ELBRUS SKI TOUR, CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS
Type of trip: ski mountaineering, splitboarding
Duration: 8 days
Country/Region: Russia, Terskol, Caucasus Mountains
Price: from 3’200,00 CHF/P.
Participants: 2-8
Date
A ski touring course in the Bernese Oberland to learn skills and go ski touring together in safety!
Calendar of Events
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The gateway to the Caucasus: Our expedition begins in Terskol, a picturesque mountain village at the foot of the majestic Elbrus. This tranquil village serves as the starting point for one of the most spectacular ski touring adventures in the world – the ascent of the highest peak in Europe and one of the coveted Seven Summits. Together we climb the 5642 metre high western summit on skis.
Requirements:
Driving technique
Advanced, good on all types of snow
Hairpin bends
Experience an advantage
Condition
Fit for long ascents of up to 1900 metres
Alpine technology
Experience an advantage
Ski touring on Elbrus – A Seven Summit Adventure
The ascent begins
From Terskol, we use the modern cable cars that take us comfortably up to an altitude of 3880 metres. Here, at this lofty height, we take up residence in a cosy hut, which will be our base camp for the coming days. The hut not only offers protection from the harsh conditions of the high mountains, but also the perfect opportunity to acclimatise to the thin air.
Acclimatisation – the key to success
Before we attempt the final summit attempt, we undertake several carefully planned acclimatisation tours. These excursions gradually take us to higher altitudes and optimally prepare our bodies for the extreme conditions that await us on summit day. Each tour not only brings us closer to our goal, but also reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Caucasian mountains.
The big day – ascent to the west summit
On the summit day, we set off early to conquer the 5,642 metre-high western peak of Mount Elbrus. Our route takes us past the striking Pastukhov Rocks, a well-known landmark that has shown generations of mountaineers the way. From there, we fight our way to the saddle at 5,300 metres before the final ascent to the summit begins. The tour is long and requires a climb of around 1800 metres. However, this can be shortened to just 400 metres by using the snow groomers, which take ski tourers and mountaineers up to 4900 metres several times a day. The western summit of Elbrus is not only a geographical highlight, but also an emotional triumph – the feeling of standing on one of the Seven Summits is indescribable and will be remembered forever.
Culinary delights and community
Between the challenging ascents, we savour authentic Caucasian cuisine. Hychin, the traditional flatbread filled with cheese or potatoes, fortifies us for the challenges of the day. A cold piva (beer), which tastes particularly good after a long day in the mountains and promotes camaraderie among the mountaineers.
Unforgettable panoramas
The views from Elbrus are simply overwhelming. The striking double summit of Uschba sits majestically on the horizon and provides a dramatic backdrop for our photo memories. But it is above all the sunsets and sunrises that make this expedition something very special. When the sky is coloured in the most beautiful shades of red and gold and the snow-covered peaks of the Caucasus shine in this magical light, we understand why Mount Elbrus is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world.
Weather conditions – respect for the elements
The weather conditions on the Elbrus show the whole range of alpine extremes: from perfect days with a mirror-like, azure blue sky and absolute calm to raging snowstorms with piercingly cold gusts, the weather can change dramatically within a very short space of time. This unpredictability of the mountain world requires constant vigilance and flexibility in tour planning. Depending on the current conditions and the time of year, the ski depot is strategically positioned – sometimes higher, sometimes lower, but always in such a way that it offers the best possible starting point for the final ascent.
Our ski tour to Mount Elbrus combines a sporting challenge with cultural enrichment and offers nature experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.
With touring skis on the summit of Mount Elbrus
In this region of the Caucasus, you will not only encounter heavenly views and challenging descents, but also Russian culture and cuisine, as well as particularly thin air ;).
Deine Vorteile mit Exped Tribe:
Lokaler und mehrsprachiger Bergführer
Support Mitglied
das die Reise mit professionellen Aufnahmen dokumentiert und auf dein Wohlbefinden schaut. Du erhältst im Nachhinein Drohnenvideos, Fotos u. v. m. als Erinnerung an dein Abenteuer
Kleine Gruppen
von max. 8 Teilnehmer. Erhöhte Flexibilität, familiäre Stimmung und harmonisches Beisammensein Dank kleiner Gruppengrösse. Wir geben unser Bestes, um sicherzustellen, dass alle Teilnehmer ein unglaubliches Abenteuer erleben! Wir führen Erwartungstelefonate durch und poolen Teilnehmer zusammen, die ähnliche Erwartungen und Fähigkeiten haben. Wir nehmen gerne Sonderwünsche entgegen!
Vegetarier willkommen
Bei uns gibt es alpine Gourmet Küche, ganz ohne Fleisch/Fisch!
Co2 Kompensation
Pflanzung von mehreren Bäumen pro Teilnehmer. Du erhältst ein Zertifikat der gepflanzten Bäume und kannst somit ihr Wachstum verfolgen
Testmaterial
Kostengünstige Testmaterialien von unseren Partnerfirmen wie Skitouren Sets, Lawinenairbags u.v.m steht zur Verfügung
Planned itinerary for the Elbrus ski tour
Day 1
Arrival by plane. We are happy to organise an alternative journey if required. We fly via Istanbul or Munich to Mineralne Wody or Tbilisi, where we continue our journey to Terskol and discuss the tours and areas for the following days. Tomorrow we start directly!
Day 2-7
Together we undertake several ski tours in the area. These serve as acclimatisation and bring us closer to the goal of good physical condition step by step. These include ski tours on the neighbouring mountains, such as Mt. Cheget, or skiing up and down the Elbrus route itself in stages. On day 5 or 6 we will finally attempt the ascent of Elbrus in ski tour style, via the southern route. If necessary, a snowmobile can be pulled to help. Otherwise we will do the ‘Clean’ ski tour from point 3880 m. An exciting high-altitude ski tour! One day serves as a buffer day in case of bad weather or as a second attempt for the summit ascent.
Day 8
The last day is used as a recovery day, for the return journey to the airport and descent from the mountain. Thank you and see you again soon on the mountain. It was great with you!
Important information about your ski touring holiday in Russia
Clothing
- Hard shell jacket
- Spare underwear (the warmest you have)
- Warm ski touring trousers, warm base layer and jumper
- Soft shell or fleece jacket
- Hat, gloves, balaclava
Various
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Sun and lip cream
- Water bottle and thermos flask
- Possibly camera and power bank
- Backpack (30-50l)
Technical equipment
- Helmet
- Skis with ski touring bindings
- Telescopic poles
- Climbing skins
- Crampons
- LVS set (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Avalanche airbag, if available
- Light ice axe
- Crampons
- Climbing harness
For the overnight stay
- Hut sleeping bag (depending on accommodation)
- Head torch
- Toiletries (reduced to a minimum)
Included
- UIAGM mountain guide
- Overnight stay in local accommodation and huts
- Half board
- All local transfers
- Professional photo reportage and videos
- An activity to support the local community
- Group material
- Co2 compensation with the planting of several trees/participant
Exclusive
- Travel to and from the destination country
- Compulsory private accident insurance with repatriation cover
- Recommended cancellation insurance
- Food on the day of arrival and tour provisions
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
- Everything not listed under ‘Included’
Catering
- Snack (not included, serves to replenish energy levels): This is eaten between breakfast and dinner and taken with you for the appropriate number of days. Dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, wholemeal bread and energy bars are all suitable. Remember that your rucksack should not be too heavy.
- Half board (included): Out of commitment to animal welfare, we do not offer fish/meat on our tours. Nevertheless, you can of course order what you like best at the local restaurants, whether vegetarian or animal-based
Rental material
- Ski touring set: skis, ski bindings, skins, CHF 250.00
- Avalanche airbag, CHF 120.00
- Helmet, CHF 30.00
Other, Add-ons
- On request, a city tour of Tbilisi can be organised on the last day;
- On request, the ski touring trip can be extended by one or more days so that other ski touring mountains in the region can be visited.
Questions and answers about climbing Elbrus on skis
Best time for a ski tour ascent of Mount Elbrus
The best time to climb Mount Elbrus on skis is between March and June. This is when the snow conditions are best and the days are longer. Nevertheless, the climate on the mountain is still wintry, so snowstorms and cold temperatures are not uncommon.
Can I climb the Elbrus as a ski tour as a beginner?
The Elbrus is not a technically difficult mountain in itself. The difficulty on the SAC tour scale is around grade ZS (fairly difficult).
Nevertheless, a very good skiing technique and a lot of stamina are required. The flanks are often icy and peppered with “Sastrugi“. Especially in the upper part, from the saddle at 5300 m, there are a few ‘no-fall zones’, which can also be tackled with crampons and rope protection if you feel uncomfortable on skis. If you are unsure whether your ski touring level is sufficient for this tour, you are welcome to contact us. We will be happy to advise you!
Can Elbrus be climbed as a high-altitude tour?
Yes, you can also visit Elbrus with our experienced mountain guides in the summer months as a conventional high-altitude tour. Further information is available here on request: Elbrus High tour
Where do we stay overnight in Terskol?
In Terskol we spend the night in middle-class hotels.
What can you experience in Terskol?
Terskol is the highest village in the Elbrus region and is especially worth a visit for its scenic beauty! Here you can get to know the culture of the Caucasus, try the delicious cuisine and go hiking around the village. Otherwise, the village is rather quiet and offers few entertainment options, except for a few nice pubs and restaurants.
Historical background to ski touring on Elbrus
Early mountaineering history
The history of mountaineering on Elbrus goes back a long way. In 1829, Killar Khashirov, a Kabardian guide on a Russian scientific expedition, was the first to reach the eastern summit, while the higher western summit was climbed by Akhia Sottaiev, a Balkan mountain guide, in 1874.
Soviet era and competition tradition
During the Soviet era, Elbrus became an important training ground for Soviet mountaineers. Fast Elbrus ascents took place between the ‘Mir’ station and hut 11 as well as between hut 11 and the saddle. These competitions were used to select alpinists for Himalayan expeditions.
Modern development of ski tourism
The modern era of ski tourism on Elbrus began with the improvement of the infrastructure, in particular the construction of cable cars and mountain huts. The village of Terskol developed into the central starting point for expeditions.
Technical development
Over the years, various routes have been developed, with the normal route via the south side becoming the most popular for ski tours. The combination of mountaineering and skiing on Elbrus has become particularly popular in recent decades, as it offers unique opportunities not only to climb one of the Seven Summits, but also to ski down it.
Mythological meaning
The ancient peoples of the region already called the mountain Strobilus and believed that Prometheus was chained here, which gives the mountain a mythological dimension that still accounts for its fascination today.
The history of ski touring on Mount Elbrus reflects both the technical development of alpinism and the cultural significance of this majestic mountain in the Caucasus.
ELBRUS SKI TOUR ASCENT
A guided high-altitude ski tour to the highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus. Climb one of the Seven Summits in an exciting alpine challenge on skis and skins book nowRecent trips
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