[size=75:e0oy1nyl]Sofia echo 22 February 2010

Norwegian skier killed by an avalanche in Bansko

A young Norwegian skier, in his early 20s, died caught by an avalanche skiing outside the designated areas in Bulgaria’s best winter resort of Bansko in Pirin Mountain, BTA Bulgarian news agency said on February 22 2010.

The acceded happened in the area known as the Demyanishka Dolina in the alpine zone of Bansko’s ski area, BTA quoted Mountain Rescue service as saying.
The Norwegian died on the spot swept away by the avalanche. His friends called Maoutain Rescue but despite the efforts he was found dead.

He is the third victim of avalanches in Bansko for the season. All victims have skied outside the marked areas despite the constant warnings of Mountain Rescue service and the media.

On February 2 2010 a 30-year-old Bulgarian ski teacher died the same skiing away from the designated slopes. On January 30, a 34-year old Bulgarian woman was seriously injured in an avalanche close to the Banderitsa lodge, suffering head injuries.

One day earlier, another avalanche caused the death of young snowboarder, again in Bansko. On January 26, a Bulgarian skier died after hitting a snow cornice on Bansko's Alberto Tomba ski run.

any loss of life is tragic, but the young for some reason think they are immortal, to ignore designated ski areas is irresponsible and to pay the ultimate price is more than tragic, if only.