Sochi, located on the Black Sea in the southern part of Russia, has been a resort city since the time Stalin.

With its subtropical climate and proximity to the beach as well as mountains, Sochi has attracted vacationers for decades.

Now that Sochi has been chosen for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, developers are focusing on making the city as well as the mountain resort ready for this event.

After a first and successful test with a European Cup last year, this season will bring the Olympic test event World Cup featuring every single event of the up-coming Winter Games.

Snowboarding in the Sochi resorts is very good for all levels of ability, including anyone who prefers challenging off-piste activity.

Actually, the resort plans to provide a total of 58 runs which would equal some 150 km of runs linked up to public transport.

Sochi is intended to last well beyond 2014 as an ongoing winter sport destination.