Beautiful places in Kabardino-Balkaria. Cable cars Elbrus - Azau

Will help you find your way around the ski resort. We tried to place on it the most significant objects. In addition, on this page you can see the coordinates Elbrus region on the map countries and get information about the largest tourist settlements.

National Park "Elbrus"

Elbrus National Park is located in the center of a large mountain range Caucasus Mountains, on the southern border Russian Federation in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. This is the upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge. The Elbrus region includes several villages: Verkhniy Baksan, Neutrino, Elbrus, Tegenekli, Baidaevo, Terskol. The nearest town is Tyrnyauz, administrative center Elbrus region.

The settlements were located along the road running along the bottom of the Baksan Gorge and leading to the foot of the high mountain in Europe. Location Elbrus on the map can be quickly determined by switching to satellite. The white spot is forever snowy peaks clearly visible against the backdrop of greenery. Elbrus coordinates(western peak): latitude 43.2113, longitude 42.2630.

On Elbrus region map one more vertex is highlighted. This is Mount Cheget. It is located a little closer to the villages and has very interesting skiing slopes. But the slopes here are so difficult that they are only suitable for professionals. That's why ski Elbrus does not lose its popularity. Its routes are longer and are served by a new cable car.

The main tourist infrastructure of the Elbrus region resort is concentrated in 3 populated areas. These are villages Elbrus, Tegenekli And Terskol.

Elbrus village

Elbrus is a village located in Elbrus region Kabardino-Balkaria, on both banks of the Baksan River.

On Elbrus region map it is clear that a side gorge goes away from the village to the right. This is Irik-Chat, through which you can access Elbrus glaciers or go to the Djily-Su spring. The gorge is crowned by the Irik glacier, one of 23 Elbrus glaciers.

The side gorge Adyl-Su goes to the left - the most popular and beautiful in the Elbrus region. There are several mountaineering bases located nearby.

In the village itself there are cozy comfortable hotels (“Peak of Europe”, “Grand Ozon”, “Ozon Landhaus”, etc.), the boarding house “Elbrus”, children's sanatorium“Andyrchi”, several cafes, a hospital specializing in the treatment of respiratory system organs.

Almost in the center Elbrus there is an office and scientific laboratories National Park"Elbrus region". The famous Baksan pine forest begins from the village.

Tegenekli village

On the left bank of the Baksan River, between Elbrus villages(1.5 km) and Terskol(10 km) is located small Tegenekli village. It is located at an altitude of 1850 m above sea level. The Elbrus and Cheget ski lifts are 10-12 km away. from Tegenekli.

Here are the boarding houses “Edelweiss” and “Elbrus”, the recreation center “Baksan”, several cafes and bars, and a training slope with a rope tow.

also in Tegenekli village there is a mountaineering and hunting museum named after. V.V. Vysotsky. Here, in Tegenekli, the famous film “Vertical” was filmed.

In the late 1960s, Stanislav Govorukhin's film became a cult work on which an entire generation of Soviet people grew up. “Vertical” was the first Russian film about climbers.

One of the main roles in it was played by young Vladimir Vysotsky. The museum widely presents exhibits and materials about the history of the Elbrus region and the people inhabiting it.

Terskol village

The village of Terskol is the center mountain tourism, mountaineering and skiing in the Elbrus region. It is located in the upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge, near Elbrus, 4 km. from the Azau clearing.

On Elbrus region map it is clear that this is the highest mountain village, located at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level.

IN Terskol

IN Terskol there are small private hotels (Esen, Balkaria, Vershina, Legend, Ozon Cheget, etc.), boarding houses (AnTau, Cheget, Wolfram, etc.), shops, cafes, snack bars, a children's ski school, post office, telegraph, control and rescue service.

Not far from the village there are the Elbrus (2 km) and Cheget (1 km) cable car complexes. The village is surrounded by a picturesque pine forest, and very close to mineral spring Achi-Su.

The whole life of the village is permeated alpine skiing, you can feel it even in summer. Posters, announcements, room furnishings - everything indicates that you are at the largest ski resort.

Gives a clear idea of ​​the location of the cable cars and ski slopes in the mountains Elbrus and Cheget. Complex " Elbrus"includes 3 stages of the old cable car (pendulum and chairlifts) and a new gondola-type cable car. The Cheget complex is represented by a cable car and a double chairlift.

On Elbrus region map marked by the Museum of Military Glory of the Defenders of Elbrus and the Caucasian Passes during the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. It is located on the territory of the Mir station, at an altitude of 3500 m. This is the highest mountain museum. The exhibits presented in the museum introduce tourists to the heroic defense of the Caucasus and tell about the military operations in this high-mountain sector of the front.

From the Mir station, a high-mountain taxi - snowcat will take you to "Shelter of Eleven"- a unique high-mountain hotel in the world (4200 m above sea level).

At least once, but it's worth a trip. IN good weather the shocking sensation of being on the same level with the peaks of the Main Caucasus Range will remain with you forever, and the descent through wide fields and even fresh snow will not disappoint.

From the shelter you can see a complete panorama of the Caucasus Mountains, both peaks of Elbrus in the north, the ridges of Svaneti, the Main Caucasus Ridge and its northern spurs.

On the map of the Elbrus region The Pastukhov Shelter rocks are also marked. Hence the Russian surveyor and mountaineer, explorer of the Caucasus A.V. Pastukhov walked to the eastern peak Elbrus. Today the Shelter serves as a starting point for many Russian and foreign climbers to storm the highest peak of the Caucasus.

The Elbrus Azau ski complex is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, 150 km from the city of Nalchik. Climbing Elbrus is the dream of any climber; descending its snowy slopes– the dream of every skier. “Elbrus Azau” will help to implement it, the routes of which are laid on the southern slope famous volcano. In principle, you can ski on some slopes of Elbrus at any time of the year, but not all skiers have the qualifications to practice freeride and heli-skiing. The best option for them there will be well-groomed trails of the Elbrus Azau Group of Companies with convenient lifts and snowcats. The length of the longest route reaches 5 km, and the elevation difference is 1750 m - a good base for getting thrills. Combining routes allows you to significantly lengthen the descent and reach the Azau clearing at the foot of the volcano almost without stopping. Many sections of the routes are laid along wide and gentle slopes; in the smoothest places, high-mountain mini-hotels with a minimum range of services are organized. Climbers stop there when climbing to the top of Elbrus and skiers when descending from it. The resort infrastructure includes equipment and transport rental, snowmobile rides, cafes, bars and hotels.

When to come

Snow covers all the slopes of Elbrus by October, and it disappears only with the last month of spring, and even then not everywhere - above the 3800 m mark, eternal winter reigns and you can ski here all year round. True, it is difficult to climb to such a height; you will have to spend a lot of time and use snowcats or a helicopter. The weather on Elbrus is not easy; heavy snow can suddenly give way to sunny calm. The temperature can drop to -25, and at the maximum altitude available to guests of Elbrus Azau (4050 m) - to -40 degrees Celsius, but low humidity allows you to comfortably endure even severe frosts. On average, winter temperatures range from -10 to -15 degrees Celsius, and at the foot of the volcano the thermometer readings are sometimes lower than at altitude.

How to get there

The nearest airports are located in Mineralnye Vody akh (200 km) and Nalchik (150 km), by train you can get to Prokhladny (150 km), Nalchik, Min. Vod or Pyatigorsk (160 km). Next, by bus or minibus, get to Tyrnyauz, Elbrus village or the KBSU recreation center, then by taxi to Elbrus Azau. By personal car, drive along the M-4 (“Don”) highway to Tereskol, then turn onto the A-158 highway leading to the Azau clearing.

Where to stay

In the Azau clearing there are more than a dozen hotels from economy class (Chiran-Azau, Alpina, Eltur) to luxury class (Scheherazade, AzauStar). In the midst winter season prices often rise, so it’s worth taking a closer look at the offers in hotels and the private sector in nearby villages - Terskol (2.5 km), Tegenekli (11 km) and Elbrus (13 km).

The Elbrus Azau ski complex began its work in the mid-20th century. The first stage of the Elbrus cable car from the Azau station to the Krugozor station began operating in 1969, serving tourists from all over the world. Since then, the Elbrus Azau ski complex has been special place for lovers of mountain slopes.

The two peaks of the extinct volcano (western and eastern) are covered with snow and ice almost all year round, which allows skiing on some individual sections of the Elbrus slope all year round. The double-peaked giant Elbrus captivates its guests with wide slopes that are suitable for both skiers and snowboarders.

Mount Elbrus is the most high peak not only in Russia, but also in Europe. The western peak has a height of 5,642 m, the eastern one – 5621 m. The maximum lift height on cable cars is 3780 m (Gara-Bashi). And skiers confidently declare: “Elbrus is the largest ski mountain in the world.”

The Elbrus Azau ski complex originates in the Azau clearing, located at the foot of the majestic Elbrus. There are two cable car stations in the Azau clearing:

  • "old" pendulum
  • new gondola ride

Both cable cars run parallel to each other. There are 2 stages of both cable cars, the 3rd stage is under construction. There is also a single-chair cable car on the 3rd stage, but it does not always work. From the 2nd stage (Mir station) those wishing to climb up on snowcats, the ascent time to “Shelter-11” is 20 minutes.

Cable cars Elbrus - Azau

QueuesType of roadTravel time (min)Throughput, people. / hourHeight difference (m)Track length (m)
Yoke in the Azau clearing 2300m-2500m

Yoke VL-400, “Mops” of the paddling pool in Azau

5 minutes 200 500
1st stage
Azau (2350m) - Stary Krugozor (3000m)

Pendulum cableway "Elbrus-1"
(20-seat cabins)

12 min100 people / hour650 1740

Gondola cable car “POMA-1”
(8-seater gondolas)

5 minutes480 people/hour
(design - 2400)
580
2nd stage
OldKrugozor (3000m) - World (3500m)

Pendulum cableway "Elbrus-2"
(20-seat cabins)

12 min100 people / hour500 1800

Gondola cable car “POMA-2”
(8-seater gondolas)

5 min 12 sec480 people/hour
(design - 2400)
514
3rd stage
Mir (3500m) - Gara-Bashi (3780m)

Chairlift "Elbrus", 1-seater

12 min130 people /hour,
on repair
250 1500

Gondola cable car

5 minutesunder construction374

Prices for Elbrus-Azau ski lifts

Elbrus ski slopes

Skiing on the slopes ski resort"Elbrus Azau" is much more comfortable than on Cheget. The ski area on the slopes of Elbrus is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Officially, the Elbrus Azau ski resort has 7 slopes with a total length of about 11 km. In reality, the Elbrus slope is one continuous track where skiers and boarders of all skill levels can ride. The length of the route from the “Bochki” shelter (Gara-Bashi station) to the Azau clearing is 6 km, from “Shelter-11” - 8-10 km, depending on the chosen descent option.

In general, the slopes of Elbrus are wide and gentle “blue” routes, with small elevation changes and short “red” sections. And although there are few nets and limiters, you should not go beyond the marked routes.

Scheme of slopes and lifts "Elbrus - Azau"

Mount Elbrus, which is located on the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria, attracts not only researchers and travelers. Thousands of snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts come here every year. The ski resorts of Elbrus are notable for the fact that the ski season here lasts all year round, and the thickness of the snow cover is stable even in the summer.

Skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Elbrus differs in some ways from comfortable ski resorts in Europe. Perhaps the area's infrastructure is not so developed, but this is more than compensated by the freedom of movement along the slopes.

Ski resort "Elbrus" (Azau)

Ski resort"Elbrus-Azau" is located near Nalchik, about 150 kilometers.

Basic ski season lasts from October to May, but in principle, you can ride all year round. On the highest sections of the route (3800 m) skiing is possible all year round, but you only need to get here by snowcat.

The longest route on Azau- 5000 meters.

Height difference on the tracks amounts to 1700–1750 meters.

Lifts: 1 chairlift, 1 rope tow, 2 cabins for 8 people each.

There are 7 official trails (total length 11 kilometers) at the Elbrus-Azau resort. But in fact, the entire mountainside is one big track, different sections of which are accessible to both beginners and experienced riders. Those who prefer (free movement) especially appreciate the slopes of Elbrus for this.

Conventionally, the slope of Elbrus is divided into 5 sections:

  1. Stary Krugozor - Azau (3000–2300 m). Served by chair lift. “Red” route, turning into “black” in some places
  2. Mir - Stary Krugozor (3500–3000 m). The difficulty of the section is average (“blue” track), served by a pendulum lift.
  3. Gara-bashi - Mir (3800–3500 m). The “blue” section of the route is served by a chairlift. Below the Barrels shelter, it is better to stick to the left side of the route, as there are areas with cracks on the right.
  4. Shelter of the Eleven - Gara-bashi (4100–3800 m). The most difficult section, ascent to it only on snowcats.

From 500 to 850 rubles (for 1 day).

Children under 7 years old are admitted free of charge.

A Russian Standard terminal is installed at the box office; you can pay by credit card.

Children have their own skating area. The rope tow will lift children to a height of 300 meters from the Azau clearing; the skiing is supervised by an experienced instructor who will help the child learn the basics of proper skiing. Competitions and fun contests are held on sections of the route with minimal incline.

For those who come to ski for the first time and want to master all the intricacies of the ski slope, there is a ski school. Instructors will come to the aid of beginners, who will talk about skating techniques and help at first.

Infrastructure of the Elbrus resort It is represented by hotels and guest houses, cafes and restaurants, there are baths and saunas, a club, shops, and ski equipment rentals.

Accommodation - in 38 hotels and guest houses. The price includes two meals a day. Accommodation per day will cost approximately 1300–1600 rubles, and in high season prices can reach 1800–2100 rubles per day.

As for the weather, in winter the air temperature averages -10-15 degrees. But at the upper points of the slope the temperature can drop to -40 degrees. In general, the climate is mild; due to low humidity, frosts are tolerated relatively easily.

Look at photos of Elbrus ski resorts:

Ski resort "Elbrus"

Elbrus region- this is the area closest to the slopes of Elbrus in the central part. The ski resort located in this place also bears the same name.

The resort's pistes are on the slopes mountains Elbrus and Cheget. On Elbrus there are 6 equipped ski slopes (with a drop of 2200–3700 m), on Cheget there are 15 equipped slopes (with a drop in height from 2100 to 3500 meters).

The Elbrus trails are flatter and are suitable for beginners and people without skiing experience. But the slopes of Cheget require attentiveness and extreme concentration - the slopes are steeper, with large differences. There are almost no easy trails, mostly trails of medium difficulty and difficult ones (blue, red and black). On Cheget there are the famous Cheget hillocks, and only those who have good skiing experience can prove their skiing skills on this section of Elbrus.

Skating subscription cost- from 400 to 900 rubles in a day.

Children under 7 years old have free entry.

Lifts: chairlifts and rope tows lead to the slope of Cheget, and cable cars to the slopes of Elbrus.

Accommodation in the Elbrus ski resort: prices

Vacationers can live in the Azau clearing - this is closest to the tracks and slopes. There is a more economical holiday option - in hotels and the private sector in the villages of Elbrus, Terskol, Tegenekli - they are the closest villages to the resort.

A private house can be rented for 500–600 rubles per day. Private mini-hotels offer accommodation from 600 to 850 rubles per day.

Hotels in the Elbrus region: prices. If you plan to stay in a hotel, the price includes a transfer from the hotel to the Azau clearing, as well as two meals a day. Cost of accommodation per day 1200–1450 rubles per day, in hotels with enhanced service the price reaches up to 2600 rubles per day. The hotels operate restaurants, nightclubs, baths and saunas, and discos.

Nutrition- in cafes and restaurants, lunch for 1 person costs approximately 300–400 rubles (without alcohol).

List of hotels in the Elbrus region:

  • Hotel Alpina, Azau glade;
  • Hotel "Virage", Azau glade;
  • Hotel complex "Yusengi", Tegenekli;
  • Hotel "Snow Leopard", Cheget glade;
  • Hotel "Ozon Seven Peaks", Terskol;
  • Hotel “ZhanTamAl‘, Cheget;
  • Hotel “Nakra”, Cheget glade;
  • Hotel "Balkaria", Azau glade;
  • Hotel "Meridian", Azau glade;
  • Hotel "Elbrusia", Terskol;
  • Boarding house "Elbrus", Tegenekli;
  • Hotel “Ozon Cheget”, glade Cheget;
  • Boarding house "Itkol", Terskol;
  • Boarding house "AnTau", Azau glade;
  • Boarding house "Wolfram", Terskol;
  • Hotel "Kogutai", Cheget glade;
  • Hotel “Legend”, glade Cheget;
  • Hotel "Peak of Europe", Tegenekli;
  • Hotel "Sky Elbrus", Elbrus.

Mount Elbrus: how to get to the resorts

By plane- to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody. It is better to order a taxi from the airport or arrange a transfer in advance by calling the hotel. Travel time is approximately 5–6 hours (from Mineralnye Vody) or 3–3.5 hours (from Nalchik).

If you get there, you should take a ticket from the stations Kislovodsk, Nalchik, Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Nevinnomysk.

It is better to make a transfer in Kislovodsk (to Nalchik or Minvod) or in Vladikavkaz (to Prokhladny station).

How to get to Elbrus by bus. Shuttle Buses they go from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Mineralnye Vody - to the village of Terskol.

How to get to Elbrus by car. Through Novorossiysk, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don or Pyatigorsk in the direction of Baksan.

  1. Even if you come to the Elbrus resorts with minimal or no skiing or snowboarding experience, do not rush to despair. At the bases there will always be instructors who will provide you with the services of a guide and mentor for an affordable fee.
  2. Prices for passes and hotel accommodation are approximate. A more accurate price range should be found out on the spot.
  3. Not far from these ski resorts, near the village of Terskol, there are open mineral natural springs (Narzan glade). So you can combine business with pleasure and add a wellness program to your relaxation.

We also invite you to watch a video about the Elbrus ski resorts:

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