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.
Just the fact that this mountain is the highest in Europe and is one of the world-famous “Seven Summit” peaks makes some people excited to see it and, finally, to conquer it. The mountain belongs, however, to a small number of mountains in the world which also attract people 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. Though non-technical, the climb of Elbrus requires a good degree of fitness; the ascent or SKI ASCENT by the north slopes are tougher than by the South where we often use the ski-lifts for going up to 3860 meters’ altitude: ELBRUS by the North is much more a true (and physically harder) expedition.
Nevertheless, the landscape on the south side is more amazing as we can see all the Caucasus mountains from Georgia to the West chains and peaks, Azerbaijan.
The local name of Elbrus is Mengi Tau, which means “The Mountain of a thousand mountains.” This name is justified, as the glaciated giant slopes are built of thickened lava flows and both peaks of Elbrus are more than 1,000 m higher than the rest of the Caucasus Chain.
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Level
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; on skis we will generally skin up and sometimes have to hike, walking up on crampons!
The conditions on summit day are typically quite challenging but sometimes we are able to skin up to the very top. 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! Whilst there are few technical difficulties on this trip, the vertical height between the refuge/hut and the summit is important and requires you to have basic mountaineering skills as well as good fitness levels.
Group
6 to 9 people per group
Duration
11 days/10 nights
Guiding by
Professional UIAGM guide
Périod
From May to late July.
Dates:
Departures on May 10th, May 17th, 30th June 2019.
Price
From 2 100€ per person
Reservation request