The Caucasus form a chain of snowy, high, alpine mountains separating Georgia from Russia to the north. Just north of the main chain, in Russia, lies the Europe’s highest summit - the twin-peaked Mount Elbrus. The main chain itself contains many mountains over 5000m and tens of summits higher than Mont Blanc.
This trip combines some excellent ski-touring with the possibility to ascent the highest summit in Europe - Mt. Elbrus. In winter time valleys, passes and mountains of the Caucasus offer exceptionally fine ski-touring in virtually undeveloped surroundings. The snow conditions are generally superb in spring and the mountains are beautiful and not spoilt. We will fly to Mineralny Vody in the northern Caucasus and drive to the Ullu-Tau lodge located at 2350m in the remote upper sections of the Adyrsu Valley. We will start touring almost from the hotel door generally following glaciers to passes and summits ranging from 3572m to 4230m. The last touring day will involve crossing the Gumachi Pass (3582m) and descending to the Adylsu Valley. The transport will be waiting for us there to transfer us to the Baksan Valley for two nights in a comfortable hotel. The Baksan Valley is the most important and best developed valley in the Caucasus, partly because of the mineral wealth located near Tyrnyauz and partly on account of Elbrus at its head and the hundreds of magnificent mountains which comprise it’s watershed. Almost at the end of the Baksan Valley, at the foot of Elbrus, lies Terskol - the Chamonix of the Caucasus. It boasts about half a dozen hotels and two ski lift systems. There is a possibility for another tour with the help of the Cheget ski lift system (if we have enough energy), otherwise a day of rest is possible. The next day we use the Elbrus cable car and chairlift system to transfer to the Garabashi huts at 3850m on the south slopes of the mountain. This is our base for the three nights from where we will make an attempt to the west summit of Elbrus. We will use a snow cat for the part of the ascent and then ski up as far as possible. Crampons and ice axes may be required on the upper slopes which are easy angled but often icy in the morning hours.
All accommodation and all your meals are included in the trip cost. In the cities good quality hotels are used with en-suite facilities. The hotel in the Baksan Valley is pleasantly situated and friendly; rooms are generally double, facilities are en-suite but some being shared between two rooms. Accommodation in Adyr-su Valley is in the lodge of Ullu-Tau Alpine Camp - totally for 12-14 people. This is the only place you can accommodate in springtime in the area. You have not except much comfort at the alpine camp but fantastic ski-touring routs with unbroken slopes and superb views will compensate it. On Elbrus itself we stay either in Huts with mattresses. During the ski-touring you will be served some lights snack and hot drinks carried by your guides. Food while staying at the mountain hut on Elbrus is prepared by our own cooks from fresh foods supplemented by supplies. As the variety of foods available in Russia is rather limited we recommend that you bring with you a small selection of "goodies" - chocolates, nuts etc. which you are particularly fond of. These will be useful especially at times when the altitude might reduce your appetite for main meals or when you need energy for the final summit push.
The skiing is demanding and familiarity with ski-touring essential. For the ascent of Elbrus crampons will be required and experience in their use would be very useful.
The chief guide will be a leading member of the local rescue services, an expert skier and accomplished mountaineer who speaks fluent English. He will be assisted by a second Russian mountain guide.
Good clothing and mountain equipment are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip; special attention should be paid to skies, rucksack, bindings, skins, footwear and socks. Your leader will hold a briefing prior to the start of the skiing to go through the itinerary and to check any other relevant matter such as equipment. If necessary ropes will be available and guides will ask you to put them on when crossing dangerous terrain. Should you feel a need for the security of a rope at other times you must ask the guide to provide it. The weather on Mount Elbrus can deteriorate rapidly and storms can be very violent. If the guide recommends turning back please accept his judgment. Skiing accidents in remote regions have very serious implications. Emergencies in the hills are usually dealt with efficiently, but medical facilities are not up to Western European standards. In the interests of the safety and well-being of the group the leader’s decisions will be final. If for some unforeseen problem you have to curtail your trip you will be accompanied back to the base hotel or nearest and most appropriate airport. No refund can be made on a trip cut short in this way. In this case and if you leave the group on your own volition you will have to meet the extra costs incurred.
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