Adventure Alternative - Mount Elbrus Brochure

Adventure Alternative offered an expedition to Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in the Caucasus and in Europe at an elevation of 18,481'. A fine ascent requiring basic mountaineering skills, the climb combined high altitude and unpredictable weather to create a challenging and adventurous trip, alongside the full experience of Russian culture, history and character.

The Climb

Standing between the great masses of Europe and Asia, Mount Elbrus is dynamic in both region and terrain. The ascent by the normal route is a long climb over a moderate incline that requires good acclimatisation but has no technical difficulties. Despite this apparent simplicity, the route can be dangerous, with altitude, variable weather, frequent violent storms and low temperatures transforming the ascent into a real higher altitude adventure.

A Journey Through Russia

The expedition begins in Moscow, the commercial and political focus of life in Russia. The journey takes climbers into areas that have undergone great change and transformation following the break-up of the USSR. There is optional time to explore Moscow on return, including:

• Red Square
• The Kremlin
• The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Expert Guiding and Safety

Adventure Alternative has a sister organisation called Russian Adventures, based in Moscow, which handles all the bureaucratic details to ensure a problem-free trip. The chief guide and interpreter is Sasha Lebedev, whose knowledge of the region, history and culture is unparalleled and who has written books on areas such as the Altai Republic. With excellent English, he is an experienced and safe guide for Mount Elbrus. Over the years, Sasha and Gavin Bate, Director of Adventure Alternative, achieved a 100% safety track record on the mountain, largely due to a careful acclimatisation programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Mount Elbrus?

Mount Elbrus stands at 18,481', making it the highest peak in the Caucasus and in Europe.

What skills are needed for the ascent?

The climb requires basic mountaineering skills. The acclimatisation programme allows several days to summit, plus time to work on ice axe braking procedures and familiarisation with being on snow and ice.

Is the normal route technically difficult?

The ascent by the normal route is a long climb over a moderate incline with no technical difficulties, but it requires good acclimatisation. Altitude, variable weather, frequent violent storms and low temperatures can make it dangerous.

Where does the expedition begin?

The expedition begins in Moscow, the commercial and political focus of life in Russia, with optional time to visit Red Square, the Kremlin and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts on return.

Who leads the expedition?

Sasha Lebedev is the chief guide and interpreter, an experienced and safe guide with unparalleled knowledge of the region, history and culture, and excellent English.

Who arranges the practical details?

Russian Adventures, the Moscow-based sister organisation of Adventure Alternative, looks after all the bureaucratic details to ensure a problem-free trip.

This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Adventure Alternative. For current details, visit the company's official website.