How to Climb Russia's Elbrus

Dividing the masses of Europe and Asia, Russia's 18,481-foot Mt. Elbrus is a challenging climb for those with basic mountaineering skills. Peering over the Caucaus Range, Elbrus offers its climbers a blending of Turkish, Georgian, Azerbydzhani and Russian culture as an integral part of the experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Winter Outerwear
• Travel Services
• Camp-stove Fuels
• Camping Stoves
• Climbing Harnesses
• Climbing Ropes
• Winter Backpacking Tents

1. Open your wallet $3,000 to $4,000 wide, then tack on airfare.
2. Fly from the United States to St. Petersburg, Russia, connecting through major European cities. Then fly to Mineral Vody and take a bus to the Baskan Valley, home to climbing camps where aspiring mountain guides train.
3. Warm up and acclimatize in the Baskan Valley with day hikes.
4. Acclimatize further by taking the Telepherique tram to 12,000 feet.
5. Climb in snow up to 15,416 feet to the Pastukov Rocks where you'll rest for two days and take exploratory day hikes.
6. Don your crampons for a 1 a.m. summit attempt up moderate snowy and icy slopes.
7. View Ushba (weather permitting) at the summit, considered the Matterhorn of the Caucausus.
8. Return through St. Petersburg, or visit Moscow and drive a tank through Red Square.

Tips & Warnings

• Go in summer (July and August) for the best weather, but be prepared for unpredictable storms.
• Stay longer and travel through the historic Russian cities while the U.S. dollar is strong.
• Mountaineering can cause injury, illness or possibly death. Climb with certified guides and proper equipment.