For our tours, we have chosen the most comfortable options. Not “in our opinion,” but simply the very best, without compromises.
Elbrus Refuge “National Park”
Description: This is our main refuge, located 3–5 minutes on foot from the station of the new cable car, the new Gara-Bashi (3860 m).
Services: The refuge is equipped with power outlets for charging devices, constant electricity, heated cabins for 4 people, a clean toilet, and a kitchen. We bring our own cooks and our own food to the refuge, which allows us to provide meals at the level of the best hotels in the valley despite the much harsher conditions.
Mobile connection: The refuge has cellular coverage and 4G mobile internet from the operator MTS (the tower is 50 meters away). Other operators essentially do not work (you can make a call from the edge of a nearby drop-off point).
Logistics: Snowcat/snowmobile from the cable car to the refuge and back. Without luggage/with moderate luggage — a couple of minutes on foot (in our tours we use a snowcat to reach the refuge with gear from the cable car).
Altitude: 3888 m.
Cons: A modest interior finish of the cabins, but it does not affect comfort.
Elbrus Refuge “LeapRus”
Description: A modular Italian-manufactured complex known for its modern design and eco-friendly technologies. “LeapRus” offers comfortable conditions and warm interiors. It is located about 10 minutes on foot from the National Park refuge.
Services: Modern amenities including a kitchen, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and solar panels. Staying at this refuge is more expensive but also more comfortable compared to other options.
Mobile connection: The refuge has cellular coverage and 4G mobile internet from the operator MTS. Megafon works adequately. Other operators work poorly or not at all.
Logistics: Snowcat/snowmobile from the cable car to the refuge and back.
Altitude: About 3912 m.
Cons: Accommodation for 12 people in one module may create certain inconveniences.
Elbrus Refuge “Heart of Elbrus”
Description: A new refuge on the southern slope of Elbrus, located just 50 meters from the upper station of the Garabashi cable car. The refuge offers modern amenities and comfortable accommodation, making it a popular choice among mountaineers.
Services: Twelve rooms with four-bed accommodation (bunk beds, mattresses, pillows, and light blankets). Heating is provided by water-boiler systems. The first floor includes a café-canteen and a spacious lounge for rest and gear storage. External toilet. Accommodation includes mandatory three meals a day.
Mobile connection: The refuge has cellular coverage and 4G mobile internet from the operator MTS. Megafon/Beeline work adequately.
Logistics: Snowcat/snowmobile from the cable car is possible only until June.
Altitude: 3840 m.
Cons: The cook is not part of our team; meals are provided from the standard café menu together with all other visitors. Rooms accommodate 8 people instead of 4, although there are a couple of VIP rooms for 2–4 people.
There are several other refuges on Elbrus used by mountaineers and tourists:
Elbrus Refuge “Garabashi”
Altitude: 3720 m.
Description: One of the most popular refuges on the southern slope of Elbrus, also known as “The Barrels” because of the shape of the structures. It consists of metal cylindrical units, each accommodating up to 12 people.
Services: Provides sleeping places, heaters, a kitchen, and minimal facilities. Operates year-round, offering shelter from strong wind and snow.
Cons: It is accessed by a separate Soviet-era cable car which often does not operate.
Elbrus Refuge “Priyut Odinnadtsati” (“Shelter of the Eleven”)
Altitude: 4050 m.
Description: A historic refuge whose name originates from the tragic expedition of eleven alpinists. After the 1997 fire, it is scheduled to be restored by 2026.
Services: Minimal conditions for overnight stay and heating, a kitchen, and restrooms.
Elbrus Refuge “Mir”
Altitude: 3450 m.
Description: Although located lower than other refuges, it is also popular among mountaineers and skiers due to its convenient location near the “Mir” cable car station.
Services: A cozy place for acclimatization and overnight stay with access to a kitchen, heating, and restrooms.
Cons: It is too low.
Elbrus Refuge “Northern Refuge”
Altitude: About 3800 m (northern slope).
Description: A refuge on the northern route to the summit of Elbrus, less busy but equally scenic. Chosen by mountaineers who prefer a more secluded climbing experience.
Services: Basic overnight conditions, rest area, minimal facilities. Suitable for those who want to avoid large tourist crowds.
Elbrus Refuge “Ira”
Altitude: Approximately 4050 m.
Description: A small refuge located slightly above “The Barrels.” Attracts climbers who want to stay closer to the summit before the next acclimatization stage.
Services: Basic conditions — sleeping places, limited heating, small kitchen area.
Elbrus Refuge “Diesel Hut”
Altitude: About 4050 m.
Description: Well-known among mountaineers choosing the southern route. Located near “Shelter of the Eleven,” but offers simpler conditions.
Services: Basic overnight conditions; limited space during high season. Includes a kitchen.
Elbrus Refuge “Maria”
Altitude: 4100 m.
Description: A small refuge used as an alternative acclimatization point on the summit route.
Services: Basic conditions for overnight stay. Free places are usually available, as booking is difficult.
Elbrus Refuge “Romantic”
Altitude: About 3700 m.
Description: A small refuge with an evocative name, suitable for beginners needing rest and initial acclimatization. Located below the main group of shelters.
Services: Basic conditions with minimal facilities.
Elbrus Refuge “Vysotnik”
Altitude: About 4100 m.
Description: A high-altitude refuge with the option of an early summit start. Ideal for final-stage acclimatization.
Services: Sleeping places, heating, minimal kitchen and sanitation.
Each refuge provides its own unique high-altitude experience and supports acclimatization and preparation for the Elbrus ascent.