Elbrus Ski Descent

The Caucasus forms a chain of high alpine snowy mountains separating Georgia from Russia. Just few kilometers north of the Main Caucasus chain lays 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. In the valleys clear streams tumbling down from the mountain sides mix with the rushing melt waters from the glaciers at the head of the valleys, passing through dramatic scenery, alpine meadows and beautiful forests. The Baksan Valley is the most important and the best developed valley in the Caucasus. Almost at the end of the Valley, at the foot of Elbrus, lies Terskol - the Heart of the Caucasus. It boasts about half a dozen hotels and two ski lift systems. These facilities make it the best developed mountain sport center in the 1000km length of the Caucasus - a range that could swallow up the Alps!

The trip will start with a 3,5 hours bus journey takes us to the base hotel in Baksan Valley. We will twice get to the height of almost 5000m and spend few nights in Garabashi huts at 3800m to gain some acclimatization before going on to Elbrus. Garabashi Huts are situated on the south slopes of the mountain. This is the base from where we will attempt the west summit of Elbrus (5642m) - the highest summit in Russia and in Europe. The actual program depends on the group condition and availability of a Snow Cat which we use to help us up the lower slopes of the mountain.

GRADE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The skiing is demanding and familiarity with ski-touring is essential. Personal kit must be carried while climbing. A limited number of high porters to carry personal ski equipment to the top of Elbrus can be hired for an extra charge. For the ascent of Elbrus crampons can be required. Although no advanced mountaineering experience is required, experience in the use of crampons would be very useful. This is a tough trip. So we recommend some training in advance.
As a result, our ascent success rate is very good. But you must remember that Elbrus is an extremely serious mountain despite of it’s technical ease. The guide’s decision to turn back should be always respected.

EQUIPMENT, WEATHER AND CLOTHES
It can be extremely cold on the mountain; a good, full ski suit is useful but it should be possible to zip open as it can become very warm on uphill sections. Several thin warm jumpers allow for more temperature control underneath the suit. A warm pile jacket, or down or ski-jacket are also essential. Thermal underwear or tracksuit trousers add warmth under the ski-suite. Breaches and normal mountain clothes may be worn instead of a ski suit but these should be close-fitting if snow does not penetrate through them - this is a poor alternative. For those who prefer to use ordinary downhill skies and boots instead of touring equipment, double warm boots would be useful to climb Elbrus. Stiff mountain boots are the best compromise. We also would like you to take a lightweight harness with karabiner. You might not need them but it can be useful in bad weather, and in different snow conditions on the mountain. A four season sleeping bag and a 35-40 liter rucksack should be adequate. It will be always possible to leave luggage at the Hotel during the trip. A detailed equipment list is available on request.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation and all meals are included in the trip cost. 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. On Elbrus itself we stay in mountain huts with mattresses. While being out of the hotel the food is prepared by our own cooks of fresh foods supplies. As the variety of food available in Russia is rather limited we recommend you to bring a small selection of "goodies" - chocolates, nuts etc. which you are particularly fond of. These will be useful especially when the altitude might reduce your appetite for main meals or when you need energy for the final summit push. We try to cater for vegetarians but we cannot provide the same standard as expected in the West. We suggest that vegetarians take their own protein supplement if this is likely to cause a problem.

HEALTH MATTERS AND DOCUMENTS
An emergency medical kit accompanies the climb. Nevertheless we recommend you to carry your own personal first aid kit. A suggested list as well as more general health information is included in the pre-departure information. No special inoculations are required but we recommend to have tetanus inoculations up to date and that to consult personal doctor for other cover such as typhoid.
A visa is required. Full details of the procedures involved will be included in the pre-departure information.