WINTER CLIMBING MT. ELBRUS #BR#SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING TOUR
34
km
Distance
10
days
Duration
7 tours trips and available on request starting
08.12.2024, more 6 tours trips and available on request starting
WINTER CLIMBING MT. ELBRUS #BR#SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING TOUR
10
days
34
km
3/3
difficulty
2/4
comfort
7 tours and on request —
08.12.2024, more 6 tours trips and available on request
7 tours and on request —
08.12.2024, more 6 tours trips and available on request
7 tours and on request —
08.12.2024, more 6 tours trips and available on request
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About the Program
Experience the same thrills as on the Comfortable Elbrus Climb but with the added joy of skiing and snowboarding. This tour runs from January to April, with a special New Year's departure on December 26th. Designed for intermediate skiers yet welcoming to beginners and pros, it offers tailored ski lessons and the opportunity for freeriding on Elbrus. Enhance your adventure with the option to ski or snowboard down from the Elbrus summit.
Start:
Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV) or Tbilisi Airport (TBS)
End:
Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV) or Tbilisi Airport (TBS)
Язык: русский, ангийский
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate physical fitness required. No backpacking. Cable car is used. Oxygen rental available.
ACCOMMODATIONS
3-star hotel/hostel depending on tariff (4 nights), Mountain hut (4 nights). View Photo
FOOD
Both tariffs include full 3 meals a day throughout the tour. The Premium tariff also includes 4 dinners at a restaurant offering Balkar cuisine
Highlights
What Will You Do?
Savor the main dishes of Balkar cuisine: Jhalbaur, Khychin, Shashlik, Shorpu, Lagman, and Ayran
Enjoy extensive skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget
Ascend Cheget to witness the classic view of the twin-peaked Elbrus summit
Learn fundamental mountaineering skills
Embark on a climb to the top of Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe
Description by Day
Minimize
Day 1
Meeting
We meet you at Mineralnye Vody Airport (no later than 12:00 PM) or at Tbilisi Airport (in this case, you should arrive the day before). Transfer to our office. Equipment distribution. Meeting the guide. Briefing for the entire group - the instructor will talk about the upcoming tour and answer questions. Transfer to the Elbrus region. Accommodation in a hostel or a 3-star hotel depending on the rate. Dinner at the hotel (basic rate) or at a local cuisine restaurant (premium). Tonight's dish: Shashlik with Tuzluk sauce.
Day 2
Skiing on Elbrus
Elbrus' slope is more beginner-friendly than Cheget, making it our starting point. You can manage up to 8 descents in a day, though typically we do around 4. If you're a beginner, we offer personalized training with an instructor for 2-3 days to get you up to speed. After this, you'll be able to ski independently with the group. Dinner is served at the hotel (standard package) or at a local cuisine restaurant (premium package), featuring Shorpa soup and Khychins for the evening.
Day 3
Skiing on Cheget
We spend the entire day skiing on Mt. Cheget. From its highest point, a wonderful panoramic view of Elbrus and the Baksan Valley opens up. At the same time, we continue to acclimatize during the ascents and descents. This is necessary for the subsequent stay at high altitude and for the climb to Elbrus. Dinner at the hotel (basic rate) or at a local cuisine restaurant (premium). Tonight's dish: Zhalbaur.
Day 4
Mountain Refuge
We move from the hotel to a mountain refuge situated at an altitude of 3800 meters. Transfer to the cable car and ascent to the Garabashi station. Accommodation in the mountain refuge - in standard or VIP rooms depending on the tariff (see photos). After that, we continue skiing. Closer to the evening, the instructor will hold a training session on two basic mountaineering skills: techniques for moving along rope railings and walking with crampons on snowy and icy slopes.
Day 5
Altitude 5000 meters
We set off early in the morning, traveling light with only snacks, a thermos with hot tea, and water. You will be gaining about 1200 meters to reach an altitude of 5000 meters. On this day, you will feel the lack of oxygen; it will be challenging, but it will offer you a good acclimatization to the height, making the climb easier for you. If you have ski touring equipment (or you have rented it), you can use it to ascend, and on the way back, you can ski down with one of the guides (included in the tour price).
Day 6
Rest Before the Climb
A day to recharge before the climb. We'll hit the slopes again in the morning and relax post-lunch. The afternoon includes a self-arrest technique training on an icy slope using an ice axe, coupled with a refresher on previously learned skills. We'll prep our backpacks for the climb, aiming for an early bedtime at 17:00 to be well-rested. In case of unfavorable weather forecasts for the upcoming days, we may forgo rest and proceed with the climb.
Day 7
Summit Day
We rise at midnight, allowing an hour for preparations before heading towards the Elbrus summit. Setting off from the assault camp in roped parties, equipped with crampons, ice axes, helmets, and headlamps. We carry snacks, a thermos with hot tea, and water. The ascent is slow-paced to maintain stamina, generally taking 8-10 hours, followed by a 3-4 hour descent. (Oxygen rental for the climb is available.) An optional add-on is skiing down from the Elbrus peak (see Additional services). Overnight stay at the shelter.
Day 8
Descent to the Valley
Our luggage will be transported to the hotel while we enjoy a ski descent. Once at the hotel, we'll collectively decide on the day's remaining activities, with options like a forest walk to the Narzan spring or a true Russian banya experience (not included in the tour price). The day culminates in a celebratory dinner with medal and certificate presentations. This day can be used as a backup for the climb if needed.
Day 9
Tour Conclusion
After breakfast, we will have a group transfer to Pyatigorsk. Along the way, we will stop at the Narzan Glade to drink Narzan mineral water straight from the ground. Upon arrival at the office, we will return the rental equipment. At the designated time, individual transfers to the airport will be arranged. You should book your return flight for this day, but the departure should not be earlier than 14:00 if you are flying out of Mineralnye Vody, and not earlier than 20:00 if you are departing from Tbilisi.
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Tour Manager Assistance throughout the Climb Preparation
- Tourist Invitation for Russian Visa Application (if required) and Assistance with Flight Ticket
- Professional Mountaineering Instructors Services - Maximum of 4 participants per guide
- National Park Entrance Fee Payment
- Personal Pick-Up at Mineralnye Vody (MRV) & End-of-Program Drop-Off
- All Program Transfers
- 4-night stay in a hostel for 6-8 people (Basic tariff) or in a 3* hotel for 2 people (Premium)
- Accommodation for 4 nights in a mountain hut: either in a standard one (Basic) or VIP hut (Premium)
- Full-board meals throughout the tour. Premium tariff includes 4 dinners at the restaurant
- Ski pass for 5 days at Elbrus and Cheget (unlimited number of lifts on the cable car)
- Group Equipment (ropes, gas, kitchen, etc.)
- All safety provisions: satellite phone, GPS navigator, first aid kit, EMERCOM registration
- Mountaineering Oxygen Equipment for Assistance in Case of Altitude Sickness
- Mount Elbrus Summit Achievement Certificate
- "Mount Elbrus Summit" Medal (included in the Premium package)
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Flight to Mineralnye Vody (MRV) or Tbilisi (TBS)
- Personal equipment and clothing - all available for rent at our office
- Accommodations and meals before and after the tour
- Transfer from/to Tbilisi (if you are arriving there)
- Individual ski or snowboard training (see Additional services)
- Descent from the summit of Elbrus on skis/snowboard (see Additional services)
Tour Date
Guide
Spots Left
Cost
Information
Show all days
FLIGHT TICKETS
You need to arrive at Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV) or Tbilisi Airport (TBS). Transfer from Tbilisi (Georgia) takes 8 hours and is an additional charge. Mineralnye Vody is the nearest airport to Elbrus. Direct flights to Mineralnye Vody are available from Aktau, Almaty, Antalya, Baku, Dubai, Yerevan, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Moscow, and many Russian cities. Our manager will help you find the best flight option.
RULES OF ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Currently, there are no entry restrictions for Russia, including no COVID-19 related restrictions. If you are a foreign citizen, you may need a Russian visa. Citizens of 55 countries can apply for a Russian e-visa without visiting a Consulate. In other cases, you will need to apply for a visa at the Russian Consulate in your country (it takes 10 days, and we will provide you with a tourist invitation).
INSURANCE
We recommend getting travel mountaineering insurance. The coverage amount should be at least 35,000 USD, with a minimum of 10,000 USD for helicopter evacuation. The insurance should cover potential expenses related to "mountaineering" sports, including emergency medical assistance, including hospitalization, search and rescue in the mountains during emergency situations (including helicopter usage), medical transportation, and repatriation. We can assist you with obtaining the insurance.
REQUIRED CLOTHING
Mountaineering boots
Light boots
Down jacket
Down mittens
Polartec Gloves
Light gloves
Gore-Tex Jacket
Gore-Tex Pants
Softshell Pants
Thin Underwear
Thick Underwear
Polartec 200 jacket
Light pants or shorts
Fleece Hat
Hiking socks
Wool socks
Polartec Gloves
Cap
Balaclava
Light boots
Down jacket
Down mittens
Polartec Gloves
Light gloves
Gore-Tex Jacket
Gore-Tex Pants
Softshell Pants
Thin Underwear
Thick Underwear
Polartec 200 jacket
Light pants or shorts
Fleece Hat
Hiking socks
Wool socks
Polartec Gloves
Cap
Balaclava
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Available for rent:
Crampons
Ice axe
Backpack 90 l
Helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash + 1.5 m cord.
Headlamp + 6 batteries
Synthetic sleeping bag
Compression bag
Hiking poles
Glacier glass
Ski mask
Garters
Full gaiters
Thermos 1l
Rain Coverage for Backpack
Not available for rent (but available for purchase in our office):
Personal hygiene items
Spoon, mug, bowl
Sunscreen 50 degrees.
Crampons
Ice axe
Backpack 90 l
Helmet
Harness + 3 biners + leash + 1.5 m cord.
Headlamp + 6 batteries
Synthetic sleeping bag
Compression bag
Hiking poles
Glacier glass
Ski mask
Garters
Full gaiters
Thermos 1l
Rain Coverage for Backpack
Not available for rent (but available for purchase in our office):
Personal hygiene items
Spoon, mug, bowl
Sunscreen 50 degrees.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Premium Package
Stay at a hotel instead of a hostel, more comfortable VIP shelter on the Elbrus slope, 4 dinners at the restaurant, a medal for climbing Elbrus, and a 30% discount on gear rental.
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)
Single Accommodation
Single accommodation in a hotel under the Premium tariff (price for 4 nights)
Single Accommodation
Single accommodation in a hotel under the Basic tariff (price for 4 nights)
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 round trip, accommodating up to 4 people)
Skiing Instruction
An individual instructor will teach you skiing throughout the day. If you are a complete beginner, the training will take 2-3 days. The price is listed per day.
Descent from the Summit of Elbrus
You will have a personal instructor for both the ascent and the subsequent descent from the summit on skis/snowboard. High skiing level is required.
Medal
Medal "For the Ascent of Elbrus" (already included in the Premium rate)
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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