Marmots which live in the Tatra mountains still haven't woken up from their winter hibernation, even though it is the middle of April.

This is good news for skiers in the area surrounding Kasprowy Wierch, the peak which towers above the southern ski resort of Zakopane, and also the home of the Marmots.

When the four-legged creatures wake from their winter slumber they can cause havoc for skiers in the area, but Paweł Skawiński from the Tatra National Park says that for the time being all ski runs remain open:

"Usually around this time the marmots dig out from their holes, at this moment in time there may be one or two which have come up to the surface. It is all very well organised, as soon as there are more we will contain the areas around Kasprowy Wierch with netting and close the ski runs. We will also send out more Marmot patrols and we ask all skiers to stay on-piste as there may be some Marmots just around the corner."

Tatra Park Rangers will only be checking for skiers who do not adhere to Mr. Skawinski's plea, with a fine for anyone who veers off-piste.

For the time being the Marmots are safe, as the strong mountain Halny wind has stopped the cable car from going up to the top of Kasprowy Wierch.

(jb)