Rappelling in Okatce canyon

Cheget Peak isn’t just one of Russia’s premier ski and snowboard destinations; it’s an awesome acclimatization climb to the European peak of the Seven Summits, Mt. Elbrus (18,510 ft.). The Baksan Valley is remote, even for Russia. From the small Mineralnye Vody airport, it’s a three-hour drive to the valley proper, which hosts a number of villages with lodging, restaurants, and gear shops. You ...

Mt. Elbrus is considered to be the second simplest of the Seven Summits, after Kilimanjaro. Climbers should have prior experience with glacier travel and crampon + ice axe use, but the climb itself is non-technical and considered to be a long, slow alpine trek. Everyone attempting should still be versed in mountain safety and aware that all alpine environments can be harsh and unforgiving. New ...