WINTER CLIMBING MOUNT ELBRUS FROM THE SOUTH
34
km
Distance
10
days
Duration
3 tours trips and available on request starting
18.02.2025, more 2 tours trips and available on request starting
WINTER CLIMBING MOUNT ELBRUS FROM THE SOUTH
10
days
34
km
3/3
difficulty
2/4
comfort
3 tours and on request —
18.02.2025, more 2 tours trips and available on request
3 tours and on request —
18.02.2025, more 2 tours trips and available on request
3 tours and on request —
18.02.2025, more 2 tours trips and available on request
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About the Program
This tour is similar to the Summer Climb of Elbrus from the South but with some differences. You'll need warmer clothing, high-altitude boots, and rigid crampons (all available for rent). The tour is one day longer to allow for better technical preparation and to wait for suitable weather. It can be combined with skiing or snowboarding during acclimatization. Groups are limited to 6 people with 2 guides. Early booking discounts and visa support are available.
Start:
Airport of Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
End:
Airport of Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
Язык: русский, ангийский
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Not for beginners! Recommended for those with prior climbs on peaks over 5000 meters in the summer.
ACCOMMODATIONS
3-star hotel/hostel depending on tariff 4-5 nights, Mountain hut 4-5 nights. View Photo
FOOD
Both tariffs include full 3 meals a day throughout the tour.
Description by Day
Minimize
Day 1
Meeting
We meet at our office in Pyatigorsk no later than 10:00 PM (arriving the day before is preferable). Gear check and issuance will take place here, followed by an introduction to your guide. After a group briefing about the upcoming route, we transfer to the Elbrus region. Accommodation will be in a hostel or a 3-star hotel, depending on your package.
Day 2
Mount Cheget
First acclimatization. We hike up Mount Cheget, with lunch on the mountain overlooking Elbrus. The instructor will guide you on walking and breathing techniques to conserve energy. The hike takes about 4 hours. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Elbrus and the Baksan Valley. We descend by cable car to save energy.
Day 3
Acclimatization on Elbrus
Transfer to the Azau cable car station. We take the funicular up to 3,800 meters, then hike to 4,300 meters. There will be a training session on crampon technique. In the evening, we return to the hotel.
Day 4
Mountain Hut
Transfer to the funicular and ascent up the slopes of Elbrus. We settle into the mountain hut, followed by a short walk up the snowy slope. The instructor will conduct a training session on two essential mountaineering skills: rope traverse techniques and self-arrest with an ice axe.
Day 5
Altitude 5000 m
This is the main acclimatization day. You will ascend approximately 1,200 meters to reach an altitude of 5,000 meters. You'll experience the effects of reduced oxygen, which will be challenging, but it’s crucial for your adaptation to the altitude, making the summit climb easier. Reaching at least 4,700 meters today is mandatory for attempting the summit. If this condition is not met, the climb will only be possible with supplemental oxygen.
Day 6
Rest Before the Climb
A rest day before the summit attempt. Technical training to review previously learned skills. Early lights out at 5:00 PM to ensure adequate rest before the climb.
Day 7
Summit Day
We wake up at midnight with one hour to prepare. The ascent to the summit begins. We climb roped together, wearing crampons, using ice axes, helmets, and headlamps. We carry snacks, a thermos of hot tea, and water. The pace is slow to conserve energy and maintain steady breathing. The ascent typically takes 8-10 hours, with the descent taking another 3-4 hours. (If you wish to use supplemental oxygen during the climb, it can be rented from us.) Overnight in the hut or descent to the valley on the same day.
Day 8
Reserve Day
This is an extra day reserved in case of bad weather. If it's not needed, the group will return to Pyatigorsk a day earlier.
Day 9
Descent to the Valley
We take the funicular down to the valley, followed by a transfer to Pyatigorsk. This concludes our tour. If needed, this day can also serve as an additional reserve day for the summit attempt.
Day 10
Last Day of the Tour
The group will return to Pyatigorsk on this day if the previous day is used for the Elbrus summit attempt. Plan to book your return ticket for any time after 2:00 PM.
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Tour manager assistance at all stages
- Tourist invitation for Russian visa application (if required) and assistance with flight ticket
- Professional mountaineering instructors services - maximum of 3 participants per guide
- National park entrance fee payment
- Private airport transfer from/to Mineralnye Vody MRV - available 24/7
- All program transfers
- 4-5 nights stay in a hostel for 6-8 people
- 4-5 nights stay in a mountain hut
- Full-board meals throughout the tour
- All ascents and descents on the cable cars at Elbrus and Cheget
- Group equipment (ropes, gas, kitchen, etc.)
- All safety measures: satellite phone, GPS navigator, first aid kit, EMERCOM registration
- Oxygen equipment for altitude sickness assistance (sufficient for 10 hours of breathing)
- Mount Elbrus summit achievement certificate
PREMIUM PACK (+ ):
- 4-5 nights in a private room at a 3-star hotel instead of shared hostel accommodation (6-8 people)
- Double occupancy in the mountain hut for 4-5 nights
- Local SIM card with 10 GB for calls and Internet access
- Unique "For Climbing Elbrus" badge from the Russian Mountaineering Federation
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Flight to Mineralnye Vody (MRV) or Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)
- Personal gear and clothing - all available for rent at our office
- Accommodations and meals before and after the tour
- Transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi (if arriving there)
- Mountaineering insurance for all tour days (mandatory)
Tour Date
Guide
Spots Left
Cost
18.02.2025 -27.02.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
1 spot
08.03.2025 -17.03.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
6 spots
26.03.2025 -04.04.2025
Valeria Merkuryeva
Master of Sports, instructor, summited Manaslu without oxygen. Speaks English and Spanish.
7 spots
Information
Show all days
FLIGHT TICKETS
You will need to fly into Mineralnye Vody (MRV), Tbilisi (TBS), or Kutaisi (KUT) airports. Mineralnye Vody is the closest airport to Elbrus. The best flight options are usually with a connection through Tbilisi, Baku, Yerevan, or Istanbul. In most cases, you’ll need to purchase two separate tickets—one to the connecting city and another to Mineralnye Vody. Our manager can help you choose the best flight option and arrange the Russian flight segment.
RULES OF ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Russia offers visa-free entry to citizens of 64 countries, while citizens of 55 countries can apply for an e-visa online without visiting a consulate. For others, a visa from the Russian Consulate in your country is required, which takes about 3 weeks. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before entry, and you’ll need a tourist invitation from us.
INSURANCE
You need to secure mountaineering insurance valid in Russia, which can be arranged through us. The coverage amount is 50,000 USD. This insurance covers potential costs for emergency medical assistance, including hospital stays, search and rescue operations in the mountains (including helicopter services), medical transportation, and repatriation to your permanent residence.
REQUIRED CLOTHING
Available for Rent:
- High-altitude mountaineering boots (winter)
- Down jacket (850+ fill power)
- Down mittens
- Softshell jacket
- Insulated pants
- Compression sack
Not Available for Rent (Available for Purchase):
- Lightweight base layer
- Heavyweight base layer
- Polartec 300 fleece jacket
- Lightweight pants
- Fleece helmet liner
- Trekking socks
- Wool socks
- Fleece gloves
- Cap
- Thick balaclava
- Synthetic base layer shirt
- High-altitude mountaineering boots (winter)
- Down jacket (850+ fill power)
- Down mittens
- Softshell jacket
- Insulated pants
- Compression sack
Not Available for Rent (Available for Purchase):
- Lightweight base layer
- Heavyweight base layer
- Polartec 300 fleece jacket
- Lightweight pants
- Fleece helmet liner
- Trekking socks
- Wool socks
- Fleece gloves
- Cap
- Thick balaclava
- Synthetic base layer shirt
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Available for Rent:
- Rigid mountaineering crampons
- Ice axe
- 100L backpack or duffel
- 50L backpack
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing harness
- Headlamp + 6 spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating -10°C)
- Trekking poles
- Glacier glasses
- Ski goggles
- Gaiters
- Overboots
- Thermos (at least 1 liter)
Not Available for Rent:
- Personal hygiene items
- Personal dishware: mug, spoon, bowl
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Waterproof document pouch
- Personal first aid kit
- Rigid mountaineering crampons
- Ice axe
- 100L backpack or duffel
- 50L backpack
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing harness
- Headlamp + 6 spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating -10°C)
- Trekking poles
- Glacier glasses
- Ski goggles
- Gaiters
- Overboots
- Thermos (at least 1 liter)
Not Available for Rent:
- Personal hygiene items
- Personal dishware: mug, spoon, bowl
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Waterproof document pouch
- Personal first aid kit
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Equipment and Clothing Rental
Full equipment and clothing rental - everything is included except for very personal items that aren't available for rent (see lists).
Oxygen Equipment
Rental of an oxygen equipment set for use during the summit ascent (optional)
Transfer from Tbilisi
Private transfer from Tbilisi Airport (Georgia) to Pyatigorsk (Russia) and return at your specified time (price stated is for the entire car, accommodating up to 3 people)
Mountaineering Insurance
Mountaineering insurance with coverage of $50,000 USD, including helicopter evacuation, for the entire duration of the tour.
Snowcat
Ascent and descent by snowcat on the day of the climb
How Do I Take Part?
You can reserve this tour on your own right now. It takes just 5 minutes. If you have questions, contact us in any way convenient for you.
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