The Caucasus form a chain of snowy, high, alpine mountains separating Georgia from Russia to the north. Just north of the main chain, in Russia, lies the Europe's highest summit - the twin-peaked Mount Elbrus. The main chain itself contains many mountains over 5000m and tens of summits higher than Mont Blanc.
This trip combines some excellent ski-touring with the possibility to ascent the highest summit in Europe - Mt. Elbrus. In winter time valleys, passes and mountains of the Caucasus offer exceptionally fine ski-touring in virtually undeveloped surroundings. The snow conditions are generally superb in spring and the mountains are beautiful and unspoilt. We will fly to Mineralny Vody in the northern Caucasus and drive to the New Jailyk Hotel located at 2350m in the remote upper sections of the Adyrsu Valley.
We will start touring almost from the hotel door generally following glaciers to passes and summits ranging from 3572m to 4230m. The last touring day will involve crossing the Gumachi Pass (3582m) and descending to the Adylsu Valley. The transport will be waiting for us there to transfer us to the Baksan Valley for two nights in a comfortable hotel. The Baksan Valley is the most important and best developed valley in the Caucasus, partly because of the mineral wealth located near Tyrnyauz and partly on account of Elbrus at its head and the hundreds of magnificent mountains which comprise its watershed.
Almost at the end of the Baksan Valley, at the foot of Elbrus, lies Terskol - the Chamonix of the Caucasus. It boasts about half a dozen hotels and two ski lift systems. There is a possibility for another tour with the help of the Cheget ski lift system (if we have enough energy), otherwise a day of rest is possible. The next day we use the Elbrus cable car and chairlift system to transfer to the Garabashi huts at 3850m on the south slopes of the mountain. This is our base for the three nights from where we will make an attempt to the west summit of Elbrus. We will use a snow cat for the part of the ascent and then ski up as far as possible. Crampons and ice axes may be required on the upper slopes which are easy angled but often icy in the morning hours.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Moscow. Hotel accommodation near the city center.
Day 2: Transfer to the domestic airport, fly to Mineralnye Vody. Drive to Adyrsu valley. Accommodation at the "Ullu-Tau" lodge (2350m). (B/L/D).
Day 3: Ski-tour from the hotel towards Chotchat summit (3400m), 4 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 4: Ski-tour to the Koiavgan Pass (3572m), 4 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 5: Ski-tour to the Garvash Pass (3710m), 5-6 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 6: Ski-tour to the Mestia Pass (3860m) and continue to the Mestia summit (4230m), 8 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 7: Ski-tour to the Adylsu Pass (3300m) and continue to the Lokomotiv summit (3750m), 6 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 8: Ski-tour via Jalavchat Glacier to the Druzhba summit (3650 m), 4 hours. Descent to the lodge. (B/L/D).
Day 9: Ski-tour to the Gumachi Pass (3582m), 5-6 hours. Descent via Jankuat Glacier to the Adylsu valley. Drive by bus to Terskol (Baksan valley). Hotel in Terskol (2000m). Luggage will be delivered by car from New Jailik hotel to the hotel in Terskol. (B/L/D).
Day 10: Rest day. The more energetic may wish to ascent Cheget Karabashi 3400m or ski using the Cheget chairlift system. (B/L/D).
Day 11: Use the Elbrus lift system to reach Garabashi Huts (3800m). (B/L/D).
Days 12-13. Two days available for the ascent of Elbrus or for skiing using the chairlift and cable car system. A snowcat will assist for the first 500m of the ascent. (B/L/D).
Day 14: Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Flight to Moscow, move to the international airport for the return flight home. (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The prices are calculated on a group basis for 6 and more participants.
Included: group transfers as per itinerary, guides, cook, breakfast in Moscow and all food in the Caucasus, all accommodation, all the necessary permits and registrations, visa support.
Not included: visa cost, international airport transfers, flights.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Russia
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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