Mt Elbrus

Year round skiing on Europe's highest peak (5633 M), lifts exceptionally cheap (as is heli skiing option) but often broken down. A ski cat tow to 4700m in Winter and 5100 M in Summer is normally offered as an alternative or in addition when fixed lifts are operational ($6 - $10 US per trip). This opens up massive vertical and impressive off-piste options. The base hotel 'Azau' closed for 'reconstruction' in the mid-1980s and reportedly shows no sign or re-opening. Operational hotels begin 1.5 to 2 KM away and are reached by bus or taxi ($1 - $2US each way). On average there are a maximum of 500skiers on the slopes daily, more at weekends and in school holidays.

Mountain

The "Elbrus" cable car ascends in stages. The first from the "Azau" station to the station "Stary Krugozor". rises 650 m over its 2500 m length. The 2nd section from the station "Stary Krugozor" to the station "Mir" rises a further 500 m and is another 2000 m in length. The third and final section rises from the "Mir" station to the top "Gara Bashi" station, a further 250 m altitude rise. The length of the ski run back down is 2 km.