Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have been skiing and snowmobiling at the Russian ski resort, Krasnaya Polyana, which will host the Alpine skiing tournament at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.
The president and his family are spending the New Year holidays at the resort, reported Russian television.
Medvedev and Putin are both keen sportsmen who like to promote a healthy lifestyle. They often invite the press to watch them in action during their holidays or tours of the country.
As Medvedev took to the slopes he chatted to other tourists and wished them a Happy New Year."I wish you health, strength and good mood. Let all the problems be left in 2009", he said.
Medvedev posed for pictures with many of the skiers. Many were excited about being photographed with their country's leaders but one boy didn't recognise President Medvedev asking him loudly "Where is Medvedev?". "Here I am", said the president laughing.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Medvedev also took his own pictures of the skiers and the resort and both leaders signed autographs before heading off down the slopes together.
After skiing they rode a snowmobile through the snowy mountains around Krasnaya Polyana before warming up with a cup of tea at one of the resort's cafes.
The ski resort of Krasnaya Polyana is situated in the mountains near the city of Sochi which is on the Black Sea.
Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympics and the Russian government plans to spend more than $33 billion on preparations for the Games.
