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Elbrus

The highest mountain of Europe. The highest adventure of Europe – also on Skis.

Our Elbrus expeditions will not be carried out until further notice.

This travel covers everything you could wish for. Divers in every way, with a unique 5000er and a region with lots of historical background. In the beginning our journey leads us from Moskau to Mineralny Vody (mineral water) in the northern Kaukasus. On the first 3 days, we will do a few lift-supported acclimatization tours in order to have the ability to ascent in two days over the classic southern route to the summit of Mt. Elbrus where magnificent views as far as to the ocean await us. The Elbrus is the perfect mountain to start the Seven Summits – close to Europe, e relatively moderate height and only 9 days of expedition until you can strike off the first of the Seven Summits from your bucket list.

Since Mt. Elbrus is a unique experience as a ski tour, we offer a special spring date for a ski touring ascent – don’t miss it.

Info Elbrus:

Mt. Elbrus is a non-activ, strongly glaciated stratovolcano with two peaks, situated in the western Caucasus region. His massive ice cap nourishes 22 glaciers. The western peak (main peak) is 5642 m, the eastern peak 5622 m high, which makes the Elbrus the highest mountain of Russia. The generally accepted geographical border between Europe and Asia runs along the main ridge of the Ural Mountains and the Caucasian watershed. Because of its higher altitude and location just north of Caucasus main ridge, the Elbrus is considered the highest mountain and the highest volcano of Europe which also makes him one of the Seven Summits and the Volcanic Seven Summits.

Still, some theories define the Kum-Manytsch flatlands, south of the Caucasus, as the border between Asia and Europe. According to this theory the Elbrus lies in Asia, which would make the Mont Blanc (France) the highest mountain of Europe.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort sophisticated

Highlights:

  • Highest mountain and highest volcano of Europe
  • Lift-supported acclimatization
  • Permanent support by an English speaking mountain guide

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule might be subject to changes, due to weather and snow conditions on-sight. Furthermore we are traveling in a remote and politically sensitive region, where governmental or environmental restrictions may occur unexpected and can lead to travel restrictions.

The following schedule is planned: 

1. Day: Arrival at Mineralnye Vody Airport between 10 AM – 2 PM and meeting with our local representative at the airport. Transfer by private bus (approx. 4 hours) to the mountain hotel Snezhny Bars (Snow Leopard) at the foot of Mt. Cheget and very close to Elbrus. You will have the possibility to rent equipment, which you will need for the next days. In the evening you will have a nice dinner together with your team colleagues and your guide. Overnight stay at the hotel.

2. Day: It’s time for our first short acclimatization hike up to the cable car station Cheget-3 (3000 m) and further to Mt. Cheget or Terskol Peak (3150 m), depending on your physical condition and the weather. This is the last day before you leave the valley. After the hike there is another possibility to visit the equipment store together with your guide to rent things you might need. Overnight stay at the hotel.

3. Day: Today we move to the mountain hotel Cheeper Azau, located at an altitude of 3000 m. near the cable car station Old Horizon (“Staryy Krugozor”). As the mountain hotel is next to the ski lift, you can take all your stuff with you and store things there, which you will not need on the mountain. An overnight stay in this altitude is very important, as it helps your body to get a smooth acclimatization. After lunch we will make another acclimatization hike to the highest cable car station in Europe – the Gara-Bashi (3847 m) or to the Mir station (3455 m), depending on the weather. Overnight stay in the hotel Cheeper Azau.

4. Day: An additional day in this altitude with another acclimatization hike (depending on the weather and physical condition of the group) will help your body to get used to the thinner air. Overnight stay in the hotel Cheeper Azau.

5. Day: Let’s go one step higher. Today we climb with the cable car to one of our comfortable and modern mountain huts: Heart of Elbrus hut (3850 m) or Natspark hut (4000 m). Both huts are located very close to Gara Bashi station. After reaching the hut, we leave our bags there, put on our climbing equipment and make another acclimatization trip to the Pastukhov rocks (4800 m). Overnight at the hut.

6. Day: Today we have some time to do some ice and snow training not far from the mountain hut. After that you will have lots of time to relax and get some new energy for the upcoming summit push. Overnight at the hut.

7. Day: Summit day! We rise early at midnight or 2-3 am because a long and exhausting day awaits us (9-11 hours). We can either start our ascent directly at the hut (approx. 3850 m -4000 m ) or rent a snowcat to bring us up to Pastuchov Rocks and start from there. Snowcats are not included in the price, but can be rented on spot, if required. (Please note: It is decided by the group, if you rent a snow cat or try the ascent without any help of the snow cat).
If we are lucky with the weather, we are able to see the Black and the Caspian Sea from the summit. After the summit we descend back to the hut at 4000 m or 3850 m, where we will also spend the night.

8. Day: Extra day (in case of bad weather). If this is our summit day, we have to descend to the valley the same evening. If we have already reached the summit the day before, we will descend to the valley today and have time for some extra activities. In the evening we will have a nice dinner and celebrate our summit. Overnight stay in the hotel.

9. Day: Drive to Mineralnye Vody Airport early in the morning (6.30 – 7.30am) to catch your return flight. Your flight should leave at 11:30 or later.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Whole organization of the travel
  • accomodation according to our program
  • double room in hotel / multi-bed room on huts
  • All transfers according to the program
  • Summit and climbing permits
  • Lift tickets
  • Permanent support by an English speaking mountain guide
  • Half- and full-board during the whole travel (except on flight days)
  • First aid equipment, high altitude emergency medicine
  • All fees and permits
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

help_outline  Optional:

  • Single room Supplement € 150 (only possible for hotel Snezhny Bars)

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International flights to/from Mineralnye Vody
  • Visa for Russia (members have to apply in time at the Russian embassy at the home country)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Snowcat support
  • Tips
  • Private transfers from/to airport for other flight times
  • Personal insurance
  • Personal mountain- and climbing-equipment
  • Personal expenses of all kind
  • Costs that arise due to premature cancellation of the expedition, all additional costs during an unpredicted stay at the camps
  • All not specifically mentioned included services

info  General Infos

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

Note: In this trip, Furtenbach Adventures will act as an intermediary. We reveal the terms and conditions of the tour operator Elbrustours, whose travel, cancellation and liability conditions are fully met. Address: 3, Podolskoe shosse, Moscow, 115093, Phone: +7 (926) 924 7948

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) at “Europäische Reiseversicherung AG[European Travel insurance].

For this journey the insurance package “Annual-Complete+Cover” would be suitable. We’re happy to provide you with an individual offer after the booking of the trip or on request.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Russia:
The passport must be valid at least 6 months longer than the granted visa. Each participant needs to apply for a visa to enter Russia at the embassy in your home country early enough. The processing can take a few weeks. The required letter of invitation will be sent by Furtenbach Adventures after booking.

To enter Russia a travel health insurance is necessary.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work Equipment

You need to bring your own personal equipment and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 5 degrees celsius. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the participant‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

how_to_reg  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of a high mountain! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in one of our Seven Summit expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH (https://www.furtenbachadventures.com/en/service/gtc/, item II. 7.).
The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.