Elbrouz on ski, normal South side

Details of the program

If someone asks you what the highest and most beautiful mountains are in Europe, your immediate answer will probably be “the Alps”. However, the highest and most unique in mineral resources, relief, flora and fauna are the mountains of the Big Caucasus. This mountain range includes five peaks of over 5 000 meters above sea level, the most famous of which, the majestic Elbrus, is a “must” for all mountain lovers and professional mountaineers.

The mountain belongs, however, to a small number of mountains in the world which attract mountaineers by their unique beauty. The ascent to Elbrus requires only basic mountaineering skills, although high altitude and unpredictable weather make the climbing more serious and challenging than it may seem.

Surprisingly, this wonderful land of high snowy peaks surrounded by old virgin forests, peaceful lakes and wild rivers is not lost in the remote vastness of Russia. The Caucasus chain is located in the south of european part of Russia, stretching for more than a thousand kilometers from the Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east.

Though non-technical, the climb of Elbrus requires a good degree of fitness. The terrain on Elbrus is exclusively on snow and glaciers, while training climbs in the region are on rough trails with much off-trail terrain. The conditions on summit day are typically quite challenging. Though we will travel at a moderate
pace, being fit is the best way to avoid excess fatigue on the mountain and will greatly increase your chance of summiting. Anyone attempting this peak should be in excellent physical shape. You will spend much time at altitudes above 3 500 meters. On this expedition, expect 5-7 hours of physical activity per day at altitude and that will be over several days!