What is interesting is with all that patriotism, caring about Russian people, and stuff which Russian current leader are so full of, they themselves, seems, don't mind and prefer to use the equipment built in the US/Canada. But, how about regular Russians? Can they afford that? I think, Putin and Medvedev should start reforms in the country from themselves -- show an example of the patriotism and support for Russian economy.

Putin and Medvedev are still the dynamic duo. It appears that they truely care about their citizens. The ski trip looks totally positive and very Russian. It is also really neat that they chose US/CANADADIAN ski equipment. They project a good image to Americans/Canadians by selecting our equipment. This could result in our countries buying more Russian products instead of Chinese products, if available. The United States and Canada have much in common with Russia. We all have ARCTIC coast lines.

Bogdanov Well my friend, you did not seem to mind mass looting of Russia by Yelstin’s oligarchs! Now, in comparison how many thousands of dollars/ roubles did these skiing equipments cost the Russian citizenry? And have you seen the lovely kids in the picture with the President with- these cute adorable Russian kids- we need to see more of this- it represent regeneration of Russia? These leaders need to stay healthy and strong- Russia had enough with likes of Yelstin. Canada and the United States are good partners of Russia. Canada and Russia will and should in return purchase many great things Russia produces.

No....what is interesting is that even when Russia’s two top most influential individuals that can and should set the example for their country, there is always somebody that finds something negative simply because they do not understand the idea behind their action.

Don't get me wrong. I am for the country leaders being in good shape and healthy. I am just against hypocrisy. I am against the very old Russian tradition started several centuries ago, when the country leaders suppose to sit in the golden palaces and preach to people (many of whom do not even have decent living conditions) about "love and patriotism" to their country. Nuta, By looking at that short video I thought that the footage was done somewhere in Canada -- nothing reminds Russia in there. Is that was the main idea which I missed -- to suggest all Russians to move to Canada? Also, Putin and Medvedev are not pioneers with this. I remember another example, where the top Russian leader demonstrated good example -- Vladimir Lenin who took part in removing building rubble in the Moscow in 1920, an episode portrayed in a famous painting by Vladimir Krikhatsky. But, at least, he was dressed in all Russian-made cloth, and seemed more helpful for the country... But, you, probably, will interpret that example differently, wouldn't you? Sarah, I would like to offer you to solve one puzzle. Please, name one of the biggest oligarchs of the entire post-Soviet period who is still living in Russia and still on the active duty? Couple of hints. He has very close connections with both current Russian leaders and he is a head of the biggest Russian city...

Bogdanov, Come on be honest, time for a reality check here, going skiing and driving a snowmobile is hardly living in a golden palace. Yes we have some very poor people, but skiing is not elite now, it is bulk everyday ordinary tourist business, not fully in our country yet, but it will come. Just transit through Sheremetyevo in winter and you will see the rise in international skiing. It is going to be huge business domestically after Sochi. My view on this, I think they are quite brave, neither can ski that well; but to do the right thing they get on those planks, to support Sochi, sport ..... It is always pretty daunting to get up in front of people as a somebody in a field you are not very comfortable in, easier just to wear the suit, sit at the little tables and look as if you are changing the world, talking to some political figure or other. On the sports gear, well I think everyone should use what is best, and what they want, wherever it comes from. Some US and Canadian gear is very good, there is no doubt about it. The whole idea should be each country doing the best they can, then we trade between us, taking the best we can. It really shouln't be about you must buy from home. It should be about getting what you want as an individual. Its up to Medvedev and Putin to create the environment that will allow our local producers to benefit from the upcoming increase in Ski business, not by barriers or control, but through innovation and aspiration. This is their real day job. and I think this is all part of their real message, to force the question you asked to Russian suppliers themselves, who can look across the whole ski industry and decide the segemnts and products to attack. M&P are creating the market, now it's time to see who can exploit it for commercial gain. As an aside, Interesting to see the use of a helmut, the research is still out on this one, but I tell you, its a big rising market! Who needs to protect their brain more :-)))

Count Cash, on the grand scale, of course, I agree with you -- Russia should be a part of the world and exchange products with other countries. And I have enough respect for both Russian leaders and support them in their desire to make Russia being prosperous. And I, in many cases give them a break (close my eyes on their mistakes) more than other Russians, considering that they are themselves in the process of learning how to build and live in the democratic society. Some their actions make me proud for them and for my country. Like that recent war with Georgia, when my dear "communist comrades" (Medvedev-Putin-Lavrov) handled the situation so brilliantly, that they eclipsed all other country leaders combined. But, in this case, their stunt look ridiculous. It is like, Obama and Biden would inspire Americans for physical exercises and taking care of their health by... being dressed in the spacesuits and flying personal helicopters.

Bogdanov, I agree that Obama and Biden would find it difficult to inspire people, but this is due to basically how out of touch US politicians are from their people. They are just establishment figure heads. They are less like leaders and more like middle management, executing in a day to day fashion the will of higher management. In fairness Obama tries with the good parenting thing, to add something from himself, indeed I think a great deal of the appeal of Obama in the first place was to be the peoples advocate for change, but Biden is a political Dinosaur, he is almost like the proverbial bafoon to be laughed at. For Medvedev and Putin I think they are much better people's leaders, by being less detached and aloof. Therefore I don't think what they are doing here: a basically every day activity is so outlandish, especially when that activity is linked to a huge national effort to stage the Olympics. I see them more as two leaders, trying very hard to move Russia forward, and I really wouldn't want their job, and couldn't do their job, no matter what the compensation package. I am not so phased about the sporty angle, because they are not pensioners, and in Putin's case have some significant sporty background.