**Greater than 90% summit success rate!**

Skiers and snoboarders- check out our Mount Elbrus Ski Descent!

Join Mountain Madness for a journey to Russia, one of the most exciting and dynamic places on earth. Climbing Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, is an admirable feat and the best way to truly experience this fascinating part of the world. Time spent in Moscow also offers interesting glimpses into Russia's rich culture and history. For Kilimanjaro climbers looking for an introductory climb on glaciers, there's no better objective for those with no experience.

"I would not even consider using another trip operator. The high success rate, the high quality of guides, food and accommodations; concern for safety; attention to detail, made the trip outstanding." Steve Swenerton - Elbrus

"Mountan Madness has the expertise for success. As a 70 year old climber I felt especially comfortable that I would make the summit. Your guides and support staff made it happen!" Bob Emirck -- Elbrus

"Thanks for all the help with the Elbrus trip. We had an awesome time and the guides, Tom Milne and Mark Ryman, were just fantastic. They really made the trip worth it. We all had a great time. It was a wonderful experience and the whole thing went smoothly. Mountain Madness did make it happen!!!" Khalid Al Tayer, Elbrus

Included in cost:
• Scheduled hotel nights, based on double or triple occupancy
• Food while on the mountain and hut fees
• Assistance with obtaining visa (fees may apply for special circumstances, short-notice booking, and non-USA citizens)
• Moscow city tour
• Lift fees on Mt. Elbrus
• Scheduled group restaurant meals
• Group climbing and cooking gear
• Airport transfer to hotel
• Domestic flight from Moscow to Mineral Vody
• Mountain Madness guides and staff

Not included in cost:
• Airfare to Moscow and Visas
• Personal equipment
• Domestic excess baggage fees
• Staff/guide gratuities
• Items of a personal nature: phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.
• Airport transfer for the flight home
• Airport taxes
• Medical/evacuation and trip insurance
• Alcoholic beverages

Qualifications: We suggest that you have some previous hiking experience. Skills will be taught during this trip so mountaineering experience is not required. Climbers are expected to be in excellent physical condition.

Training Program: This trip is physically demanding and we cannot overemphasize the importance of physical conditioning. We suggest you begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. Call for ideas or visit Body Results to start a climbing specific training program.

Trip Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance. An insurance brochure is provided with all trip confirmations.

Los Angeles Times article; Ice Queen Demands Respect at Each Step; For the locals in southern Russia, Europe's highest peak represents their indomitable spirit. For one climber, Mt. Elbrus is a brutal challenge. The Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif.; Aug 4, 2001; MAURA REYNOLDS; read more.....

Questions: Call our office at 800-328-5925 or email us.

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Included in the cost of your trip are scheduled group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as b,l, and d at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed while in towns and cities. All meals in the mountains will be provided.

Day 1-2: The first day is allocated for those requiring an overnight flight to Moscow.

Day 2: Arrive in Moscow. A Mountain Madness representative will meet you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the night. D

Day 3: Tour the city of Moscow, including a visit to the Kremlin Cathedral and Armory. Overnight at hotel. Orientation meeting and gear check. B, L, D

Day 4: Transfer to domestic airport for the two hour flight to the city of Mineralnye Vody (Mineral Water) or Nalchik. Continue by bus to a hotel in the village of Cheget in the Baksan Valley, where you spend the next several nights. B, L, D

Day 5: To prepare for our summit attempt of Elbrus, and to enjoy the magnificent Caucasus Range, we take a day hike in the Baskan River Valley. At the end of the day you overnight in the hotel. B, L, D

Day 6: To further prepare for the climb, we do another acclimatization hike on Mt. Cheget, using the ski lift to expedite gaining higher ground. Overnight at hotel. B, L, D

Day 7: Ride cable car up to Kharabashi, which is Balkarian for “where black rock meets glacier” (approx. 12,800 feet). We settle in for a rest day in comfortable barrel shelters. Crampon and ice axe skills review possible. B, L, D

Day 8: Acclimatization hike to Pastukhov Rocks (approx. 15,420 feet), more skills review, and return for another night at the Barrels.
B, L, D

Day 9: Further review basic mountaineering skills. Rest and prepare for the climb. B, L, D

Day 10-11: Two days are scheduled for our summit attempt. We increase our chances for a successful summit climb by riding a snow cat to just below our previous highpoint near the Pastukhov Rocks. If weather allows our group to summit on the first day, we descend the following day and have an extra day in the Baksan Valley. B, L, D

Day 12: Descend to Baksan Valley. Overnight at Hotel. B, L, D

Day 13: Drive to Mineralnye Vody. Fly back to Moscow. Transfer to Hotel. B, L, D

Day 14: Depart for home.

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Climb Equipment List for Mt. Elbrus

You are expected to provide the following personal equipment. These items are mandatory for survival in the mountains, so make sure you have everything on the list.

Mountain Madness believes that all mountain travel equipment should follow two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional. Lightweight equipment increases your chance of success and helps make you more comfortable. Functional equipment determines how warm, dry, and safe you will be, so always choose equipment that is of good quality, is dependable, and is adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions.

Clothing impacts not only your comfort, but also your safety. Always be critical of the quality and the proper fit of your clothing. Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin.

Our recommended clothing system has four layers

• Base Layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (Polypro, capilene, driclime)
• Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well. The main Softshell fabrics are Polartec Wind Pro, Gore Windstopper N2S, Schoeller and each clothing manufacturer has their own. 200 weight fleece can be substituted for our Soft Shell recommendations but is not as versatile on how it may be used when layering.
• Hard Shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
• Insulating Layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)

These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.

For a complete equipment list, please contact our office at 800-328-5925.

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