On Sicily’s east coast, Mount Etna erupted in spectacular fashion over the final days of December 2025, sending dramatic plumes of ash, jets of glowing lava, and fragments of rock high into the wintry sky. The eruption, which began on Boxing Day (December 26), intensified into the weekend and drew global attention—not least because skiers, seemingly unfazed, continued to glide down the snowy slopes as the volcano’s fury unfolded above them.
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption marked a new phase of activity at Europe’s largest and most restless volcano. On December 26, Etna entered this fresh eruptive stage, with jets of lava spurting more than 1,000 feet into the air and rock fragments being hurled several kilometers above the summit. The INGV confirmed, “rock fragments were flung several kilometers above the summit of Etna” and that “lava is still flowing after strong explosions,” with the molten river traveling roughly two kilometers east toward the Valle del Bove.
The eruption’s timing was uncanny: aerial video captured on December 27 showed the volcano’s snow-capped slopes dotted with skiers, some apparently unaware of the drama unfolding above. As reported by NBC News, “the eruption occurred while skiers were on the slopes, showcasing the volcano’s activity.” The juxtaposition of serene skiing and volcanic chaos was as surreal as it was dangerous, though no injuries or immediate evacuations were reported.
Authorities responded swiftly. A yellow alert was issued for the region, reflecting heightened monitoring and increased information sharing, especially regarding the nearby Fontanarossa airport in Catania. The Sun described how “a yellow alert has been issued, with many concerned about the nearby Fontanarossa airport. Some flight delays have been reported, but no serious disruptions so far.” The INGV added that strong winds carried the enormous ash cloud northeastward, resulting in ashfall on the Piano Provenzana ski resort and even reaching the picturesque town of Taormina.
As the eruption continued into December 28, the situation escalated, prompting scientists to issue a red Volcano Observatory notice for aviation—a move signaling a potential risk to aircraft. Reuters reported, “Italy’s most active volcano erupted on Saturday, prompting scientists to issue a red Volcano Observatory notice for aviation, signalling a potential risk for aircraft.” Despite the red alert, flights at Catania-Fontanarossa airport continued operating normally, with authorities assuring the public that “no disruption was expected unless ashfall increased.”
The Sicilian civil protection authorities also weighed in, issuing a warning on December 28 for a “high probability of imminent lava fountains occurring,” though this alert was downgraded later that evening as the immediate threat appeared to subside. The volcanic activity was closely linked to Etna’s northeast crater, with the INGV noting that “activity was reported at Bocca Nuova crater and the northeast crater of Etna.”
For residents and tourists alike, the eruption was a reminder of Etna’s unpredictable temperament. The volcano, standing more than 10,000 feet tall, is no stranger to dramatic outbursts. In June 2025, Etna erupted, sending tourists fleeing down the mountainside as smoke and hot ash billowed overhead. Back in February, the slopes—usually a winter sports paradise—were transformed into a fiery spectacle as hot lava shot skyward, with some skiers reportedly defying bans to witness the event up close. The BBC has chronicled how previous eruptions in February 2021 forced the temporary closure of a nearby airport, and in 2017, ten people, including a BBC news crew, were injured when Etna exploded unexpectedly.
Still, the volcano’s allure is undeniable. Even as the latest eruption unfolded, many skiers hit the slopes below the ash and smoke. According to La Sicilia, “skiers used the slopes below” while “volcanic activity had intensified at the site.” The unique combination of snow sports and volcanic spectacle attracted not only thrill-seekers but also scientists and journalists eager to document the event. Social media was soon awash with images and videos of glowing lava, towering ash clouds, and the surreal sight of skiers carving turns beneath a sky darkened by volcanic debris.
Despite the drama, Sicilian authorities and the INGV emphasized that the situation was under control. The yellow and red alerts were precautionary, designed to ensure rapid communication and readiness should conditions deteriorate. The INGV explained that “the yellow alert means increased monitoring and information sharing but for the moment, airports in the area remain open.” The civil protection authorities echoed this, stating that flights would continue to operate as normal “unless ashfall increased.”
The impact on air travel, always a concern during volcanic eruptions, was thus far limited. While some flight delays were reported, there were no widespread disruptions or airport closures. The lessons of past eruptions—such as those that forced airport shutdowns in 2021—were clearly front of mind for both aviation officials and local authorities, who took pains to reassure travelers and residents alike.
For the communities living in Etna’s shadow, the volcano is both a source of pride and a constant reminder of nature’s power. The towns of Piano Provenzana and Taormina, both dusted with ash during the latest eruption, are accustomed to adapting to Etna’s moods. Over the centuries, the volcano has shaped the landscape, enriched the soil, and drawn visitors from around the world, even as it periodically disrupts daily life with its fiery displays.
As of Sunday, December 28, 2025, the eruption appeared to be waning, with alerts downgraded and no major injuries or property damage reported. The INGV and civil protection authorities continued to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond if Etna’s activity intensified once more. For now, the volcano’s latest outburst serves as a vivid reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the forces of nature—a balance that, on Sicily’s slopes, sometimes plays out in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
Mount Etna’s December eruption, with its blend of awe-inspiring spectacle and careful management, has once again demonstrated why this mountain remains both a scientific marvel and a symbol of Sicily’s enduring resilience.
