Mount-Elbrus Guided Trip

We begin our trip in Moscow, Russia’s capitol and most populous city. Though not part of the trip we recommend you arrive early and check out the city while getting over your jet lag. Red Square and the Subway are only two ‘not to be missed’ attractions. We like to end our trip in St. Petersburg to give you a taste of another great Russian City full of art and history.

From Moscow we take a domestic flight to Mineralnye Vody and then hop in our private van for our drive to Cheget. From our hotel in Cheget we spend a couple of days hiking the surrounding hills to help us acclimate. Our hotel is clean and comfortable with breakfast and dinner provided. Lunch will be taken care of as well, most likely in one ski lodges or other mountain dining.

Once our initial acclimatization is complete we will take a tram and then a chair lift to our mountain Accommodations. While on the mountain we’ll be fed and generally taken care of by our Russian Babushka, Elana. She prepares local cuisine with a smile and charm, so we can do another day of acclimating before our summit bid.

The day before we hike to a point called Pastukhov Rocks at approx. 15,300 for our final acclimitication. We will often take the Snow Cat to our high point the day before. This ground is quickly surpassed keeping our summit day to a reasonable length. With the Snowcat Summit day is 3000’ and usually around 8 or 9 hours round trip. From Pastukhov Rocks we climb steeply toward the East summit before beginning our climbing traverse to the saddle at 17,769’. The saddle is a good place for a rest before climbing the headwall to the summit. The headwall is steep and is often fixed with a rope for added security. Once on top of the head wall it’s a relatively flat walk across the summit plateau to the true summit.

Trip Pricing

• The trip starts $5,400 per person. Please note group pricing is available

Lenth of Trip

•  The trip is 6 nights, 5 days.

What is the Best Time to Climb Mount-Elbrus?

• Anytime bewtween July & August

Technical Gear

• ALPINE CLIMBING HARNESS: Your harness must be adjustable and fit over all of you clothing layers. Harness must be modern with a belay loop and gear loops.
• ASCENDER (1): You can choose right or left, make sure it’s easy to operate.
• LOCKING CARABINERS (2): These need to be large sized to fit over knots on fixed lines.
• NON-LOCKING CARABINERS (2): Just something to hold your gear. Modern and light is nice.
• 10 FT. OF 6MM PERLON CORD: This will be used to make your tethers.
• 120CM LENGTH SEWN RUNNER: This will be used for person anchor and rappelling rig.
• SUPER 8 RAPPEL DEVICE: Due to the thick diameter fixed ropes, a 8 style device is necessary.
• CLIMBING HELMET: A good fitting, lightweight helmet with clips for headlamp.

Footwear

• LIGHT CLIMBING BOOTS: Technical climbing boots, waterproof is nice.
• 2-3 PAIR SYNTHETIC SOCKS: New wool synthetic blends are my preferred.
• CAMP SHOES: Any comfortable approach or running shoe works.

Handwear

• LEATHER RAPPEL GLOVES: Leather is important, but a leather mechanics/work glove is fine.
• LIGHTWEIGHT SYNTHETIC GLOVES: Wool or synthetic and snug fit.
• MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS: Waterproof with leather palms.

Headwear

• HEADLAMP: Bright (300 lumens or more recommended) light and rechargeable.
• LIGHT WEIGHT SYNTHETIC BEANIE: Quick drying and fits well under climbing helmet.
• BUFF NECK GAITER: This is a very versatile piece of gear for face and head.
• SUNGLASSES: A good pair of sunglasses, preferably with CHUMS.
• SUN HAT: Whatever style you prefer

Technical Clothing

• SOFT SHELL JACKET: Lightweight breathable and comfortable fit.
• CLIMBING PANT: Well fitting soft shell and non-insulated.
• LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN JACKET W/ HOOD: This is a waterproof hardshell. Simple and light is right.
• LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN PANT: Full length side zips recommended. Light and simple.
• 2 BASE LAYER TOP: I like at least one of these to be a sun hoodie. Lightweight non-cotton.
• 2 BASE LAYER BOTTOMS: Lightweight non-cotton.
• MID LAYER TOP: Midweight insulating layer.
• PUFFY JACKET: Lightweight, hooded and synthetic.

Personal Equipment

• BACKPACK 30 LITER: Simple and lightweight.
• 20 DEGREE F SLEEPING BAG: Note that down is not really appropriate for this environment.
• INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD:: Full length and insulated recommended. Make sure it holds air.
• HYDRATION SYSTEM and 1 WATER BOTTLE: The Hydration system works well on the climb, the bottle is for extra capacity and for camp and tent use.
• Sunscreen and Lip screen: New and at least 70 SPF
• Toiletry Bag: Tooth brush, tooth paste, toilet paper, hand sanitizer.
• Small Personal First Aid Kit: Keep it simple and small.
• Malaria medicine: Malaria meds are highly recommended.
• Umbrella: This might seem strange, but we highly recommend.
• Large Duffel Bag (1): Porters will carry this bag.
• Small Duffel Bag (1): This will be used to store travel clothing in Timika.
• Camera Gear: Keep this simple.
• Bali is a City on the beach so bring what you think appropriate for Pre and Post trip play in Bali.