Training to Climb Mount Elbrus

To get the most out of your Elbrus climbing experience and to fully enjoy the stunning panorama of the Great Caucasus Range from the very top of the highest peak in Europe, you need to be ready to overcome a number of factors inclusive but not limited to weather, terrain, and altitude. Appropriate clothing, footwear, equipment, diet and rest will reliably protect you from the cold, precipitation and other objective factors during the trip. Training at home before leaving for the mountains and proper acclimatization on Mt. Elbrus can help you to overcome the physical discomfort associated with high altitude environment of Elbrus which will improve your chance of summiting.

Basic Description of Training to Climb Mount Elbrus

Aside from your strength and nutrition, please make your support network aware of your endeavor. Having as much support around you allows for a much more positive and successful preparatory environment. In doing so, you create a character profile indicative of our successful summiteers. Some characteristics of our success stories include:

1. Pre Expedition Training

2. Reduced Stress Levels

3. Ample Sleep

4. Healthful Nutrition

5. Avoidance of Alcohol

6. A Clean Bill of Health

All in all, you want to get to Elbrus as the best version of yourself — healthy, charged and null of potential limiters to yourself as well as your team’s summit bid.

Upon arrival at Mount Elbrus, the next stage of training for the summit ascent begins – training adaptation to the altitude or acclimatization. The program includes an ascent acclimatization schedule, worked out in practice and based on the conditions of optimal terms and states. Implementation of the program outputs will provide you with the sufficient acclimatization to feel satisfactory during your climb to the summit of Elbrus.

At the first stage of acclimatization, which lasts for up to 3 days, a headache, dyspnea during active movement and some sleep and bowel disorders can appear. To combat these symptoms, you should have your prescribed or relevant over the counter medications with you.

The second stage of acclimatization begins on the 4th – 5th day. The body, by this time, is sufficiently prepared for the summit ascent of Mount Elbrus. During the climb, it is necessary to choose a pace that allows the body to stay aerobic. If you feel yourself going anaerobic (out of breath), it is necessary to move at a slower pace than would be desirable during the first 5-10 minutes. Half an hour later such a pace may be optimal once you settle in. Hurry slowly should be the mantra.

During the Summit Day, you will have to go around 8-10 hours from the High Camp (3850 m.) to the top (5642 m.), and then another 4-5 hours down.

Good preparation and relentless pursuit to reach the summit will certainly make your climb of Mount Elbrus successful. Start preparing today.