Elbrus expeditions. Trekking and ski-touring in the Mount Elbrus area. Caucasus Mountains, Russia. Mt Elbrus climb. gb@geographicbureau.com phone: +7 812 230-45-76 Postal address: 197110, P.O. Box 162, St Petersburg, Russia

SKIING IN ELBRUS AREA

Winter Skiing The ski season is from mid-December to mid-April. Lifts operate from 9.00 to 16.00. Two sections of the cable car from Azau to Mir station and one section of the chairlift work all year round. Summer working hours are from 10.00 to 15.00.
 
Summer skiing is only possible on the slopes of Elbrus using the cable car to Mir station then to chairlift (if in working order) to Garabashi at 3800m. From here it is possible to ski down to Mir station till the end of June or later (depending on snow conditions). Above Garabashi skiing is possible throughout summer; snow cats will take skiers up to 4600m and the price depends on the numbers involved. Note that from Pastukhova Rocks up to 5000m slopes are wind blown and icy from winter till mid-spring making them dangerous for skiing.
 
Ski-touring It is possible to ski-tour all winter but the weather is really cold and stormy. The best season is mid-March - April. Spring touring is more pleasant (worm, good snow condition) but tends to be limited to north-facing slopes where snow lasts longer.
 
Heli skiing is possible from January to the end of April. The best time is mid-March - mid April. Helicopters are hired at Nalchik airport. Because of a lack of hut systems more remote ski-routes are best tackled with the assistance of a helicopter.
 
Facilities. Ski-shops do not exist and ski-hire is extremely limited. Only basic repairs can be carried out in the valley bases. It is important to be self-sufficient and the area is not suitable for beginners.