A young man and woman were killed as they snowboarded in Mezhdurechensk, Kemerovo region.
A win would offer a boost to Siberia's international profile as a winter sports haven, says president.
Driving over the ice on Siberia's lakes and rivers is safe in deep winter - but in April?
The celebrity emerged with a new fur coat, saying: 'My friends said I was mad when they learned I was going to Siberia'.
From 'fireworks' made from nothing more than hot water in minus 50C, to surfing in the Pacific, this is the New Year on our doorstep.
Thermometers go above zero in places where the winter should be 20 or 30 degrees colder.
Freak climate conditions sees an abnormally warm November.
Head of state believed to be in scenic Khakassia after his presidential plane spotted in Abakan.