SKI TOURING ELBRUS 5642 m

Name: Elbrus Ski Touring (Caucasus, Russia)
Brand: Ski Touring
SKU: 1

Skiing from the highest mountain in Europe? Definitely a big challenge, but realistically feasible. You have to be a good skier in good shape. Everything else is taken care of by us and our mountain guides. In addition to being the highest mountain in Europe, Elbrus is also the highest peak in the Caucasus and Russia. With its 5642 m, it is almost 500 m higher than all other European peaks. However, due to the good infrastructure, the tour is much easier than would be normal in such circumstances. Cable cars, accommodation options and general support are very helpful. That is why the tour to Elbrus is so popular.

Elbrus Ski Touring (Caucasus, Russia)

6-10 Days
Min Age : 18+
Ski expedition
Difficulty : 4
Time : Apr. - Jun.
Pickup : Airport / Appart / Hotel

Price per person: 1698 €

A ten-day mountaineering trip through the Central Caucasus and Russia with an ascent to the top of Europe – Elbrus. Great opportunity for first contact with high mountains and all the features of a real expedition. The area is also ideal for ski touring. You will experience the ascent to Elbrus under the expert guidance of a mountain guide, 30 successful expeditions are already behind us.

The ascent is intended for better skiers in good condition, as it takes place at higher altitudes such as the Alps, so optimal physical fitness is required. Downhill skiing does not exceed a slope of 35 degrees, but the descents are still long and the snow is variable. The slopes are not particularly steep, but they are often icy in some places in the morning.

Recommended Airport

Moscow / Mineralny Vody Airport (Google Map)

Meeting Point

Moscow / Mineralny Vody Airport

Altitude difference

approx 1000 m per day

Recommended equipment

ski touring equipment (ski, bindings, boots, skins, poles, air bag)

Walking time/ Ski time

approx 6 h/ day

Difficulty

difficult tour

Highlights

Ascent and ski descent from the highest peak in Europe

Price Includes

Guiding
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner
All local transfers

Price Excludes

Travel & health insurance
All meals except breakfasts
Personal equipment

About Elbrus

The two-headed giant Elbrus lies in the central Caucasus, on the border between Asia and Europe, and is officially considered the highest peak in Europe. It is a real giant, as it surpasses other peaks in the area by as much as 1000 m. Elbrus is a great destination for lovers of high mountains and ski touring. The mountain itself is not demanding in terms of ascent, but it offers the challenge of a real mountaineering expedition. It is also possible to descend from the top of the mountain all the way to the starting point for the ascent – as much as 2000 m of pleasure and adventure! A trip to the Caucasus Mountains and the ascent of all the mountains of the old continent is a real small expedition with all the characteristics of a great feat. In short, an experience for all of you who are for more altitude meters, more skiing, and who simply want more pleasure.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1MOSCOW - MINERALNYE VODY - TERSKOL

Flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody. We will take a van to the Baskan valley. The ride will take about 4 hours. This day we will look around the valley and stay in a hotel. This is followed by dinner and an introductory evening in a nearby bar, which will not last very long into the night, as the first tour is already waiting for us the next day.

Day 2ACCLIMATIZATION ASCENT TO CEGET (3600 M)

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Čeget, where we will take the cable car to an altitude of 2800 m. Then follows the ascent to Ceget (2 hours), from where we will have a unique view of Elbrus. At the top, we will take an hour break to allow our bodies to adjust as much as possible to the altitude. The return to the valley follows, in the afternoon we will have time to prepare the equipment for the next days, when we will be accommodated in the “Sodčke” or mountain hut. Dinner and presentation take place the next day.

Day 3ACCLIMATIZATION TOUR ON THE SLOPES OF ELBRUS

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure towards the cable car leading to the slope of Elbrus. Gondola ride to Mir station (3400 m), followed by ascent to Sodčkov (3800 m) or mountain huts. Our equipment will be transported by snowmobile until installation. Followed by rest and lunch, and then we will climb to the hut Disel (4100 m). From here we will go on foot or just ski back, where our cook will prepare a warm dinner for us.

Day 4PREPARATION DAY FOR THE CLIMB TO ELBRUS

We will do a preparation day for the climb to the top. After breakfast at 6:00 am, with all the necessary equipment for the top, we will go to the last acclimatization ascent (Pastuhove skale) to a height of 4700 m. The descent to the “base” follows, where lunch will be waiting for us. Overview of climbing equipment and dinner.

Day 5REST DAY AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

This day is intended for rest and short walks up to an altitude of 4300 m. If anyone wants to go higher up the mountain, a mountain guide will join them. Lunch, dinner and sleep. In case all members feel good, it is possible to climb to the top that day. We will decide on this the day before.

Day 6RISE TO ELBRUS AND DOWN FROM THE TOP (OPTIONAL)

Getting up early at 2:00 am and breakfast and departure to the top. We will wait for the sunrise at Pastukh’s rocks (4700 m). It is possible to rent a snowmobile here, which would make our ascent easier. The vehicle transports up to 12 people and saves us two hours of walking and some energy. (On average, a group in good conditions from Sodčkov or mountain hut to the top needs seven hours of walking and then downhill). After arriving from the top, we will sleep in the “base” again.

Day 7ADDITIONAL DAY FOR CLIMB

Extra day for the summit in case of bad weather. A day when we can once again go on a short ski trip (cable car, chairlift) or a shorter tour. It is also possible to walk around the village or just enjoy the beauties of the Caucasus. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8REST DAY AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

We will use the day to conquer some four-thousanders, and enjoy the descent from the top. Dinner and closing party on the successful conquest of the summit of Elbrus.

Day 10MINERALNYE VODY

After breakfast we will drive to the airport in Mineralnye Vody, from where we fly to Moscow.

FAQ

Where and when do I meet your team?

Our team will wait for you at the airport. If you are arriving by land meeting point is also at the airport or elsewhere if you let us know where (this service is not included in a price). After the meeting, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Please note, that in some areas, due to a long drive to our base, we provide only one transportation per group, usually in the morning (Iceland, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Altai…). So take into consideration that one extra day and accommodation may be necessary.

Where do I meet my guide?

The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you specifically. Most commonly, this location is at your accommodation or our base.

How much hiking up is involved?

There will be approximately 4-6 hours of hiking broken up in the day and approximately 800~1100 vertical meters of skiing.

Do I need climbing skins?

Yes, all of our ski touring tours require uphill travel, and skins are by far the most efficient way. Skins attach to the base of skis or split-snowboards, peel off at the top of the run, and get stowed in a pocket for the downhill fun.

Can I rent equipment?

You can rent equipment, but you need to inform us at least 21 days before the start of your program. Our trips are in remote areas where there are no shops or rental services, so we need to provide them from a distance. Please note that rental on the spot is usually not available.

Why Book With Us?

Got a Question?

SKI TOURING ELBRUS 5642 m