Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and Europe. It is a dormant stratovolcano that rises 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level. This makes it the highest volcano in Eurasia and the tenth-most prominent peak in the world. The mountain is located in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, in the western extension of Ciscaucasia, and is the highest point in the Caucasus Mountains.

Elbrus has two main summits, both of which are dormant volcanic domes. The western summit is slightly taller at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), while the eastern summit stands at 5,621 meters (18,442 feet). The eastern summit was first reached in 1829 by a Circassian man named Khillar Khashirov. The western summit was climbed later, in 1874, by a British expedition led by F. Crauford Grove and including Frederick Gardiner, Horace Walker, and the Swiss guide Peter Knubel.

Etymology

The name Elbrus is linked to Alborz, a mountain range in Iran. It comes from an old language called Avestan, which tells stories about a legendary mountain in Iranian mythology. Different groups have different names for the mountain. The Circassians call it "The mountain of happiness," and the Karachays and Balkars call it "Eternal Mountain."

Geography

Elbrus is in the northwest part of the Caucasus Mountains, close to both the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is very tall, at 5,642 metres above sea level. It is the highest peak in both Russia and Europe. The mountain is near the border with Georgia. You can reach it by road from cities like Kislovodsk and Nalchik.

Elbrus is a dormant volcano with two main peaks. The western peak is the tallest. The eastern peak has a small crater with snow and ice. The mountain’s snow and ice feed many glaciers and small lakes. The glaciers are slowly shrinking, but they still help fill rivers in the area, such as the Baksan, Kuban, and Malka.

Eruptive history

Mount Elbrus was formed more than 2.5 million years ago and is now considered dormant. The last known eruption happened around AD 50. There are signs that the volcano has been active recently, like fresh-looking lava flows and hot springs. The western summit has a volcanic crater that is about 250 meters wide.

The weather on Mount Elbrus can change quickly. In summer, from June to mid-September, there are often clear days good for climbing. But strong winds and sudden temperature drops are common. Above 4000 meters, blizzards can occur even in summer. In winter, temperatures at the top can fall below −50°. Snow falls about 45 days each year, and winters are generally dry.

History

In ancient times, Mount Elbrus was known in Greek mythology as Strobilos. Later writers called the peak Elbrus.

The first climbs of Elbrus happened in the 1800s. During World War II, the mountain was briefly occupied by German forces. After the war, the Soviet Union promoted climbing Elbrus. Today, Elbrus is part of Prielbrusye National Park.

Special ascents

By vehicle

In 1997, a team led by Alexander Abramov took a Land Rover Defender to the top of Mount Elbrus and entered the Guinness Book of Records. They drove the vehicle up part of the way and then used a special system to pull it higher. In 2016, two climbers reached the top on ATVs, also entering the Guinness Book of World Records.

With horses

In 1998, climbers from the Karachai-Cherkess Republic climbed Mount Elbrus with horses named Imbir, Daur, and Khurzuk. They used special horseshoes with steel spikes to help the horses climb. More rides with horses happened in later years with different riders and horses reaching the top together.

Charity Climbs

In 2021, a scientist from Kazakhstan climbed Mount Elbrus to support humanitarian work. In 2020, a climber from Bangladesh reached the top to help a charity, doing it without extra oxygen.

Travel safety

After the collapse of the USSR, traveling to Mount Elbrus became harder because of problems in the Caucasus region. Now, it is becoming more popular for tourists in Russia.

The United States Department of State has warned people not to climb Mount Elbrus or visit the area because of political risks. They update these warnings to keep travelers safe.

Infrastructure

In 1929, scientists built a small hut called "Priyut 11" at 4,160 metres. A bigger hut for 40 people was built there in 1932. In 1939, a travel agency built another hut at 4,200 metres for tourists. This hut was used later and burned down in 1998. It was replaced by a new one in 2001.

There are also small red and white containers between 3,800 and 4,200 metres where climbers can stay. Near the old hut, there is a special outdoor toilet, which is covered in ice. The Terskol Observatory, an astronomical observatory, is located nearby at 3,090 metres.

Activities

Main article: Elbrus climbing routes

There are many ways to enjoy Mount Elbrus. Ski lifts can take visitors up to about 3,847 metres. This makes it easier to start hikes or climbs. The lifts have been made better over time to help keep everyone safe.

Mount Elbrus is also a popular place for climbing. The easiest and safest way is to climb the southern side. Many people try to reach the top each summer. The climb is not very hard, but it can be tough because of the high altitude and strong winds. There are special huts along the way where climbers can rest. Other routes exist but can be more dangerous, especially in winter.

Elbrus Race

Main article: Elbrus Race

The first race on Mount Elbrus took place in 1990. Climbers from the Soviet Union and America joined the race. Anatoli Boukreev won, and Kevin Cooney was second.

Races became a regular event in 2005. They offered two different paths up the mountain. In 2017, Karl Egloff set a new record time for the whole race. This showed how tough and fun it is to climb this mountain.