Mountain Elbrus

Elbrus is a majestic stratovolcano located in the Caucasus. It is the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe, if we draw the border between Europe and Asia along the Main Caucasus Range or further south. Included in the “Seven Summits” list of the highest peaks of the world, Elbrus rises in the Lateral Range of the Greater Caucasus, just 10 km north of the Main Caucasus Range, on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.

Geographical and geological features

Elbrus is a mountain range of volcanic origin with a base diameter of 15 km. It consists of two distinct peaks: Western (5642 m) and Eastern (5621 m), which are separated by an extended flat saddle (Elbrus Saddle pass, 5416 m). The distance between the peaks is about 1500 m. The absolute heights of the base range between 3200 and 3800 m, and the average steepness of the slopes is 35°.

Formed about a million years ago, Elbrus consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff. The slopes of the mountain are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters, their average slope reaches 35 degrees. The peaks are covered with a dense cap of perennial snow and eternal ice, from which several dozen glaciers descend with a total area of ​​134 square meters. km.

History of exploration and ascents

The first geographical map of Elbrus was compiled in 1890 by Russian military topographer Andrei Pastukhov, who made the first ascent without guides. Rocks at an altitude of 4800 meters now bear his name. It is believed that the first person to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev, who climbed Elbrus nine times, the last of which took place in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

During Soviet times, mountaineering became a mass movement. According to the Society of Proletarian Tourism, from 1829 to 1914, 59 ascents of Elbrus were made, 47 of them by foreigners. In 1935, Soviet climbers climbed Elbrus 2016 times.

Elbrus during the Great Patriotic War

During the Great Patriotic War, Elbrus became the scene of fierce confrontation. In August 1942, German alpine riflemen from the Edelweiss mountain division planted German banners on the western peak of Elbrus. However, by the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, German troops were driven from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers hoisted Soviet flags on both peaks.

Modern meaning

Today Elbrus is one of the most popular ski resorts in Russia, attracting snowboarders, freeriders and climbers from all over the world. The region is also interesting for nature lovers due to its rich fauna, including Caucasian aurochs, chamois and roe deer.

Volcanic activity and mineral springs

Although the Elbrus volcano has not been active for almost two thousand years, scientists consider it dormant. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat local mineral springs, known as “hot narzans”. These springs, saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, reach temperatures of +52 and +60 ºС and became the basis for the famous medicinal resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire Caucasian Mineral Waters region.

Elbrus, with its impressive heights, history and natural features, remains an important part of the cultural and natural heritage of the Caucasus and Russia.