Russian Riviera warms to the 2014 Winter Olympics

The Black Sea coast is Russia's hot spot, literally and financially.

In summer, resort towns and beaches lure winter-pallid Russians who eagerly plunge into the warm waters of this inland sea. In winter, this part of the coastline basks in a relatively balmy climate unlike the vicious deep freeze that grips much of Russia.

Year-round, the Black Sea coast is turning into Russia's economic hot spot since Sochi, a sprawling waterfront city of about 400,000, will host the 2014 Winter Olympics. New sports venues, highways, high-speed train lines and hotels are mushrooming in the city and nearby mountains.

Once a Soviet-era resort that mixed dour concrete buildings with the upscale "dachas" of the elite, Sochi these days is envisioned as Russia's 21st-century showcase of urban sophistication and efficiency.

Down on the waterfront, though, some swimmers just like it hot in this Russian Riviera.

Kristin R. Jackson is a Seattle Times travel writer and editor. Contact her at kjackson@seattletimes.com.