Russia chose one of its southernmost cities - subtropical Sochi - as its nominee for next year's Winter Olympics.
Sochi Olympics - Mountain Venues
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Maslenitsa doll awaits her fate with ski at the Rosa Khutor resort. (V. Undritz for VOA)
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In a pre-Lenten festival, Russians dance around the Maslenitsa doll. (V. Undritz for VOA)
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The Maslenitsa figure burns as Russians celebrate the end of winter. (V. Undritz for VOA)
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The Rosa Khutor base village at night, where developers have sought to create the night life found in European and American mountain resorts. (V. Undritz for VOA)