The Elbrus Resort - 10 Reasons to Visit

The Elbrus Resort is located in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic at the foot of the southern slope of the dormant volcano Elbrus. Besides being a stratovolcano, Elbrus is also the highest point in Europe. The resort has been attracting mountain enthusiasts since the Soviet era and has recently undergone a revitalization, making it an excellent destination for those who crave the energy of the mountains. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit the Elbrus Resort:

Excellent Slopes

With a total length of 17 km, the slopes offer a variety of terrains. While there are no black sections, some red slopes resemble blue ones, although a few sections are closer to black in terms of difficulty. Nonetheless, they are wonderfully wide and diverse, always impeccably groomed.

Breathtaking Views

The majestic peaks of the Caucasus Range, as befitting giants of eternity, captivate the gaze. The two heads of gray Elbrus may seem so close, but it's only an illusion. To admire this splendor, take a cable car and enjoy the views.

Coffee at 3847 Meters

The final station of the Garabashi cable car is the highest cable car station in Russia. Here, several cafes offer coffee brewed at high altitudes. The secret lies in the fact that boiling occurs at a temperature below 100 degrees at such heights. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the unique taste of this beverage.

Balkar Khychiny

Wherever you go on the resort, khychiny will be on the menu. Balkar khychiny is known for its thin dough and delicious fillings. The most popular fillings include cheese and potatoes, cheese and herbs, and cheese and meat. Have a tasting session after a walk or a day of skiing at one of the cafes in Azau.

Sabi Park

If you plan to learn to ski or put your child on skis/snowboard, Sabi Park is an excellent place for that. The training slope is equipped with a travelator, certified instructors are available, and there are groups for young athletes during the season.

Old Cable Car

The resort currently operates two cable cars. While the new one is modern with standard gondolas on all three lines, the old cable car has a much more atmospheric feel. The first two lines are a 20-person gondola lift, and the third line is a chairlift. On a clear day, it's delightful to admire the beauty of the mountains while ascending.

Healing Narzans

In addition to the soul-healing beauty of the local nature, there are also healing narzans—special mineral springs that gush straight from the depths of the volcano. They are located not far away in the Khazaut River valley. These narzans are rich in iron, coloring the rocks on which the water falls in a bright orange hue.

Beautiful Waterfalls

The Elbrus Resort has a vast number of tourist routes. Two of them lead to the most beautiful waterfalls—Terskol Waterfall and Devichye Kosy Waterfall. While it's best to take these walks in the summer, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Highest Mountain Museum in the World

At an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, the Museum of the Defense of Priyelbrusye is the highest mountain museum in the world. The exhibition tells the story of the years of the Great Patriotic War and partisan squads defending the Motherland.

Tastiest and Healthiest Souvenirs

Perhaps nowhere else can you find such tasty and healthy souvenirs. Make sure to get yourself and your loved ones raspberry jam, tea from mountain herbs collected on alpine meadows, honey from bees whose hives are located on high-mountain meadows, and, of course, knitted items made from natural wool yarn.

I hope these points have convinced you, and you are already buying tickets and booking hotels at the Elbrus Resort. And to get even more inspired, watch my video about the Elbrus Resort, featuring an overview of prices, slopes, and resort infrastructure.