Photos: A look at Sochi
The cost to transform the seaside community of Sochi into the host of the Winter Olympics has been $51 billion, a figure that could climb.
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Sochi is a resort town that many vacationers come to for sun and relaxation, but is being transformed into a place that can host the Winter Games using its nearby mountains.
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The Russian government convened a celebration marking the one-year countdown to the Sochi Games on Feb. 7.
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Less than 30 miles separate the sea from the mountains in Sochi.
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The average daytime temperature in Sochi during the winter is 52 degrees.
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Many of Sochi's venues offer breathtaking views.
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Part of the new infrastructure in Sochi includes new roads, bridges, rails, and an expanded airport.
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Sochi has already played host to international winter sporting events, such as this ski-jumping competition in December.
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Bobsledders will be sliding down the world's longest sliding track during the Games.
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Even a year out from the Games, construction of many buildings was still ongoing.
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Construction work remained at the Olympic stadium.
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If weather is unpredictable during the Games, organizers have backup plans: mini-mountains of snow in insulated bunkers and snow-making machines.
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After the Games, the Russian government envisions Sochi as a magnet for everything from Formula 1 auto racing to a training center for the national soccer team to the G8 summit, which will be held there next year.
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