The Snow Industry - Monte Arcibessi

May 16, 2021
If today a snowfall in Chiaramonte is an exceptional event, it used to be a normal occurrence in winter, especially on the plateau at an altitude of about 900 meters. It was common practice to store snow in large underground deposits—either artificial or carved out of natural caves—to prevent it from melting until summer: these were the neviere (snow houses). Sturdily built, many neviere still exist today; near the "Vecchia Stazione," you can find the one known as the "butchers' neviera," which is among the oldest (the date “1763” is inscribed on the lintel of the central door). Around Monte Arcibessi, in an area of about 3 square kilometers, 20 neviere have been identified. This excursion begins by following the "path of the neviere," a dirt road offering beautiful panoramic views stretching from Etna to Gela. Near M. Arcibessi, we follow a trail leading to the Cava Del Fico spring: an enchanting place, not only for its variety of plants but also for the profound silence that reigns there. After a lunch break, we head back up a path to reach the church of S. Lucia (composed of two parts: an older cave section and a more recent masonry structure; the consecration of the cave dates back to the 16th century). Continuing our ascent along a forest trail, we return to our starting point.

Fee: € 10.00 – Includes guide services and RCT insurance.
Meeting point: Sunday, May 16 at 09:00 AM. Foro Boario, SP 10 Ragusa/Chiaramonte Gulfi. Click the link below for the Google location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eyFBmgH1fJXHRLEq5
Alternatively, you can meet at the start of the excursion in Contrada Maltempo, in the square in front of the Neviera di San Giuseppe. Click the link below for the Google location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vWHf4FV8BLzdFrY5A
End of excursion: 05:00 PM at the same starting location.
Lunch: packed lunch
Travel: own car
Difficulty: challenging.
Loop route: 6 hours of walking including breaks – dirt road, marked and unmarked trails.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, small backpack, k-way, hiking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, and 2 liters of water.
N.B. We respect, care for, and accept the rules for the good of all. Upon registration, we will send you an email with two attachments regarding Covid-19 information and a Word file (1 page) that you must fill out and sign, to be handed in as a hard copy before the start of the excursion.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946 - Email: [email protected]
www.ciaotrekking.com