A Personal Welcome to 'Climbing the Seven Summits' Mt. Elbrus Expedition from Mike Hamill
Elbrus is a fantastic climb for so many reasons, not just because it is a approachable, achievable peak that is a fantastic progression point or opportunity to reconsolidate your skillset but also as an awesome travel experience. One thing that always strikes me, is just how beautiful the Elbrus region is. Hidden away in a remote corner of Russia, it is one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges and yet it is quiet, authentic and not overrun with hordes of tourists.
I’m sure you will love it as much as I do.
To help you on your Elbrus journey here are just a handful of things I’ve imparted on my clients over the years (and used myself!) that have helped them be successful – tips that I hope will contribute to your summit too.
Best wishes,
Mike
- Don’t underestimate the weather on Elbrus, make sure you invest in your warm gear and you carry it with you on the mountain even if you think the weather is going to be nice all day. It can get very windy on Elbrus and temperatures can drop quickly.
- Make sure your down parka is the last thing to go into your pack so it’s the first thing you can pull out. Put it on at every rest break before you start to get cold. It takes less energy for your body to maintain its warmth, than to have to warm up again once you start to notice you are getting cold.
- Look for the steps of climbers ahead of you and try to step in their steps. It’s much harder to kick in your own staircase on the steeper sections than use the one that’s already in place. As you start up, take a quick moment to look for these tracks to save yourself some energy. It’s worth conserving your energy even if you are at the start of your day.
- If you are tempted to take the snow cat on summit morning, don’t feel like you are “cheating” in anyway. Your previous acclimatization days will have put you at the same high point as the snow cat drops you off so you have still climbed every step of the mountain one way or another.
- If you are a skier or snowboarder I highly recommend the ski descent, it’s a memorable way to descend one of the Seven Summits (and a bonus claim to fame) as you can ski right off the summit. Not to mention its a much faster, more fun way back to the hut for a well deserved celebration.