If you ever wondered what Kilimanjaro would be like fully covered in
glaciers, than visit Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain on the European
Continent, 5643m. (~18,500 ft).
My son and I climbed it last week in fine weather and with no problems.
The hardest part is that you are constantly slogging up wide snow fields
in your 'own private hell' from the altitude. but with fine views of the
Caucasus to keep your mind busy.
We used a Russia based company to organise everything, Ersh travels,
www.ersh.sp.ru They were very good and all our permits, stamps, passport
checks, passport re-checks went without hassle.
First day we took a chair lift across the valley for acclimisation and
great views of Elbrus. (Mount Cheget). Found a nice Skye like ridge to
scramble on as a bonus.
Then one takes 2 gondolas and a chair lift to the 'Barrels'. But the first
Gondola wasn't working, so we had an extra 1.5 hour walk from the valley
floor. The upper chair wasn't working either, so we paid a bit for a fun
snow cat ride! We camped above the Barrels on a lava flow. Afternoon was a
walk to the ruins of the Pruit 11 hut. Amazing tent city there! lots and
lots of people doing the peak, about 75 per day!
Next day we moved higher and walked to the Pat Rocks at 4600m. only about
2 hours with the heavy packs to move camp, then 1 hour walk to the Rocks.
And then summit day, our 4th mountain day! Cruised up the boring snow in a
steady altitude rhythm. I've got the hang of this now, although my son
kept pulling ahead. Light winds and not cold, which was lucky and soon we
were at the saddle between the summits. An intimidating final steep snow
slope where we almost raced each other for an altitude burn. and then we
were at the summit cone!
Had to wait 5 minutes to get access to the summit while others were taking
their photos. crowded place. 8-( Like the Ben in summer.
The valley clouds had built up so we couldn't see below, but were in
sunshine.
One more night in a tent at the high camp and then to the valley in only 2
hours the next morning.
That is my 6th of the 7 summits 8-)
(In fact, with my repeat of Kili, and if you count the Koz variation, I
have done 5 of these in the last 18 months).
A few other comments:
The Caucasus mountains look fantastic for walking and alpine climbing! we
did a 10 day round trip, but should have allowed at least another 4 days
to explore these fine mountains.
If the weather is good, anyone with a bunch of Munro experience in winter
and used to using plastic boots could do this.
There were lots and lots of groups from many countries. I thought it would
be quiet, but lots of people are going.
It was totally safe from the political/rebels/Georgia viewpoint.
Now back to the Corbetts ...
Rob
6/7