Fiery Thrills: 9 Active Volcanoes Where You Can Ski & Snowboard

For thrill-seekers and adventurous skiers, you can take your skiing and boarding to a whole new level by going down the slopes of an active volcano. While known for their destructive power, these fiery giants offer some of the most unique ski destinations on Earth. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines an active volcano as “a volcano or volcanic field that has erupted within the Holocene (the current geologic epoch, which began at the end of the most recent ice age about 11,650 years ago), or that has the potential to erupt again in the future.” USGS points out that this does not mean that the volcano is erupting right now but that it has a youthful magmatic system and could erupt in the future.

Here are nine active volcanoes around the world where you can carve turns while riding the edge of nature’s raw energy:

Mount Etna, Italy

•  Altitude: 10,991 feet (3,329 meters)
• Last Eruption: August 2023

Located on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riders can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean while skiing this volcano’s north and south slopes. Its frequent eruptions certainly add an element of unpredictability to any visit.

Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

• Altitude: 9,177 feet (2,797 meters)
• Last Eruption: September 2007

Mount Ruapehu, the largest active volcano in New Zealand, offers two main ski resorts: Whakapapa and Turoa. Both sit on the volcano’s slopes, offering varied terrain for skiers. With its volcanic crater lake and geothermal activity, Ruapehu’s slopes come with the added mystique of a potential eruption. Mount Ruapehu is located in Mount Tongariro National Park, which has a range of active volcanos, including Ngāuruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Villarrica, Chile

• Altitude: 9,341 feet (2,847 meters)
• Last Eruption: March 2015

Villarrica is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, and skiing here combines adrenaline and breathtaking scenery. The volcano’s proximity to the town of Pucón makes it easily accessible for visitors, and night skiing is even possible. However, skiers should be mindful of the volcano’s alert system, which monitors activity levels. The most recent activity was this July and August, when it was emitting massive plumes of smoke and Yellow Level (Level 2 out of 4) was declared.

• Related: Continued Volcanic Activity at Chilean Ski Resort

Mount Hood, OR

• Altitude: 11,239 feet (3,425 meters)
• Last Eruption: ~1865 (minor events)

Oregon’s Mount Hood, a dormant yet technically active volcano, is home to the only consistent year-round skiing in North America. The glacier skiing at Timberline Lodge provides excellent conditions even in the summer months. Mount Hood has a history of eruptions, though it’s been relatively quiet for over a century.

Mount Fuji, Japan

• Altitude: 12,388 feet (3,776 meters)
• Last Eruption: December 1707

Mount Fuji is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and while its last eruption was three centuries ago, it’s still classified as active. Although Fuji is better known as a climbing destination, there are two ski resorts at Mount Fuji, Snow Time Yeti and Fujiten Snow Resort. In addition, Mount Fuji offers stunning backcountry skiing and riding.

Nevados de Chillán, Chile

• Altitude: 10,538 feet (3,212 meters)
• Last Eruption: May 2023

Part of the Andes volcanic belt, Nevados de Chillán offers some of the best skiing in Chile. Its thermal springs and geothermal vents make it a distinctive destination. Recent eruptions have only enhanced the sense of adventure, with skiers carving down its slopes amidst plumes of steam.

Monte Llaima, Chile

• Altitude: 10,253 feet (3,125 meters)
• Last Eruption: January 2009

One of Chile’s most active volcanoes, Llaima is located in the heart of Conguillío National Park. Skiers are drawn to the small resort of Las Araucarias-Llaima, which offers diverse terrain and stunning views of the surrounding ancient forests. The resort features one chair lift and three surface lifts which give access to 10 miles of groomed runs and a vast freeride terrain. The 2009 eruption serves as a reminder of Llaima’s volatile nature, but for adventurous skiers, the combination of challenging runs and the wild beauty of the park make it an exhilarating destination.

Mount Yotei, Japan

• Altitude: 6,227 feet (1,898 meters)
• Last Eruption: ~1050 BC

Mount Yotei, often called “Ezo Fuji” for its resemblance to Mount Fuji, is a dormant but active volcano located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido near Niseko Ski Resort. It’s a backcountry skiing paradise, offering deep powder and off-piste terrain. While the volcano hasn’t erupted in millennia, its towering presence provides a dramatic backdrop to some of Japan’s best skiing conditions.

Mount Baker, WA

• Altitude: 10,786 feet (3,288 meters)
• Last Eruption: 1880

Mount Baker in Washington state boasts some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, making it a dream for powder lovers. Despite its last eruption in 1880, Baker remains an active volcano, and its massive glaciers contribute to year-round snow conditions. The ski resort on Mount Baker offers challenging terrain, and its backcountry is favored by experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to explore beyond the marked trails.

These volcanoes offer the rare chance to ski on living mountains—places that continue to shape the Earth’s surface. For the brave, skiing on an active volcano is an experience that blends beauty, risk, and awe, reminding us of the powerful forces beneath our feet.