Surely everyone knows about the great volcanic hill of the Greater Caucasus - Elbrus. Over the centuries, it has been one of the highest mountains and is considered the hallmark of the Kabardino-Balkarian region. This place attracts with unchartedness, delights with mystery and attracts climbers and skiers of all countries.
Climbing to the highest point of the Earth is considered not only a dangerous, but also a prestigious route. "Elbrus" is a ski resort that has won worldwide fame. The hill is interesting with magnificent ridges, picturesque ice slopes, extreme relaxation and comfortable natural and climatic conditions.
Conquering a volcanic peak requires tremendous stress, physical preparation and technical skill. Upon reaching this goal, euphoria and indescribable pleasure are felt. Daredevils who have successfully climbed are given personal certificates.
Ice Glade Tour
The tourist season lasts all year on Mount Elbrus (ski resort). Where is the long extinct volcano located? It is located on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, 130 km from the city of Nalchik. You can get to the foot by car. It is not advisable to visit the highlands during the off-season, since the weather is unstable and the risk of avalanches escaping.
The main part of the reliefs is flat, at an altitude of 4000 m the temperature reaches the level of -35. On the northern and western slopes, glaciers are covered with deep cracks, in the south they are more even and gentle. This place is famous for its Azau Valley, where narzan mineral springs beat. It is also popular with extreme freeriders, as is the Elbrus ski resort. "Azau" is a snowy meadow with long tracks, ice rinks and cable cars.
Leisure activities
The possibilities for winter and summer holidays on Mount Elbrus are endless. The ski resort is famous not only for its rugged landscapes, but also for its rich flora and fauna. Professional climbers come here, thirsting for thrills and adrenaline, tourists looking for solitude with nature, active pastime and positive emotions.
There are many interesting routes leading to gorges and popular attractions. Guests will have the opportunity to personally observe the herds of wild horses and a flock of sheep, drink healthy mineral water directly from the source. Year-round guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, as well as hang gliding.
There are tracks of varying complexity and maneuverability that will give delight and a dizzying mood. For safety reasons, all cable cars are equipped with video surveillance, speakerphone. The slopes are equipped with special signs, mats and protective nets. Each interchange station will offer tourists to warm themselves in a cozy restaurant and try various dishes, and then again go on a trip. Points for renting the necessary sports equipment are also open.
Ski areas
Guests start the ascent from the Azau Valley to Mount Elbrus. The ski resort is equipped with a gondola, pendulum and chairlift, which climb athletes and amateur beginners. The first station that meets tourists is called the Old Horizon (3945–2366 meters). This is a difficult area for experienced skiers. Then begins a new descent to the station. The world (3500–3000 m) is a simple and the busiest track.
A museum of military glory was built here with interesting exhibits dating from 1941-1945. Those who wish can go further by chair lift to the station. Gara-Bashi is an extended section of 3780–3500 m. Amazing open spaces for extreme skiing will appear before you. For children and beginners, a cable car is open right at the foot of the hill. Before the descent, a briefing is required from a specialist.
Elbrus (ski resort): hotels
The tourism industry is actively developing in this area: a new infrastructure is being created, cable cars and slopes are being modernized , more and more comfortable recreation centers and hotels are being built. The choice of places to stay here is quite rich - you just have to consider suitable options. So, in addition to hotels, it will be possible to stay in private houses, renting a room from local residents.
Hotel complex "Balkaria"
Convenient location makes this place popular among holidaymakers. So, it is located in close proximity to the cable cars "Elbrus" (ski resort). The photo gives an idea of what the hotel looks like and its nature. It offers a wide selection of rooms, from budget rooms (conveniences per unit) to superior apartments with a jacuzzi and a seating area.
You can check in with your child (children under three years of age live for free). Hot two meals a day are provided: breakfast is served as a buffet, dinner - on the menu. The hotel is heated, it has a small business center for business travelers, a cafeteria and a bar. From entertainment you will be offered a steam room, a cinema and a library. Skis, sledges and other equipment are rented.
"Chiran-Azau"
All year round, dear guests are welcomed by a hotel complex, consisting of a 6-storey building, in which modern and comfortable rooms with a bathroom, Internet access and heating are concentrated. The price includes meals (breakfast, dinner). You can also visit the cafe, where deliciously fed and entertained. The hotel has its own parking (paid).
"Seven peaks"
This is one of the best and most popular hotels in the area. Guests are waited by the quiet atmosphere disposing to productive rest. During the day you can visit the tracks, explore the sights and enjoy the surrounding magnificent nature. In the evening after an active day, visit the heated pool with sauna or disco in the restaurant "La Terrasse". A little bit about the number of rooms: there are rooms of various categories and classes. Each room has a TV, a bathroom and bedding.
"Elbrus" (ski resort): reviews of tourists
Fresh air, a firework of feelings, an adrenaline rush, crisp snow and gentle sun - this is how guests and locals characterize the resort. Fall in love with him from the first moment. So, it is not for nothing that the extinct volcano "Elbrus" overshadows the foreign resting places. The ski resort caters to everyone regardless of social status and income.
According to travelers, being at the top, plunges into the bliss of pleasure, dissolves in pristine, pure nature and simply enjoys its generous gifts. It is the snow-covered reliefs and the indescribable beauty of the slopes that determine the atmosphere of this unique place. A lot of nice words were said about highways, lifts and quality service. In addition, guests are very pleased with the prices, the availability of modern hotels and the friendliness of the staff.
The route to the highest point of the Caucasus
There are several options for how to get to this resort area:
- First, arrival by plane to the airport of Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody. Then change to public transport (bus, minibus) or private taxi that will take you to the village of Terskola (200 km.).
- By train to the stations Nalchik, Prokhladny, Pyatigorsk and Mineralnye Vody. You can use the group transfer, in which case you will be met by the staff of the booked hotel and taken to the foot of the mountain.