A massive influx of tourists is expected in the mountains of the North Caucasus and the Murmansk region during the New Year holidays. The All-Russian Research Institute for Civil Defense and Emergency Situations warned about the dangers associated with this, RIA Novosti writes.

According to the institute's forecast, almost 300 thousand people can come to the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort alone.

The increase in tourists in the mountains of the Elbrus, Dombai and Khibiny during the New Year holidays is due to restrictions on the departure of Russians abroad - tourists are forced to reorient to domestic resorts.

"There is a high probability of an increase in the number of vacationers who will be in unauthorized places for skiing and snowboarding," the institute's experts warn.