Putin Hits Sochi Slopes

(RIA-Novsoti) President Vladimir Putin tested the ski slopes at the Olympic host city of Sochi Friday as the Black Sea resort counts down to the start of the Winter Games.

Putin skied a few runs at the Laura complex for biathlon and cross-country skiing, located on the Psekhako Ridge in Krasnaya Polyana, which will host the mountain competitions when the Winter Olympics get under way on February 7.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev skied with the president before the two men enjoyed a glass of mulled wine.

Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Putin would inspect all the Olympic facilities at Sochi’s mountain and coastal clusters during his visit to the city, as well as reviewing preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.

Putin would pay particular attention to buildings that are not quite finished yet, Peskov said. He added that "small flaws" remained at some venues.

Putin will also check up on preparations for the opening ceremonies.

The two also visited a hotel complex that will be used by athletes during the Games and heads of state during next year’s G-8 Summit in Sochi.

Putin and Medvedev apparently went unrecognized by athletes currently staying in the hotel until Putin knocked on the door of one athlete. The unnamed athlete was asked by Putin for an assessment of the hotel. The athlete said everything was good other than a few "small marks."

Published by exclusive arrangement with Around the Rings’ Sochi 2014 media partner RIA-Novosti.

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