SOUTH-SIDE PROGRAMME
A staged ascent, not a race to altitude
The programme uses three valley-based days, four planned refuge nights, one scheduled summit attempt and a reserve procedure. Weather, snow and participant condition may require the guide to change a day’s endpoint.
- Day 1 · Saturday
Mineralnye Vody to the Elbrus valley
Meet at the airport, transfer to the valley, check in, meet the team and review personal equipment. The planned main departure is 15:00 for flights scheduled to land by 13:30.
Sleep: valley - Day 2 · Sunday
First acclimatisation hike on Cheget
Walk steadily towards approximately 3,000 metres, focusing on pace, hydration, layers and the first response to altitude. Return to the valley.
Sleep: valley - Day 3 · Monday
Maiden’s Braids waterfall and observatory area
Continue gradual acclimatisation towards approximately 3,100 metres. The exact endpoint is adjusted to conditions and the group. Return to the valley.
Sleep: valley - Day 4 · Tuesday
Move to the high-altitude refuge
Travel to Azau, use the cable car and move into the shared refuge at approximately 3,888 metres. Complete a short walk and equipment check.
Sleep: refuge - Day 5 · Wednesday
Acclimatisation towards Pastukhov Rocks
The main training climb heads towards approximately 4,700 metres. The guide may shorten or change the endpoint because of weather, snow or participant condition.
Sleep: refuge - Day 6 · Thursday
Rest and summit preparation
Recover, check boots, clothing, headlamps and crampons, then review movement order, communication and turnaround rules.
Sleep: refuge - Day 7 · Friday
Summit attempt, 5,642 metres
Start at night on the classic south-side route. Reaching the summit is not guaranteed. The guide decides whether each participant and the group may continue.
Sleep: refuge - Day 8 · Saturday
Reserve procedure and descent
The confirmed offer must state when a repeated attempt is possible and which extra costs may apply. If no repeat is required, descend to the valley.
Sleep: valley - Day 9 · Sunday
Return to Mineralnye Vody
The planned valley departure is 06:30–07:00. Arrival by 10:00 is usual but cannot be guaranteed because mountain-road conditions vary.
Programme ends: Mineralnye Vody
What a nine-day programme does not guarantee
It does not guarantee the summit, fixed weather, an unchanged endpoint on every acclimatisation day or a second summit attempt for every participant. The confirmed offer defines the reserve procedure before payment.