Area |
Elbrus |
Access |
Access lifts from the end of the valley |
Total Time |
2-4 DAYS |
Distance |
7 KM walk |
Elevation Gain |
1800m |
Difficulty |
Difficult |
Steepness |
28° |
Exposition |
S SE |
Avalanche Exposure |
Relatively low, route is standard route and avoids major crevasses |
Highest Point |
5642 M |
Accomodation |
Sleep in huts / tents on the mountain/ Elbrus Village |
The Elbrus Ski Tour as described here follows the standard summer route up the highest mountain on the European continent.
During the described tour, the two ski lifts from Elbrus valley are used to get to an altitude of 3500m. At the top of the 2nd Mir station lift, accomodation in barrels is available, but best to avoid for day visitors.
At the top of the final lift, Garabashi station at 3840m, there are more spread out barrels available for accomodation and a coffee shop where you can charge your phone, buy drinks and some food.
At 4100 m, so 260 meters higher, there is Shelter Maria, where you can stay in containers with two bedrooms each. It will save you a bit of uphill on the summit day.
From Shelter Maria, you will have to climb about 1540 meters more to the Elbrus west summit. You will first get to Pastukhov rocks, from where you will go through a more steep climb to Elbrus saddle at 5416 m.
Elbrus is a frequented mountain (especially in summer) which makes it a relatively easy route to find. In winter, it depends on the ski tracks already made and of course the snow conditions.
Byurakan, South Summit of Mount Aragats