With the 2014 Sochi Winter Games less than two years away, the mountain cluster facilites are about to undergo the sternest examination yet of their ability to handle large-scale international competition.
The highlights of a packed schedule of test events in the peaks around Krasnaya Polyana are FIS Apline Skiing World Cup stages from February 8 to February 19.
Issues with the preparing the ski jump, which officials have said is slightly behind schedule, mean the domestic Cup of Russia slated for February 12 was moved to another city. Officials have said a replacement event will be arranged.
RIA Novosti offers an otherwise comprehensive calendar of test events this winter as relayed by their organizers.
All events are both men’s and ladies’ unless otherwise stated.
January 31 – February 4: Alpine Skiing – Cup of Russia downhill and super combined.
February 6-10: Biathlon – Cup of Russia (closed to spectators).
February 8-11: Alpine Skiing - Men’s World Cup downhill and super combined.
February 15-19: Alpine Skiing - Ladies’ World Cup downhill, Super G and super combined.
February 23-26: Snowboard – Cup of Russia giant slalom, halfpipe and snowboard cross.
February 24-25: Snowboard – European Cup slalom, giant slalom and halfpipe.
February 24-27: Cross-Country Skiing – Russian Championships individual race, sprint, team sprint and pursuit.
February 24-28: Freestyle Skiing – Cup of Russia mogul, parallel mogul, acrobatics, ski-cross and halfpipe.
February 25-28: Paralympic Alpine skiing – Super G, super combined, slalom, giant slalom.
March 2-6: Freestyle Skiing – Europa Cup mogul, parallel mogul, acrobatics and ski-cross.
March 5-11: Paralympic Alpine Skiing – Russian Championships, disciplines to be confirmed.
March 6-15: Bobsled and Skeleton – Russian Championships, two- and four-man bobsled, skeleton.
March 21-24: Luge – Russian Championships, one-man, two-man and team races.
March 23-27: Alpine Skiing – Cup of Russia Final/Russian Championships downhill, Super G and super combined.
