June 16, 2016
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- The team near the observatory.
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- Taking the tour in St. Pete.
Let’s get everyone up to date on what IMG Senior Guide, Aaron Mainer, is up to in Russia. Aaron is working with long-time IMG Russian friends/guides, Igor Tsaruk and Sasha Sak, and a group of 6 climbers/skiers hoping to climb and ski Elbrus this month.
Everyone arrived in St. Petersburg on 12 July, and with all their gear, and were met by Igor at the airport. They spent the next 2 nights and about a day and a half getting over jet lag and seeing as much of this lovely city as possible. They then flew from St. Petersburg to Mineralnye Vody the afternoon of the 14th and headed straight for the village of Terskol, located beneath Mt. Elbrus. Today was a hike/acclimatization day up to a local observatory and tomorrow will be another hike/acclimatization/training day up above the Elbrus ski area.
Good news is that there’s a reasonable amount of snow around. Weather is a bit marginal right now but they’ve got a few more days before they need a bit more cooperation from mother nature.
Group is strong and healthy, so all’s good in Russia.
Phil Ershler