Elbrus is one of largest centers mountaineering, tourism and ski holiday in Russia. It is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the high-mountainous region of the Caucasus Mountains, at the foot of Elbrus, which is the most high peak in Europe (5,642 m). This is one of the most beautiful natural places in Russia, and skiing on the slopes of the two-headed handsome Elbrus is a special pleasure!
How to get there
The nearest airports are in Mineralnye Vody(166 km) and Nalchik (113 km). Railway stations from which you can get to the Elbrus region: Nalchik, Prokhladny, Mineralnye Vody, Pyatigorsk. From the airport or train station go route taxis or buses in the direction of Tyrnyauz, next to which all the resort villages of the Elbrus region are located. Travel time from Nalchik will be 2-2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody - 3.5 hours, from Prokhladny and Pyatigorskaya - 2.5 - 3 hours. The end point of the trip is the Azau glade, where almost the entire infrastructure of the resort is located.
Hotels
There are several villages in the Elbrus region where tourists stay in hotels. The most popular are the Azau glade and the Cheget glade. These are small villages with all the necessary infrastructure - hotels, camp sites, cafes and restaurants, barbecue and rental shops. Here, at the local breakdown, you can buy souvenirs, warm knitted items made of sheep and goat wool and aromatic herbal teas collected in the highlands. Hotels in the glades of Azau and Cheget are small, but comfortable, prices for accommodation are affordable. Tourists choose to stay here primarily because of the proximity to the ski lifts.
The town of Terskol is located between the Azau glade and the Cheget glade. There are many good hotels and apartments that can be rented. There are shops, a post office and a bank, a ski school. Accommodation here will cost less than in the Azau glade, but tourists will have to get to the ski lifts every day - to the Azau glade - 4 km, to the Cheget glade - 1 km.
You can also stay in the villages of Baidaevo, Tegenekli, Elbrus and Neutrino. They are 7 km or more away from the ski lifts.
Weather
The skiing season lasts from November to May, and in some areas almost all year round. The climate of the region is determined by the massive Mountain chain Caucasus Mountains and the proximity of the Black Sea. The weather here is very changeable: from a sunny clear day to rain in summer, or snowfalls and blizzards in winter. The average daytime air temperature is + 27 ° C in summer and 4 ° C in winter. At the same time, the nights are very cold, the temperature can drop to -15 ° C.
Trails
The length of the ski tracks in the Elbrus region is about 31 km, while the ski areas are located on two peaks - Elbrus and Cheget. They are not related to each other. The resort also has extensive areas for freeride and heli-skiing, but some routes are quite dangerous - on the way there may be cracks in the glacier or rocks, so it is recommended to go through them only accompanied by experienced guides.
On the slopes of Elbrus there are 7 tracks with a length of about 11 km. In fact, this is one large track of different difficulty levels and different widths. At first, these are wide, gentle blue slopes, which are comfortable for beginners, and steeper and more complex red slopes go down from the Staryy Krugozor, turning at the end into a gentle green section. By the way, for those who are just taking their first steps on skis, a yoke from the Azau glade is equipped on the lower, gentle slope.
The second ski area is Mount Cheget. Translated from Balkar Cheget means "North", the mountain is famous for its northern slopes. Here fluffy snow stays much longer than on Elbrus, because the sun either does not touch it at all, or does not illuminate these slopes for long. The slopes of the mountain are recognized as one of the most difficult in Russia and Europe. Their total length is 20 km, and the height difference is 1,140 m. Two lines of the chairlift lift skiers to a height of 3,050 m. descents with an incline of 20 to 45 degrees. At the same time, you need to be prepared and very careful on the slopes - the terrain is avalanche dangerous, there are many rocks around, so it is advisable to ride only in a group and accompanied by a guide.
Extreme and advanced skiers alike will enjoy the local high-difficulty trails through the pine forest. Descent from the top of Cheget is one large ski area, not marked by boundaries, which runs approximately along the line of lifts, about 3 km long. The difficulty of passing the route is added by the fact that there are many bumps along the way, passing which it can be difficult to maintain balance and control over the skis. In general, riding Cheget is not a pleasure for everyone. First of all, it is suitable for confident skiers, as well as for those who want to test their skills in fairly tough conditions.
Lifts
The cable car to Elbrus rises in several stages. The first gondola departs from the Azau glade - the main location of hotels and cafes, which is located at an altitude of 2350 m, and rises to the Stary Krugozor station (3000 m).
The second stage of lifts goes from the Stary Krugozor station to the Mir station and rises another 500 m - to an altitude of 3,500 m.
The third, final, cable car rises from the Mir station to the Gara-Bashi upper station: another 280 meters of lifting height. Length ski slopes back - about 6 km. You can also go to the Gara-Bashi station and even a little higher from the Mir station by snowcat, having previously discussed the cost. The first two stages are duplicated by two cable cars - a modern gondola and an old pendulum cable car. In terms of cost, they do not differ much, while the gondola rises much faster.
At the 1st and 2nd stages (station "Azau" - station "Krugozor" - station "Mir") there are pendulum and gondola cable cars. The gondolas can accommodate 8 people, the cabins of the pendulum road - 20 people. The third stage (station "Mir" - station "Gara-Bashi") is served by a single-seat chairlift, which is often closed for repairs. Currently under construction a gondola cable car to "Gara-Bashi".
Ski passes
Prices ski season-2018 not definitively installed. Here are the approximate prices for ski passes. Ski pass prices are determined by three seasons: Low (from 03/13/17 to 12/29/17), High (12/30/17 - 01/08/18) and Medium (after January 9, 2018).
There are three lines of lifts, each is paid separately. For example, a ski pass for an adult for 1 day in high season for lifts 1 and 2 lines (station "Azau" - station "Krugozor" - station "Mir") will cost 1900 rubles. Children under 6 years old admission is free, children from 6 to 14 years old receive a 50% discount. Rise from the station. "Mir" to st. "Gara-Bashi" will cost 500 rubles. A lift pass for three lines will cost 2400 rubles at once. The security deposit for the ski pass card is 100 rubles.
On Cheget, a day pass will cost 800 rubles.
Mountain tourism
The Elbrus region is attractive for travelers and adventurers at any time of the year. Climbing and hiking programs are mainly organized in the summer, skiing is also very popular in the spring. Many climbers try to climb Elbrus to prepare themselves for expeditions and ascents to the Himalayas and Pamirs.
High-altitude shelters work for guests at the Mir station. These are mini-hotels with a limited range of services, where tourists stop before climbing the peaks of the great mountain.
Things to do
In winter and summer, there are many options for pastime: you can ride horses or take a walk along the National Park"Prielbrusye", visit the sports center in Terskol, the nearest village from the resort, play billiards or relax in the sauna. For young people in both glades (Azau and Cheget) there are nightclubs and disco bars (Chegebar, Balkaria, Captain Pit and Deep Purple).
sights
"Valley of the Narzans" (sometimes also called "Glade of Narzans") is a small meadow where mineral springs gush out of the ground. Their water is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, so everything around the source is colored brownish red. The water has health-promoting properties, but you should consult your doctor before using it. The "Narzan Valley" has been landscaped, there are several cafes, parking, benches and gazebos around.
To the bottomless To the blue lake tourists prefer to come in the summer. The lake formed on the site of a karst sinkhole is filled with blue water. The water temperature is 9 degrees all year round. In summer, tourists have the opportunity to go diving on the lake.
Another interesting location is the Chegem waterfalls. After walking along the picturesque Chegem Gorge, tourists see streams of water falling from a height of 50-60 m. They look equally impressive both in summer and in winter. In winter, the streams freeze, forming bizarre growths and icicles. Another waterfall - "Maiden Spit" - is located 2 km from the town of Terskol.
Aushigersk springs are not within walking distance from the Elbrus region, it is more convenient to get to them from Nalchik. The hot spring throws thousands of tons of healing water to the surface all year round. There are bathing places where you can swim even in winter. Spring water has healing properties, but it is better to consult a doctor before using or bathing.
The Elbrus region is an unusually beautiful mountainous region, which is often called the pearl of the Caucasus. The most famous peaks of the ridge are located here - Elbrus and Ushba, Koshkantau and Shkhara, Ullu-Tau and Dykhtau, Shkheldy and others. The Elbrus region is famous for the most powerful glaciers - Bezengi and Dykh-Su.
Mountain ranges, which run parallel to each other, cut through picturesque gorges that amaze tourists with their unprecedented beauty. Against the background of this grandeur of the stone, like a precious pearl in all its splendor appears gray-haired Elbrus, which has long been chosen as a place of rest by climbers and tourists. They are attracted to these places by majestic snow-capped mountains, rapid mountain rivers, impregnable rocks, luxurious flowering valleys.
The advantages of the resorts in this area
The Elbrus region beckons adventure seekers from all over the world with excellent ski slopes. Today, here on earth there is a national park, which has become a world famous resort. This territory harmoniously combines mountainous relief and a unique climate.
The peaks of Elbrus and Cheget, unique beauty and its attractions are beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, tourists are delighted with wonderful forests, waterfalls and mountain rivers, and at this time daredevils come here to conquer new peaks. In winter, snow-white slopes like a magnet attract lovers from all over the world here.
Elbrus is the highest point in Europe. Its height on the west side is 5642 meters, and on the east - 5621 meters. The magnificent Elbrus National Park has united two ski resorts - Elbrus and Cheget.
Climatic conditions
The weather allows skiing in the Elbrus region from mid-November to early April, and even in May in the highlands. The Elbrus region (KBR) belongs to the south, therefore the weather is appropriate here - in winter there is a lot of snow, and sometimes it is not at all. Especially often its absence is observed on the lower runs, the upper ones do not face such problems. The best time for skiers to relax is late December - early March.
Another characteristic feature of this area is sunny days there are at least three hundred a year. Winter average monthly temperature is -15 ...- 10 ° C. Weather in the Caucasus, they are more stable when compared, for example, with the Alps. In July and August, the air warms up to +28 ° C.
Known to many amateurs and professionals, the tracks of Elbrus and Cheget, which remain snowy even in summer, are able to compete with any similar resort. The total length of the tracks is over 35 km.
Ski resorts in 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, skiers and snowboarders are given the opportunity to ride the endless expanses of this famous mountain. Tourists who come to the Elbrus region find it difficult to evaluate the Elbrus ski resort.
At first glance, there is all the infrastructure necessary for a modern ski resort - lifts, a system of snowmaking (artificial) slopes, snow groomers. But at the same time, the resort loses somewhat in the quality and variety of services provided. If it's more important for you to feel the drive from skiing on the slopes extinct volcano than minor household inconveniences, then this place should interest you. Many connoisseurs and lovers of skiing choose this particular ski resort. Prielbrusye (Russia) provides athletes with the opportunity to choose the most suitable place for recreation.
On the main part of the slopes of the Elbrus resort, 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, these sections can only be reached by snow groomers.
Due to low humidity, the climate here is mild, frosts are easily tolerated. In winter, temperatures drop to -15 ° C, rarely below -25 ° C. And if you find yourself on the very high point(4050 m), prepare for freezing temperatures down to -40 ° C. The weather is changeable - heavy snowfall can suddenly suddenly change to calm and clear weather.
Skiing
It is believed that this ski resort, at altitudes from 2350 to 3800 m, has seven slopes with a length of 11 kilometers. In fact, the slopes of the resort are one continuous track, designed for both beginners and experienced riders. There are no traditional dividers, signs, there is a minimum number of protective nets. Complete freedom of movement - main feature of this resort. Endless expanses await you, where you can independently choose the most suitable route for yourself.
The slope is conditionally divided into five sections:
- "Azau (2350) - Old Horizon" (3000). It is served by the Elbrus 1 lift. This is a “red” (difficult) section, which can easily turn into “black” if the route is not properly prepared. At first, the track is narrow, then it gradually widens and turns into a steep section (200 m drop). After passing it, you will again enjoy a calm ride.
- "Old Outlook (3000) - World (3500)". This route is easier (blue difficulty level). It is serviced by the Elbrus 2 pendulum lift. The beginning of the descent will remind you of the "black" track. If you are not confident in your abilities, slow down when passing this section.
- "Mir (3500) - Gara-bashi (3800)". Average level of difficulty. The chair lift is working. There is a pleasant wide area with a slight slope. When passing the route in poor visibility, you should pass it carefully, since you can easily go astray and find yourself in areas with cracks.
- "Gara-bashi (3800) - Shelter of eleven (4100)". The route is designed for experienced athletes. You can climb only on snow groomers. The ascent time is 24 minutes.
- It also has hard-to-reach places in the Elbrus region. Ski resort Elbrus is no exception. Athletes can only get to these sites by helicopter. Glacier skiing, magnificent landscapes and speed will give you incomparable emotions. Freeride fans will undoubtedly appreciate it.
Security
On the slopes, the control and rescue service is responsible for the safety of tourists. The nearest medical institution located in the village of Elbrus. The most dangerous areas are fenced off with special catch nets. It should be remembered that this is an avalanche-prone area. There are video surveillance cameras at each station.
Services
Ski resorts in the Elbrus region offer various services. In particular, Elbrus has:
- equipment rental;
- ski schools;
- rental of snowmobiles and sleds;
- climbing by snow groomers;
- heli-skiing.
Each station of this resort has many small cafes, teahouses, eateries. Here you can have a quick and inexpensive snack.
Where to stay?
If you come to the Elbrus region, the Elbrus ski resort (see photo below) may surprise you with a variety of accommodation options. Here you can settle in comfortable, some of which are located in the Azau glade, near the first stage of the ski lifts. During the season, the cost of hotel rooms varies from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles per day.
A more affordable option is accommodation in the private sector of one of the six villages of the Elbrus region. Tourists often stop in Terskol, Tegenekli. Many hotels include two meals a day in the room rate.
Ski resort "Cheget" in the 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 XX century. The first cable car (chairlift) in the Soviet Union appeared here in 1963. In February of the same year, the winter sports day was held here. The appearance of the cable car contributed to the active development of skiing in the country. And the Cheget complex has since gained world fame. It is considered the most extreme. It was named after a mountain with a height of 3700 m. The Cheget is located five kilometers from Mount Elbrus. Not everyone can obey its slopes, but riding here will give you an adrenaline rush.
Trails for daredevils
We have already said that the height of Cheget is 3700 m, and the height of the ascent is 3050 m. There is a significant difference in altitude - 1140 m. Snow on this picturesque mountain lies from early November to mid-May. The length of the tracks is 20 km. The Elbrus ski resorts 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 not covered with snow, and markings are often absent. But this does not stop extreme lovers who come here every year. The most experienced and daring skiers prefer to ski on the northern slope. It's great for freeriding. The southern slopes are gentle, but the terrain is difficult to read on these routes. Experienced athletes advise beginners not to deviate from the route, as it can easily get lost. There are no children's trails in this resort.
Accommodation
At the foot of the mountain there is a hotel with a quite predictable name - "Cheget". It was built in a picturesque and strategically correct place - in a pine forest, in a meadow, near the beginning of the cable car. You can stay in hotels with more original names reminiscent of our Soviet past - Terskol, Wolfram, Itkol. A bus takes tourists from them to Cheget twice a day. With great comfort you can settle in hotel complex ZhanTamAl ’or at the Abil Qala hotel, in the Goryanka hotel.
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 either - 400 rubles per day with breakfast.
How to get there?
Today, many ski lovers choose the Elbrus region (a ski resort) for recreation. How to get here? This is what newbies are interested in. You need to fly to the airport of Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody, then take a regular bus or take a taxi to the city of Terskol.
If you prefer railway transport, then you should take a ticket to one of the stations - Nalchik, Prokhladny, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody. A regular bus will take you from the station to the resort, which runs quite often, especially during the season.
Elbrus tracks are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers: wide and shallow, they are prepared by snow groomers. The height difference reaches 2000 meters. The modern system of artificial snowmaking of the trails ensures the duration of the skiing season up to 180 days a year, depending on the height of the trails. On the slopes of the resort, it is possible to train and ride skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels.
From Elbrus you can go to Cheget, but for snowboarders it will be difficult due to the specifics of the route: there are gentle sections along the road.
Elbrus route scheme
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The tracks of Cheget are steep, they practically did not know the snowcat, they are covered with hillocks and do not forgive mistakes. The difference in height is 1000 meters.
Chegeta piste scheme
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Scheget off-piste routes
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Lifts:
Complex of cable cars on Elbrus.
The resort has 3 gondola lifts. The lifts are manufactured by the world leader in this industry - the Leitner-Poma company (Leitner-Poma).
Cheget ropeway complex.
Two lines of cable cars ("Cheget-1" and "Parnaya") lead from Chegetskaya Polyana to the cafe "Ai" to a height of 2,750 m. 50 meters on the VL-300 drag lift. Drag lifts VL-1000 and VL-650 are located to the left of the Cheget-1 cable car.
Most great heights in Europe, long slopes for slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, pleasant climate, snowy winters, comfortable temperatures and a lot of sun - these are the factors for which the mountains of the North Caucasus are so fond of.
Elbrus region attracts many lovers of alpine skiing and freeriding from professionals to beginners. If the Elbrus Azau resort is perfect for the latter, then professionals should pay attention to Cheget.
We have studied all the features of the infrastructure and slopes of the resorts so that you can prepare and consciously make your choice, as well as updated the prices for the ski season 2016/2017.
By plane
From distant places it is convenient to fly to this ski resort by plane. Tickets must be taken to the airports of Mineralnye Vody (you can allocate half a day for) or Nalchik ().
Mineralnye Vody Airport: direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Lipetsk, Norilsk, Simferopol, etc. From other cities it is possible to fly with a transfer in Moscow.
Travel time from Moscow: 2 hours
6,000 - 9,000 RUB
Nalchik airport: direct flights from Moscow. From other cities, it is possible to fly with a transfer in Moscow.
Travel time from Moscow: 2 hours
Average cost of a round-trip ticket: from 11 000 rub.
Specify the exact price of air tickets for the dates you need:
By train
If trains are closer to you, then besides Nalchik and Mineralnye Vody, you can go to Prokhladny or Pyatigorsk.
Trains from many major cities Russia.
Travel time from Moscow: 1 day
To the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget by bus / car
From these large cities excellent bus traffic is organized to the Cheget and Elbrus-Azau highways. In addition to relatively cheap regular buses, which will take you in 2.5-3.5 hours, there are also minibuses and regular taxis, which will be somewhat more expensive, but without being tied to the schedule. It's better to bargain with taxi drivers. At the peak of the season, the price is overstated so much that you can persuade the driver by 2/3 of the originally announced price.
The distance to the slopes from Nalchik is 130 km. A little further from Mineralnye Vody - 180 km.
When driving by car, you need to get to the post of the city of Baksan, and then head for the villages of Tyrnyauz and Elbrus, behind which the resort area will be located.
Settlements in the resort area
Total in resort area 6 villages that stretch along the Baksan gorge for 16 km, but have a developed infrastructure for tourism 3. From the villages to the ski lifts you can get by taxi.
Ski season
The skiing season is from October almost to May, and above Garabashi the tracks are in acceptable condition all year round. The most pleasant time is February, March, April. In March, the weather is so good that you can see sunbathers on the slopes.
- Buying a ski pass for the entire duration of your vacation, you save money;
- Don't wait in line to buy a one-time ski pass.
A little clarification: if you want to use the drag lift, then the general ski pass does not apply to it. You will need to buy a one-time ticket.
There are two main ski areas in the Elbrus region: Elbrus Azau and Cheget. We will tell you more about them.
Elbrus - Azau
Start acquaintance with alpine skiing you need from the slope of Elbrus in the first stage.
It takes a day or two to get used to the climate. If you go straight to maximum altitude, you can easily catch altitude sickness.
The manifestations of the disease are not pleasant: fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, heart palpitations, flatulence, nausea, up to vomiting. Therefore, do not deny your body a period of adaptation and get used to the height gradually.
A beautiful official video about the 2015/16 season on Elbrus:
Prices for ski passes for cable cars on the Elbrus-Azau slope
There are three lifts on the slopes of Elbrus-Azau - the first, second and third stages. The fare for a ski pass depends on the number of days for which the ski pass is purchased, the dates (holidays are more expensive), and the lifts used. Below is the information from the official website of the resort for prices for the season 2018/2019:
In addition to the actual cost, you will also be charged 100 rubles for a plastic card ski passes, and the amount will be returned after the card is returned.
The first stage is the lowest point for skiing, the third is the highest. The higher you are going to climb and the longer the tracks available to you, the more expensive the ski pass will cost.
Below we will analyze which lifts go to where and how these lines differ from each other.
Cable cars
There are as many as 7 of them on the slope of Elbrus, one of which is still under construction. The length of the roads is divided into 3 parts - 2 transfers.
First of all goes from the station "Azau" to "Staryy krugozor". You can climb the new Roma-1 gondola cable car in 5 minutes, or use the Elbrus-1 pendulum cable car, which will take you in 12 minutes. The length of the tracks in the first case is 1740, in the second - 1900 meters, passing at an altitude of up to 3000 meters above sea level.
Second stage goes from the station "Stary krugozor" to the station "Mir", lifting you to a height of three and a half thousand meters in 7 minutes on "Roma-2" or 12 minutes on "Elbrus-2". During this time, you will cover a distance of 1800 meters.
Third stage will take you to an altitude of 3780 meters in 15 minutes on the Elbrus chairlift. The gondola lift, duplicating this kilometer-long ascent, is not yet ready for commissioning.
You can climb even higher - to "Shelter-11", using a snowcat or snowmobile. The ascent will take about 20 minutes and will cost from 400 rubles.
The drag road goes along the Azau glade for 5 minutes and rises from 2300 meters to 2500 meters.
Elbrus-Azau tracks
There are 7 tracks on the slopes of Elbrus, which are more suitable for beginners and amateurs than Cheget tracks. Although, in fact, the tracks are not separated from each other in any way and represent a wide common lane for skiing.
- From "Shelter-11" to "Gara-Bashi" there is a wide, gentle slope, suitable for training beginners when they get used to the high mountainous terrain.
- From "Gara-Bashi" to the "Mir" station, the height difference will be 280 meters. Gentle and wide, the track is steep enough and has an average level of difficulty. The right is narrower and steeper than the left.
- From "Mir" to "Staryy krugozor" the elevation difference is 500 meters. The beginning of this section is only for the most experienced. A little lower, the descent will be within the power of an amateur who stands firmly on skis.
- From "Krugozor" to the Azau glade there is a drop of 650 meters. Narrow and steep at first, the track gradually widens to medium difficulty.
Here on this video you can clearly see the descent from the Mir Station to the Azau glade, 4.5 km:
The total length of the descent from the Garabashi point to Azau is 6815 meters, with a track width of 60 to 80 meters, which meets international standards for skiing.
Garabashi Gorge, Terskol Gorge, Observatory and Semifinal, as well as several smaller, life-threatening trails, are used by fans of freeriding.
Despite the serious rescue service and the presence of guides who can warn about the dangers and peculiarities of a particular route, accidents sometimes occur.
People die due to negligence, avalanches or falling into cracks twenty meters deep outside the zones of the rolled tracks.
Cheget
The slopes of Mount Cheget are definitely not for beginners.
Lift pass on Cheget
If you have already bought a ski pass for the slopes of Elbrus, you will have to buy it separately for Cheget. There are only two options on sale: excursion for 500 rubles and for the whole day for 800.
Cheget cable cars
There are only three cable cars and two lines on Cheget. You can get from the Cheget glade to the Ai cafe on the Cheget-1 chairlift or a double-chairlift. The ascent of 1600 meters in the first case will take you 11 minutes, in the second - 17. During this time you will rise from a height of 2700 to an altitude of 2750 meters above sea level.
The chairlift "Cheget-2" of the second stage rises to a height of 3000 meters in 6 minutes. In these minutes, 900 meters of the mountain slope will fly under you.
Cheget tracks
There are 15 tracks in total on Cheget, with a total length of 20 km. The difference in height from the top to the bottom is 950 meters.
Bumpiness, steep slopes, Pine forest attract freeriders. Snowboarders prefer the southern slope - it is wider, although it maintains the steepness of the slope.
Beginners have nothing to do here. Except that there is a small piece of an easy track 350 meters long at the very top - above the Chegeta 3 station, which can only be reached by drag. Everything else is marked as tracks of a high level of difficulty - for professionals and freeride slopes. An additional risk is created by the likelihood of avalanches and rocks.
Video of freeriders on Cheget:
Lodging
Pensions and hotels
The easiest way to rent a hotel is to choose and book it on the official website of the resort: http://prielbrusie-ski.ru/view/accommodation/ or in a specialized aggregator of housing in the Elbrus region - nedoma.ru
Or use hotel aggregators (Booking, Ostrovok, Oktogo) - there you can find true reviews and take advantage of the aggregator's bonuses.
Private sector
If you prefer apartment conditions, then it is better to stay in Terskol - from this village the closest to the ski lifts. The cost is from 500 rubles per person per day. The further away from ski slopes, the cheaper the accommodation. Consider options in Baidaevo, Tegenekli, Elbrus, Neutrino. The latter is located at a distance of 16-18 kilometers from Cheget and Azau.
Accompanying services
Rental
The resort has about a dozen shops where you can buy special equipment for sports or mountaineering. But such a purchase is not always justified. Therefore, it is easier and cheaper to contact the rental offices. The rental is carried out by everyone in the same stores or in special rental points in the Azau and Cheget valleys. Sometimes this service is provided in hotels for residents.
Rent for a day is considered. A deposit and / or a document is required for equipment or equipment.
You can immediately take a set: skis + poles + boots or snowboard + boots. A child costs 600 rubles, an adult 900 rubles - on the first day. In subsequent days, or if you pay for several days at once, it is cheaper, on January holidays it is more expensive. Glasses, helmets, jackets, overalls, tents, sleds, waterproof trousers and many other things that beginners don't even think about are also available for rent.
The rental locations often provide repair services for damaged equipment.
Sports equipment shops
- Terskol: Alpindustriya, Camping Equipment, Elbrus Navigator, Open World
- Polyana Azau: "Vertical"
Pharmacy
- At the station of the cable car "Azau"
- In the Cheget boarding house and the Snezhny Leopard hotel on the Cheget glade
- In the post office building in the village of Terskol
- In the village of Tyrnauz
ATM machines
- In the village of Terskol - "Eurokommerts" and "Sberbank of Russia" at the "Elbrussia" hotel, the Caucasian Development Bank at the "Terskol" tourist center
- Polyana Cheget - "Sberbank of Russia" in the boarding house "Cheget"
Personal instructor
For those wishing to study with an instructor, you need to keep in mind that you must sign up in advance. Their work is in great demand. Approximately one hour of one-to-one lesson costs 1000 rubles.
There are instructors teaching children.
You can catch such an important person near the lifts or directly during the briefing in the glades.
Every coach has a different approach. It will be better if you observe his work a little from the side, and then decide whether to hire or not.
If this is your first time skiing, do not skimp on beginner advice. They can not only bring you pleasure, but also keep you healthy.
Transfer
You can order cars of different classes and capacities, up to minibuses and trucks. They will come to you at the time specified by you and take you where you need to. A meeting is possible at the airport or at the railway station.
Connection
At the ski resorts of the Caucasus, the communication of mobile operators Megafon, MTS and Beeline works best. Do not forget that you will be in a roaming zone. Incoming calls are charged, outgoing calls are at a high price. Check the cost of services with your telecom operator.
Use walkie-talkies to communicate with friends on the slopes.
Wi-Fi and internet cafes
There is a cafe for accessing the network in the Cheget boarding house on the glade of the same name. Another one in Terskol. Wi-Fi is provided by many hotels and guesthouses.
Attractions and entertainment of the Elbrus region
There is one on our site, including one near Elbrus - it will help you plan your visit.
You can diversify your leisure time in the Elbrus region by visiting the following places:
- National Park "Elbrus"
- Valley of the Narzan
- Chegem waterfalls
- Waterfall "Maiden's Braids"
- Bezengi glacier
- Blue Lake
You can also play paintball in Terskol, master helibiking - mountain biking, ride horses of the famous Karachai breed, visit a nightclub, a disco bar, a sauna, of which there are plenty right on the Cheget and Azau glades. Many hotels host billiards tournaments.
If you have not yet chosen where you will live and want to save money when booking, we recommend using the RoomGuru service. Firstly, there are hotels, apartments and guest houses from many different booking systems, and you don't miss out on a worthwhile option. Secondly, you can immediately compare prices for one seat in different services and book where it is cheaper (this is not always Booking!).
Ski complex "Elbrus Azau" is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, at a distance of 150 km from the city of Nalchik. Climbing Elbrus is the dream of any climber, descending its snowy slopes is the dream of every skier. "Elbrus Azau" will help to implement it, the routes of which are laid on the southern slope famous volcano... In principle, you can ski on some slopes of Elbrus at any time of the year, but not all skiers are qualified to engage in freeride and heli-skiing. The best option for them will be the well-groomed tracks of the Elbrus Azau Group of Companies with comfortable lifts and snow groomers. The length of the longest of the trails reaches 5 km, and the height difference is 1750 m - a good base for thrills. The combination of trails allows you to significantly lengthen the descent and get to the Azau glade at the foot of the volcano almost without stopping. Many sections of the trails are laid on wide and gentle slopes; in the flattest places there are high-mountain mini-hotels with a minimum set of services. Climbers stop there when climbing to the top of Elbrus and skiers when descending from it. The resort's infrastructure includes equipment and transport rental, snowmobile rides, cafes, bars and hotels.
When to arrive
Snow covers all the slopes of Elbrus by October, and it leaves only with the last spring month, and even then not everywhere - above 3800 m there is eternal winter and you can ride here all year round. True, it is difficult to climb to such a height; you will have to spend a lot of time and use snow groomers or a helicopter. The weather on Elbrus is difficult, heavy snow can suddenly be replaced by sunny calm. The temperature can drop to -25, and at the maximum altitude available to the guests of "Elbrus Azau" (4050 m) - up to -40 degrees Celsius, but low humidity allows you to comfortably endure even severe frosts. On average, winter temperatures range from -10 to -15 degrees Celsius, and at the foot of the volcano, thermometer readings are sometimes lower than at altitude.
How to get there
The nearest airports are located in Mineralnye Vody (200 km) and Nalchik (150 km), by train you can get to Prokhladny (150 km), Nalchik, Min. Waters or Pyatigorsk (160 km). Then, by bus or minibus, get to Tyrnyauz, Elbrus village or the KBSU recreation center, and then take a taxi to Elbrus Azau. By private car, drive along the M-4 (Don) highway to Tereskol, then turn onto the A-158 highway leading to the Azau glade.
Where to stay
There are more than a dozen hotels in the Azau glade, ranging from economy class (Chyran-Azau, Alpina, Eltur) to luxury class (Scheherazade, AzauStar). At the height of the winter season, prices often rise, so it is worth taking a closer look at the offers in hotels and the private sector of nearby villages - Terskol (2.5 km), Tegenekli (11 km) and Elbrus (13 km).
