Speedy Duo Reach Elbrus Summit!

Our first Elbrus ascent of the sea­son! Jason and Car­o­line with MM Guide Alan Rousseau, reached the sum­mit of the high­est peak in Europe on Sun­day June 30^th, after an express itin­er­ary got them to the sum­mit on Day 7 of the itin­er­ary. Jason and Car­o­line have a wed­ding to catch in Spain short­ly there­after, so they have paved the way for a poten­tial Elbrus Express itin­er­ary offer­ing next year! Stay tuned for a pos­si­ble 9 – 10 day option!

Our stan­dard Elbrus climb and ski descent group is mak­ing their sum­mit attempt tonight, but here is the scoop from Alan’s team.

“After a suc­cess­ful 11 hour sum­mit day (the first of the MM sea­son), we enjoyed a light lunch and napped the after­noon away. Luck­i­ly we awoke in time to enjoy a nice pas­ta dish for din­ner and then prompt­ly fell asleep for the rest of the night.

Jason and Car­o­line reach­ing the sum­mit! Alan Rousseau photo

“The next day Car­o­line and Jason want­ed to cov­er some crevasse res­cue skills. After a relax­ing 8 am break­fast with all of MM Team 1, the three of us made our way to a bro­ken por­tion of the glac­i­er. Here we prac­ticed ice anchors rope ascen­sion as well as var­i­ous 3:1 and 6:1 crevasse res­cue sce­nar­ios. After gain­ing con­fi­dence with the rope sys­tems we moved loca­tion to a step of glacial ice and worked on steep ice technique. 

Skills train­ing on steep ice. Alan Rousseau photo

“We returned to the bar­rels for our final night with the rest of Team 1. Then, alas, it was time to descend. We left after break­fast — a chair­lift and 2 tram rides had us back in Cheget for a much need­ed show­er, lamb kabobs and pil­sner by 2 pm. Our trio takes off for our Min Vody flight to Moscow tomor­row at 4 pm. The rest of Team 1 makes their sum­mit bid this evening. Wish them warm toes and good luck!”

~ MM Guide Alan Rousseau

Best way to cel­e­brate! Alan Rousseau photo