Elbrus is what this mountain is. Russia. Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"

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 absolutely 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. We were able to set the date last eruption: This 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. The modern name of 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, gained at the cost of his life. 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 cried long 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 eastern part 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 kept 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

Geographical description

Name

Infrastructure

Climbing history

Elbrus(karach.-balk. Mingi Tau) - a mountain in the Caucasus, on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Elbrus is located north of the Main Caucasus Range and is the highest peak in Russia. Considering that the borders of the European part of the world are ambiguous, Elbrus is often called the highest European mountain. mountain peak.

Geographical description

Elbrus is a double-peaked volcanic cone. The Western peak has a height of 5642 m, the Eastern one - 5621 m. They are separated by a saddle - 5200 m and are approximately 3 km apart from each other. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD. e. ± 50 years.

According to the mountaineering classification, Elbrus is rated as 2A snow-ice, the passage of both peaks is 2B. There are others, more difficult routes, for example Elbrus (W) along the NW edge 3A.

Name

According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from the Iranian Aitibares - “high Mountain”, more likely - the Iranian “sparkling, brilliant” (like Elburs in Iran). The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - “storm” and buz - “ice”. The Armenian Alberis is probably a phonetic version of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the pan-Indo-European basis to which the toponym “Alps” goes back is not excluded.

Other names:

Mingi Tau - eternal mountain (Karachay-Balkar).
Elburus - wind guide (Nogai).
Askhartau - snowy mountain of the Ases (Kumyk).
Jin Padishah - king of mountain spirits (Turkic).
Albar (Albors) - tall; high mountain (Iranian).
Yalbuz - mane of snow (Georgian).
Oshkhamakho - mountain of happiness (Kabardian).
Uryušglyumos - mountain of the day.
Kuskamaf is a mountain that brings happiness.
Shat, Shat-mountain - Old Russian name (from Karach.-Balk. chat, chat- ledge, hollow, that is "mountain with a hollow")

Gorges

The gorges of Adylsu, Shheldy, Adyrsu, the Donguz-Orun and Ushba massifs are very popular among climbers and mountain tourists. Elbrus region - the most popular ski resort Russia.

Glaciers

total area Elbrus glaciers 134.5 km²; the most famous of them: Big and Small Azau, Terskol.

Infrastructure

Mainly concentrated on the southern slopes, where the pendulum and chairlifts are located cable car. The lifting height of the cable car is 3750 meters; here is the Barrels shelter, which consists of more than ten six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, this is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. At an altitude of 4000 m is located the highest mountain hotel “Shelter of Eleven”, which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of which the boiler room in given time A new building was rebuilt, also actively used by climbers. A number of residential 12-seater trailers and a kitchen have been installed. In the evenings, a diesel generator is organized to supply electricity to the trailers. At an altitude of 4600-4700 m the Pastukhov rocks are located. Above the Pastukhov rocks in winter there is an ice field. From an altitude of 5000, the so-called oblique shelf begins - a trail with a smooth climb. Standard route to the Western and Eastern peaks passes through the saddle. From the saddle, both peaks rise to a height of about 300 m.

Since 2007, work has been underway to build a rescue shelter (“Station EG 5300”) on the saddle of the mountain (height 5300 m). The shelter will be a geodesic dome hemisphere with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a gabion foundation. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, a base camp was prepared, and the design of the shelter began. In 2009, the dome structures were made, construction work began: gabions were erected by the expedition members, and the dome elements were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is planned for 2010.

On the northern side, the infrastructure is poorly developed and is represented by several huts on one of the moraines (at an altitude of about 3800 m), which are used by tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, this point is used for ascents to the Eastern Peak, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), which serve as a good reference point for all climbers.

Climbing history

In 1813, Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky first determined the height of Elbrus (5421 m).

The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in 1829 during an expedition led by General G. A. Emmanuel, head of the Caucasian fortified line. The expedition was of a scientific nature (the Elbrus expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences was organized from Pyatigorsk, which is recorded in Diana’s grotto; see also Mountaineering in pre-revolutionary Russia), its participants were: academician Adolf Kupfer - geophysicist, geologist, founder of the Main Physical Observatory in St. Petersburg , physicist Emilius Lenz, zoologist Eduard Minetrier, founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer, who later became an academician and director of the botanical garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe-Marco) Bernardazzi, Hungarian scientist Janos Besse. The auxiliary service of Emmanuel's expedition consisted of 650 soldiers and 350 line Cossacks, as well as local guides.

Kupfer, Lenz, Meyer, Minetrier, Bernardazzi, 20 Cossacks and guides took part directly in the ascent. However, lack of experience and poor quality of climbing equipment forced most of the participants to turn back. Only four continued the further ascent: Emilius Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and two people from the group of guides - Hilar Khachirov and Akhiya Sottaev. At an altitude of about 5300 m, due to lack of strength, Lenz and his two accompanying men were forced to stop. First on eastern peak At about 11 o'clock in the morning on July 10, 1829, the Karachay (according to other sources - Kabardian) guide Hilar Khachirov got up. This event was marked by a rifle salute in the camp, where General Emmanuel watched the ascent through a powerful telescope.

At the location of the camp, a memorial inscription was carved on one of the stones ( below and in Fig.), the location of which was lost over time. It was discovered by Soviet climbers already in the 20th century (by chance, 103 years later - it was hidden under centuries-old layers of lichens).

During the reign of All-Russian Emperor Nicholas I, the Commander of the Caucasian Line, General of the Cavalry, Georgy Emanuel, camped here from July 8 to July 11, 1829;

With him were his son, Georgy, 14 years old, academicians sent by the Russian government: Kupfer, Lenz, Menetrie and Meyer, as well as the Official of the Mining Corps Vansovich, Mineralnye Vody Architect Ios. Bernardazzi and the Hungarian traveler Iv. Besse.

The Academicians and Bernardazzi, leaving the camp located 8,000 feet (i.e. 1,143 fathoms) above the sea surface, entered Elbrus on the 10th to 15,700 feet (2,243 fathoms), the peak of which was 16,330 feet (2,333 fathoms) was reached only by the Kabardian Hilar.

Let this modest stone pass on to posterity the names of those who first paved the way to reaching the now considered inaccessible Elbrus!

The first successful ascent of the western, most high peak, was accomplished in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by F. Grove and a participant in the first ascent, Balkar guide A. Sottaev.

The first person to climb both peaks of Elbrus is considered to be the Russian military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. In 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks of the Khopersky regiment, he climbed its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, he conquered the eastern one. Pastukhov was also the first to map the peaks of Elbrus.

In August 1974, three completely standard (without winches and traction chains) UAZ-469 vehicles reached a glacier on Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 4000 meters during a test run.

Now Elbrus is very popular for climbing, both in mountaineering and mountain tourism.

Elbrus during the Great Patriotic War

Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which units of the German mountain rifle division “Edelweiss” also participated. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of the Eleven mountain bases, German alpine riflemen managed to install German banners on the western peak of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the Wehrmacht was knocked out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where Soviet flags were hoisted.

Reaching dizzying heights 5642 m above sea level, Elbrus is the highest mountain peak not only in our country, but also in Europe.

The height of the mountain was determined by the Russian academician Vikenty Vishnevsky in 1813.

Photo: shutterstock.com 3

The name of the highest point of our country in the Karachay-Balkar language sounds like “Mingi Tau” - “mountain of a thousand mountains,” which emphasizes its incredibly huge size.

Different peoples call Elbrus in their own way, so the mountain has more than ten names. Some of the most beautiful: “Jin-padishah” - “lord of spirits” in Turkic, “Yalbuz” - “snow mane” in Georgian, “Orfi-tub” - “mountain of the blessed” in Abkhazian.

Photo: shutterstock.com 5

Elbrus is a stratovolcano (layered volcano). This means that it is conical in shape and made up of many solidified layers of lava, tephra and volcanic ash.

The location of the mountain is the Caucasus (borders of the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria). In addition, Elbrus is located on geographical border Europe and Asia (which is quite controversial).

Photo: shutterstock.com 7

It is included in the list of the “Seven Summits” - the highest mountains in six parts of the world. Vulcan takes the lead in Europe. Moreover, if we assume that Elbrus is located in Asia, the European leadership is given to the Mont Blanc mountain with a height of 4810 m, located in the Western Alps on the border of France and Italy.

Elbrus is considered inactive volcano, because the last eruption was more than 5 thousand years ago. Some scientists consider it extinct, while others consider it to be fading. And MSU experts say that Elbrus may wake up already in this century, but not earlier than in 50 years.

Photo: shutterstock.com 9

And the mountain has two peaks. They are separated by a saddle with a height of 5300 m. The western peak reaches 5642 m, the eastern one - 5621 m. The distance between them is about 3000 m.

Basically, Elbrus has gentle slopes and is characterized by comparative ease of ascent. Starting from an altitude of 4000 m, the average angle of inclination increases to 35°. Sheer rocky areas up to 700 m high are located on the northern and western slopes, while the eastern and southern slopes- more even and flat.

There are 23 glaciers on the mountain, the melt water of which feeds some of the most big rivers Caucasus and Stavropol Territory: Baksan, Malku and Kuban.

Staying on the top of Elbrus, you have the opportunity to see the Caspian and Black Sea simultaneously. The viewing radius depends on many climatic parameters: temperature, pressure, etc. Well, the weather on the mountain can change in an instant.

Photo: pikabu.ru 13

The most favorable time for climbing Elbrus is from July to August: it is during these days that the weather on the mountain is in the most stable condition. Well, conquering the peak in winter period(from October to April) is equivalent to suicide.

Elbrus was conquered on a motorcycle, in a car (Land Rover Defender 90), with a 75-kilogram barbell, by disabled climbers and even by Karachai horses!

Photo: auto.mail.ru 15

Since 1989, annual championships in high-speed climbing to the top of the volcano have been held. Thus, in 2015, Russian climber Vitaly Shkel set a world record - 3 hours 28 minutes 41 seconds (climbing the western peak of Elbrus from the Azau clearing).

Today, LeapRus is considered the highest mountain hotel in Europe, built in 2014 at an altitude of 3900 m. Well, a little higher, at the level of 4100 m, are the remains of the legendary “Shelter of the Eleven”.

Height (meters): 5642

It is located in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, in the side ridge of the Greater Caucasus. The highest point in Europe. Height 5642 m, possible routes 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A.

Elbrus is the highest point in Russia and Europe and is included in the list of the highest peaks in the world. It is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Mount Elbrus is an extinct stratovolcano. In the Elbrus area there are still hot springs, heated by the depths of the mountain to 60°C. The last eruptions were around 50 AD. Elbrus consists of layers of ash, lava and tuff, alternating with each other. There are more than 80 glaciers on the slopes of Elbrus, the most significant of them: Terskol, Bolshoi Azau, Irik. Elbrus glaciers feed the largest rivers of the Caucasus - Baksan, Kuban, Malka. The Elbrus area has a well-developed infrastructure, so every year thousands of tourists, climbers, skiers, hikers, and just vacationers and “adventurers” come here, attracted by the phrase “the highest point in Europe.” Elbrus has two peaks: Eastern, 5621 meters high, and Western, 5642 meters high. The saddle between the peaks is about 5300 meters high, now there is a small rescue hut on it.

Climbing routes

These days, thousands of tourists, both Russian and foreigners, climb Elbrus. There are many routes to Elbrus, from relatively simple ones, accessible for an averagely trained person with little climbing experience (1B), to intermediate-level routes (3A). The easiest route to the mountain is from , its category is 1B; during the season there is a path to the top, carefully marked with poles. The markers remain from the annual Red Fox Elbrus Race.

Infrastructure is well developed from the south; you can climb to a height of 3750 meters (Gara-Bashi station) by cable car. Most climbers start from here, or from the former shelter of the Eleven (altitude 4050 meters). You can climb to a height of 4800 meters by snowcat. Then on a snowmobile you can get almost to the beginning of the slanting shelf (5000 meters), depending on the condition of the route and the courage of the driver. The next most popular route is from. One of the experienced climbers, now good guide, said: “When I got to the northern slope of Elbrus 30 years ago in the fall, I felt like I was on the Moon. And on its back side. And now there are a lot of people there. Such is life..." Indeed, climbing Elbrus from the north leaves completely different impressions. It’s not just the much smaller number of people on the route compared to the south. The nature and atmosphere there are completely different. Volcanic landscapes will not leave even experienced traveler. You can only get to an altitude of just over 2000 meters. Further ascent is carried out on your own. Along the way, at an altitude of 3800 - 3900 meters, you will meet huts of various companies. There are other routes to Elbrus that are technically more interesting and less populated: , . On these routes, as a rule, there are no crowds of tourists, there are not so many shelters, much less lifts and snowcats, there is only you and the mountain! This is an ideal option to enjoy nature, overcome yourself, find out what you are capable of and truly climb to the highest point in Europe.

How to get there

From South

The nearest airport is in Mineralnye Vody. By train you can get to the cities of Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Cherkessk. Then by road to the villages in the Elbrus region: Baksan, Elbrus, Cheget, or directly to the Azau clearing.

From North

From the north, under the slope of Elbrus, a new good road, you can get there by any car. From Kislovodsk through the village of Kichbalyk, then we pass the Narzan Valley and the Kharbaz River. The road goes to the Jilisu springs, then to the base camp in the Emmanuel clearing there is a walking trail of about 2 km. Or you can get to the Emmanuel clearing itself by all-terrain vehicle.

From the west

The road to the western slope ends in the village of Khurzuk, then there is a dirt road accessible only to off-road vehicles. It leads to the Djilisu springs (not to be confused with the northern Djilisu, these are different springs, but have the same name), from where the walking part of the route begins.

From the east

The route starts from the village of Elbrus. Move along the Irikchat gorge to the eastern edge, along which you reach the Eastern peak.

Infrastructure

In the south, in the area of the Baksan Gorge, the infrastructure is relatively well developed. There are many hotels and hotels in the Azau, Cheget, Terskol meadow area. There is no shortage of cafes, canteens, and restaurants. Good distance to Azau clearing highway, a cable car leads from Azau to an altitude of 3750 meters. On the mountain itself, not far from the Gara-Bashi station (3750 meters), there is the Bochki shelter. Currently, this is one of the main starting places for climbers. In 2001, the restoration of the Shelter of Eleven (4050 meters) that burned down in 1996 began. Not far from it there is a row of residential 12-seater trailers and a kitchen. In the evenings, a generator runs to supply electricity to the trailers. The duty workers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are located at the same height. At an altitude of 3900 meters, the highest mountain hotel in Europe, LeapRus, was built, which accommodates up to 40 people.

Seasonality and weather conditions

The Elbrus region has a fairly mild climate and low humidity. But on the mountain itself the climate is harsh, arctic. in winter average temperature near the top it can reach -40°С, at an altitude of 2000-3000 meters up to -25°С, at the foot of the mountain - 10°С. In addition to this, there may be hurricane-force winds (you are at the highest point in the area!). Above 4000 meters, even in summer, the average daily temperature can drop below -10°C, but you need to understand that there is a significant difference between day and night temperatures. In addition, conditions can vary greatly throughout the day. You can feel comfortable on the saddle in only thermal underwear in sunny, windless weather, and literally half an hour later, when the weather turns bad, you can struggle intensely for life, hiding in all your puffers and masks. At the foot, the average daily air temperature in summer is +10°C. In winter, in addition to extremely low temperatures and winds, a significant part of the slope above four thousand meters can be covered with hard winter ice, which makes the climb even more difficult and dangerous.

Climbing history

The first successful ascent to the eastern peak of Elbrus was made during a military-scientific expedition led by General Georgy Emmanuel, it was attended by outstanding scientists of the 19th century: Professor Adolf Kupfer - founder of the Main Geophysical Observatory of St. Petersburg, physicist Emilius Lenz, (author of the subject studied at school) Lenz's law"), zoologist Eduard Minetrier - founder of the Russian Entomological Society, botanist Karl Meyer (who later became an academician and director of the botanical garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences), artist-architect Joseph (Giuseppe Marco) Bernardazzi (who made the first image of Elbrus), Hungarian traveler Janos Besse. The ascent was carried out from the northern side of Elbrus from the upper reaches of the Malka River. On July 22, 1829, one of the expedition guides, Killar Khashirov, climbed to the Eastern Peak; as proof of his visit to the peak, he brought a piece of basalt with greenish veins. Emilius Lenz was able to reach only a height of approximately 5300 meters, and remained at the rocks, later called the Lenz rocks, from where he saw a Balkar guide in the area of the peak. The first ascent to the western peak was made in 1874 by a group of English climbers led by Florence Grove and guide A. Sottaev, a member of General Emmanuel’s expedition.

Sights of the area

Skiing

There are two ski resorts on the slopes of Elbrus: Elbrus-Azau and Cheget. They operate from November to May, and only some trails are open year-round. The difficulty of the trails varies: from the simplest to complex long trails for professional athletes. Training is provided for those interested. In addition to the cableways, you can use the services of snowcats, they will take you to a height of up to 4800 meters, to the Shelter of the Eleven or to the Pastukhov Rocks to admire the amazing views of the Caucasus ridge.

Ski complex Elbrus Azau

The cable cars of the complex begin in the Azau clearing. Currently, there are two stations: the old pendulum and the new gondola. The cable cars run parallel to each other in two lines. The third stage of the gondola car is under construction, and sometimes a single-chair cable car operates there.

Ski resort Cheget

The Cheget ski complex is known for its most difficult slopes. Cheget also attracts many skiers and snowboarders with its black slopes; there are truly limitless opportunities for freeride and backcountry. There are no snowcats on Cheget; the slope of the trails is from 20° to 45°. The height of Mount Cheget is 3700 meters, the cable car reaches a height of 3050 meters, the elevation difference on the routes is 1140 meters.

Lift tariffs

Day pass - 800 rubles, One-time excursion lift - 500 rubles.

More detailed information O ski resorts can be found on the website

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