Where is Mount Elbrus in the world? The seven highest mountain peaks of the six continents of the earth

Elbrus is the largest mountain in Russia and Europe! One of the "magnificent seven" of the highest peaks of our planet, from which you can even see the Black Sea and the Turkish coast ..

Elbrus is located just north of the Main Caucasian Range on the border of the republics Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus(Mount Elbrus) is a two-headed volcano in the North of the Caucasus mountain system.
The height of the Western Summit is 5642 m.
The height of the Eastern Summit is 5621 m.
The saddle height is 5300 m.

The white two-headed volcanic cone of Elbrus is noticeably different from the entire mountain landscape of the Caucasus and can be seen in good weather for a hundred kilometers. The nearest settlement - pos. Terskol (rep. Kabardino-Balkaria) in the Baksan gorge at the foot of the mountain itself.

Elbrus coordinates on maps:
43 ° 21'11 ″ N 42 ° 26'13 ″ E

The peaks of Elbrus.

Due to the status of the highest point in Europe, the ascent to the summit of Elbrus is popular among climbers all over the world and is estimated as one of the “steps” to conquering the “seven peaks”.

Despite the ease of routes, Mount Elbrus takes dozens of human lives every year. To a greater extent, the lethality of the mountain is due to the difficult climate with changeable weather, as well as poor training of climbers without experience. Visually, the peaks of Elbrus seem to be easily accessible, which instantly excites the hearts and minds of many people to "conquer the mountain" and even those who have never climbed before ... In fact, this simplicity is deceiving and in reality a person without preparation finds himself in difficult conditions in which you always manage to survive ...

Climbing Elbrus.

The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have composed a large number of songs and legends about Elbrus.

One of the legends tells that the mountain used to be one-humped. The magic bird Simurg lived on its top, gifting the highlanders who inhabited the valleys mountain gorges, happiness and prosperity. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the heavenly throne of the bird led to its possession by two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: a blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing out fiery streams incinerating everything in its path. After such a terrible fight, the magic bird Simurg hid deep underground, grieved by the ingratitude and greed of people.

According to research by scientists, Elbrus did not remind of itself enough long time, but despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now it has the status of "dormant". The volcano is indeed quite active, both internally and externally. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local “Hot Narzans” - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches + 52 ° C and + 60 ° C. In the depths of the volcano, the life of many famous springs of the medical resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins.

Flowers on mountain peaks ah the Caucasus Mountains.

The climate on Elbrus is characterized by the severity that makes it akin to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4 ° C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly represented only in the form of snow.

The most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus are located around the two-headed giant: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun .

Panorama.

• He made his first ascent Kilar Khashirov - the guide of the Russian scientific expedition, Kabardian by nationality on July 22, 1829 to the Eastern summit of Elbrus.
• The western summit of Elbrus was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874.
• The first to reach both peaks was a Balkar hunter and shepherd Akhiya Sottaev ... During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made the first ascent at the age of more than forty years, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 he was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to the status of a unique natural landmark, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were carried out here, and today it houses the highest geophysical laboratory.

The territory of the Elbrus region is a large center of tourism and skiing... The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sledges and freeride, thrill hunters have organized a new entertainment, which is an ascent to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.

On the slopes of Elbrus.

How to get to Elbrus?

• By plane fly to the nearest airport in Mineralnye Vody. There are many regular flights to Mineralnye Vody from Moscow from airlines: Aeroflot, Sky Express, Kavminvodyavia, S7 Airlines, UTair, Don Avia.

• By train you can get to Pyatigorsk or Nalchik - these are the nearest settlements from which it will be faster to get by "minibus" or taxi. Already from these places they open themselves beautiful views on Caucasus mountains that you can admire all the way.

It will be most convenient to get from the airport or train station by taxi, it will be cheaper to use the services private cabbies... The best and cheap option- is to find on the Internet the telephone numbers of private "bombers" from the village of Terskol and make an appointment in advance on arrival and the price. The way to Elbrus will take about four hours. You need to get to Baksan, then turn to Baksan gorge and to the end along the Baksan river, where the road will lead to the very foot of Elbrus.

You can also get there by regular buses and by route taxis... Only this method is less convenient and will take more time, since there are no direct flights to Terskol. First, you will need to get to the city of Baksan and change there to route taxi to the village of Terskol. The road in the Baksan gorge passes through the settlements: Tyrnauz, Upper Baksan, the village of Elbrus and Tegenekli.

• Based on materials from sites: pro-planet.ru, udivitelno.com

• 24 March, 2015

The highest peak in Russia belongs to the mountain system of the Caucasus Mountains. This is the two-headed Elbrus, located on the border of two Caucasian republics - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The highest mountain in Russia is 5642 meters high. Some researchers have assigned it the title of the highest in Europe, but this is not entirely true. Alpine Mont Blanc (4807) is really inferior in height to Elbrus. But Elbrus is located to the north of the Main Caucasian ridge, along which the border of Europe and Asia passes. The lateral ridge, to which Mount Elbrus belongs, definitely belongs to Asia.

Mount Elbrus - photo

The first mentions of the highest peak of Russia in historical literature can be found in the "Book of Victories". In the descriptions of Tamerlane's military campaigns, there is information that the “great lame man” climbed Elbrus in order to pray there.

At the top of Elbrus

Mount Elbrus - photo

The Caucasus also attracted conquerors at a later time. During the Great Patriotic War the German special service "Ahnenerbe", which was engaged in the study of paranormal phenomena and occult forces, showed great interest in the Elbrus region. During the battle for the Caucasus, a special group of mountain riflemen of the Edelweiss division was allocated, who in 1942 placed German flags on both peaks of Elbrus. Soviet troops removed them in February 1943, and the battle for the Shelter of the Eleven went down in history as the highest battle in the mountains of the Second World War. Until now, frozen bodies of the dead and various ammunition are found in the Caucasian glaciers.

Elbrus Is an extinct volcano with two peaks. They are connected by a saddle at an altitude of about 5300 meters. The lower peak, which has a height of 5621 meters, is considered by geologists to be younger in age. It has retained a clear crater and a regular cone shape. The older summit of Mount Elbrus, which lies in a trap, is significantly destroyed.

Two peaks of Elbrus - photo

The greatest peak of the Caucasus last erupted around 50 AD. This does not allow the volcano to be called extinct, since such volcanoes are called that have not erupted in the memory of mankind. Volcanologists prefer to call it dormant and believe that the peaks of its activity occurred in periods of 30, 100 and 220 thousand years ago. The structure of volcanic ash, cooled lava and tuff, arranged in layers, is also characteristic.

Mount Elbrus - photo

Mount Elbrus - photo

The slopes of Elbrus, relatively gentle at the bottom, above 4000 meters become steep up to 35 degrees. It is easier to climb from the east or south, since there are a lot of steep sections with elevation differences up to 700 meters on the northern and western slopes.

Scheme of the route of ascent to Elbrus

All the Caucasus is characterized by altitudinal zonation, expressed in alternation natural areas when climbing from the foot to the top. On Elbrus, the snow line is located at an altitude of 3500 meters. Alpine meadows end here and above there are only rocks, snow and glaciers. Since the snow does not melt above this line, the mountain always has a snow-white cap, which allows us to call it Little Antarctica. This cap is clearly visible in the photo of Mount Elbrus.

Mount Elbrus - photo

The total area of ​​the glaciers is 135 square kilometers. Among the largest are Bolshoi and Maly Azau, as well as Terskop. They serve as the basis for feeding the Caucasus, including the Kuban. Numerous tongues of glaciers descend into valleys, where they melt, leaving deposits.
The first documented ascent to the eastern, lower peak took place in 1829. Kabardian Kilar Khashirov, who served as a guide for the Russian expedition, ascended it on July 22.

The height of Mount Elbrus was a great irritant for climbers, and in 1874 the highest point of the Caucasus was conquered by the team of Florence Grove. A simple hunter Akhiya Sottayev became a true record holder in ascents. He was not only the first to visit both peaks, but also made nine ascents, the last one at a more than venerable age. At that time he was 121 years old!

Elbrus is popular tourist area... Hot mineral springs have been formed due to the volcanic heat. Their temperature reaches 60 degrees. Bathing in the springs is used in the prevention and treatment of many types of diseases.

Alpine hotel "Shelter of eleven"

These places are popular with ski lovers. They have at their disposal numerous trails equipped with lifts. On most of them, the season lasts from October to May, but on the peaks above 3800 meters, skiing is possible all year round. There are many extreme sports fans. They get to the very peaks of the mountains using helicopters and go down on skis or snowboards. It is not uncommon for such extreme athletes to become the culprits of avalanches.

Barrel shelter

The tourist attraction of Elbrus has increased after the Sochi Olympics. It was used to attract not only Russian, but also foreign tourists and winter sports enthusiasts to the region. This was partly successful, and for foreigners Mount Elbrus is now associated not only with the highest point of Russia, but also with high-quality ski slopes.

Thus, the height of Mount Elbrus, which is more than five and a half kilometers, can become not only a part of geographic statistics, but also a starting point for the development of an entire region.

Views from the top of Elbrus

Two-headed Elbrus

Starting from an altitude of 4000 meters, the steepness of Elbrus in some places reaches 35-40 degrees. There are steep sections up to 750 meters high.

Below the glaciers on the mountain, there are alpine meadows, under which coniferous forests grow. The northern slope is more rocky.

Elbrus was formed more than a million years ago, it used to be an active volcano, and there are still debates about whether it is extinct or just sleeping. The version of a dormant volcano is supported by the fact that hot masses are stored in its depths and heat the thermal springs to + 60 ° C. In the depths of Elbrus, famous mineral water resorts of the North Caucasus - Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk. The mountain is composed of alternating layers of ash, lava and tuff. The last time the giant erupted was in AD 50. NS.

The climate of the Elbrus region is mild, the humidity is low, due to which frosts are easily tolerated. But the climate of the volcano itself is harsh, similar to the Arctic. The average winter temperature is from -10 degrees below zero at the foot of the mountain, to –25 ° C at 2000-3000 meters, and to –40 ° C at the top. Precipitation on Elbrus is frequent and abundant, mostly snow.

In summer, the air warms up to +10 ° C - up to an altitude of 2500 meters, and at an altitude of 4200 meters even in July it is never warmer than –14 ° C.

The weather is very unstable: a clear, windless day can instantly turn into a snowy storm with a strong wind.

The history of the conquest of Elbrus

The thought of climbing the legendary Mount Elbrus haunted many daredevils, they were not afraid of either eternal snows or cold winds. Climbing Elbrus gave birth to mountaineering in Russia. The first attempt to conquer the mountain was made in 1829 by an expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but from the whole group only a guide reached the eastern summit. After 45 years, the British, accompanied by a local guide, managed to climb the western peak.

The first map of the volcano was made by the Russian topographer Pastukhov, who conquered Elbrus without guides.

It is known about the Balkar hunter Akhiy Sattaev, who climbed the peaks of Elbrus 9 times, and he made the last ascent at the age of 121.

In Soviet times, the conquest of Elbrus became very prestigious, mountaineering on its slopes became widespread.

Today, Mount Elbrus is a Mecca for climbers, skiers and freeriders.

Elbrus panorama

Skiing

Elbrus is considered the most ski mountain in the world. You can enjoy winter sports in the Elbrus region from November to May, and some tracks are available all year round. There are 35 kilometers of ski trails and 12 kilometers of cable cars in the mountains. Both experienced skiers and beginners can ski on the slopes, for whom there are specially designated simple routes and training in skiing skills is organized. The favorite places of most skiers are the slopes of Mount Cheget, which are not inferior to the slopes ski resorts Austria, Switzerland and France.

There are three lines of lifts for pendulum, chairlift and towing roads in the public skiing zone.

Those who wish can use the services of a high-altitude taxi - snowcat, which will take you to the Shelter of Eleven or to the Pastukhov Rocks (4800 meters), from where unmatched views of the peaks of the Caucasian Ridge open.

The resort "Stary Krugozor" invites fans of long descents to the longest track of Elbrus with a length of 2 kilometers and a vertical drop of 650 meters.

On the southern slopes of the mountain there is a resort "Elbrus Azau", the routes of which are distinguished by great freedom of movement - there are a minimum of nets, there are no dividers. The resort offers: rental of mountaineering equipment, sledges and snowmobiles, a ski school, snow groomers and helicopter flights.

Experienced snowboarders and skiers can descend from the eastern slope of Elbrus to the northern side of the mountain.

Freeride masters are delivered by helicopter to the untouched slopes, from where they rush at great speed across the virgin snow.

At the foot of Elbrus there are cafes, billiard rooms, saunas. You can also have a snack at every station on the slopes of the mountain. There is a paintball area in the village of Terskol.

Ski season on the slopes of the five-thousander it lasts from mid-November to April. It happens that strong snow cover lasts on some routes and until mid-May.

Video: Descent from the top of Europe / Expedition to Mount Elbrus

Mountaineering

Every year thousands of climbers and tourists storm the slopes of Elbrus. Thanks to the improvement of climbing equipment, anyone with acceptable physical fitness can visit the top of the mountain.

For those wishing to climb, routes are organized in different directions. Climbing Elbrus along the classic path from south side does not require special mountaineering training from tourists. People of average physical fitness will be able to take part in such a hike. Tourists can use the cable car that brings the conquerors of Elbrus to the “Bochki” shelter, located at an altitude of 3750. There are restaurants, bars and hotels of the shelter for guests of the Caucasus, where you can relax and refresh yourself before throwing to the top.

Northern route, passing along the path of the first ascent, of the same difficulty. But unlike southern route, on the way you will not meet any shelters or cable car, which will add extreme to the hike. Time for north ascent it will take more, but as a reward you will receive unique views of the Caucasian nature, untouched by civilization.

The eastern ascent passes along the Akcheryakol lava flow and is subject only to physically strong people. This route is considered the most beautiful.

The routes are designed in such a way that the climbers have enough time to acclimatize.

The most favorable period for climbing is from May to October.

The cost of a ten-day tour is from 38,000 to 85,000 rubles. The price depends on the complexity of the route and on the set of services provided, of which are mandatory: transfer from the airport of arrival and back, accommodation in a shelter or at the base, meals, instructor services. Additionally, the services of porters and cooks, equipment rental, medical insurance can be paid.

All participants in a successful climb receive a certificate "Conqueror of Elbrus".

In addition to climbing and skiing, guests of the Elbrus region are offered paragliding, rock climbing and ice climbing, mountain biking, heli-skiing, trekking, kiteboarding. Mountain biking is possible on gentle slopes in summer.

sights

Hiking along the Chegem gorge with its magnificent pine forests, harsh canyons and amazing waterfalls falling from the rocks will leave an indelible impression on tourists.

The picturesque Baksan Gorge originates in the glaciers of Elbrus. If you have the time, be sure to stroll through its green valleys, flanked by mighty snow-capped peaks. The gorge has its own attractions - the Monument of the Grieving Highlander and the Geophysical Observatory that studies the Sun. At the Narzanov Glade, you will see rusty soil - it became so due to the abundance of iron in the water of local sources. On the slopes of the mountains, you can find caves with traces of the presence of ancient people in them.

Jili-Su

The Dzhily-Su tract, located on the northern slope of Elbrus, is known for its healing mineral springs. Warm waters flow directly from the rock and are collected in an artificial bath, renewing themselves every 10 minutes. Swimming is organized according to the schedule. Local narzans have a beneficial effect on the heart, nervous system, and heal some skin diseases and allergies. In total, there are 14 springs in the tract, each of which has its own specialization: "kidney", "eye", "hepatic" and others. In Jily-Su there are stunning waterfalls - the famous forty-meter giant Sultan and Karakaya-Su 25 meters high. The Valley of Castles, Valley of Stone Mushrooms and German airfield are popular among tourists.

On Mount Cheget, at an altitude of 2,719 meters, there is an observation deck, where, sitting in rented sun loungers, you can admire the majestic nature of the North Caucasus for an infinitely long time. Those wishing to refresh themselves are met by the cafe "Ai".

Mir station

At the Mir station, in the highest museum in the world - the Museum of Defense of Elbrus, the expositions will tell about the dramatic events of the Great Patriotic War. There is also a monument to the defenders of the North Caucasus.

50 kilometers from Nalchik, in the valley of the Cherek-Bolkarsky river, there are karst Blue Lakes feeding from underground sources. It is worth coming here to admire their beauty. But even professional swimmers do not risk swimming in Lake Tserik-Kel - the circular current of the reservoir creates a whirlpool from which it is impossible to get out.

Accommodation

Hotels in the Elbrus region can be conditionally divided into three categories: built in Soviet times; small semi-luxury hotels for 20-25 people; hotels of "premium" class - modern boarding house "Elbrus", hotels "Ozon" and "Seven Peaks".

Recreation center "Elbrus" is waiting for guests in pine forest on the bank of a mountain river near the village of Tegenekli. Hotel Balkaria is located on the slopes of Elbrus at an altitude of 2300 meters. A little higher, in the village of Terskol, there are hotels "Vershina", "Seven Peaks", "Antau".

For the climbers, shelters have been built to meet climbers on the glaciers. At an altitude of 3750 meters, you can spend the night and gain strength in the insulated trailers of the Bochki shelter. The more comfortable Liprus Shelter welcomes guests at an altitude of 3911 meters. The highest hotel in Russia, the Shelter of the Eleven, is located at an altitude of 4130 meters.

Prices for accommodation in hotels in the Elbrus region range from 1000 to 8000 rubles per double room per day, depending on the season and on the class of the hotel. As a rule, the price includes two meals a day and a shuttle to the ski slopes.

Inexpensive housing is offered by the private sector of the Elbrus villages - Tegenekli, Elbrus and Terskol.

Yak

To services of tourists wishing to climb to the peaks of Elbrus, as large companies who have their shelters on the slopes, and single guides. Carefully consider the choice of the organizer of the ascent. Your safety will depend on the professionalism of the escort.

Be sure to find out in advance what clothes you need and what things you need to take with you.

Participants in ascents of any difficulty should be prepared for unfavorable natural factors on the way to the top of Elbrus: cold, wind, thin air, increased solar radiation, sulfur dioxide emission and lack of visibility in inclement weather. You will have to carry a heavy backpack and make long hikes. You will spend the night in tents, and cook your own food on gas burners. Assess your health soberly to avoid accidents.

Everything controversial issues solved before the ascent and after the descent

It is necessary to unquestioningly follow all the instructions of the guide. All controversial points are discussed either before the ascent or after the descent.

The organizers of the ascent have the right to terminate or shorten the tour for individual participants of the ascent or the entire group in the event of:

• Violations of safety rules and behavior in the mountains;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Failure to comply with the norms of public order;
• Disrespectful attitude to nature and local residents.

Tourists from 16 to 18 years old must provide written permission from their parents to climb. Children from 14 years old are allowed on easy routes with their parents.

If you went to the mountains on your own, you must register at the local office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and have a source of communication with you - a walkie-talkie or a cell phone. It is preferable to use the services of Beeline and Megafon, MTS does not always provide a stable connection.

All climbers must have identity documents and a medical certificate with them.

Morning panorama

How to get there

By train or plane to the cities of Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik or Cherkessk, from where a taxi or a bus will take you to the desired place in the Elbrus region. If you arrived with organized group, you will be provided with a transfer.

They say that Prometheus was chained to one of the rocks of this particular mountain because he gave people fire. It was here, according to Homer, that Jason went for the Golden Fleece. And there are also legends that it was Elbrus who turned out to be the first piece of Earth that Noah met after the flood, and his ship literally hit the top and split it.

The Elbrus stratovolcano is located at some distance from the Greater Caucasus Range (20 km to the north) and is highest point Russia. Since there is no clearly defined border between Asia and Europe, many believe that it is the highest mountain peak on the European continent, which is 5,642 meters high.

Elbrus was formed somewhat differently than the rest of the Caucasus Mountains, of which it is a part: they appeared earlier, about 5 million years ago, and have a folded character. And the volcano was formed later, about 1 million years ago, as a result of complex and lengthy geological processes: first, the western summit appeared, and then, on the eastern side of the lateral crater, a second cone began to form. In our time, the volcano is not active, but it cannot be called extinct either: manifestations of volcanic activity are still observed here.

What Elbrus looks like

The nature here is diverse: mountain meadows, rare plants and animals, coniferous forests, turbulent rivers leave no one indifferent, and some time ago in the area of ​​the volcano was created national park"Elbrus", and therefore it is impossible to hunt, cut down the forest, or engage in construction here.

At the foot of Elbrus there is a huge number of extremely beautiful gorges, and on the north side there is the famous Dzhyly-Su tract with mineral thermal springs and the most beautiful waterfalls with a height of 20 to 40 meters, among which the Sultan waterfall located in the upper reaches of the Malka River stands out.

On the slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about three hundred meters, there is a huge ice lake Jikaugenkez. In its middle part rises reminiscent medieval castle Kalitsky peak, whose height exceeds 3.5 km, where there is a site with cult sanctuaries, which were created from large stones.

The volcano itself looks like this:

• Elbrus has two peaks, each of which is two independent volcanoes, connected by a saddle, the height of which is 5.3 km. The distance between the peaks is about three kilometers;
• The eastern, younger cone is slightly lower than the western one, and its height is 5621 m. It has a well-defined crater, 200 meters in diameter and about 80 m deep;
• The height of the western summit of the almost extinct volcano is 5642 meters, the diameter of the crater is 600 meters, the depth is 300 meters, and the upper part of the volcano is partially destroyed;
• The slopes of the mountain are mostly gentle, but closer to the top, starting from the mark of 4 thousand km, the angle of inclination increases to 35 degrees;
• On the northern and western sides of Elbrus there is a huge number of sheer cliffs about 700 meters high;
• Starting from an altitude of 3.5 km, the volcano is covered with stones and glaciers; in total, there are about 70 glaciers on Elbrus, the area of ​​which exceeds 130 km². The water flowing down from the Elbrus glaciers creates three main streams that feed the main rivers of this region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka;
• The surface of the volcano, free of glaciers, is covered with loose rocks;
• The snow cover on the Elbrus summit lies throughout the whole year.

On the northern slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about 3 km, there is the Birjal lava tract with a huge number of outliers of melted sand, which, under the influence of precipitation, weathering, soil erosion, collapsed and created numerous heaps of bizarre shapes that formed grottoes and caves. They hang over each other, forming bridges, arches, consoles and, diverging in different directions, acquire various bizarre shapes.

Volcano activity

It is believed that over the entire period of its existence, an active volcano showed volcanic activity about four times, and the age of the most ancient volcanic rocks of this mountain is about three million years.

The volcano showed the greatest volcanic activity about 225 thousand years ago, then its activity gradually subsided, and the last time it erupted was about two thousand years ago (according to scientists, it was about 50 AD). Despite the fact that this eruption was not recorded anywhere, lava flows dating from this period up to 24 km and 260 km long were found on the mountain. sq. volcanic debris, indicating that the emissions were quite strong.

Although the volcano does not remind of itself for an extremely long time, volcanologists consider it not extinct, but dormant (active), since it demonstrates active external and internal activity - first of all, this is manifested in the release of sulfuric and chloride gases on the eastern slopes, as well as in the presence world famous mineral thermal springs"Hot Narzan", the temperature of which reaches + 52 ° С and + 60 ° С (apparently, the magma chamber of the volcano is located at a depth of 6-7 km from the earth's surface).

Many scientists agree that the volcano is unlikely to wake up in the next two to three centuries.

Some scientists believe that Elbrus may well become active already in this century (albeit not earlier than fifty years later), arguing their conclusions not only by the manifestation of fumarolic activity by the volcano, but also because of the colony of green mosses found on the western peak of the mountain. The soil temperature in this place was + 21 ° C, while the temperature indicators of the environment showed a minus temperature (-20 ° C).

Elbrus weather

Not everyone who starts climbing Elbrus will be able to conquer it, especially if he decides to do it in the off-season - in spring or autumn. Closer to the summit, even well-trained climbers may well be stopped not only by the fierce cold, but also by the terrifying force, knocking down the wind, whose gusts reach 100 km / h.

The most stubborn can, despite the bad weather, get to an altitude of 4 thousand km, but such weather will stop anyone - snow, storm and temperature in minus thirty degrees, in these conditions it is extremely dangerous to climb up.

Since near Elbrus warm and humid Mediterranean and Black Sea cyclones meet cold Antarctic cyclones, the climate of Elbrus is extremely changeable: summer heat quickly replaces severe cold, and clouds in a few minutes can cover an entire mountain, hide absolutely all landmarks - and the traveler will have to rely only on his instinct ...

Wet air currents coming from the Black Sea cause numerous precipitation on Elbrus, mainly in the form of snow, which on high altitude can fall out both at minus and plus temperatures. Most of the precipitation falls here in summer and winter, which is why the most favorable time for the rise is November, when a constant dense snow cover is established, and winter.

The most dangerous period for climbing the volcano is the spring or autumn months: the weather at this time is bad and unstable, and the temperature at the peaks, even in May, can drop to -50 degrees Celsius. So, several years ago, a group of twelve climbers made an attempt to climb the volcano at the end of spring. But due to a sharp deterioration in the weather and loss of visibility, the climbers got lost, and then completely froze to death - only one person could go down.

Elbrus rescue station

To avoid such situations, it was decided to create a rescue shelter on Elbrus - work began in 2007 and ended five years later. The construction was not easy, since it was necessary to deliver materials and fastening systems to a great height, which was done with the help of a helicopter. The first opening of the shelter took place in 2010, but a month later a hurricane completely destroyed the building.

Taking into account the need for such a structure, it was decided to restore the shelter, but to make it smaller and more wind-resistant - and by August 2012, the highest rescue shelter on the European continent was erected on the saddle of Elbrus (5300 above sea level).