Etna has always been the scene of myths and legends: Homer in the Odyssey speaks of it as the forge of Hephaestus, the giant Cyclops, whose eye in the middle of his forehead could perhaps have symbolized the tremendous volcano's crater. Etna, at 3340m, is the highest active volcano in Europe, with an arid lunar landscape in the summer and heavy snowfalls in winter. The rough lava flows become a paradise for ski mountaineers and free riders: skiing on Mount Etna is an indescribable experience, from the rim of the active craters where you can almost feeling the volcano breathing to the birch woods, where the white of the snow mixes with the black lava and yellow sulphur. The views offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the nearby coast of Calabria to the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. It will be a unique experience of skiing surrounded by the sea and lunar landscapes. Cosy Bed and Breakfasts and mountain huts will be our "base camp" for trips to different sides of the volcano. The expert local guides and the inhabitants of "villages of Etna" are waiting for us to share their knowledge, excellent cuisine and the famous wines of Etna. This is a ski touring adventure to experience at least once in your lifetime. Catania, the city of lava, will keep an eye on us from down below and will offer, during the day of rest, its architectural beauty and folklore, unique in Italy.

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily
Arrival at Catania Airport. Welcome and private transfer to Ragalna (1hr), one of the "Villages of Etna", at the foot of the great volcano. Visit the old town of Ragalna, a small and quiet village on the western slopes of Etna, surrounded by forests. This is the perfect place to unwind at the end of a day on the snow. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight in B & B in Ragalna. (Meals: D)

Day 2: Freeride across the South Side of Etna, Canaloni degli svizzeri and Montagnola (+200m – 1500m, 5hrs, MS)
Private transfer to the south side of Mount Etna (20min). The whole day will be dedicated to Freeride, between the wide canyons of the spectacular southern slope of the volcano. Thanks to the lifts and short ascents with skins, we will leave our tracks in the virgin snow along the legendary "Canaloni degli svizzeri" and the "Montagnola". The steaming craters look at us from above while the long coast of Catania appears in all its glory. Warm-up day for the legs and assessment of the level of the group. Private transfer to Ragalna (20min). Dinner at local restaurant and overnight in B & B in Ragalna.
Meals (B, D)

Day 3: Valle del Bove, the Large Crater (+500m – 1200m, 4hrs, BS)
Private transfer to the south side of Mount Etna (20min) Ascent and descent by cable car in Valle del Bove, a large volcanic amphitheatre offering a multiplicity of small channels with slopes of around 30 ° surrounded by old and recent lava flows. This is one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world to ski - indelible in the memory of every skier! Early afternoon private transfer to Aci Trezza (50min) and visit with the fishermen to the marine reserve of Lachea Island, the geological point where Mount Etna was born - from the volcano to the Mediterranean! A fish dinner in Aci Trezza. Private transfer to Ragalna (50min) Overnight in B & B in Ragalna. Meals (B, D)

Day 4: Torre del Filosofo and Monte Palestra: the West Side of the Volcano (+400m – 1100m, 4hrs, MS)
Private transfer to Refuge Sapienza (20min) and a cable car to the start of the excursion. We go up the gentle slopes to the volcanic formation of the Philosopher's Tower, at an altitude of 2900 metres. The name of this formation is based on a legend that the Greek philosopher, Empedocles, had the desire to become one with nature, and once he had managed to get to the top of Etna was swallowed by a crater found in the area around 2000 years ago. The descent will take place along the western side of Etna among ancient lava to the clearing of Monte Palestra. Private transfer to Ragalna (35min). Dinner at local restaurant and overnight in B & B in Ragalna. Meals (B, D)

Day 5: Free day - Catania, the city of lava
Free day to rest your legs before the big crossing and the summit of the volcano, planned for the next day. And it is 'strongly recommended to visit the town of Catania: from the morning folk fish markets to the beautiful Baroque architecture of the Duomo and the testimony of steps contained in the ancient Greek Theatre and the Roman Theatre. Savour the Sicilian cakes along the elegant Via Etnea or the gardens of Villa Bellini, which are a 100% Sicilian experience. Free dinner. Overnight stay in a B & B in Ragalna. Meals (B)

Day 6: Crossing Etna: On top of the Volcano (+800m – 1500m, 6hrs, BS)
Private transfer to the south side of Mount Etna (20min) and a cable car to an altitude of 2500m. Today we climb up to the spectacular summit craters (if the conditions of the volcano allow) of the highest volcano in Europe, where, facing the edge of the craters, we can admire and listen to the turbulent activity of the pulsating volcano! From the summit the view extends from the Aeolian Islands to the Gulf of Syracuse. Descend through the spectacular "Canaloni dei Quarantore" and arrive in the ski resort of Piano Provenzana on North Etna. Private transfer to the Rifugio Citelli (15min). Dinner and overnight in the cosy refuge in the birch forest. Meals (B, D)

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to the Catania airport (1hr 10min) and end of services. Meals (B)

Note: B (Breakfast); L(Lunch); D (Dinner)