The highest mountain in Europe is Elbrus. Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia. Climbing Elbrus

Blessed is the mountain, the sparkling mountain, the mountain of joy, the pearl of the Caucasus, whatever names one of the highest mountains of Russia and Europe is called. But in reference books and guidebooks we know it under the name Elbrus, which from the Balkar language means “a mountain around which the wind swirls.” The fact is that the Balkar tribes, who lived at the foot of the mountain, often noticed the so-called “Elbrus whirlwinds” - these are masses of air visible to the human eye, which seem to be twisted into a horn.

Mount Elbrus: description, photo, video

Elbrus is a volcano with two peaks that died out two thousand years ago. The western peak has a height of 5641, the height of the north is 5621 (a difference of twenty meters). To help you imagine the height more clearly, we inform you that Elbrus is 4400 meters higher and 2300 meters higher. The first ascent to the summit took place on July 22, 1829, led by Georg Emmanuel. Despite the fact that since the discovery of this by scientists, it is considered extinct, gas eruptions have recently been noticed, which may indicate that the volcano is only dormant.

But tectologists are confident that an eruption could theoretically occur only in a couple of thousand years, and the obvious processes of gas eruption are only the beginning of a long process of awakening the volcano. And the current prospects for an eruption do not prevent tourists from all over the world from visiting one of the largest and most beautiful mountains in Europe.

The air on Elbrus is of high purity and crystal clear, thanks to which it offers views of two seas that are nearby: and. Experienced climbers always warn: Elbrus is a two-faced mountain with a changeable character. At an altitude of 3756 meters (where the cable car leads), the weather can be warm and little windy, but after a couple of hours of ascent it changes sharply and the ascent can become very difficult. Therefore, you must always be prepared for the manifestations of this miracle mountain, because the climb is worth it.

It is also worth separately noting the territory of the Elbrus region. During the Great Patriotic War, fierce battles took place here, in which the Edelweiss special forces division took part. This division brought together the most resilient Wehrmacht soldiers who had previously served and trained in mountainous regions. Interestingly, Hitler himself considered the operation to capture Elbrus and raise the flag on its top a waste of effort and resources.

Panorama of Mount Elbrus

The first attempts of the Soviet army in August 1942 to liberate Elbrus were in vain. The fighters had neither special equipment nor alpine skills and were doomed. There were several attempts to storm Elbrus and liberate the Shelter of Eleven, the Ice Base and the 105th picket, but only at the end of the 42nd with the joint efforts of the NKVD, aviation and special forces. A group of soldiers with mountaineering skills and the proper equipment managed to dislodge the Edelweiss from Elbrus and raise the Soviet flag at its peak. Monuments to our fallen heroes testify to these battles in the Elbrus region.

Today, the Elbrus region is one of the most developed tourist regions in the Caucasus; due to the number of tourists, this territory is among the ten most popular and visited in the world.

Where is Mount Elbrus located?

Elbrus is located on the border of two republics: Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, within the northern part of the Main Caucasus Range.

Mount Elbrus on the map

Coordinates of Mount Elbrus on the map:

• Latitude — 34°69′35′′
• Longitude — 45°28′69′′

The volcano mountain is located 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik.

How to get to Mount Elbrus

Typically, most travelers prefer to join, or form tourist groups. These groups are transported by excursion bus to the towns of Neutrino, Terskol, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Baidaevo. These villages, as well as the Elbrus-Azau and Cheget ski resorts, are located along the main route. Also, you will not have any difficulty getting to them by car. There are no other options today.

When is the best time to visit Mount Elbrus?

As mentioned above, Elbrus has unstable weather conditions, which change quite sharply and quickly. It’s as if he’s trying to prevent the climber from reaching the top, testing him: with a nosy, cold wind, the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and fatigue. Therefore, people with poor health are highly discouraged from starting such a climb, and everyone else must use the services of a professional guide, due to the need to undergo training.

As for the optimal season for climbing, experienced climbers say that summer is best for beginners. Then the ascent conditions are a little milder, the daylight hours are longer, and the temperature is within normal limits. The only significant obstacle is thunderstorms that are quite frequent in this area, from which it is difficult to find shelter. Therefore, carefully study the weather forecast, and try not to start climbing on a day when there is supposed to be a thunderstorm.

Peculiarities

The volcano mountain itself and the Elbrus region are quite tourist developed. This resort is in no way inferior to its Himalayan and Alpine counterparts. Of course, he has his own Slavic characteristics. On its territory there are a number of hotels of various price categories, and several ski resorts. So, even without planning a climb, you'll have a great time skiing some of the longest ski runs in Europe, or reflecting in the local spas. In general, there is something to do.

Also at your discretion, at an altitude of 4110 meters, there is the highest mountain hotel in the world called “Shelter of the Eleven”. From the cable car (height 3750 meters) there is a path to this hotel. If you wish, you can use the lift, and then walk to it.

What to see in the area

What else is interesting in the vicinity of Elbrus and is a must-see? Mount Cheget, which is located on the opposite side of Elbrus and offers views of the entire volcano. By the way, most of the presented photographs of Elbrus were taken either from or from Mount Cheget.

The Baksan River is one of three rivers that flow from the glaciers of Elbrus with a beautiful azure hue of water. Visit the blue lakes of Nalchik - one of the favorite attractions of local residents.

It doesn’t matter for what purpose you are going to this mountain: to visit places of military glory, test yourself in climbing, walk around the outskirts of Elbrus, or just relax at local resorts and go skiing Elbrus will entice you. It will interest, entice and leave behind the memory of a proud and self-sufficient mountain, the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven wonders of Russia.

And if he allows you to climb, if you can climb to the highest point of Elbrus, the view that will open before you will be worth not only the effort and money spent, but also a new ascent, because according to the statistics, 6 out of 10 people who climbed Elbrus for the first time , do it again.

Elbrus is a mountain that really knows how to bewitch, both climbers seeking to conquer the next peak, and the most ordinary travelers who annually come to its foot to feel all the power and strength of the stone peak. And of course, no one is disappointed.

This article will tell you not only about which mountains Elbrus is located in, but will also introduce readers to its features, the secret of its name, myths and legends.

Section 1. General description of the geographical object

Elbrus is a mountain rightfully considered the highest point Russian Federation, located in the northern part on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Due to the fact that the exact border between Europe and Asia has not yet been established, the mountain is sometimes equated to the highest European mountain peak and is classified as one of the “Seven Summits”. Perhaps some time will pass and geographers will finally resolve this dispute, but for now it is known for certain that Elbrus is a mountain that is a so-called double-peaked stratovolcano. Its cone-shaped peaks were formed on an ancient volcanic base, and from a geological point of view, both peaks are completely independent volcanoes, each of which has a classic shape and a clearly defined crater.

Caucasus Mountains... Elbrus... These places are actually famous for their ancient history. Few people know that age is determined by the condition of the upper part, which, for example, highest peak Russia is destroyed by a vertical fault. It was also possible to establish the date of the last eruption: it happened around the 50s AD. e.

Section 2. The mystery of the name of the peak

Perhaps, the question of where Mount Elbrus is located, even with a little thought, will be answered by an ordinary average schoolchild, but few know about the etymology of the name.

In general, it should be noted that this peak has several names at once. In total there are more than a dozen of them.

Today it is quite difficult to determine which of the names appeared earlier and which later. Modern name This mountain, according to one version, comes from the Iranian “Aitibares”, which translated into Russian means “high mountain” or “brilliant” (a variant from the Zend language). In Karachay-Balkar the peak is called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “mountain of thousands”. However, there are Balkars who call it a little differently - “Minge-tau”, which means “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this nation also say “Elbrus-tau” - “the mountain around which the wind swirls.”

Among the many names of the stratovolcano, the name “Jinpadishah” is also distinguished, which in translation from Turkic sounds like “lord of spirits”, “Orfi-tub” (Abkhazian) - “mountain of the blessed”, or “Yal-buz” (Georgian) - “snowy mane".

Section 3. What is the height of Mount Elbrus?

Perhaps this question has interested many curious people at least once in their lives. But the answer is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Why? It's all about the features of its structure.

As noted above, Elbrus is a mountain consisting of two cone-shaped peaks. The height of the western is 5642 meters, and the eastern is 5621 meters. The saddle separating them rises above the surface by 5300 meters, and the distance from each other is about 3000 meters.

The size of Elbrus was first determined by Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1813.

Let us remind you that today the highest peak in the world is considered (Chomolungma), whose height is 8848 meters, in comparison with which our mountain peak looks tiny.

Section 4. Severity of the local climate

Mount Elbrus... Climbing to its peak is often dreamed of by both experienced climbers and beginners. However, this cannot be done at any time. The most favorable period is the summer, July-August.

At this time, the weather is most stable and safer for visiting such heights. The air temperature in summer rarely drops below -9 °C, although during the rise it can easily drop to -30 °C.

From October to April there is a harsh and cold winter in these places. During the cold season, visiting the peak is almost impossible, and climbing it is tantamount to suicide.

Section 5. Volcanic activity

Elbrus is amazing and unique. Description of the mountain takes too much time, because each time more and more interesting features are discovered.

In this article we will touch only on the most little-known ones. Geological studies of this extinct volcano showed the presence of layers containing volcanic ash, which was formed as a result of ancient eruptions. Based on the first layer, scientists have proven that the very first eruption of Elbrus occurred about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer was formed after Kazbek. It happened approximately 40 thousand years ago.

It is now known for certain that it was after this second, most powerful even by modern standards, eruption that the Neanderthals, who settled in local caves, left these lands and went in search of more favorable conditions for life.

The most recent eruption of the Elbrus volcano occurred about 2000 years ago (50s AD).

Section 6. Legends of Elbrus

In general, the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus in particular, are shrouded in many of the most amazing and mysterious legends and myths.

One of these tales tells that in time immemorial there lived a father and son - Kazbek and Elbrus. Both of them fell in love with one beautiful girl, whose name was Mashuk. Only the girl could not make a choice between two glorious heroes. For a long time, father and son competed, not wanting to give in to each other, and a mortal duel ensued between them. They fought until Elbrus defeated his father. But, realizing his terrible act, the son turned gray with grief. He no longer wanted love, obtained at the cost of the life of a loved one, and Elbrus turned away from the beautiful Mashuk, a little later stabbing himself with the same dagger with which he killed his father.

The beautiful Mashuk wept for a long time and bitterly over the knights and said that there were no such heroes in the whole earth, and that it was hard for her to live in this world without seeing them.

God heard her moaning and turned Kazbek and Elbrus into high mountains, more beautiful and higher than which there are no other mountains in the Caucasus. He turned the beautiful Mashuk into a smaller mountain. And now, from century to century, day after day, the stone girl stands and looks at the mighty peaks, never deciding which of the two heroes is closer and dearer to her stone heart...

Section 7. History of great conquests

In 1829, led by the leader of the scientific expedition, Georgy Emmanuel, the first ascent of Elbrus was made. The members of this expedition were mainly representatives of the scientific community: physicists, botanists, zoologists, geologists, etc. They conquered the eastern part of Elbrus and went down in history as the discoverers of one of the largest peaks of our planet Earth.

The first to climb Elbrus was Kilar Khachirov, a guide. A few years later, the higher peak of this mountain, the western one, was also conquered. An expedition organized by English climbers, led by Florence Grove, made a trip to the western part of Elbrus in 1874. The very first person to climb to its peak was also a guide, a Balkarian, Akhii Sottaev, a participant in the first expedition.

Later, a man appeared who managed to conquer both peaks of Elbrus. It was the Russian topographer A.V. Pastukhov. He was able to climb the western peak in 1890, and the eastern one in 1896. The same person made detailed maps Elbrus.

It should be noted that the stratovolcano is still the most popular mountain among climbers from all over the world. To climb to its peak, climbers spend an average of about one week.

But nowadays you can use the cable car, which makes the journey much easier and saves time.

At an altitude of about 3750 m there is the Barrels shelter, from where the ascent to Elbrus now usually begins. This shelter has six-person insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. At a level of 4100 meters, the highest mountain hotel in the world is located - “Shelter of the Eleven”.

Section 8. Stone mushrooms on Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that knows how to captivate travelers with its natural features, for example, unique rock formations, called Stone Mushrooms.

Until now, no one knows why these stones were popularly called mushrooms, and such sculptures are no longer seen anywhere in the Caucasus. On a small flat area (250 x 100 m) a couple of dozen of these “mushrooms” are picturesquely scattered. In many of them you can see indentations.

Perhaps our ancestors used them for some religious purposes. Particularly impressive are the stones that resemble a face looking up. Many people believe that this is a place with very strong positive energy, and even the weather here is very abnormal.

Section 9. Museum of Defense of the Elbrus Region

The Defense Museum is the highest mountain museum in the world. It is located at an altitude of 3500 meters from sea level.

The uniqueness of the exhibition also lies in the fact that it is not limited only to the building, but continues in the surrounding area.

This institution has been operating since January 1, 1972. Its development and preservation of the collections are always monitored by a researcher and two employees.

The collection contains more than 270 items. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the highest mountain front was located in the Elbrus region. Fierce battles were fought in these places, which the Nazis tried to capture in order to get to Transcaucasia.

Photo-documentary materials of these events have been stored in this museum for many years. The Elbrus Defense Museum is an organization of regional subordination, in which cultural and mass work is carried out.

Section 10. Interesting facts about the mountain

• In 1956, in honor of the 400th anniversary of Kabardino-Balkaria, a group of 400 climbers were able to simultaneously climb Mount Elbrus.
• In 1998, the building of the Shelter of Eleven hotel burned down in a fire. Today, local authorities are building a new one on the site of the old wooden building.
• In 1991, Outside Magazine named Shelter of Eleven's toilet the worst toilet in the world. This is not surprising, given the fact that thousands of mountain tourists and climbers from all over the world have used this place for certain purposes for years.
• Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous peaks peace. Accidents are very common when climbing a mountain. In 2004 alone, 48 extreme skiers and climbers died.
• In 1997, for the first time, a specially equipped and modified Land Rover car was able to climb to the top of Elbrus. The man who drove this car is Russian traveler A. Abramov.
• Mount Elbrus is one of the “Seven Summits”; in addition to it, the list includes: Aconcagua in South America, Chomolungma in Asia, McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Puncak and Jaya in Oceania and Australia.
• There are also 22 glaciers on Elbrus, in which three Baksan and Malka originate.
• Sometimes from the top of Elbrus climbers can immediately see the Black and Caspian Sea. This depends on air pressure and temperature, due to which the viewing radius increases significantly.
• In 2008, Mount Elbrus was recognized as one of the

Starting from an altitude of 4000 meters, the steepness of Elbrus in some places reaches 35-40 degrees. There are steep areas up to 750 meters high.

Below the glaciers spread across the mountain alpine meadows, coniferous forests grow under them. The northern slope is more rocky.

Elbrus was formed more than a million years ago, before it was active volcano, and there is still debate about whether it has gone out or is just sleeping. The version of a dormant volcano is supported by the fact that hot masses are stored in its depths and heat thermal springs to +60 °C. The famous mineral waters of the resorts are born and saturated in the depths of Elbrus North Caucasus- Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentukov, Zheleznovodsk. The mountain consists of alternating layers of ash, lava and tuff. The last time the giant erupted was in 50 AD. e.

The climate of the Elbrus region is mild, humidity is low, making frosts easily tolerated. But the climate of the volcano itself is harsh, similar to the Arctic. The average winter temperature is from 10 degrees below zero at the foot of the mountain, to –25 °C at the level of 2000-3000 meters, and to –40 °C at the top. Precipitation on Elbrus is frequent and abundant, mostly snow.

In summer, the air warms up to +10 °C - up to an altitude of 2500 meters, and at an altitude of 4200 meters, even in July it does not get warmer than -14 °C.

The weather is very unstable: a clear, windless day can instantly turn into snowy storms with strong winds.

The history of the conquest of Elbrus

The thought of climbing legendary mountain Elbrus haunted many daredevils; neither the eternal snow nor the cold winds frightened them. Mountaineering in Russia began with the ascent of Elbrus. The first attempt to conquer the mountain was made in 1829 by an expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but of the entire group only the guide reached the eastern peak. After 45 years, the British, accompanied local guide succeeded in climbing the western peak.

The first map of the volcano was compiled by the Russian topographer Pastukhov, who conquered Elbrus without guides.

It is known about the Balkarian hunter Akhie Sattaev, who climbed the peaks of Elbrus 9 times, and he made his last ascent at the age of 121.

In Soviet times, the conquest of Elbrus became very prestigious, and mountaineering on its slopes became widespread.

Nowadays, Mount Elbrus is a Mecca for climbers, skiers and freeriders.

Skiing

Elbrus is considered the most skiable mountain in the world. You can enjoy winter sports in the Elbrus region from November to May, and some trails are available all year round. There are 35 kilometers of ski slopes and 12 kilometers of cable cars across the mountains. Both experienced skiers and beginners can ski on the slopes, for whom there are specially designated easy routes and training in skiing skills is organized. Favorite places For most skiers, the slopes of Mount Cheget are not inferior to the slopes of ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland and France.

In the public skiing area there are three lines of pendulum lifts, chairlifts and towing roads.

Those who wish can use the services of a high-mountain taxi - snowcats, which will take you to the “Shelter of the Eleven” or to the Pastukhov Rocks (4800 meters), which offer unparalleled views of the peaks of the Caucasus Range.

The Stary Krugozor resort invites lovers of long descents to the longest route of Elbrus, 2 kilometers long and with a height difference of 650 meters.

On the southern slopes of the mountain there is the Elbrus Azau resort, the routes of which are characterized by great freedom of movement - there are a minimum of nets and no dividers. The resort offers: rental of climbing equipment, sleds and snowmobiles, a ski school, snowcat ascent and helicopter flights.

Experienced snowboarders and skiers can ride from the eastern slope of Elbrus to the northern side of the mountain.

Freeride masters are transported by helicopter to untouched slopes, from where they race across the virgin snow at great speed.

At the foot of Elbrus, guests will find cafes, billiard rooms, and saunas. You can also have a snack at each station on the slopes of the mountain. In the village of Terskol there is a paintball area.

The ski season on the slopes of the five-thousander lasts from mid-November to April. It happens that solid snow cover remains on some routes until mid-May.

Video: Descent from the top of Europe / Expedition to Mount Elbrus

Mountaineering

Every year thousands of climbers and tourists storm the slopes of Elbrus. Thanks to the improvement of mountaineering equipment, anyone with acceptable physical fitness can visit the top of the mountain.

For those wishing to climb, routes are organized in different directions. Climbing Elbrus along the classic route with south side does not require special mountaineering training from tourists. People of average physical fitness can participate in this hike. Tourists can use the cable car that delivers the conquerors of Elbrus to the “Bochki” shelter, located at an altitude of 3750. Guests of the Caucasus can use the shelter’s restaurants, bars and hotels, where they can relax and refresh themselves before the rush to the top.

Northern route, passing along the path of the first ascent, is the same in difficulty. But, unlike the southern route, you will not encounter any shelters or a cable car along the road, which will add extreme excitement to the hike. The northern ascent will take more time, but as a reward you will receive unique views of the Caucasian nature, untouched by civilization.

The eastern ascent passes along the Akcheryakol lava flow and is accessible only to physically strong people. This route is considered the most beautiful.

The routes are designed in such a way that climbers have enough time to acclimatize.

The most favorable period for climbing is from May to October.

The cost of a ten-day tour is from 38,000 to 85,000 rubles. The price depends on the complexity of the route and the range of services provided, of which the following are obligatory: transfer from the airport of arrival and back, accommodation in a shelter or at the base, meals, instructor services. Additionally, the services of porters and cooks, equipment rental, and medical insurance may be paid for.

All participants in a successful climb are given a certificate “Conqueror of Elbrus”.

In addition to climbing and skiing, guests of the Elbrus region are offered paragliding, rock and ice climbing, mountain biking, heli-skiing, trekking, and kiteboarding. In summer, mountain biking is possible on the gentle slopes.

Attractions

A hike through the Chegem Gorge with its magnificent pine forests, harsh canyons and amazing waterfalls, falling from the cliffs.

The picturesque Baksan Gorge originates in the glaciers of Elbrus. If you have time, be sure to stroll through its green valleys framed by mighty snow-capped peaks. The gorge has its own attractions - the “Mourning Highlander” monument and a geophysical observatory that studies the Sun. In the Narzanov Glade you will see rusty earth - it became like this due to the abundance of iron in the water of local springs. On the slopes of the mountains you can find caves with traces of ancient people living in them.

The Djily-Su tract, located on the northern slope of Elbrus, is known for its healing mineral springs. Warm waters flow directly from the rock and are collected in an artificial bath, renewed every 10 minutes. Swimming is organized according to a schedule. Local narzans have a beneficial effect on the heart, nervous system, and cure some skin diseases and allergies. In total, there are 14 springs in the tract, each of which has its own specialization: “renal”, “eye”, “liver” and others. There are stunning waterfalls in Jili-Su - the famous forty-meter giant Sultan and Karakaya-Su, 25 meters high. The Valley of Castles, Valley of Stone Mushrooms and the German Airfield located in the tract are popular among tourists.

On Mount Cheget, at an altitude of 2719 meters, there is an observation deck where, sitting in rented sun loungers, you can admire the majestic nature North Caucasus. Those wishing to refresh themselves are met by the cafe "Ai".

At the Mir station, in the highest mountain museum in the world - the Elbrus Defense Museum, exhibitions will tell about the dramatic events of the Great Patriotic War. There is also a monument to the warrior-defenders of the North Caucasus.

50 kilometers from Nalchik, in the valley of the Cherek-Bolkarsky river, lie karst Blue Lakes fed from underground sources. It is worth coming here to admire their beauty. But even professional swimmers do not risk swimming in Lake Tserik-Kel - the circular current of the reservoir creates a whirlpool from which it is impossible to get out.

Accommodation

Hotels in the Elbrus region can be divided into three categories: those built in Soviet times; small semi-luxury hotels for 20-25 people; premium class hotels - modern boarding house "Elbrus", hotels "Ozone" and "Seven Peaks".

The Elbrus recreation center awaits guests in a pine forest on the banks of a mountain river near the village of Tegenekli. Hotel "Balkaria" is located on the slopes of Elbrus at an altitude of 2300 meters. A little higher, in the village of Terskol, there are the hotels “Vershina”, “Seven Peaks”, “Antau”.

For those making the climb, shelters have been built to meet climbers on the glaciers. At an altitude of 3,750 meters, you can spend the night and gain strength in the insulated trailers of the Bochki shelter. The more comfortable Liprus shelter welcomes guests at an altitude of 3911 meters. The highest mountain hotel in Russia, “Shelter of Eleven”, is located at an altitude of 4130 meters.

Prices for accommodation in hotels in the Elbrus region range from 1,000 to 8,000 rubles per double room per day, depending on the season and the class of the hotel. As a rule, the price includes two meals a day and transfer to the ski slopes.

Inexpensive housing offers private sector villages of the Elbrus region - Tegenekli, Elbrus and Terskol.

For tourists who want to climb to the peaks of Elbrus, both large companies with their own shelters on the slopes and single guides are available. Be careful when choosing your ascent organizer. Your safety will depend on the professionalism of your escort.

Be sure to find out in advance what clothes you will need and what items you need to take with you.

Participants in ascents of any difficulty must be prepared for the fact that unfavorable conditions await you on the way to the top of Elbrus. natural factors: cold, wind, thin air, increased solar radiation, sulfur dioxide emissions and lack of visibility in inclement weather. You will have to carry a heavy backpack and make long treks on foot. You will spend the night in tents and cook your own food at gas burners. Soberly assess your health to avoid accidents.

It is necessary to unquestioningly follow all the instructions of the guide. All controversial issues are discussed either before the ascent or after the descent.

The organizers of the ascent have the right to stop or shorten the tour for individual participants of the ascent or the entire group in the event of:

• Violations of safety and behavior rules in the mountains;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Failure to comply with public order standards;
• Disrespectful attitude towards nature and local residents.

Tourists aged 16 to 18 must provide written permission from their parents to climb. Children over 14 years old are allowed on simple routes together with their parents.

If you go to the mountains on your own, you must register with the local branch of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and have communication sources with you - a walkie-talkie or a cell phone. It is preferable to use the services of Beeline and Megafon operators; MTS does not always provide stable communication.

All climbers must have identification documents and a medical certificate with them.

How to get there

By train or plane to the cities of Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Cherkessk, from where to the right place A taxi or bus will take you to the Elbrus region. If you arrived with organized group, you will be provided with a transfer.

One of the “Seven Summits” of the world and Europe, the birthplace of Russian mountaineering, Mount Elbrus is a Mecca for skiers, freeriders, and athletes who storm the slopes. With proper physical training and appropriate equipment, the mountain giant can be conquered by almost everyone. It fills the rivers of the North Caucasus with life-giving melt water.

Location of Mount Elbrus

In the area where the border of the Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkarian republics is located, the “mountain of a thousand mountains” rises. This is what Elbrus is called in the Karachay-Balkar language. Geographical coordinates localities:

• latitude and longitude: 43°20′45″ N. latitude, 42°26′55″ e. d.;
• The Western and Eastern peaks reach a height of 5642 and 5621 m above sea level.

The peaks are located at a distance of three kilometers from each other. Below between them, at an altitude of 5416 m, there is a saddle, from where the final section of the ascent is overcome.

Characteristics of natural conditions

The age of the formed giant is more than 1 million years. It used to be an erupting volcano. His condition is currently unknown. Mineral water springs heated to +60 °C, gushing out of rocks, indicate a temporarily dormant volcano. The last eruption was in 50 AD. e.

The mountain is characterized by a harsh climate. In winter, temperatures range from -10 °C at the bottom to -25 °C at 2500 m, at the tops up to -40 °C. Heavy snowfalls are a common occurrence on Elbrus.

In summer, below an altitude of 2500 m, the air heats up to +10 °C. At 4200 m the July temperature is below 0 °C. The weather here is unstable: often a sunny, quiet day suddenly gives way to bad weather with snow and wind. The highest mountain in Russia shines dazzlingly in sunny days. In bad weather, it is shrouded in a gloomy fog of torn clouds.

The mountainous terrain of the Elbrus region - gorges, stone deposits, glacial streams, cascades of waterfalls. After the 3500 m mark on Mount Elbrus, there are glacial carts with lakes, slopes with a dangerous moraine, and many moving stones. The total area of ​​glacial formations is 145 km².

At 5500 m, the atmospheric pressure is 380 mmHg, half that on the ground.

Briefly about the history of the conquest

The first Russian scientific expedition to Elbrus was organized in 1829. The participants did not reach the summit; only the guide conquered it. 45 years later, a group of Englishmen, with the help of a guide, climbed the western peak of the highest mountain in Europe. Topographic map The area was first developed by the Russian military explorer Pastukhov, who climbed both peaks unaccompanied. During the years of Soviet power, the country developed sport mountaineering; conquering the peaks of the Caucasus was a matter of prestige.

The snowy, cold Mount Elbrus does not scare away enthusiasts. They spend their holidays not on crowded beaches, but on the way to a deserted peak to become stronger and more resilient. There is a well-known story about the Balkarian Akhie Sattayev, who made 9 ascents to the peaks, the last time at the age of 121.

Infrastructure, skiing

The complex of amenities and services is adequately developed only on the southern slope of Elbrus, where there are 12 km long cable cars, hotels, and landing pads for helicopters. The routes on the south side are minimally fenced and almost do not interfere with free movement. Lifts are used on busy routes. The total length of the slopes is 35 km. There are trails for both experienced athletes and beginners.

There is a ski school and rental of sports equipment. Climbing the slopes by snowcats (high-altitude taxis) is organized. Freeriders are lowered by helicopter onto the virgin slopes, from where they rush down at great speed.

The skiing season begins in mid-November and lasts until April. Sometimes snow lies densely on the slopes of the highest Mount Elbrus until May. Some areas are available to skiers all year round. Dombay (1600–3050 m) is the most attractive and prestigious Russian ski resort. Most skiers prefer the Cheget slopes, which rival European ski slopes. Co observation deck tourists enjoy the views of the surrounding nature, relax in the iconic cafe “Ai”, where the bard Yuri Vizbor often visited.

Tourists are offered glider flights and ice rock climbing. Snowcats will be raised to high slopes to show the panorama of the Caucasus. Photos and pictures of the area convey the austere beauty of the surrounding landscape. At the foot of the mountain, tourists are greeted by cafes, restaurants, billiard parlors, and saunas.

Description of the features of mountaineering

Even a few days in a mountain climate is a difficult test for an unprepared person. For beginners, it is advisable to begin the difficult journey to the top in mid-summer from the southern slope under the guidance of an experienced guide. Compliance with acclimatization deadlines and the availability of necessary equipment are mandatory. The climbing season lasts from May to September, sometimes until early October.

On Elbrus, routes in different directions have been developed. From the south, tourists travel part of the way up along cable car. With further ascent, acclimatization trips to closer heights are organized.

For recreation, shelters on glaciers are organized, for example, insulated shelter cars “Bochki” (3750 m) or the comfortable hotel “Liprus” (3912 m). Rest in the high-mountain hotel “Priyut 11” (4100 m) and acclimatization trips to the Pastukhov rocks (4700 m) strengthen the body and prepare tourists for the decisive push to the top.

The northern route is more difficult than the southern one, it is rocky and takes longer. Runs to eastern peak through the Lenz rocks (4600–5200 m). There is almost no service here, but adrenaline, extreme sports, and unique Caucasian landscapes without traces of civilization are provided. A stop is made at the Northern Shelter. The descent runs through the “stone mushrooms” and hot springs of the Djily-Su tract (2500 m) with a narzan pit, which is used in the summer as a bathtub.

The picturesque climb along the Akcheryakol lava flow is only accessible to physically strong athletes.

Excursion to Mount Elbrus

Professional guides and companies provide services to tourists who want to safely climb to the peaks and provide them with the necessary information. Participants in the climb should remember that Mount Elbrus presents surprises in the form of unpleasant natural phenomena:

• bad weather - cold, snow, wind, poor visibility;
• thin air, lack of oxygen;
• harmful ultraviolet radiation;
• presence of sulfur dioxide gases.

A tourist is expected hiking with a heavy backpack, spending the night in cold tents, lack of amenities. The ability to use an ice ax, walk together on an ice field, and obey discipline will be useful. It is necessary to objectively assess strength and health in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

How to get there

Stavropol resorts have regular rail and air connections with Russian cities. From here, regular buses run to the foothill region, minibuses, car rental is offered. Excursion groups are provided with transfer.

A train runs daily to Nalchik from Moscow's Kazansky railway station. Travel time is about 34 hours. From St. Petersburg the train goes only to Mineralnye Vody.

Regular buses from Moscow go to Nalchik and Mineralnye Vody, connected by bus service to the foothills.

Flights from Moscow operate to Nalchik and Mineralnye Vody, and from St. Petersburg to Nalchik - with a transfer.