Where is Gara-Bashi station (Mount Elbrus)?
Russia, europe
20 km
3.092 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Gara-Bashi station, a ski lift clinging to the southeast side of Mount Elbrus, right near the border with Georgia. We're talking serious altitude here: 3,883 meters (12,739 feet)! This is the highest ski lift in Europe, folks.
The "road" – and I use that term loosely – starts in Terskol and snakes its way up 10.5 km (6.52 miles) to the lift, gaining a whopping 1,695 meters in elevation along the way. We're talking about an average gradient of 16%, but hold on tight because you'll hit sections with a crazy 33% grade.
Forget your sedan; this is 4x4 territory only. The entire track is unpaved and brutally steep. Expect stunning views of the Caucasus Main Range. And while you're up there, check out the "Barrel Huts" – quirky accommodations that look like grain silos lying on their sides. They're a popular stop for climbers attempting to summit Elbrus, the highest point in Europe. Be warned, this track is generally only accessible on summer days.
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.092 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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