Sochi offers an alternative for Russians

Former Olympics ski site has seen a 'crazy rise' in tourist numbers

SOCHI, Russia - When Russia spent billions of dollars to host the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, many predicted that its flashy facilities would be left to rot.

But five years later, the Rosa Khutor resort in the Caucasus Mountains is becoming a favorite of Russian skiers, and an alternative to ski trips to Europe.