Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the Winter Olympics were hosted in Sochi, Russia. Since the beginning of the games, Sochi has been subject of many Internet memes, puns, and hashtags which have earned it a less than stellar reputation. However, it may come as a surprise, but Sochi is a really beautiful place for the winter games. With weather temperatures in the high 60s, the city is still one of the few that has functional mountain clusters for events, as well as beautifully built coastal sporting areas. Here are 20 Stunning Instagram Photos From The Winter Olympics.
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Caucasus Mountains
One of the best parts of Sochi is the mountain cluster. If you had the chance to go up there, or even see a picture of it, you might understand why Russia won the bid to host the games.
Team Russia Luge
Luge may be one of the most underrated, yet beautiful sports of the winter games. Here, team Russia sets up for the final run in the luge.
Closing Ceremony
The Sochi closing ceremony was incredible. If you watched it on TV, you would see how absolutely spectacular the event was and the thought that went into making it. However, experiencing it first hand would have been even better.
Olympic Rings
One of the most iconic part of any Olympic games are the rings. Sochi has several rings set up both on the coastal and mountain areas. This particular set of rings is in the middle of Olympic park.
Team Russia Fan House
Team Russia, rightfully so, has one of the most elaborate team houses at the games. Not only is it the biggest team house, but it has an entire portion devoted to the fans of team Russia.
Olympic Complex
The Olympic complex itself is one of the most beautiful parts of Sochi. As some of you may know, over $51 billion was spent building the grounds. In this picture, we can see that it was money well spent.
The Black Sea
Unlike many other winter Olympic host cities, Sochi's weather averages in the 60s almost everyday. Therefore, it's always appropriate to check out the beach. The Black Sea spans across Sochi with stunning views of the water.
Ski Cross
This incredible picture shows skilled athletes catching some air during their run. Skiing is a huge sport at the Winter Olympics. Clearly, you can see why.
Iceberg Stadium
The Iceberg stadium is the only stadium in Olympic park that beautifully matches the clear blue skies in the city. The stadium also hosts the most coveted sport of the winter games: figure skating.
Sunset Over Olympic Rings
This sunset over the Olympic rings is something you can see in Sochi everynight during the games. As previously mentioned, the sunsets in Sochi are unbelievable.
Inside Fisht Stadium
Fisht stadium hosts both the opening and closing ceremony. As one of the more important arenas in the park, they took extra time making sure this stadium was truly amazing. Mission accomplished.
Figure Skating
Figure skating may be the most popular sport in the winter games. This year it was no exception. Here is Yuna Kim getting ready to skate at the games.
Putin's World
One of the biggest, albeit oddest, attractions at Sochi is Putin's World. A Disney World type amusement park that has tons of roller coasters, food, people, and fun. However, the name Putin's World might be questionable.
Bolshoy Ice Dome
Bolshoy Ice Dome may be one of the more complex arenas in Sochi. The Bolshoy was built as an ice hockey stadium with lights that shoot off of it at night.
Sunset Over Olympic Park
Sochi is known for its stunning sunsets. Every night the skies get filled with gorgeous pinks, purples, and blues. This sunset over Olympic park is no different.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Olympic games is the most important part of the entire two week event. Sochi's did an incredible job depicting Russian history in a way that made sense, even to those who may not know it. Slight malfunctions aside, they did a beautiful job.
Aerial Skiers
Aerial skiing is a dangerous, yet an absolutely beautiful sport. This picture shows you exactly what it takes to compete in the sport: skill, finesse, and a lot of nerve.
Rosa Khutor
Rosa Khutor is located in the mountain cluster of Sochi. About an hour outside Olympic park, this mountain town is filled with stunning views and a river that runs through the middle. Sochi even managed to place the ski lifts up the mountains in a specific way so you get the entire view of Sochi on your way up.
Olympic Torch
The Olympic torch is the centerpiece of the entire olympic games. At the start, renowned athletes light the torch for the remainder of the games. To say Sochi's Olympic torch was "awesome" is an understatement.
Closing Ceremony Fireworks
If you watched the opening ceremony, you know how incredible the fireworks were. However, they're nothing compared to the fireworks Russia brought out for the closing ceremony. Twenty solid minutes of massive, beautiful fireworks, and just when you thought it was over, it kept going. You may want to find out where they got those things for your next Independence Day party.
