The best ski resorts of the Elbrus region

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 range - Elbrus and Ushba, Koshkantau and Shkhara, Ullu-Tau and Dykhtau, Shkheldy and others. Elbrus is famous for its 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 unparalleled beauty. Against the backdrop of this greatness of the stone, as if a precious pearl in all its splendor appears the gray-haired Elbrus, who for a long time already chose mountaineers and tourists for their rest. They are attracted to these places by snow-capped majestic mountains, swift mountain rivers, inaccessible rocks, magnificent flowering valleys.

Advantages of resorts in this area

Ski resorts of Elbrus attract adventurers from all over the world with excellent ski trails. Today here, on the land of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR), there is a national park that has become a well-known all over the world resort. This territory harmoniously combines mountain relief and unique climate.

The tops of Elbrus and Cheget, the unique beauty of Baksan Gorge and its sights are beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, the tourists are admired by the wonderful forests, waterfalls and mountain rivers, and at this time the brave souls come here to conquer new peaks. In winter, snow-white slopes like a magnet attract mountain skiers from all over the world.

Elbrus is the highest point in Europe. Its height on the west side is 5642 meters, and on the eastern side - 5,621 meters. The magnificent national park "Elbrus" 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 the highlands - even in May. Ski resorts of the Elbrus region (Kabardino-Balkaria) belong to the southern, therefore the weather here is appropriate - in the winter there is a lot of snow, and sometimes it is not at all. Especially often its absence is observed on the lower routes, the upper ones do not face 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 here is at least three hundred a year. The winter average temperature is -15 ...- 10 ° C. Weather conditions in the Caucasus are more stable if we compare them, for example, with the Alps. In July and August, the air warms up to +28 ° C.

Known to many fans and professionals skiing skiing Elbrus and Cheget, which remain snow-covered even in the summer, are able to compete with any similar resort. The total length of the trails is more than 35 km.

Ski resorts of the Elbrus region (Azau)

This resort is located 150 km from the city of Nalchik. Its tracks are laid on the southern slopes of Elbrus. Today, alpine skiers and snowboarders are given the opportunity to ride along the vast expanses of this famous mountain. Tourists arriving in the Elbrus region, ski resort "Elbrus" appreciate unambiguously difficult.

At first glance, there is all the infrastructure necessary for a modern ski resort - lifts, a system of snowmaking (artificial) slopes, snowcatchers. But at the same time, the resort loses some of its quality and variety of services. If it is more important for you to feel the drive from riding on the slopes of an extinct volcano than minor household inconveniences, this place should interest you. Many connoisseurs and lovers of skiing choose this ski resort. Prielbrusye (Russia) provides athletes the opportunity to choose the most suitable place for recreation.

On the main part of the ski resort "Elbrus" 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, these areas can only be reached by snowcatchers.

Due to low humidity, the climate is mild, the frosts are easily transferred. In winter, the temperature drops to -15 ° C, rarely below -25 ° C. And if you find yourself at the highest point (4050 m), prepare for the frost to -40 ° C. The weather is changeable - a heavy snowfall can suddenly change sharply to windless and clear weather.

Skiing

It is considered that this ski resort Elbrus (Elbrus) at altitudes from 2350 to 3800 m has seven routes with an extent of 11 kilometers. In fact, the slopes of the resort are a single solid track, designed for both beginners and experienced riders. There are no traditional dividers, pointers, there is a minimum number of barrier grids. Full freedom of movement is the main feature of this resort. You are waited by boundless open spaces on which you independently choose the most suitable route for yourself.

The slope is conditionally divided into five sections:

1. "Azau (2350) - Old Horizon" (3000). It is served by the lift Elbrus 1. This is a "red" (complex) area, which, if the track is not properly prepared, can easily turn into a "black" one. Initially, the route is narrow, then it gradually expands and goes into a steep section (the difference is 200 m). After passing it, you will again enjoy a peaceful ride.
2. "The Old Horizon (3000) - The World (3500)". This route is easier (blue difficulty level). It is served by the pendulum lift "Elbrus 2". The beginning of the descent will remind you of the "black" route. If you are not sure of yourself, when you pass this area, slow down.
3. "The world (3500) - Gara-bashi (3800)". The average level of complexity. There is a chair lift. Here is a pleasant wide stretch with a slight slope. When passing a route with poor visibility, it should be carefully passed, as it is easy to get off the track and crouch in areas with cracks.
4. "Gara-bashi (3800) - Shelter of eleven (4100)". The route is designed for experienced athletes. You can only climb on the snowcat. The lifting time is 24 minutes.
5. It has also hard-to-reach places Elbrus. Mountain ski resort "Elbrus" is no exception. On these sites athletes get only by helicopter. Skiing on the glacier, luxurious landscapes and speed will give you incomparable emotions. It will, no doubt, be appreciated by freeride fans.

Security

On the slopes for the safety of tourists is the control and rescue service. The nearest medical institution is located in the village of Elbrus. The most dangerous areas are fenced with special grids. It should be remembered that this is an avalanche area. At each station there are CCTV cameras.

The services

The ski resorts of the Elbrus region offer various services. In particular, the "Elbrus" has:

• Rental of equipment;
• Ski schools;
• Rent of snowmobiles and sledges;
• Ascent by snowcrackers;
• Heli-ski.

Each station of this resort has many small cafes, teahouses, snack bars. Here you can quickly and inexpensively snack.

Where to live?

If you arrive in the Elbrus region, the ski resort (see photo below), Elbrus, 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 meadow, near the first stage of the lifts. In the season, the cost of hotel rooms varies from 2000 to 8000 rubles per day.

More affordable option - accommodation in the private sector of one of the six settlements of the Elbrus region. Tourists often stop in Terskol, Elbrus village, Tegenekli. Many hotels in the room price include two meals.

Ski resort "Cheget" in the Elbrus region

This resort is well known in the Caucasus. His popularity was formed back in Soviet times. This ski resort began to receive tourists in the middle of the XX century. Here appeared the first in the Soviet Union rope suspension (chairlift) in 1963. In February of the same year, there was held a winter sports day. The advent of the ropeway contributed to the active development of skiing in the country. And the complex "Cheget" has since gained world fame. It is considered the most extreme. It was named after a mountain 3700 m high. Cheget is located five kilometers from Mount Elbrus. Slopes of it are not subordinate to everyone, but skating here will give you an adrenaline rush.

Trails for the brave

We have already said that the height of Cheget is 3,700 m, and the height of the rise is 3,050 m. A significant drop in altitudes is 1140 m. Snow on this picturesque mountain lies from early November to mid-May. The length of the trails is 20 km. With its complex routes, the ski resorts of the Elbrus region are famous not only in Russia. They are also known in Europe. But especially they are difficult at the resort "Cheget".

Trails here are not just steep, they have all sorts of obstacles. Often there are stone barriers that are not covered with snow, and the markings are often absent. But this does not stop the extremists who come here every year. The most experienced and brave skiers prefer to ride on the northern slope. It's great for freeriding. The southern slopes are gentle, but on these routes the terrain is difficult to read. Experienced athletes advise beginners not to deviate from the route, because you can easily get lost. There are no children's trails at this resort.

Accommodation

At the foot of the mountain is a hotel, which has a completely predictable name - Cheget. It is built in a picturesque and strategically correct place - in a pine forest, on a glade, near the beginning of the cable car. It is possible to live in hotels with more original names, reminiscent of our Soviet past - "Terskol", "Wolfram", "Itkol". From them twice a day to Cheget tourists take a bus. With great comfort, you can settle in the hotel complex ZhanTamAl 'or in the hotel Abil Kala, in the hotel "Gorianka".

If you want, you can always rent a room in the private sector of Terskol. European level of comfort here you will hardly get, but the prices are not high - 400 rubles per day with breakfast.

How to get there?

Today, many ski lovers choose Elbrusye (ski resort) for recreation. How to get here? This is what novices are interested in. You need to fly to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody airport, then take a regular bus or take a taxi to the city of Terskol.

If you prefer rail transport, then you should take a ticket to one of the stations - Nalchik, Prokhladny, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody. From the station to the resort you will take a regular bus, which goes quite often, especially in the season.