Twelve people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a ski resort in Georgia, police said.

The bodies of 11 foreigners and one Georgian national were found in a sleeping area above a restaurant in Gudauri, the largest and highest ski resort in the former Soviet state, according to officials.

The police said that "preliminary tests do not show any trace of violence on the bodies" and it appeared to be an accident, the AFP news agency reported.

An oil-powered generator was turned on after the building lost power Friday, officials said.

The bodies were found on Saturday on the second floor of a building that housed an Indian restaurant.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident and the identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Gudauri is a popular tourist destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with a range of winter sports activities for visitors of all levels.

Its history dates back to the 19th century when it was known as a trading center in the old days. Georgian Military Road connecting Russia to Georgia.

Gudauri is located in the Caucasus Mountains in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region at about 2,200m (7,200ft) above sea level and is about 120km (75 miles) north of the Georgian capital Tbilisi.