We are considering climbing mount Elbrus with a group of five friends. Some already have some climbing experience (Kilimanjaro, Huayna Potosi, Pequeño Alpamayo) both others don't. So I was wondering if you guys consider the north route safe enough to do. We would like to avoid the busy South route with all these chari lifst, snow cats and so on...

We would go with an orgasation, providing guidance. If you have any tips for picking the best and safest company: always welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Skiing or hiking?
Are you all experienced in glacier travel?

We will only hike to the top (no skiing). Half of us have experience on glacier travel (more technical mountains than Elbrus). The other half doesn't have any glacier travel experience,

thanks in advance

I do not comment on general (travel) safety issues.

As far as crevasse risk etc. is concerned, some practising with the glacier novices before entering the glacier should do IMHO.

Crevasse risk: when we were there it seemed minimal if you stayed on route. But almost everyone was roped up. The guide said sometimes a climber would drop in a shallow crevasse. If you were to get off route, there were places that could swallow you never to be seen again.

Here’s my trip report. I was happy with our guides.
http://www.summitpost.org/elbrus-north-route/726384
We went with Elbus Tours, also known as Over the Rainbow
http://www.elbrustours.ru/en/

Another company a lot of people seem to use is Pilgrim Tours
I originally booked with them, but when things fell apart for south side access they refunded my money since they weren’t prepared to offer a north side itinerary on our schedule.
http://www.pilgrim-tours.com/index.shtml

Thanks for the tips!

We really would like to avoid the south route with all these crair lifts... so it will be the north route.
Pilgrim only offering the south route we will pick Elbrustours

Now I was wondering, did you have good views on the mountains on the north side (like cheget,...) Just in order to know if it might be worth it picking the traverse.

thanks for the help!