I'm nervous about trying it. For one, it would cost $5,000 just for the guide, not including equipment, flight, insurance, etc. To go along with that, I've never been that high above sea level (except when flying which doesn't count). He said that if I can do Guadeloupe Peak then I can do Elbrus. I just don't want to do this mountain if I might not be able to. Advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, this was Mountain Madness.

Hi Basham,

first off, climbing Elbrus does not necessarily set you back $5,000. There are plenty of reputable (and not-so-reputable) local guide services that will charge you way less than the bigger international guide services do. Also, there are several "lite package" options, where the guide can meet you just for summit day which might be preferrable to paying a guide for a full 10 days. Pilgrim Tours is one example of such a service.

If you are unsure you'll make it, I suggest you do some more lower peaks first to get more experience. Elbrus is known for fast-shifting treacherous weather, and you should be able to handle that. There are several deaths there each year. I would never approach a mountain relying on a guide to save me if sh*t hits the fan. The south route of Elbrus is non-technical, but requires good physique - and the best way to improve this is again, climbing more peaks.

My two cents.

Pilgrim is like $800.

$5k is fairly outrageous

first off, climbing Elbrus does not necessarily set you back $5,000. There are plenty of reputable (and not-so-reputable) local guide services that will charge you way less than the bigger international guide services do.

This. Go with Pilgrim Tours or 7summits Club. It should be under $1000.

If you don't have experience though, I wouldn't choose the light package.

Go prepared for cold and possibly severe weather.

Anyway, the views from Elbrus are spectacular, but the mountain has several disadvantages. It's incredibly dirty and the red tape of travelling in Russia is a pain. I found the cities in Russia to be really unfriendly. I have no desire to go back to Elbrus. If you want a more pleasant experience for your first climb, especially for your first overseas climb, there are a lot better mountains to try.

I agree with Scott

Scott wrote:

This. Go with Pilgrim Tours or 7summits Club. It should be under $1000.

If you don't have experience though, I wouldn't choose the light package.

Go prepared for the cold and possibly severe weather.

Anyway, the views from Elbrus are spectacular, but the mountain has several disadvantages. It's incredibly dirty and the red tape of travelling in Russia is a pain. I found the cities in Russia to be really unfriendly. I have no desire to go back to Elbrus. If you want a more pleasant experience for your first climb, especially for your first overseas climb, there are a lot better mountains to try.

Well if you ever wanted to do more adventure and you came close to CA then feel free to contact Joshua Tree Uprising I'm telling you they are just what you'll be looking for. Hope this helps.