A at a popular ski resort has killed a , despite efforts to save him. 

Emre Yazgan was enjoying the Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum, North-East Turkey when the natural disaster suddenly struck this week at the popular resort. Footage from local news reports showed the moment rescue teams desperately searched the area for survivors after the avalanche hit, where many had been enjoying themselves at the time.

Local governor Mustafa Ciftci said: "Our athlete Emre Yazgan could not be saved despite all interventions. My condolences to our nation." Popular Emre was part of Turkey's National Judo Team.

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The ski season at Palandöken Ski Resort in Erzurum, known as one of Turkey’s premier winter sports destinations, began two weeks ago. Recent snowfall meant depths were recorded of 82 cms (32 inches). Conditions were described as "ideal" before the tragedy which claimed Emre's life. 

Yesterday, another person died in a seperate avalanche, on Pirin Mountain in southern Bulgaria, and rescue efforts are underway to find several others buried under the snow, according to the mountain rescue service. According to initial information, the slide of a huge snow mass was caused by skiers who were descending off-piste.

A rescue team with search specially trained for avalanche conditions was immediately dispatched to the scene. Three skiers have been pulled out so far. A man sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead by the rescuers.

Due to the higher temperatures in recent days, conditions for skiing outside designated slopes are dangerous and there is a high risk of avalanches, the Bulgarian Mountaineering and Skiing Association warned.