guided mountain adventure
This is a 10-day ski expedition into the heart of the mighty Caucasus Range. Nestled between the Caspian and the Black Sea, it's a seriously wild place!
The trip combines some excellent ski-touring with the possibility of an ascent of the highest summit in Europe - Elbrus (5642m).
| Dates | Accommodation | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sat 10 May 14 - Mon 19 May 14 |
9 nights |
£2,095 |
In April and May snow conditions are usually excellent and the surroundings are majestic and virtually undeveloped. We start with some superb day touring in the Adyr-Su and Baksan valley before attempting the Elbrus ascent which, with the right weather conditions, is relatively straightforward with crampons and ice-axes required on the icy upper slopes.
Day 1
Fly to Moscow and on to Mineralnye Vody, just to the north of the Caucasus range. The group will be met at the airport and taken to a local hotel.
Day 2
From Mineralnye Vody it is a 3-4 hour journey (180kms) by road to the Ullu Tau Lodge in the Adyr-Su Valley. This will be your base for the next 5 days. We start the trip with a first ski tour in the afternoon.
Day 3-5
Early starts for day tours around this spectacular area returning each night to the refuge.
The main Baksan valley has many smaller valleys leading off it and there is good access to some beautiful peaks. The twin peaks of Elbrus dominates the range and is visible for much of the time.
Most days are 6-7 hours with ascents of Tchotchat Peak (3870m), Koiavgan Pass (3500m), Mestia (4100m) and Gumatchi Peak (3810m) planned. These tours provide excellent acclimatization for the Elbrus ascent later in the programme. Average daily height gain is between 750 and 1800m.
Day 6
Rest day. Travel by road into the Baksan valley and to the Nakra Hotel. If you are feeling energetic, you may wish to ascend Cheget Karabashi 3400m or ski using the Cheget chairlift system.
Day 7
Ascend to the Garabashi Huts (3800m). Overnight in the ‘barrels', (large Nissan huts).
Day 8
Acclimatization ascent up (950m) to the Pastukhov rocks (4750m) where there are spectacular views including Ushba, the ‘Matterhorn of the Caucasus'. Return to the "Barrels" overnight.
Day 9
Summit day: an early 4am start for the 8-10 hour ascent of Elbrus (5642m). This is a long ascent up vast, windswept ice fields. Return to Cheget to celebrate the ascent.
Day 10
Travel to Mineralnye Vody. Fly to Moscow. Evening flight to London.
We will make every endeavour to carry out the above itinerary but alterations may have to be made owing to weather and snow conditions.
A snow cat can be taken from the barrels to Postokov rocks on summit day. This takes you about 900m up the mountain and is STRONGLY advised for all teams unless you are very well acclimatised and have excellent fitness. The cost is about €450 split between the team.
The price includes all accommodation (except in Moscow if required), all meals (except in Moscow), all guide fees & expenses, all uplift costs and local travel and transfers
The price does not include flights to Moscow/Min Vody, accommodation in Moscow (if required), equipment hire, personal insurance, bar bills, optional excursions, visa fees.
The UK government recommend against all but essential travel to the North Caucasus area of the Russian Federation. This is due to its proximity to areas (Dagestan, Chechnya) that have seen terrorist activity in recent years. After not running trips in 2010 and 2011 we returned with a group in 2012 as the security situation in the region has improved with more international travellers visiting the area.
The price is based on a minimum group size of 5 or more. The price for a group of 4 (minimum number) is £2,395.
4 nights are spent in the Ullu Tau lodge on HB basis in twin rooms. 2 nights in a hotel in Cheget (HB/Twin rooms) and 2 nights are spent in the 'barrels' on Elbrus. These are basic mountain huts (4-5 people in a 5-bed hut). Food whilst basic is generally nourishing with meat (lamb) and borscht being the staple diet.
The group will be accompanied from the UK by one of Mountain Tracks' IFMGA mountain guides who will assist the local Russian guides and be responsible for ensuring the trip runs smoothly.
Our partners in Russia are Nikolai Shustrov and his team from Top Sport Travel in St Petersburg who will lead the tour when in the Caucasus. They are amongst the best guides on Elbrus and as well as being expert skiers and accomplished mountaineers they speak English and are very friendly!
For the Elbrus ascent you will need a kit bag or large rucksack to carry your equipment for 3-4 days in the barrels. We usually get a snowcat to transport the bags, food and beer up to the barrels so weight is not too much of an issue. The only consideration is in case of very bad weather you might need to ski down with your bag (a 10 minute blue run), so make sure it has rucksack type straps.
A medium to heavyweight duvet jacket is essential and insulated Primaloft trousers are also useful ((not essential) on cold days.
Hiking / trekking boots for travelling to huts and walking between the barrels etc
Ski poles with large touring baskets
Thin Thermarest / Insulated mat - to bolster the mattresses in the barrels!
Two water bottles 1L preferably one with an insulated cover. Avoid platypus / camelbak style systems as they freeze.
High factor sun and lip cream 30+
Money - Euros can be exchanged everywhere and there are ATM machines in all the towns we visit.
What a brilliant trip! Thanks to to everyone for your great company. I hope you have survived the first day back in reality... A special thanks to Matt & Igor for showing us the way and keeping us safe...and engineering 2 summit days - phew! It would be great to keep in touch with you all and maybe see you on another trip.
There are no direct flights from Europe to Min Vody. From the UK and Europe, the best route is via Moscow where a connecting flight can be taken to Min Vody. You'll be met at Min Vody airport and transferred in private vehicles to the Ullu Tau Lodge. At the end of trip you'll be transferred back to MinVody for the return flight to Moscow and your connecting flights home.
The guideline price for return flights from London (or Geneva) to Min Vody is £580-600.
A visa is required for entry into Russia. This should be obtained in the UK prior to departure. PLEASE NOTE: obtaining a Russian visa is a long tedious process and needs to be done well in advance - we suggest at least 6 weeks and attention to detail when completing the on line form is essential to avoid any unnecessary delays. Invitations and vouchers will be supplied by Mountain Tracks. If your budget allows, using a specialist visa company such as Visa Swift or Action Visas can make the process more tolerable.
I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.
I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.
This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Alpine Ski Tours.
During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities – running cold water, European-style toilets, dormitory-style accommodation. All the huts provide ‘hut slippers’ – these days they are usually crocs - and so you will not need to carry additional footwear.
Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag at your first hotel ready for your return on the final night.
We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day ski touring, try taking your pack out on the slopes before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘skiing light’.
If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.
When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think lightweight, comfortable and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep out the chill to warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucsac. Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands have suitable clothing for backcountry skiing.
to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Although we do recommend helmets for off-piste skiing, for ski touring they are not essential and actually can be a hindrance – they are hot, heavy and you can’t hear very well when wearing it
a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name!
made of breathable material (Gore-tex or equivalent) with an excellent hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than a padded jacket and you supplement this with some good quality thermal base and mid layer tops following the principle of layering – i.e. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity
For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (longjohns). These can then be combined with either
in a goretex fabric (such as the Berghaus Couloir pant) or
together with a pair of lightweight, breathable overtrousers with long side zips
Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Icebreaker and Smartwool. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
2-3 thin fleeces rather than fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell
an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility
good quality goretex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell gloves for when it is hot and for skinning in
if you feel the cold
Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs
a light and comfortable shirt to change into once you get to the huts. Most huts sell their own t-shirts, so save weight and have a souvenir at the same time!
For our alpine ski tours we recommend an all-mountain touring ski that isn’t too heavy. A really lightweight ski comes at a cost to performance on the descents so are only recommended for really good off-piste skiers with a strong interest in ski touring.
There are plenty of great skis to choose from and here are 4 recommendations
a light touring ski which skis well in all conditions, 80mm underfoot
very easy to ski, lightweight for the uphills! 80mm underfoot
a very light uphill ski for expert ski tourers, 75mm underfoot
a good all round touring ski, 88mm underfoot
If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing then these are great recommendations. If you are going to be renting skis then these models are not always available in every shop but you will be able to rent something similar by another manufacturer that will work just as well.
Garmont and Scarpa lead the field in touring boots and we recommend
Lightweight Touring Boots (ideal for good skiers)
both 3 buckle boots which are light but good to ski in
very light, great to walk in but you lose a bit of performance - dedicated tourers only!
top choice! Awesome performance for skiing and pretty light. Particularly suitable for a narrow foot
this is the very light, 3 buckle version and is equally good to ski in but 400g lighter
Heavier Ski Tourers
both great downhill performers but not that light – ideal for fit but less adept skiers!
again both great downhill but rather heavy for the uphills
These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf¹ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
Fritschi lead the way here with their Diamir bindings, Marker have produced 2 touring bindings the Duke and the Barron which both work very well but are quite heavy. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the Dynafit “pin” binding system; they are very light, offer excellent security despite their minimalist looks!
We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks.
cut to fit exactly to your skis. Bring some duct tape in case of sticking problems
general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick, keep it short (50cm)
lightweight aluminum alloy crampons are suitable for this tour and are a great weight saver compared to steel crampons
most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding.
a simple lightweight harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots and crampons
most of our guides use and recommend the BCA Tracker although other digital models are entirely suitable
now compulsory in most huts
good quality with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
good quality with 100% UV protection
35-40 litre (2100-2400 cubic inches) with straps for carrying skis
we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they have a tendency to freeze
with small personal first aid items ie any medications, wet wipes, blister kit. The guide will carry comprehensive set for all other needs
Most huts have limited washing facilites
lightweight and carry spare batteries
optional. Your guide will have these
with a large capacity memory card
most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not the alpine huts. You should allow about 25-30 Swiss francs or €15-20 per day for lunch and drinks
for gear that is not required on the tour – can be left in your first hotel and collected on return
Please note that your guide will have a few “spares” and other saftey items that he or she will ask the group to carry between them; so leave a small space in your sack for an item e.g. spare skin, spare ski pole, emergency shelter
At 5,642m Mt Elbrus is the highest point in Europe (and one of the 7 summits - the highest points on each of the continents). Elbrus is in the heart of the mighty Caucasus Range which runs for over 1,200km from the Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east. The mountain itself is about 1,000m higher than any of the neighbouring mountains and thus dominates the landscape like no other.
The best route into the area is to fly to Moscow (or St Petersburg) and take an internal flight to Mineralnye Vody airport (aka MinVody), which is connected by a network of roads with valleys on the northern slopes of the Caucasus. The journey time by road from MinVody to our first base is about 4 hours.
For several years the UK government has recommended against all but essential travel to the North Caucasus area of the Russian Federation (valid as at August 2012). This is due primarily to its proximity to areas such as Dagestan, Ingushetia and Chechnya that have seen terrorist activity in the past.
In February 2011 there was a fatal hijacking of a car carrying tourists from Moscow in which 3 people died. At the same time there was a bomb attack on a cable car in the area. The attacks have been blamed on Islamist terrorists.
If you are planning a trip to this region we strongly recommend you seek advice before travelling.
A visa is required for entry into Russia. This should be obtained prior to departure. Allow a minimum of 4 weeks for the visa application process. The cost for a single-trip tourist visa costs between £30 and £130. (Depending on the visa service, speed of delivery, etc).
250 York Road, London
SW11 3SJ, United Kingdom
info@mountaintracks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 2978
Fax: +44 (0)20 7905 0921
