Vladimir Putin tests Sochi ski slopes (video, photos)

Russian president Vladimir Putin hit the ski slopes one month before the world’s best skiers will compete at the same mountains during the Sochi Olympics.

Putin took a few runs at a complex in Krasnaya Polyana that will host biathlon and cross-country skiing, according to RIA Novosti. He was joined by prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, and the two later enjoyed tea together.

Putin, 61, was in the Black Sea resort to inspect all of the Olympic facilities in the mountain and coastal clusters and review preparations for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, according to the report.

He will pay particular attention to areas not yet complete, a list that includes Fisht Stadium, the site of the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 7.

Also Friday, the Olympic torch relay soared in a hot air balloon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to ski in the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Presidential Press Service)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin skies at the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Presidential Press Service)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin skies at the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Nikolsky, Presidential Press Service)

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