Italy·March 7 - 11 2024
SKI-TOURING COURSE ON ETNA VOLCANO, SICILY
Embark on an epic ski-touring course of skill development and adventure amid the majestic landscapes of Etna Volcano!
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Overview
During this special edition of the Mapo Tapo Etna Ski-Touring trip, you will have the opportunity to discover and practice the fantastic discipline of off-piste skiing on the iconic slopes of Etna Volcano with our 6-day Ski-Touring Clinic. Led by locally certified IFMGA Mountain Guide Mirto, this experience caters to first-timer skiers, offering a perfect blend of skill refinement and adventure. Immerse yourself in the splendor of Italy's largest active volcano as you traverse its ski-touring itineraries, reaching heights of 3000 meters. Our focus is on equipping you with the essential fundamentals of ski-touring, empowering you to navigate off-piste terrain confidently on future adventures.
Highlights
Explore Etna's Majesty
Unleash your inner adventurer as you spend multiple days traversing the diverse ski-touring itineraries of Etna, an active volcano boasting Italy's most stunning landscapes.
Master the Fundamentals
Acquire the skills needed for autonomous ski-touring adventures. Under Mirto's expert tutelage, grasp the essentials that will empower you to confidently navigate varied off-piste terrain.
Connect with Like-Minded Skiers
Join a passionate community of skiers eager for adventure. Forge lasting bonds with fellow participants who share your enthusiasm for skiing, exploration, and the thrill of the slopes.
Local Partners
Mirto
Mirto is our local partner and your expert alpine guide for the trip. Born and raised in Catania, he is definitely the one to turn to for a true off-the-beaten-track Sicilian experience.
The Experience
During this clinic, you will learn some of the fundamental skills that are essential for any aspiring off-piste skier.you will learn the ins and outs of essential ski-touring gear, master efficient uphill skiing techniques, delve into crucial skills for assessing and navigating avalanche-prone terrain, Hone your ability to read and interpret mountain terrain and much more.
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DAY 1
Arrival Day
Arrival in Catania before 2pm, meet with the guide and the others at Piazza San Placido, hire the missing equipment and time to start the trip!
The first day there will be a short trek to Etna where the guide will check the level of the group :) You will spend the night at Rifugio Citelli.
DAY 2
The northern slop!
Today we will go up to about 2,400 metres, use the ski lifts to the North craters for a stretch and then climb about 900 metres in altitude to reach the Central crater!
A good night's rest at the hut will be a dream for you!
DAY 3
Another day on the volcano!
Today we will ski down the south slope to admire the eruptive theatre that affected the South-West crater during 2022. The day will see a difference in altitude of around 800 mt until we descend into the Bove Valley. Last night in the Hut...don't forget to look at the stars from there!
DAY 4
Exploring the wilder side!
Today we will explore the western slope of Etna, the wildest and most suggestive!
In the late afternoon we will move on to Catania... time to relax a little bit! You will be stay in a comfortable hostel in the centre of Catania :)
DAY 5
Time to say goodbye!
After a good breakfast ate the Hostel, it will be time to say goodbye!
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Etna Volcano, Sicily
The volcano will give you the chance to ski on all its slopes while admiring the sea around you!
In the midst of a great landscape variety, amidst desert areas with volcanic rocks and dense, green forests, rises Mount Etna. It is a symbol of Sicily in the world, is the largest active volcano in Europe, as well as one of the highest in the world, more than 3,000 metres above sea level. Here, in winter, the volcano fills with snow, giving you the chance to ski on all its slopes while admiring the sea around you.
Basecamp
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Rifugio Citelli
You will spend the first 3 nights in this beautiful hut at the foot of the volcano, savouring local products for breakfast and dinner. The hut has simple but comfortable rooms, sleeping 2 to 4 people. The rooms have clean bed linen and blankets; bringing a sleeping bag is unnecessary. Don't forget to look outside to admire the spectacular view!
Ostello degli Elefanti
You will spend the last 2 nights in the Ostello degli Elefanti. It is the most central hostel in Catania. It is located in a luxurious 17th-century palace built for one of Catania’s noble families. Here you’ll find rooms adorned with frescos and precious marble flooring. Beauty, comfort, and hospitality will accompany you every moment of your stay.
What's Included
What's Included
Guiding fee
Accommodation
Local transport
All the breakfast
3 dinners in the hut
Accident Insurance
What's Not Included
Equipment rental
Flights
Transfer to/from Airport
Lunches
Anything not mentioned in the 'what is included' section
Ski lift
More Info
Skiing Skills
You don't have to have previous ski-touring experience, as you will be accompanied at all times by a certified mountain guide who can teach you the required skills. To get the most out of this trip, you should be able to ski down a red piste easily and have some off-piste experience. It is a trip suitable for first-time ski tourers. The average elevation gain is 900m per day, hence you need to be moderately fit. Your guide will adapt the itinerary according to the level and preferences of the group and conditions.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Ski touring is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Tue 18 Jan 2022 · Climbing Tips
What is ski touring? - A beginners' guide
All your ski touring questions answered!
FAQs
What level do I need to be at to participate in this trip?
This is an introductory course to ski touring, so previous on-piste skiing experience is mandatory! Ideally, you can ski red slopes in-piste. Etna boasts itineraries and descents of all levels, and the instructor is an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide.
What group size can I expect?
The trip requires a minimum of 3 participants to run and will be capped at 6 skiers.
How do I get there and to the meeting point?
The airport to fly to is Catania. The meeting point will be in the centre of Catania; the exact point will be decided together with the guide before departure.The meeting point is: Piazza San Placido.IMPORTANT: Arrive in Catania before 2 pm on the first day.
Is it possible to rent some equipments?
Yes, sure! Mirto, your local guide, will take you to the rental shop. All equipment can be rented at the cost of no more than 50€.
How much does the ski lift cost?
The ski lift costs 30€/pax.