Get to Know Sochi Ahead of the Winter Games

Sochi is located on the Black Sea in an area that's sometimes called the "Russian Riviera." Known to be the country's Summer retreat, it's a popular vacation spot for people throughout the region, including political bigwigs like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Back in July 2007, it was announced that Sochi would be hosting in 2014, beating out cities like Pyeongchang, South Korea, and Salzburg, Austria. It's Russia's first time hosting the Winter Olympics, and major renovations had to be made to prepare for the Games. In fact, the city may see the highest investments of any Olympic Games for area renovations.

The city has a long and storied history, having been inhabited since the ancient Greek and Roman times. In 1829, the coastal area was ceded to Russia from the Ottoman Empire, and Sochi became an official city in 1914. Its popularity as a travel spot first gained steam thanks to Joseph Stalin, who called Sochi his favorite retreat and helped to transform the area into a popular resort town. With its waterfront location and nice weather, it's remained one of Russia's key vacation destinations, drawing tourists year round.

Although the coastal region is well known as a Summer hotspot, it's also a go-to travel destination during the Winter months. One major attraction is Krasnaya Polyana, a local ski resort, and the city has gorgeous views of the Caucasus mountains. Athletes won't have to bundle up too much for the Games, though, because temperatures tend to stay fairly moderate throughout January and February, averaging around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee's official video to see clips of the venues, the surrounding areas, and more.