"Tourists and skiers flocked to Mount Etna on Sunday as Europe’s most active volcano erupted once again, with mild Strombolian activity sending ash kilometres into the sky and turning the ski slopes into an unlikely viewing point. Drone footage shows vast plumes of white and grey smoke rising above the snow-covered volcano in Sicily. Visitors were seen gathering at designated safe distances to watch the eruption, while skiers selected snowboards and equipment to make the most of the rare spectacle. “The beautiful thing is the landscapes and the feeling of skiing on a mountain that seems alive,” said geologist Maurizio D’Angelo. “The spectacle that Etna offers is unique.” Another skier, Salvatore Arcidiacono, warned of the risks associated with the volcanic activity. “There is a strong paroxysm, explosions, and very large rocks that can reach hundreds of metres, so it's always best to take precautions,” he said. Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued a yellow alert, prohibiting access above 2,500 metres above sea level. Volcano guide Enrico Raciti said the eruption was typical of recent activity at Etna. “There is explosive activity, typically Strombolian. This is the activity that has most characterised Etna in recent years, only in the summit area, at about 3,400 metres above sea level,” he said. Raciti added that the situation posed no danger provided visitors followed official guidance. “If you respect the limits, you can safely admire the spectacle of the explosions and the launching of lava fragments and pyroclastic material.” On Friday, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse issued an orange aviation alert, noting that the plumes consisted mainly of drifting water vapour near the volcano. Scientists from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia said the activity had intensified, with craters continuously emitting ash. Mount Etna has been in near-constant eruption since 2013, with five major outbursts recorded last year. In August, activity was described as 'very low intensity', prompting a brief closure to tourists. Rising to around 3,369 metres (11,053 feet) above sea level, Etna is the highest and one of the most active volcanoes in Europe."