Magic Etna: discovering tha hight volcano in Europe
filled by Francesco Mapelli
the forge of Hephaestus, the Pillar of Heaven … which from its 3323 meters continues to amaze visitors from all over the world arriving in Sicily attracted by the beauty of the island.
The region of Mount Etna is one of the largest and most obvious examples of extraordinary vitality natural chestnut, pine and Stoic shamrocks are the framework for lunar landscapes, extinct craters, lava sand and lava recent overlaid with an old hundreds of thousands of years.
In 500,000 years has changed its appearance, multiplying its eruptive centers. Basically there are two main volcanic edifices:
the Trifoglietto, the current depression known as Valle del Bove;
The Mongibello, composed of four craters that are currently active.
The morphology of Etna is made by an extraordinary diversity and originality: more than 350 volcanic vents side, the "dykes", or the ancient solidified lava flows that formed the rivers of lava off, the "dagale" real "miracles of nature, "or islands of vegetation in the bleak and at the same time fascinating lunar landscape inert and empty. And still the "bomb", which as the name suggests are solidified masses erupted from the summit crater, the Monti Rossi Nicolosi, the cliffs of basaltic rock "thrown" into the sea.
An overview of this spectacle of nature is available through the cable car (http://www.funiviaetna.com), but we strongly urge you to experience the adventure to discover the volcano in greater depth, perhaps following the itineraries and tour Trovavacanzesicilia (http://itinerari.trovavacanzesicilia.it), between paths and hiking along the Etna Park. Only in this way you can enjoy the flight Aquila Reale and peregrine falcon, or the stealthy step and look shiny and menacing Wild Cat and foxes. In the winter, the contrast between the white snow and the blue sky and sea, shades of pink and purple when the rays hit more intense volcanic rock crystals or when the sun goes down, they are just part of the magic game seduction of the volcano.
Snow lovers and skiers should not have too much awe, and can enjoy the ski resorts of Linguaglossa Piano Provenzano.
The more daring can also embark on the "Great Crossing Etnea", a trek that lasts a few days through rigorous trails on skis or snowshoes on your feet ... at an altitude of 2,800 meters to reach the Volcanological Observatory of Pizzi Deneri composed of two igloos connected by underground passageways, worthy of an ambush to 007!
We descend about 800 meters and you will reach the "Ice Cave", a perennial glacier, exactly as in the south of Europe. It is not always possible, however, to access in winter, because the input can be blocked by excessive snowfall.
The contrast that you live beyond 1,900 meters is really amazing and almost "scary" because the woods and pine forests disappear, giving way to desolate lunar landscapes or, at most, forests literally cut in two by lava flows.
The lifts will still allow you to reach the ski slopes for both downhill and cross-country skiing.
The Red Cross, also called "Little Hut," begins at 2,500 meters and can be reached by cable car;
Another Red Cross can be reached by the two-seater chairlifts, and salt from the initial 1,900 meters to 2,400 meters;
The Third Red Cross can only be reached with the ski lift "Little Man", here the trail stretches for almost 2 km at an altitude of 2,300 meters;
Finally, the track "Montagnola", the highest, brings skiers from 2,500 meters to 2,600.
The area is also ideal for lovers of skiing and snowboarding, as many areas exceeded the 1,900 meters, offers miles and miles of trails completely devoid of trees and vegetation.
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