SURFERS and fans of surfing alike in the Region of Murcia are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming fifth edition of the Mediterranean Surf Cup, an unmissable event for both beginner and open surfers, as well as the crowds that attend the event to support them. One of the most established events on the competitive surfing calendar in the Mediterranean, the event is expected to attract countless surfers and fans to La Reya Beach in Puerto de Mazarron.

Organised by Bahía Surf in collaboration with the Surf Federation of the Region of Murcia, the event will kick off at 8:30am with the athletes tackling the waves at the idyllic La Reya Beach, with a crowd cheering them on.

The following categories will be competing in the event:

• Under 10 Mixed
• Under 12 Boys and Girls
• Under 14 Boys and Girls
• Under 16 Boys and Girls
• Under 18 Male and Female
• Under 21 Men and Women
• Men’s and Women’s Open

An opportunity for amateur and pro surfers to compete on the shores of Costa Calida

From young beginners to experienced open-category surfers, the fifth edition of this event will bring together surfers from all over the Mediterranean. The event serves as an essential platform for nurturing emerging talent and allowing promising surfers to gain competitive experience while connecting with more established athletes. It also contributes to strengthening the regional surf community and promoting the sport in areas like Murcia, where surfing is rapidly growing.

Where to watch the Mediterranean Surf Cup

The fifth edition of the Mediterranean Surf Cup will take place on February 21 and 22, 2026, the first weekend with expected waves, in Puerto de Mazarron, at La Reya Beach, at Junta de los Mares. The event is expected to unite surfers from the base and open categories, as well as sports fans, and further its establishment as a key event for competitive surfing not only on the Costa Calida, but in the Mediterranean. Promising young athletes will be over the moon at the chance to compete in this exciting February event in Murcia.

Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has mobilised an extensive winter road‑clearance operation across several regions as snow and ice warnings prompted heightened weather alerts this weekend. The ministry confirmed that 693 snowploughs and more than 130,000 tonnes of de‑icing materials are in place to support road safety in Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León and Catalonia. 

The measure forms part of the ministry’s Plan de Vialidad Invernal, a nationwide winter road maintenance strategy designed to keep the state road network safe and passable during periods of snow and frost. The agency’s deployment represents a considerable increase from earlier in the week, when 541 machines were prepared to tackle snow in the northern regions. 

Alerts Trigger Expanded Deployment

The decision to expand the winter response came after the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) issued orange‑level snow warnings for Friday and Saturday in the four regions. These warnings indicate significant snowfall that could disrupt transport and daily life if precautions are not taken. 

In Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León, the alert was issued for both days due to persistent snowfall expected at various altitudes. Catalonia’s orange warning was set for Saturday, further justifying the larger operational footprint of snowploughs and de‑icing resources. 

The orange alert level is one of the more serious tiers in Spain’s meteorological warning system, signalling potentially hazardous weather that may affect infrastructure and transport links.

Winter Road Safety in Focus

The ministry emphasised that the snowploughs are accompanied by 130,835 tonnes of “fundentes” (de-icing agents), substances such as salt and other agents used to prevent ice formation on road surfaces. These materials help to maintain traction and reduce the likelihood of accidents on key inter‑regional routes. 

Snowploughs and de‑icing operations are most active on major state highways and roads linking provincial capitals and rural areas prone to severe winter conditions. According to officials, the objective of the winter plan is not just clearing snow but ensuring comfort and safety for drivers navigating potentially treacherous conditions. 

The ministry has urged motorists to monitor weather and road condition updates via official channels, including the social media account of the transport ministry and information platforms run by AEMET and the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). 

Preparedness Responds to Weather Forecasts

The expanded snowplough deployment reflects forecasts of continued cold weather and precipitation. Long‑range models indicate that snow accumulation may persist in northern interior areas and mountainous zones throughout the weekend, requiring sustained maintenance efforts. 

In addition to snowfall, some regions are experiencing cold temperatures that can cause ice to form on road surfaces, especially at night and in shaded areas. The combination of snow and ice represents a common hazard in winter months, prompting nationwide preparedness under the transport ministry’s winter plan. 

Public Cautioned to Exercise Prudence

Nationwide authorities have reiterated the importance of prudence when travelling during weather alerts. Drivers are advised to check the latest forecasts and road conditions before setting out, plan alternative routes if necessary, and ensure vehicles are equipped for winter travel, including chains or winter tyres where appropriate. 

Alerts from AEMET and DGT include real‑time interactive maps and notifications on road closures, speed restrictions and advisories for specific stretches of the network. Such tools are intended to help road users avoid areas most affected by snowfall and ice. 

Winter Maintenance Is Ongoing

In previous weeks, similar activations occurred in various parts of the country as cold fronts brought snow and frost to several provinces, including earlier operations deploying dozens of snowploughs in Castilla y León and Madrid. 

Officials stress that maintaining mobility and safety on Spain’s roadways during winter is a coordinated effort involving national and regional bodies, weather services and traffic authorities. The 693‑machine deployment represents one of the largest mobilisations of winter maintenance resources this season.

A tragic avalanche in the French Alpine resort of Val d’Isère claimed the lives of three skiers on Friday, February 13, including two British nationals. The incident occurred in an off-piste area.

Deadly avalanche strikes off-piste in Solaise sector

The avalanche hit around 11.30am in the Solaise sector, just off the Arcelle red run on a west-facing slope at approximately 2,200 metres altitude. Six skiers were swept away in cascading slides toward the Manchet valley, where the snow ended in a stream.

Two British skiers were part of a guided group of four, accompanied by a professional instructor. A third British individual in the group suffered minor injuries and managed to dig themselves out before receiving hospital treatment. The instructor was unharmed and tested negative for alcohol and drugs. A French national skiing alone higher up the slope was also caught and killed. All victims carried standard avalanche safety equipment, including transceivers, shovels, and probes. Rescue teams, including dogs, quickly located two bodies, but the third, carried into the stream, required a more complex search due to water damaging the transceiver signal. Operations concluded by early afternoon.

Manslaughter investigation launched as cause probed

Albertville public prosecutor Benoît Bachelet has opened a judicial inquiry into involuntary manslaughter, led by the CRS des Alpes mountain rescue service. Authorities are investigating whether the solo French skier triggered the release from above, though remote triggering by the guided group or a natural slab failure remains possible. Cédric Bonnevie, Val d’Isère’s piste director, described the avalanche as travelling 400 metres down the slope but not exceptional in scale. He stressed the mountains’ known inherent dangers: “Mountains will never be a leisure park. There are risks that you have to accept and stay humble.”

Extreme avalanche risk continues across French Alps

The tragedy took place against a backdrop of exceptionally unstable conditions in the Haute-Tarentaise massif, including the Tignes-Val d’Isère area. On Thursday, the avalanche danger reached level 5/5 (very high), the maximum rating and the first in 17 years for many resorts, forcing piste closures. It eased to 4/5 (high) on Friday, but Météo-France warned of very unstable snow slabs above 1,800 to 2,000 metres, easily provoked by skiers and capable of involving massive volumes.

A persistent weak layer buried deep in the snowpack added to the hazard, with forecasters saying there were widespread reactive slabs from recent wind-loading. The interior ministry strongly advised against off-piste activities, urging strict adherence to safety guidelines.

This incident brings the Savoie avalanche death toll to 15 since December, underscoring the need for caution in backcountry terrain. Authorities and resort officials continue to call for extreme vigilance as unstable conditions linger.