Thrill-Seekers Brave the Slopes as Mount Etna Erupts (PHOTOS) | The Weather Channel
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Skiers can see snow, lava and the sea all from one unique location.

ByNicole BonaccorsoApril 21, 2017


Thrill-seeking skiers are keeping as cool as ice despite skiing right next to a lava flow. Pictures from Mount Etna's southern face show the daredevils descending with an erupting volcano in the background.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)


As if skiing weren't enough of a thrill, these daredevils are chasing a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush on the southern face of Sicily's Mount Etna. 

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A skier skis past Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten rock into the air.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)


The slowly advancing lava flow can be seen in the background. The photos were taken by Italian videographers and reporters Giuseppe Distefano and Marco Restivo 10,170 feet up the volcano. 

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A skier skis past Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten rock into the air.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)



Pictures from Mount Etna's southern face show the daredevils descending with an erupting volcano in the background.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)


Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano, is a popular skiing destination, and it's clear why. The volcano erupts several times a year, according to Reuters, and skiers are able to see the sea, snow and lava all in one unique location.


A skier uses poles to climb up Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten lava out of its crater.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)



A skier uses poles to climb up Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten lava out of its crater.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)


Last month, several reporters and tourists sustained minor injuries during an eruption at the volcano, Caters News Agency reported, however Distefano explained that he felt safe while skiing close to the lava flow. 

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"The lava was flowing at the time, and we even went to see its source," Distefano told Caters News Agency.


A skier skis past Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten rock into the air.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)



A skier uses poles to climb up Mount Etna as the volcano erupts molten lava out of its crater.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)



Pictures from Mount Etna's southern face show the daredevils descending with an erupting volcano in the background.

(Giuseppe Distefano/Caters News)


"It's a completely unique experience to ski next to a lava flow and look down at the Ionian Sea and the city of Catania," the photographer said.