Trip planner for Sochi, Russia

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The Laura cross-country ski complex at Krasnaya Polyana has been open since 2008 and will host several Olympic events. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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The green-roofed Grand Hotel Polyana in Krasnaya Polyana. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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Three skiers check out their options at Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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Athletes take part in an open training session on the Snowboard Half Pipe in the Extreme Park at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort. (Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)

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Cable cars arrive at the peak of the Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort. (Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)

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The curvaceous Bolshoy Ice Dome will host hockey events. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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The Bolshoy Ice Dome hosted its first events in early 2013. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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The Adler Rail Station, which opened Oct. 28, will handle up to 15,000 people an hour as they move between the mountains, the coastal Olympic Park and the international airport that went up in 2010. (AFP / Getty Images)

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Mikado Sushi Bar at the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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A view of downtown Sochi. The sculpture in the foreground illustrates the area’s history as a port. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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A restaurant in downtown Sochi. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Dec. 6, 2013 5:53 PM PT

If you go

THE BEST WAY TO SOCHI, RUSSIA

From LAX, Aeroflot, Turkish, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM. British, United, Swiss,Delta and Virgin Atlantic offering connecting service (change of plane) to Sochi. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,021.50, including taxes and fees.

Sochi is 12 hours ahead of Los Angeles. In early December, the Russian ruble was trading at about 33 per U.S. dollar.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 7 (the country code for Russia), 862 (the city code for Sochi), followed by the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Peak Hotel, 77 Zashchitnikov Kavkaza, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi; 259-5999, https://www.peakhotel.ru/en. Four-star government rating. Two restaurants, two pools, spa, 92 guest rooms, five chalets, five villas. Ten-minute drive from nearest ski lifts. Buffet breakfast included. Rooms for two $160 to $180 in winter (already booked for the Olympics).

Tulip Inn, Rosa Khutor Resort, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi; 243-0000, https://www.lat.ms/1htxocC). Three-star government ranking. 148 rooms, restaurant. Two-minute walk from the resort’s ski lifts. Completed in 2011. Rooms for two $175 to $250 in winter (already booked for Olympics).

WHERE TO EAT

Chaika, 1 Voikova St., Sochi; 241-8164, https://www.bosco.ru). In the handsome Marine Passenger Terminal along Sochi’s coast. European and Russian dishes. Large patio with sea view. Run by the retailer Bosco, which designed Russia’s uniforms for the Games. Lunch and dinner. Most main dishes $13 to $21.

Red Fox, Building 13, Lavanda 3, Rosa Khutor Resort, Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi; 274-4444, en.redfoxsochi.ru/about/). French and Russian cuisine, regional ingredients, high style. Named for a rare animal in the mountains. Seats 117. Opened November 2012. Main dishes $16 to $36.

TO LEARN MORE

Olympics guide: https://www.sochi2014.com/en/

City guide: https://www.sochicityguide.com/

Trip planner for Sochi, Russia

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