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PhrasesHiking in ItalyC'è ancora neve a giugno sui sentieri?
A2

C'è ancora neve a giugno sui sentieri?

Is there still snow on the trails in June?

Pronunciation

Neve: NEH-veh. Giugno: JOON-yo — the gn makes a 'ny' sound, like 'canyon'.

When to use it

Ask when planning an early season hike in the Alps or high Apennines. Snow patches can persist on north-facing slopes until July, making trails slippery without crampons.

What it means

C'è ancora means 'is there still'. Neve is snow. Sui sentieri is 'on the trails'. A practical question that requires local knowledge — conditions vary enormously by aspect and altitude.

Variations

Servono i ramponi a giugno?

Are crampons needed in June?

Ramponi — crampons, ice grips for boots.

I sentieri in quota sono aperti?

Are the high-altitude trails open?

Some trails formally close in winter and reopen in June.

La neve è compatta o farinosa?

Is the snow compact or powdery?

Compact snow is safer; farinosa (floury/powdery) is unstable.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è ancora neve a giugno sui sentieri? — Sui versanti nord, sì. Almeno fino a metà giugno. — Servono i ramponi? — I microramponi bastano. Non è alta stagione per l'alpinismo.

— Is there still snow on the trails in June? — On the north-facing slopes, yes. At least until mid-June. — Are crampons needed? — Micro-crampons are enough. It's not peak mountaineering season.

Cultural Note

North-facing slopes (versanti nord) in the Italian Alps can hold snow year-round above 2500m. The Italian term for a permanent snow patch is nevaio — these are different from glaciers and are generally walkable with appropriate footwear. Always check with the local CAI section before high-altitude hikes in spring.