Mount Elbrus is the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and Europe. It is situated in the western part of the Caucasus; and is the highest peak of the Caucasus Mountains.
As Elbrus is located in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer period, the least rigorous, takes place from June to mid-September with an average of 50% of sunny days favorable to the ascent of the summit. However, the winds, dominated by westerly air masses, can turn violent and temperatures drop very quickly. Above 4000 meters above sea level, even in summer, arctic blizzard conditions with near zero visibility can develop. It is not uncommon for the wind to exceed 100 km/h. In winter, the temperature can drop below ?50° at the top, but in the valleys hot, dry downdrafts can cause heavy snowfall. At low altitudes, the average precipitation is 500 mm and can reach 1000 mm in some years, while above 2000 meters it can exceed 1500 mm.
All mountains can be and on Elbrus the weather and altitude present the main issues as there are few objective dangers on the main climbing routes. The north side is more dangerous in terms of it being more remote and there is none of the infrastructures that you find on the south side. Statistically Elbrus represents a high number of fatalities when compared to the other Seven Summits, and the reason appears to be an underestimation of the challenge compared to the likes of Everest, Denali or Aconcagua. With such temperamental weather, ill-equipped and complacent groups (often without good guides) get caught out in low visibility, which has led to a lot of the accidents and in turn exposure, exhaustion and falls having come off the route.
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