As lava and a massive ash cloud spewed from Italy’s Mount Etna on the island of Sicily, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, skiers remained on the slopes of Piano Provenzana Ski Resort seemingly unperturbed by the eruption.
The eruption began on December 26, 2025 and has intensified over the next several days. A 2.4-magnitude earthquake followed the initial eruption. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reports Etna has entered a new eruptive stage with volcanic explosions ejecting lava over 1,000 into the air. Ash clouds have affected nearby towns as tourist swarm the area to celebrate the holidays.
Italian officials have issued an urgent travel warning following the eruption as flights have been disrupted but those already on the island of Sicily are in no imminent danger. Skiers and snowboarders have continued to enjoy the slopes as the surreal spectacle unfolds in the mountain above.
