L'Inverno dei Nebrodi - Nebrodi's Winter

Sicily is not only beaches and seaside. Far from the coasts there is an huge variety of extraordinary landscapes to discover. In any season, you will find plenty of choices to satisfy even the most demanding visitor. Even in winter, when usually historical cities are overcrowded and the Etna is climbed by thousands of tourists each day, there are some very nice alternative destinations to explore.

Among these there are The Nebrodi, a mountain range on the north-east side of Sicily that divides Catania Enna and Messina district. This is probably one of the less known part of Sicily, a wide treasure chest where Nature is still the main attraction.

In January and February, but sometimes even early in Spring, the gentle peaks of Nebrodi are covered in snow offering some unforgettable landscapes. Mountains are easy to climb, the highest peak is Monte Soro (1847 meters), but it is unnecessary to reach the top to catch some breathtaking views of Alcantara valley, the Etna southwards or the Aeolian Islands northwards.

Actually the area is protected by a national park founded in 1993, the Parco dei Nebrodi. Several marked trails are available to those who like to trek in to the wild. Canyons, waterfalls, lakes, forests and pastures, all whitewashed by winter snow, will surprise you almost everywhere.

There are some refuges too, like the Rifugio Trearie shown in this film, an equipped area suitable to overnight (ask for permission to the Italian Corpo Forestale). In winter the path we took in this hike is forbidden to cars (even 4x4) because of the snow, while late in spring and summer it is easy to run it even with normal vehicles.

It has no sense to use words to describe my personal feelings while walking into Nebrodi’s winter. I hope this brief film could give you an idea. Pure air and silence are enough to treat the madness of modern life and, even if it is for just one day, I must thank for this opportunity.

Headphones suggested!

The track “Wondering “ is by Borrtex and is licensed by Free Music Archive.

This video has been filmed with both an Olympus OM-D EM5 MKII mirror less camera and an Eken H8R action cam coupled with a Zhiyun Evolution Gimbal. Drone footage have been filmed with a Mavick Air.

All photos are by Francesca Sparatore and her Nikon D3100.

Gps trail has been recorded using a Suunto Traverse and the Suunto Movescount app.

I did post-production and editing as usual with Cyber link Power Director suite.

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