It’s funny the number of times I get people asking me, ‘Can you ski in Sicily?’ From afar, my homeplace may seem like most other Mediterranean islands known for their high temperatures, but some parts of here get snow.
Even as a local, I have to admit I often overlook just how great the Sicilian skiing spots are. Of course, our superb beaches, phenomenal food scene, and vibrant culture deserve all the praise they get, but Sicily is so much more than a summertime destination.
Sicily is home to three fantastic ski resorts, two of which are close to the magnificent Mount Etna and another which lies in central Sicily. All three have their own unique characteristics, and I’ve detailed them below to help you decide which is the best fit for your trip.
If you’ve been wondering where to ski in Sicily, I’ve got you covered with this practical guide for the top Sicilian skiing spots!
The Best Time of Year to Go Skiing in Sicily
Before we dive into the different ski resorts in Sicily, you’ll need to think about the best time of year for this type of exciting vacation.
The ski season in Sicily runs from December until April, though the weather can vary a little from year to year. In general, January and February are the optimum times to visit as they tend to have the most consistent ski conditions.
December, March, and April can be slightly more unpredictable, so it might be better to avoid planning a ski trip for these months. As Nicolosi in southern Mount Etna is the highest ski resort in Sicily, the season here can sometimes be marginally longer than in other areas.
January and February bring the most favorable weather for avid skiers, so each of the three resorts is typically busier at this time. That being said, compared to the more well-known skiing hubs in mainland Italy, the Sicilian ski spots rarely experience the same influx of visitors. Because of this, you won’t need to worry too much about avoiding the peak seasons, even if you’re not fond of big crowds.
My Picks for the Best Skiing Spots in Sicily
Piano Provenzana, Linguaglossa, Catania
Piano Provenzana in Linguaglossa is one of the two Sicilian ski spots nestled along the slopes of Mount Etna, though this resort is set on the volcano’s north side. The ski season here usually kicks off around mid-December and runs until mid-March.
Vincenzo Bellini Airport in Catania is the nearest airport, and in my experience, the drive between the two takes just under an hour. You can also catch a bus or train, but the departures can be infrequent and can only take you as far as Linguaglossa. For the last leg of the journey, you’ll need to drive, take a taxi, or arrange a private transfer in advance with your hotel.
Most of the slopes are moderately challenging, so if you’re a beginner, it may not be the easiest place to learn the ropes of skiing or snowboarding. However, as long as you are somewhat experienced, you’ll have a chance to cruise through the snow while enjoying stellar views of the Aeolian Islands and nearby coastal hotspots like Taormina.
Although Piano Provenzana is a small ski resort, all the amenities you’ll need are nearby. A handful of hotels, restaurants, and cafes are close to the slopes, and I even hired my equipment from one of the rental companies in town.
Etna Sud, Nicolosi, Catania
On the southern side of Mount Etna is Etna Sud in Nicolosi, another fantastic Sicilian ski spot close to the city of Catania. It’s a smaller ski resort than its northern neighbor, but it’s also higher and boasts steeper slopes as a result. Similar to Piano Provenzana, the season generally stretches from mid-December to mid-March but can sometimes run longer.
From the airport in Catania, it’s never taken me more than an hour to reach Etna Sud. If you’d prefer not to drive, you can take a taxi directly to Etna Sud or hop on the bus from Catania Centrale to Nicolosi. With the latter, you’ll have to switch from the bus to a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to make it the rest of the way to Etna Sud.
Most of the trails are intermediate level, but there are some straightforward slopes for novices and some more difficult alternatives for seasoned skiers or snowboarders. Overall, this makes it an excellent place for skiers of all experience and skill levels.
Despite its compact size, Etna Sud has a couple of accommodation options, eateries, and shops, though better amenities are available in Nicolosi’s town center.
Piano Battaglia, Parco delle Madonie, Palermo
The smallest and lowest-altitude Sicilian skiing spot is Piano Battaglia. Located in the Madonie mountain range in the Palermo province, it is the closest ski resort to Sicily’s capital, Palermo. Most years, Piano Battaglia is open to skiers from late December or early January until mid-to-late March.
Palermo Airport is around two hours away and is the most convenient place to fly to Piano Battaglia. I’ve only driven from the city center, which takes me roughly 90 minutes. Another option is to take the bus from central Palermo to Polizzi Generosa. From here, a taxi can bring you the rest of the way to Piano Battaglia.
This was the first Sicilian skiing spot I’d ever visited, and the mix of easy, intermediate, and challenging slopes made it a brilliant place to build my confidence as a skier.
Because Piano Battaglia is so quaint, amenities are limited. Nonetheless, there’s an assortment of chalets, several guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and equipment rental stores. Petralia Sottana and Petralia Soprana are two slightly larger towns around 20 minutes from Piano Battaglia, which might be a better option if you’re looking for somewhere a little livelier.
Hit the Slopes With These Incredible Sicilian Skiing Spots
Where else can you ski down the edge of a highly active volcano or cruise down the slopes overlooking the Aeolian Islands?
If you’re keen to explore another side of the island or simply want to take to the slopes in a lesser-known resort, these Sicilian skiing spots will fit the bill!