Elbrus region is an unusually beautiful mountainous region, which is often called the pearl of the Caucasus. Here are the most famous peaks of the ridge - Elbrus and Ushba, Koshkantau and Shkhara, Ullu-Tau and Dykhtau, Shkheldy and others. Elbrus region is also famous for the most powerful glaciers - Bezengi and Dykh-Su.
The mountain ranges, which stretch parallel to each other, cut through the picturesque gorges that amaze tourists with their unprecedented beauty. Against the background of this grandeur of the stone, as if a precious pearl in all its splendor, appears gray-haired Elbrus, which climbers and tourists have long chosen as their vacation spot. They are attracted to these places by majestic snow-capped mountains, swift mountain rivers, impregnable cliffs, and magnificent flowering valleys.
Advantages of resorts in this area
The ski resorts of Elbrus region attract adventurers from around the world with excellent ski slopes. Today, here, on the land of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (CBD), is a national park that has become a world-famous resort. The mountainous terrain and unique climate are harmoniously combined in this territory.
The peaks of Elbrus and Cheget, the unique beauty of the Baksan Gorge and its attractions are beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, tourists are admired by wonderful forests, waterfalls and mountain rivers, and at this time daredevils come here to conquer new peaks. In winter, the snow-white slopes as if with a magnet attract here ski lovers from all over the world.
Elbrus is the highest point in Europe. Its height on the western side is 5642 meters, and on the eastern side - 5621 meters. The magnificent Elbrusier National Park has combined two ski resorts - Elbrus and Cheget.
Climatic conditions
The weather allows you to ride in the Elbrus region from mid-November to early April, and in highlands even in May. The ski resorts of the Elbrus region (CBD) are southern, and therefore the weather is appropriate - in winter there is a lot of snow, and sometimes it does not exist at all. Especially often, its absence is observed on the lower routes, the upper ones do not encounter such problems. The best time for skiing holidays is the end of December - the beginning of March.
Another characteristic feature of this area - sunny days there are at least three hundred a year. The average monthly winter temperature is -15 ...- 10 ° C. Weather conditions in the Caucasus are more stable when compared, for example, with the Alps. In July and August, the air warms up to +28 ° C.
Known to many lovers and professionals of skiing, the Elbrus and Cheget tracks, which remain snowy even in the summer, are able to compete with any similar resort. The total length of the tracks is more than 35 km.
Ski resorts in Elbrus (Azau)
This resort is 150 km from the city of Nalchik. Its tracks are laid on the southern slopes of Elbrus. Today, skiers and snowboarders are given the opportunity to ride through the vast expanses of this famous mountain. Tourists coming to Elbrus region, the ski resort "Elbrus" definitely find it difficult to assess.
At first glance, there is all the infrastructure necessary for a modern ski resort - lifts, a snowmaking system (artificial) slopes, snow groomers. But at the same time, the resort loses somewhat in the quality and variety of services provided. If it is more important for you to feel the drive from skiing along the slopes of an extinct volcano than minor household inconveniences, then this place should interest you. Many skiing enthusiasts and lovers choose this particular ski resort. Prielbrusye (Russia) gives athletes the opportunity to choose the most suitable place to stay.
On the main part of the Elbrus resort slopes, the season begins in October and ends in mid-May. And at an altitude of more than 3800 m, the season lasts throughout the year, however, it is possible to get to these areas only by snowcat.
Due to the low humidity, the climate is mild, frosts are easily tolerated. In winter, the temperature drops to -15 ° C, rarely below -25 ° C. And if you find yourself at the highest point (4050 m), get ready for frost to -40 ° C. The weather is changeable - heavy snowfall can suddenly give way to calm and clear weather.
Skiing
It is believed that this ski resort of Elbrus (Elbrus region) at heights from 2350 to 3800 m has seven slopes with a length of 11 kilometers. In fact, the slopes of the resort are one continuous route designed for both beginners and experienced riders. There are no traditional dividers, pointers, there is a minimum number of barrier grids. Complete freedom of movement is the main feature of this resort. Unlimited expanses await you, on which you yourself will choose the most suitable route for yourself.
The slope is conditionally divided into five sections:
- "Azau (2350) - The Old Horizon" (3000). It is serviced by the Elbrus 1 ski lift. This is a “red” (difficult) section, which, if the track is improperly prepared, can easily turn into a “black” one. At first the track is narrow, then it gradually expands and goes into a steep section (drop of 200 m). Passing it, you will again enjoy a quiet ride.
- "Old Horizon (3000) - World (3500)." This route is easier (blue difficulty level). It is serviced by the Elbrus 2 pendulum lift. The start of the descent will remind you of the “black” track. If you are not confident in your abilities, slow down when passing this section.
- "World (3500) - Gara-Bashi (3800)." Medium difficulty. A chair lift works. There is a nice wide area with a slight slope. When passing the route with poor visibility, it should be done carefully, as it is easy to go astray and land in areas with cracks.
- "Gara Bashi (3800) - Shelter of the Eleven (4100)." The route is designed for experienced athletes. You can only rise at the snowcat. The rise time is 24 minutes.
- There are also inaccessible places of the Elbrus region. Ski resort "Elbrus" is no exception. Athletes get to these sections only by helicopter. Glacier riding, magnificent landscapes and speed will give you incomparable emotions. No doubt freeride enthusiasts will appreciate it.
Security
On the slopes, the control and rescue service is responsible for the safety of tourists. The nearest medical facility is located in the village of Elbrus. The most dangerous areas are fenced with special catching nets. It should be remembered that this is an avalanche-hazardous area. CCTV cameras work at each station.
Services
Ski resorts of Elbrus region offer various services. In particular, the "Elbrus" has:
- equipment rental;
- ski schools;
- snowmobile and sled rental;
- the rise of snow groomers;
- heli-skiing.
Each station of this resort has many small cafes, tea houses and snack bars. Here you can have a quick and inexpensive meal.
Where to live?
If you arrive in Elbrus region, the Elbrus ski resort (photo below) may surprise you with a variety of accommodation options. Here you can stay in comfortable hotels, mini-hotels, some of which are located in the Azau glade, close to the first stage of the ski lifts. In season, the cost of hotel rooms varies from 2000 to 8000 rubles per day.
A more affordable option is the placement in the private sector of one of the six villages of Elbrus. Tourists often stop in Terskol, the village of Elbrus, Tegenekli. Many hotels include two meals a day in the room rate.
Ski resort "Cheget" in Elbrus region
This resort is well known in the Caucasus. Its popularity was formed back in Soviet times. This ski resort began to receive tourists in the middle of the 20th century. The first cableway (chairlift) in the Soviet Union appeared in 1963 here. In February of the same year, a winter sports day was held here. The advent of the cable car contributed to the active development of skiing in the country. And the Cheget complex has since gained worldwide fame. It is considered the most extreme. It was named after a mountain with a height of 3700 m. There is a “Cheget” five kilometers from Mount Elbrus. Its slopes do not obey everyone, but skating here will give you an adrenaline rush.
Trails for the daredevils
We have already said that the height of Cheget is 3,700 m, and the rise height is 3,050 m. A significant difference in elevation is 1,140 m. Snow on this picturesque mountain lies from early November to mid-May. The length of the tracks is 20 km. The ski resorts of the Elbrus region are famous not only in Russia for their difficult slopes. They are also known in Europe. But they are especially difficult at the Cheget resort.
The tracks here are not just steep, they also have all kinds of obstacles. Often there are stone barriers that are not covered with snow, and markings are often missing. But this does not stop the extreme people who come here every year. The most experienced and courageous skiers prefer to ride on the northern slope. It is great for freeriding. The southern slopes are gentle, but the terrain is difficult to read on these routes. Experienced athletes advise beginners not to back out of the route, as you can easily get lost. There are no children’s tracks at this resort.
Residence
At the foot of the mountain is a hotel with a predictable name - “Cheget”. It was built in a picturesque and strategically right place - in a pine forest, in a clearing, near the beginning of the cable car. You can stay in hotels with more original names reminiscent of our Soviet past - “Terskol”, “Wolfram”, “Itkol”. From them twice a day a bus takes tourists to Cheget. With great comfort you can settle in the hotel complex ZhanTamAl 'or in the hotel "Abil Qala" in the hotel "Goryanka".
If you wish, you can always rent a room in the private sector of Terskol. You will hardly get the European level of comfort here, but the prices are not high - 400 rubles per day with breakfast.
How to get there
Today, many ski enthusiasts choose the Elbrus region (ski resort) for relaxation. How to get here? Beginners are interested in this. You need to fly to the airport of Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody, then use the regular bus or take a taxi to the city of Terskol.
If you prefer rail transport, you should take a ticket to one of the stations - Nalchik, Prokhladny, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody. From the station to the resort you will be taken by a shuttle bus that runs quite often, especially in season.