Trekking up to an altitude of 3000 m from the south (only in winter) Elite
400 €
Group (max 8 people) – Transport excluded
This is the winter proposal suitable for hikers who want to discover the volcano without equipment such as skis or crampons. In winter the volcano is often covered in snow, for this reason the excursion is often performed with snowshoes. This experience allows you to reach the maximum altitude currently allowed by the competent authorities; higher up the volcano is closed for safety reasons due to the dangerous explosive activity produced by the South East Crater, which is often difficult to predict. The meeting with the guide is scheduled on the southern slope at the car park in front of the Esagonal bar, at Rifugio Sapienza at 8.30 am. After having arranged all the necessary equipment with the assistance of the guide, you will go up by cable car up to an altitude of 2500 m, after which you will walk for 3 km up to an altitude of 3000 m, passing through lava flow channels, near hot fumaroles, along the most recent castings.The highest point that will be reached will be right in front of the most active crater currently on the volcano. Then we will continue trekking back down to the cable car for the final return.
- Total duration: 5h
- Total km to cover on foot: 6
- Maximum arrival altitude: 3000m
- Professional guide
- Total height difference uphill 520m
- Total height difference downhill 520m
- Duration 7h
- Total km to walk (A/R) 2
- Exclusive elite service
- Duration 7h
- Total km to walk (A/R) 2
- Exclusive elite service
- Private driver
- 1L of water per person
- Packed lunch (break at 11.30am)
- Wear clothing with layers *
- High trekking shoes
- Snowshoes **
- Winter gloves
- Gaiters
- Hat
- Bandana (to protect against wind and volcanic gas)
- Large backpack
- Trekking poles *
- Crampons or crampons
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip stick
- Waterproof jacket or k-way
WARNINGS
- Also suitable for children over 11 years of age.
- Not recommended for pregnant women over 4 months of pregnancy.
- Walking on snow with snowshoes can increase the feeling of fatigue.
- The experience is not recommended for those who do little physical activity.
- Not recommended for those suffering from dizziness, heart problems, hypertension or respiratory
- It is strongly recommended for participants accustomed to carrying out physical activity regularly.
- Important to identify and always communicate any guidance: insecurities, physical or health problems.
- The route develops at high altitude which facilitates sensations of fatigue or respiratory breathlessness.
- Attention is required as the route runs along ridges/crater edges and volcanic soil that is unstable at times.
- Not recommended for those suffering from mental diseases (psychiatric or psychological) with emotional and/or behavior disorders.
- It is important to know that the route may be covered by deep snow, which slows down the speed of progression and therefore the total duration of the excursion.
- The excursion is performed in compliance with the rules about access to the craters at the top, variables according to the volcanic risk levels at the time the tour is performed.
- The guide can take responsibility for suspending or postponed the excursion in the event of force majeure events such as: bad weather, volcanic eruption, health problems of the guide, which can affect the continuation of the experience or compromise the safety of individuals or the group .
- Services, timetables and routes are subject to changes due to ordinances and/or volcanic activity; read the latest news here. However, refer to the summary when booking in order to be sure of the package purchased.
PROGRAM
Appointment with the guide at 8.30 am at the car park in front of the Esagonal bar near the Rifugio Sapienza
Arrangement of equipment + payments and initial briefing
Departure at 9:00 am by cable car or by 4×4 bus in case of closed terminal due to strong winds
Arrival at an altitude of 2500 m
Departure of the trek up to an altitude of 3000m (approximate value may vary from the safety distance from the Crater imposed by the competent authorities)
Snack break along the way
Continuation of the route on foot up to the maximum altitude established by ordinance
Arrival at the base of the most active crater of Etna, the South East Crater on the flows of recent eruptions
Descent with a view of the Valle del Bove
Return by cable car or by 4×4 bus in case of closed terminal due to strong winds
