Ski Touring in Russia
Ski Touring in the Russian Caucuses 6th-20th Feb 2010
The caucuses are the roof of Europe with Elbrus it’s crown, many people visiting this region focus on Elbrus and miss the fantastic touring opportunities in the surrounding valleys, here the mountains are lower 3000-3500m and the snow is better as it is not so wind affected as the high altitude peaks.
The plan for the trip is to explore 3 valley systems in the Western Caucuses region of the Russian Federation. The Caucuses offers unlimited ski touring options and visiting in February we hope to take advantage of the great powder skiing conditions that are often found at this time of year.
This trip was cancelled last year due to the political situation in the area, this has now been resolved and I have had private groups climbing in the area since the end of the problems.
We will fly from Heathrow via Moscow to Mineralyye Vody airport then use a series of heated mountain huts some with sauna where we will be looked after by our own cook.
Planned itinerary: Summary details (subject to weather and other conditions.)
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day
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date
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day's programme
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1
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06.02.10
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Arrival Mineralnie Vody (time, flight?) Transfer to Arhyz village (200km), refuge Arhyz 1450m, 2-3-4 bed rooms.
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2
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07.02.10
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Ski tour to peak Pioner 2933m.
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3
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08.02.10
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Transfer to Moon Meadow. Ski tour to peak Donkin 3173m.
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4
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09.02.10
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Transfer to Taulu. Ski tour to peak Cheget-Chat 2836m, or pass Bash-Jol 3060m.
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5
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10.02.10
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Transfer 160km to Dombay 1650m, then to Alibek Mountaineering Camp 1960m. Refuge Alibek, 2-3-4 bed rooms.
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6
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11.02.10
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Ski tour to peak Kti-Teberda 3542m. Alibek refuge.
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7
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12.02.10
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Ski lift to peak Mussatchery 3200m. Descents to the North side then back to Mussatchery and descent off pist to Dombay. Transfer back to Alibek refuge.
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8
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13.02.10
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Ski tour via pass Alibek 3070m to Aksaut valley. Aksaut Hut 2000m.
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9
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14.02.10
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Ski tour to peak Maly (little) Khalega 3150m. Aksaut Hut.
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10
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15.02.10
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Ski tour to peak JJ 3250m. Aksaut Hut.
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11
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16.02.10
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Ski tour via Djalovchat pass 3200m to Alibek refuge 1960 m.
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12
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17.02.10
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Ski tour to peak Kichi-Djuguturluchat 3720m. Alibek refuge.
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13
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18.02.10
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Ski tour to glacier and peak Alibek 3640 m, or Kichi-Teberda 3480m, or Semenov bashi 3600m. Alibek refuge.
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14
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19.02.10
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Transfer to Piatigorsk (200km). (Option: morning transfer along the way and ski tour to peak Mukhu 3060m.) Intourist hotel.
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15
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20.02.10
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Transfer to airport Min. Vody, flight departure
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Travel: We will meet in London and fly to Min Vody via Moscow, the best airline to fly with is Aeroflot. You can use other airlines to reach Moscow but if there are any problems Aeroflot will not look after you when you reach Moscow. Once we arrive in the Caucuses we will be accompanied by a Russian guide at all times.
Accommodation: Accommodation is a mix of hotels and mountain huts, we will be fully catered for on the tour with our own cook in huts. Russian food is generally simple but plentiful.
Equipment: Touring skis and bindings, touring boots, harscheisen, brakes, crampons, ice-axe, sleeping bag and thermarest (you will not need to carry these but you will need them for some of the huts).
Maps and guidebooks: There is an excellent article on the area in the French Magazine Montagne (March09) please contact Bruce Goodlad if you would like a PDF copy of this.
Insurance: Your insurance must cover you for rescue and medical expenses when ski touring. You are strongly advised to have cover for third party claims, cancellation and curtailment and loss or damage to equipment. See the Yearbook or consult your insurance adviser.
Cost: Price €2222 which is about £1900 not including international flight
Included
- Guides Fees and expenses, Bruce Goodlad and a Russian guide.
- All accommodation and food except in hotel at the end of the trip
- All transfers and in trip transport
- National Park fee
- Visa Support
Not Included
- International flight
- Insurance
- Evacuation costs
- Alcohol
- Visa fee
Contact:bruce@mountainadventurecompany.com 0033450913278 mob 0033631175515