Grotta del Gelo - Etna

August 12, 2023
The route for this adventure takes us through the characteristic landscapes of Etna, including forests, mountain huts, lava flows, dagale (isolated islands of vegetation within lava fields), and deep valleys, all the way to the Grotta del Gelo (2040 m). This cave is the only, and truly unique, perennial glacier in Sicily. Starting from Piano Provenzana, we will first ascend along a track and then follow a trail crossing the 2002 lava flow, heading towards the Rifugio Timpa Rossa. From there, we will divert towards the Grotta del Gelo, passing by impressive ropy lava formations. The Grotta del Gelo, the southernmost perennial glacier in Europe, will be our intermediate destination. On the way back, we will follow the same path as the ascent, with a few detours that will allow us to see beech forests and old craters.

Fee: € 25.00 - Includes guide service, accident insurance, and organization. For insurance purposes, we kindly ask you to send us your full name and tax code (codice fiscale).
Costs do not include: travel expenses to and from the meeting point.
Meeting point: Saturday, August 12 at 09:00 AM at Piano Provenzana, first parking lot on the right (Etna). Click the link below for the Google location.
https://goo.gl/maps/F1AALhwEt5t3iTbU8
End of excursion: 06:30 PM at the same starting location.
Lunch: packed lunch.
Loop trail: forest track, marked and unmarked paths.
Difficulty: challenging.
Total elevation gain/loss: 780 m ascent and descent.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, small backpack, hiking boots, trekking poles, headlamp/flashlight, hat, sunscreen, sweater, waterproof jacket, and 2 liters of water (2.5 liters for those who drink more).
Notes: the excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, an alternative route will be taken if possible. A few days before the excursion, we will send you an email with the latest information.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact +39 3334987946 - Email: [email protected]
www.ciaotrekking.com