Russia must strive to host as many ski events as possible because of the sport’s huge popularity in the country, the National Olympic Committee head Alexander Zhukov said Thursday.

The main goal for the country’s ski authorities this season is to prepare for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, but the large fanbase deserves more events, said Alexander Zhukov, who is also the deputy chairman of the Russian parliament.

Russia will host the first test events for the 2014 Winter Olympics skiing events this month at the Rosa Khutor ski resort, including a stage of the Alpine Skiing World Cup from February 8 to 12 for men, and February 15 to 19 for ladies.

“We’re going to work hard so that as many competitions as possible will happen in Russia. Our country is a skiing country, so it’s very important for our fans to organize festivals like this one,” Zhukov told reporters at a meeting with the Russian team ahead of a round of the cross-country skiing World Cup in Moscow.

“This season is coming together well for us. Our most important goal is to prepare well for Sochi.

“We’ve set a good pace, so we will now hope for better. If something needs assistance, then the Olympic Committee, together with the federations, is prepared to provide any assistance.