terskol - elbruz - cheguet - dombaï
Ski virgin and wild itineraries of the immense glaciers of the Caucasus.
Stretching 1200 km between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is the highest mountain range in Europe. Its mountains and volcanoes traditionally mark the border between Europe to the north and Asia to the south. Located 1800 km from Moscow but easily accessible, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, is a beautiful mountain region, living between past and modernity.
At the foot of Elbrus, Terskol is a traditional mountain village surrounded by high mountains and dripping glaciers to the north and the more welcoming southern slopes of Elbrus. Many off-piste itineraries which start from the top of Elbrus and Cheguet ski area’s both ends in Terskol… that is why Terskol is our main base for this Caucasian trip.
The locals are mostly blond Muslims with blue eyes. They support themselves through agriculture and mountain breeding. In summer, when tourists come to try the ascent of Elbrus, the village comes alive and tourist activity becomes an interesting source of income for its inhabitants. In winter there are no or very few tourists and yet the off-piste and ski touring in the area is fantastic …
A second stopover in Dombai, a town located on the western slopes of the Elbrus, allows you to discover a completely different aspect of the region!
What you will do during your trip
CHEGUET SKI AREA: Translated from the Balkar Cheguet means “north”. It is no coincidence that the off-piste ski area of Cheguet is famous for its north faces. Here the powder snow stays dry for a long time because the sun only makes short appearances. Most off-piste itineraries start at the top of the chairlift at 3050 mts high.
ELBRUZ SKI AREA: From Asau ski base at an altitude of 2300 mts, the modern gondola lifts installed by Pomagalski Group make it possible to go up to 3850 mts in 20 minutes. At the top of the gondola, snowmobiles can be used to go up to 4150 mts high. With its gentler slopes than in Cheguet, the Elbruz area offers fairly welcoming terrain and long and beautiful descents of 2000 meters of vertical drop.
DOMBAÏ SKI AREA : On the western flanks of the Elbrus, Dombai is a small Soviet-style town dominated by Belalakaya Peak. The Belalakaïa 3861 mts high, reminds by its shape of the emblematic Matterhorn. The Dombaï ski lifts provide access to 1400 mts of off-piste itineraries without effort…
Frequently asked questions
The 9V guides use and recommend backcountry skis from 95 mm to 120 mm wide, depending on your size. Fitted with pin-type touring bindings with ski stops, these skis are fairly light, allowing you to ski with ease and save your legs in all types of snow. We recommend 4-hook freerando boots with 60° of travel.
Nop, we rather be slackcountry skiing. Slackcountry or sidecountry skiing is a mix of classic freeride/powder skiing with one or more short walks on foot or with skins from the top of the lifts. The aim is to quickly reach the beautiful powdery, trackless slopes, even when it hasn’t snowed for a long time. The emphasis is on the pleasure of the descent rather than the effort of the ascent.
Slackcountry skiing is THE powder guarantee!
TRAVEL BAG AND SKI BAG
As we travel by plane, boat, car or minibus, space is often at a premium. So it’s best to keep your luggage small and easy to carry. We advise you to travel with a soft duffel bag with wheels, a soft ski sleeve without wheels and a separate ski boot bag.
BACKPACK (25 / 35 liters with carrying strap for skis) for the day’s essentials:
– warm down jacket at the bottom of the bag,
– goggles with a screen for bad weather,
– neck warmer against wind, cold, powder and sun,
– high-protection sun cream for face and lips,
– spare gloves if you fall down a lot, or mittens if you’re afraid of the cold,
– thermos flask if it’s cold or camel bag if it’s mild,
– dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars,
– survival blanket, shovel and probe.
CLOTHING
You’ll spend a lot more time in ski clothes than in après-ski gear.
At any time of year, the weather can be fine and mild, or extremely cold, snowy or rainy.
Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing: During a snowstorm, skiing is fantastic in the forest. Pack an extra layer of clothing in your daypack to adapt to any changes in temperature. Temperatures vary with altitude, on the order of 10°C per 1000 meters. As a result, the difference in temperature between the valley and the summit can vary by 20° or more with the effect of the wind.
If you’re properly equipped, you’ll enjoy skiing whatever the weather. We ski in all weathers.
If you have an avalanche transceiver, we advise you to bring it with you. If it’s an old model, it’s a good opportunity to check that it’s working properly, and to practice with it. If it’s brand new, it’s important to use it as often as possible to familiarize yourself with its operation. Regular training is the only way to be efficient when you need it! If you don’t have a transceiver, please let us know on the registration form and we’ll provide you with one when possible.
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Program
DAY 1: Meet at Mineralny Vody airport (MRV)
Meeting with the guide and transfer by minibus to the Povorot hotel in Cheguet. Overnight at hotel Povorot.
Day 2: Cheguet
Skiing from the Cheguet ski lifts that take you to the famous slopes of the North Bowl. Overnight at Cabanas Ecobox andino.
DAY 3: Elbruz
Skiing day departing from the ski lifts of Elbruz ski area which allow in just 20 minutes to reach the altitude of 3850 mts. From there, we will ski, by a multitude of wild itineraries, the eastern flanks of the Elbrouz volcano. Overnight at Cabanas Ecobox andino.
DAY 4: Cheguet
Ski in Adil-Su, a major destination for ski touring. Overnight at Cabanas Ecobox andino.
DAY 5: Elbruz
South side? North side? Ski touring? Lifts? the possibilities are endless. Overnight at Cabanas Ecobox andino.
DAY 6: Elbruz – Transfer to Dombai
Another day of skiing to explore the long itineraries (2000 mts of vertical drop) accessible thanks to the gondolas of the Elbruz ski resort. After skiing, transfer to Dombai – 6 hours drive to our new hotel the GrandHotel in Dombai.
DAY 7: Dombai
Skiing in Dombaï on the western flanks of the Elbrouz. Overnight at Cabanas Ecobox andino.
DAY 8: Dombai – Transfer to Mineralny Vody
Another great day skiing in Dombai. After skiing transfer to Mineralny Vody by minibus. Farewell dinner and overnight in Mineralny Vody.
DAY 9 : Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Flight Mineralny Vody – Moscou – Home
Farewell dinner and departure for Moscow at 2:50 am. End of the ski safari
The program is subject to change depending on the conditions on the ground and the fitness of the participants.
Hotels and Huts
Hotels and Huts
POVOROT : Located in Cheguet at an altitude of 2200 m,ts our hotel is right next to the departure of the ski lifts. The rooms are large and there is wi-fi. The Finnish sauna and the swimming pool for cooling are included. On the other hand, you have to pay a little extra for access to the traditional sauna with its bunches of sage with which the locals massage themselves energetically.
GRANDHOTEL : In Dombaï, a city where time seems to have stopped during the communist era, we will stay at the GrandHotel, ideally located at the foot of the gondola that leads to the ski area. The rooms are comfortable and the restaurant offers delicious traditional dishes such as chachlyk (meat skewers) and tchebourkis (stuffed slippers).
MINERALNY HOTEL
Included
Included 9V GUIDES
Full-time supervision for 8/10 people by a Russian guide and a French ski guide specialist of the region.
LIFT PASSES
For all ski areas.
ACCOMMODATION
8 nights in comfortable hotels in B&B formula on a double room basis.
-5 nights at the Povorot hotel with breakfast.
-2 nights at the GrandHotel in Dombai with breakfast.
-1 night next to the airport with breakfast.
TRANSPORTATION
All transportation during the safari for participants and luggage. Transportation will be by local taxi.
SAFETY GEAR
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Not included
Not included RESCUE INSURANCE
TRIP INSURANCE
SINGLE ROOM
LUNCHS AND DINNERS
BACKCOUNTRY / SIDECOUNTRY SKIS
GLACIER SKIING GEAR
AVALANCHE AIR BAG RUCKSACK
PLANE TICKETS
All flights are at your expense.
