Elbrus Region Ski Resorts: Elbrus and Cheget

There are two main ski resorts in the Elbrus region that skiers and snowboarders from all over the country flock to — Elbrus and Cheget. They are located close to each other but differ significantly: one is suitable for absolute beginners, while the other is only for seasoned pros. 

Let's figure out which one is right for you, what to pack, how to prepare for this trip, and make your journey unforgettable.

When to go

The ideal month to visit the Elbrus region is December. At this time, the weather is good, the air temperature does not drop below –3 degrees Celsius, but it can be colder on the slopes. December also has the most sunny days here. However, sometimes you might encounter rain or days without snow.

In January, the Elbrus region experiences heavy snowfalls, which are perfect for powder lovers — freshly fallen, crisp, and untouched snow. This month is usually colder: air temperature drops to –10 degrees Celsius during the day and to –20 degrees Celsius at night.

In February, it gets really cold here, especially in the mountains: the average daytime temperature is around –12 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, the slopes are often covered in snow, making some inaccessible. However, this month is excellent for freeride enthusiasts who enjoy skiing without any rules or restrictions. 

Lifts at all resorts operate throughout the winter and until April. 

How to get there

By plane

The nearest airport to the resorts is in Nalchik; planes fly here only twice a day, and tickets are very expensive. There's a better option: fly to Mineralnye Vody from any major city in Russia, and then take a bus directly to the resort.

You can always find cheap tickets for the route Moscow — Mineralnye Vody or Saint Petersburg — Mineralnye Vody on our website.  

By train

You can also travel by train. Choose either Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody as your arrival city. This is also a good option if you want to bring your snowboard or skis. But we should mention that it's not necessary: all resorts have equipment rentals where you can get everything you need. 

Elbrus Region Resorts

The Elbrus region is home to two main resorts — Cheget and Elbrus. They are located just five kilometers apart, so you can easily visit both in one season. Let's take a closer look at each of them. 

Elbrus Ski Resort

A magnificent resort on the slopes of Elbrus, suitable for both amateurs and experienced skiers.

• Ski season: from November to May. 
• There are four wide and long slopes. The total length of descents is 12 km. 
• Three new eight-seater lifts and several older ones are operating. The maximum height they reach is 3,847 meters. 
• The cost of a ski pass depends on the type of cable car — it's better to get one for all of them for 2,000 rubles. It's cheaper for children, but you need to clarify the price of discounted tickets on site. 

Cheget Ski Resort

Another magnificent resort in the Elbrus region — on the slopes of Mount Cheget. Unlike Elbrus, this challenging resort with tough slopes is only suitable for experienced skiers with good physical fitness.

• Ski season: from November to early May.
• There are only 15 slopes here with elevation changes and a total length of 20 kilometers. There's a track with a gradient of up to 45 degrees and snow moguls — it's one of the most challenging in the country. 
• There are three lifts: Cheget-1, Cheget-2, and Cheget-3. At the very top, there's a T-bar lift that will take you to the highest point.
• A ski pass will cost 1,500 rubles. 

By the way, if you decide to bring your ski equipment, read our blog post about the rules for transporting skis on a plane. 

What else to do

Go snowmobiling

If you're tired of skis and snowboards, you can go snowmobiling on special trails. The main routes run from Cheget Glade along the banks of the Baksan River, through the Terskol Gorge, and along the Garabashi River. A snowmobile trip is a great way to see all the beauty of the Elbrus region with a breeze. 

Go horseback riding

If you want to find yourself in a real winter wonderland, sign up for a horseback ride along the Baksan River. They have very cute horses here that will quickly whisk you through the powder — you definitely won't forget such a ride anytime soon. 

Visit Narzan Glade

Not far from Elbrus and Cheget is the small village of Terskol, which has Narzan mineral water springs. Drink up, boost your health, walk around the village, and stay in a local hotel with a sauna and a Narzan bath. 

Go ice skating

If you're not tired from a whole day of skiing on the slopes, you can diversify your program and go ice skating at the Cheget and Itkol guesthouses. Each rink has rentals and warm changing rooms. 

Where to eat

At none of the resorts will you have problems with food — everywhere you will be met with a generous Caucasian feast. Here's a small guide from us to the top establishments in the Elbrus region.

Cafe Ayaz on Cheget Glade. It's simply magnificent there. It's usually packed at lunchtime, so book your tables in advance. The highlight of the place is juicy grilled meat and solyanka.

Chalet. The establishment opened quite recently but has already become popular with tourists due to its menu: many come here for aromatic coffee and desserts. In the evenings, regular guests gather and play board games. 

Ay on the summit of Cheget. This is the very first high-altitude establishment in the USSR — it was built at an altitude of 2,750 meters simultaneously with the opening of the first cable car. Inside, it has a Soviet interior, but the dishes are Caucasian. Plus, the prices at the establishment are very reasonable. 

Here's a small list of dishes you definitely need to try in the Elbrus region:

• khychiny — a national dish of Balkars and Karachays: juicy flatbreads with potatoes or with cottage cheese and herbs;
• shurpa — an aromatic and hearty lamb soup;
• manti — you probably know what these are, but we'll describe them simply: large juicy dumplings. They are served in almost any establishment in the Elbrus region and for good reason — they warm you up, satisfy your hunger, and energize you to conquer any heights. 
• Cheget pies — those very pies for which you can ascend into the mountains. Seriously, even those who cannot tackle the slopes on Cheget's summit come up here by cable car specifically for this delicacy.
• pilaf. Simply very cool pilaf. It has a lot of meat, it's hearty and juicy.
• shashlik. Imagine: a grill with aromatic meat on a mountaintop. Cool, right? Tourists say they remember the veal from the Elbrus region all year long — you can find it in any establishment. 

Where to stay

New hotels, hostels, and apartments open every year at the Elbrus region resorts — you definitely won't have any problems with accommodation. Most of the most popular ones are located in a pine forest near the A-158 highway, but it's worth noting that you'll need a transfer to the lifts (hotels are ready to arrange it for an additional fee).

You can choose a hotel complex right by the cable car stations, but such an option is quite modest, without any spas or jacuzzis. Unfortunately, due to the location, you'll have to pay more — approximately from 3,000 rubles per night. 

We've prepared a list of the top hotels in the Elbrus region for you:

• Ozon Cheget,
• Elbrus guesthouse,
• Cheget Hotel,
• Itkol guesthouse.

Tips

The Elbrus region — a wonderful place for active recreation. In principle, it has all the amenities for a comfortable stay. However, beginners might face some difficulties. So, let's tell you more about how to properly prepare for your trip. 

• Bring appropriate warm clothing. Ideally — a special ski suit, comfortable boots, gloves, and ski goggles. Yes, all of this can be rented directly at the resort, but your own is more comfortable and pleasant. 
• Pack a first-aid kit. In case of an emergency, you might need pain relievers, warming ointment, plasters, an elastic bandage, and winter sunscreen. 
• Warm up before skiing. This will help avoid cramps and sprains. 
• Bring a power bank and a map of the area. Typically, phones discharge very quickly in the cold. And a resort map or area plan will help you navigate between important points. 

Rules of conduct on the slope

Experienced skiers have their own set of rules on how to behave on the slope. Try to remember them:

• monitor your speed. Be ready to stop abruptly to avoid colliding with anyone;
• the person below you on the slope may not be aware of the situation. Try to adapt to them;
• do not stop in places where you are not visible from all sides. Another skier or snowboarder might run into you. It's better to move to the side;
• carefully read the trail map. If you are a beginner skier or snowboarder, try not to go on slopes that do not match your skill level;
• be especially careful on the lift. Do not swing it, help your neighbors. Before descending, make sure you are not caught on anything.  

And the main rule — don't forget about mutual assistance. Anything can happen on the slopes: someone might fall and break a leg, someone might get lost, someone's phone might run out of battery. In such situations, it's important to help each other — no exaggeration: this way you can save someone's life.

By the way, if you enjoy active recreation, read another one of our articles where we tell you more about the Rosa Khutor ski resort. We also wrote about where to relax in Russia in winter. 

So, are you ready to make this winter special and glide down the mountain slopes with the wind? Then we await you at the Elbrus region resorts!