Olympic ski slopes in Sochi get real test

The first tests of the Olympic ski slopes have kicked off in southern Russia's city of Sochi as it gears up for the 2014 winter games.

On Saturday, the Black Sea resort hosts the Russian Cup in alpine skiing.The first international competition at the venue – the European Cup – will start next week and last until the end of February.Over one 160 athletes, representing Russia and other nations from across the continent, are taking part.