Mount Elbrus Express

Europe’s highest mountain, Mount Elbrus is located in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia. It is one of the famous Seven Summits. The mountain has two summits, its higher western summit stands at 18,510 ft and the eastern summit slightly lower. Little known outside of Eastern Europe, the peaks, glaciers and valleys of the Caucasus are as beautiful as the Swiss Alps. The route ascends gentle snow slopes to a saddle between the two summits and gains over 6,000 feet before reaching the western summit. Although the climb requires no previous climbing experience the ascent is long requiring good physical conditioning and the use of crampons and ice axe.

Our express climb begins in the city of Mineralnye Vody (meaning mineral waters) before heading to the small village of Azau located within the heart of the Baksan Valley near the base of Mount Elbrus. Our Southside express climb utilizes a series of chairlifts and a high mountain hut where you’ll enjoy delicious hot meals and comfortable accommodations prepared by our Russian cook. The Southside route allows us to climb Europe’s highest peak carrying only light daypacks. Our expedition also offers the option of using snow-cat support above Pastukhov Rocks to 16,000 feet on summit day.