Elbrus Overview - Highest Point in Europe
With over 20 years of experience on Elbrus and nearly 100% summit success, Alpine Ascents offers an unsurpassed program utilizing our expertise in both logistics and guides. While travel to Russia can be cumbersome with many logistical hurdles, we take great care in preplanning the small details giving you and our expert guides (once again Vern Tejas scheduled to lead our 2013 climbs) an excellent chance to reach the summit of Europe's highest peaks. Providing extra summit days, multiple reservations at high camp, working with an excellent staff of Russian guides and a keen sense of how to care for our climbers, helps us bridge the gap from daunting task to a well-executed journey.

Unlike other outfitters who may rush you in and out of Russia, we take the time to properly acclimatize and visit the grand cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Dynamic in both region and terrain, Mt. Elbrus stands as a watchtower between the great masses of Europe and Asia. Elbrus is a large, double-coned volcano, whose twin summits vary by about 65 feet.

Our Elbrus program is open to any climber who has successfully completed our Mt. Rainier program or similar. This journey begins with acclimatization along well-traveled trails, which wind endlessly through the foothills of the Caucasus. En route we have many interactions with the local people as we wander through the villages and markets that pepper the lower region on the mountain. Once we have acclimatized and established high camp, we prepare for an early morning departure to the West Summit (the higher of the twin peaks). The route ascends 1000m of moderate snow climbing to the saddle. From here we turn west and head up 300m of steeper terrain, finally reaching the summit plateau. (See day to day itinerary at ( http://www.alpineascents.com/elbrus-dtd.asp)

Elbrus is the near prefect ascent for aspiring climbers who wish to test their skills at increasing altitude. Although only basic mountaineering skills are required, high-altitude and unpredictable weather make this a challenging and extremely enticing ascent.

Region and City Tour
The location of Elbrus provides a look into the cultures of the Turkish, Georgian, Azerbaydzhani and Russian people. Our expedition begins in the city of St. Petersburg, a traditional vanguard of European culture. It is one of the few cities in the world which has retained its charm while continuing to be a place of great change. Downtown sprawls with exquisite architecture that canopies streets of shops, small restaurants and an active nightlife scene. Following our climb we return via Moscow, the focal point of commerce and politics in Russia. Moscow is ever-changing with markets and state shops dominating street life. Depending on schedules, we take time to visit the Kremlin, stroll at Red Square, along the Moscow River and tour the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

2012 Re-Cap
2012 proved to be a spectacular year with our 3 full teams reaching the summit under the leadership of Vernon Tejas, assisted by Carole Tejas. We returned to the South Side and the mountain proved to be in great condition for all climbs. We had 3 outstanding groups and as always, we are happy to put you in touch with last years team members. Vern is scheduled to lead our 2013 team and please book early, as these tend to fill months in advance. While 2011 had us climb via the North Side, 2010 and earlier saw similar South Side success as last year.

PREREQUISITES

Climbing Skill Level
Climbers should have successfully completed our 6-Day Training course, 8-Day, 12-Day, 13-Day or have equivalent skills and experience. Those who had a strong performance on a 3-Day Baker or Rainier climb may also join. We expect climbers to have basic skills on snow and ice, self arrest, crevasse rescue and glacier travel. Snow and ice slopes to be dealt with are moderate (up to 45 degrees). The requirements are also based on our desire to have similarly skilled team members.

Physical Conditioning
Elbrus at 18,510’ is an extreme, high altitude climb. You should be comfortable climbing 4-8 hours per day. Summit day is the most demanding portion of the climb, typically involving 8 hours for the ascent and 6-7 hours for the descent. Our expeditions require strength & endurance. Being in sound physical condition is the single most important aspect for climbers to maximize their climbing potential. The better your physical condition, the more likely you are to perform well and have an enjoyable experience. The most frequent comment we have received over the years is that climbers have underestimated the fitness level needed to fully enjoy their trip. Additionally, inadequate fitness will affect the atmosphere, pace, and overall enjoyment of the climb for all participants. We highly recommend checking with your physician before undertaking any strenuous activity. Comprehensive training information can be found here.

Environmental Responsibility
Alpine Ascents is deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. With each expedition, trek and course, we not only attempt to leave the environment as we found it, but strive to assist the local population in protecting the land and people indigenous to that region. Alpine Ascents reaches for the highest ethical business practices at home and abroad. Each staff member is dedicated to environmentally sound alpine ascents.

At Alpine Ascents environmental stewardship remains one of our core values and we take Leave No Trace ethics and practices very seriously. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. On every one of our courses and climbs we teach and follow the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principals and practices.

Over the years, with the assistance of our Sherpa teams, we have stepped up efforts to clean Mt. Everest. Our Wag Bag® program made a pioneering step in human waste management for the National Park System and Forest Service in the North Cascades. On Aconcagua, we pioneered a waste removal system on our climbs, utilizing the WAG Bag® system. And we continue our on-going maintenance and minimal impact plans wherever we guide. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Alpine Ascents is committed to developing safe, self-reliant and environmentally conscious mountaineers.

Private Groups
We regularly organize private climbs for individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these climbs early as we are often able to cater these climbs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private courses.