'Exceptionally beautiful season!' - Hundreds of skiers hit Kfardebian in Mount Lebanon as record snowstorm blankets slopes

'Exceptionally beautiful season!' - Hundreds of skiers hit Kfardebian in Mount Lebanon as record snowstorm blankets slopes

"The ski season officially kicked off in the town of Kfardebian in Mount Lebanon, with tourists flocking to the venue after one of the most active and snow-heavy weeks of the winter to enjoy the resort. Footage filmed on Sunday shows visitors and tourists skiing across the slopes, taking ski lifts and enjoying the family time. "The season is promising and is expected, God willing, to last until March. Tourists are here, we are full of positive energy, and God willing, it will be one of the best seasons we haven’t seen in a long time," said a visitor, Mario Akiki. The recent storm delivered around half a metre of snow, with temperatures fluctuating between -1°C and -6°C at higher elevations. "What's beautiful about Lebanon is that we have tourist seasons all year round, but for me, winter is the most beautiful season. Every year I wait for the snow to come here," added another visitor, Hala Fghali. Kfardebian is known as a major tourist destination, featuring a ski resort as well as historical landmarks such as the Faqra Fortress and the Natural Bridge. The resort has recently inaugurated a cross-country skiing trail and upgraded the lift technology to help manage the weekend influx. "

Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Eastern region on high alert as authorities try to track animal tearing through villages in Jharkand after apparently becoming separated from herd Forest officials in India are on the hunt for an elephant that has killed more 20 people in a days-long rampage through the eastern state of Jharkand. Since the beginning of January, 22 people have been killed by a single-tusked elephant that has been tearing through forests and villages in West Singhbhum district of Jharkand. Continue reading...