What Does it Take to Climb Elbrus?
Many friends ask me “What Does it Take to Climb Elbrus?” Well, it takes a lot of guts!
Once I decide on climbing a mountain, which is anything between 6months to a year ahead the planning begins. First I check when is the best time to climb that mountain to avoid avalanches and Crevasses. Once I decide on the mountain and time of a climb I used to search for the best outfitters that will arrange me the guide and logistics. This was a lot of trouble especially when you want to climb in Argentina, Nepal, or Russia there are many outfitters but choosing the right one is extremely important. Having the wrong guide might jeopardize the whole trip.
Luckily now Rahhalah (www.rahhalah.com) owned by my 2 very good friends Zeddy Al Refai and Suzanne Al Houby (1st Arab male & female to Summit Everest respectively) take the headache away by adding their 7 Summits program, they partnered with one of the largest companies in the world to provide the best level of service. Thats what I got in Vinson last year with Alpine Acsents.
Then gearing up depending on each mountain, I need different thickness of sleeping bags, down jackets and many different climbing boots depending on the climbing conditions. Logistical issues is usually not easy especially traveling to very remote places, Sometimes I change 3 or 4 planes to reach my destination.
After all this, the training start. 6 days a week of intense cardio, strength, and stress training. I have to be in the best shape of each and every mountain. One can never be over ready to climb, thats why I keep pushing the bar higher and higher. Just recently I started training at the Altitude Chamber at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.This is helping my stamina in a big way. I also hope it will help me acclimatize on Elbrus, I guess I will find out in a week or so.
I tried to keep it as short as possible while mentioning the main parts of preparing for my climbs. This is just an over view the real this is way more stressful.
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