Skiers head to Sochi as ski season opens

Ski season has started in southern Russia on Monday with thousands of people heading to the country's most famous alpine resort.

Sochi is a popular destination, offering some 180 kilometres (112 miles) of mountain trails for every type of skier.

It's been a popular choice for Russians for many years, but its appeal has increased since hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is not needed to access the ski lifts at the moment but starting from December 30, local hotels will be available only to vaccinated tourists.