoeing Pineta Ragabo + Corruccio Cave – easy (easy)*

• Adult: €20.00
• Child 5 to 12 years old: €10.00*

*Children with shoe size smaller than size 30 can come, but only without snowshoes.

For customized tour is private, price is on request. For groups (10+ people) and/or school groups, the price is upon request.

Payment

We work on the basis of trust. This means that we do not ask for any advance payment. You can pay the same day directly to the guide. It is possible to pay by cash, ATM or credit card.

Availability

The hike is available ONLY when there is enough snow at low altitude. As a period you can usually think in the months of January and February. We do snowshoeing ONLY by reservation.

Including and excluding

Clothing, shoes & what to bring

For a good hiking trip, proper preparation is essential. We always recommend dressing in layers. How many and which layers depend on the temperature. Wind can often make the weather seem even colder. A windbreaker and a hat are therefore not a luxury. It is possible to rent hiking shoes and a jacket by contacting rental stores in Piano Provenzana. You can rent snowshoes directly from the guide for a reduced price. We recommend bringing a backpack with at least 1.5 L of water per person. Also it is recommended to bring some sweet and/or salty snacks. Also don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses, because the snow reflects the sun and as a result, you can get burned easily! In brief:

With the reservation we send you our packing list, with the things we recommend you to bring!