16:15, 5 January 2016

Skiers' traffic on Sochi slopes restricted

Resting at ‘Krasnaya Polyana’ slope. Photo by Vladimir Kozlov.

The threat of avalanches is the reason for partial restriction of skiers' traffic on alpine slopes of Sochi.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that for two days – January 4 and 5 – a high risk of avalanches is forecasted in the mountainous areas of Sochi; and rescuers are asking locals and resort guests to refrain from hiking in the mountains during the snowfall.

"Because of heavy snow and risk of avalanches in the resort city of Sochi, skiing down the slopes of Ski Resorts 'Roza Khutor' and 'Gorky Gorod' is partially restricted; and sale of ski passes may be suspended until the weather improves," says the today's statement posted on the website of the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the Krasnodar Territory.

It is noted that comfortable and safe skiing is possible at medium altitudes and below.

According to the North-Caucasian Department for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, the threat of avalanches starts at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.