Weather is one of the key factors that determines the outcome of an ascent.
May and June are the most beautiful months: the meadows bloom, and there's still winter snow on the peaks.
July brings true summer weather — the optimal time for climbing.
August offers good weather too, but it's very warm, streams run down the slopes, and there are many climbers.
Early autumn often brings near-summer weather with fewer people.

Elbrus
The climbing season starts in May and lasts through September.
The most favorable months in terms of weather are July and August.
For scenery, June stands out — the mountains still sparkle with snow, and the meadows are covered in wildflowers.

Kazbek
The climbing season starts in June and lasts through September.
Statistically, July and August are the most favorable months. June is noted for its scenery, but this is more subjective than a universal recommendation.

South route
The most popular and accessible route. Starts near Terskol village and the Azau clearing. Infrastructure is well developed: cable cars (from Azau to Gara-Bashi station at 3,780 m), hotels, and mountain huts with heating and electricity. This allows for comfortable acclimatization and rest before the summit push.
The route passes through Priyut 11, Pastukhov Rocks, and the saddle of Elbrus (5,200 m). Final point: West Summit (5,642 m) or East Summit (5,621 m). With good fitness, it's possible to summit both in one climb ("the little cross").
Difficulty: 1B (international grading). Suitable for beginners — the route is relatively gentle, and snowcats can take you up to around 5,000 m.
North route
A more "sporting" option requiring self-sufficiency and preparation. The route follows the path of the first ascensionists from 1829. No cable cars or snowcats, minimal infrastructure. Base camp is typically set up at 3,800 m, with camping or stationary huts.
Key features:

• No marked trail on the ascent;
• The summit push starts from the assault camp in rope teams;
• Summiting the East Peak (5,621 m);
• Weather is more unpredictable than in the south — starts are planned earlier to return by 12–1 PM.
• Difficulty: 2A. Suitable for those ready for tent living.

East route
One of the most challenging and scenic routes. Starts near Elbrus village, passing through the Irikchat river valley, alpine meadows, the permanent snow zone, the Achkeryakol lava flow, and the Dzhikaugenkez ice plateau.
Key features:

• No roads or mountain huts;
• The entire route is covered with a full backpack, with no base camp for rest or radial trips;
• Requires rope team skills and experience crossing icy sections up to 30–35 degrees;
• Assault camp can be set up at 4,200–4,300 m;
• Duration: 10–12 days — the first three days are the approach, the rest is the climb itself.
• Difficulty: 2A. Recommended for climbers in good physical condition.

Elbrus and Kazbek are two iconic Caucasus peaks popular with climbers. While both require preparation, there are significant differences between them.
1. Elevation and acclimatization

• Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia and Europe: West Summit — 5,642 m, East Summit — 5,621 m. The greater height requires a longer acclimatization period — typically 7–10 days. Risk of altitude sickness is higher.
• Kazbek is lower: its height is 5,033 m. Acclimatization is easier and faster, but still necessary — at least 5–6 days.

2. Technical difficulty

• Elbrus. The classic south route is considered relatively straightforward, graded 1B (Russian classification). The main challenges are altitude and weather, not technical difficulty. There's a cable car and mountain huts (from 3,800 m to 4,050 m), which makes the ascent easier.
• Kazbek. The climb is technically more demanding, graded 2B. The route includes rocky sections, steeper slopes, and requires basic rope and ice axe skills.

3. Infrastructure

• Elbrus. Well-developed infrastructure: cable cars, numerous mountain huts, and rescuers are close to the route. This makes it more accessible for beginners.
• Kazbek. Less developed infrastructure. Routes are more autonomous and require greater self-reliance.

4. Weather and season

• Elbrus. Weather is unstable, with frequent winds and snowstorms. Optimal season: May to October, peak — July–August.
• Kazbek. Similar climate, but its location closer to the Black Sea means more frequent precipitation. Best period: June to September.

5. Popularity

• Elbrus. One of the most popular routes in Russia. Thousands of climbers summit every year.
• Kazbek. Less popular than Elbrus, which offers a greater sense of solitude. Ideal for those seeking a more authentic, autonomous experience.

The most important and demanding part of preparation is physical training.
We provide training programs for our participants.
Join our preparation course for climbing Elbrus and Kazbek!

Most people who come to summit with us are beginners. And that doesn't stop them from reaching their goal.

From day one, our guides teach participants walking techniques — first on trails, then on snow and ice. We constantly explain how to breathe properly and what to pay attention to during ascents.

Before the summit push, we run training sessions on group coordination in rope teams, teach how to use ice axes and trekking poles, and practice proper crampon walking technique.

Together, we can do it!

We provide alpine equipment rental for our participants. Detailed information — including a rental calculator — is available on a separate page.

All participants who summit Elbrus or Kazbek receive an ascent certificate and a climber's record book. Participants on the Premium package receive a numbered badge "For the ascent of Elbrus" / "For the ascent of Kazbek" from the Russian Mountaineering Federation and a commemorative medal.

Standard package participants can purchase the badge and medal at the office.

The meeting takes place in Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk.
After the meeting, the assembly point is: Stavropol Krai, Pyatigorsk, Kalinin Ave., 42 V.
Premium package participants are picked up from train stations and the airport by company transport. Standard package participants make their own way to the meeting point.

This is a matter directly related to safety.
In our groups, the ratio is typically 3–4 participants per guide — never more than 4.
For oxygen tours, the ratio is 1–2 participants per guide.

• Meals at cafes and purchases not included in the program.
• Activities not included in the tour program (sauna, horseback rides, etc.).
• Gifts, souvenirs, pocket expenses.

Important: additional expenses are not mandatory, but experience shows it's wise to have a few thousand rubles in cash for your standard travel spending. Not everywhere has card terminals, and mobile signal for transfers isn't always reliable.