August 8, 2018

Everyone’s down, safe and sound, from their highly successful climb.  As a custom trip, the team has total flexibility and they’re considering the options.  Maybe another day in the valley?  Maybe head to St. Petersburg early and start playing tourist?  Bottom line, they got the job done and now it’s time to enjoy the rest of their time in Russia, see everything time allows and to reflect on a job well done.

We’ll call it ‘good’ with our blog posting.  And, we’ll end it with a few incredible photos from Sasha Sak, our lead guide currently in Russia.  Having the right team members, the right game plan and the right leadership makes for some very good outcomes.  Two trips this season and both trips saw all members standing on top and, more importantly, without a scratch.

Time to sign up now for next season’s trips.  See you in Russia.

Phil Ershler

August 7, 2018

After all these years, it’s still fun to be able to write a post saying “All members reached the summit and are on their way down safely”.  Never gets old.

Our custom Elbrus team, with one father and his son, and a mother and her son, under the leadership of IMG Guide, Sasha Sak, reached the summit early this morning.  As Sasha reported – ‘a little windy but otherwise fine’.

Team is on their way down now.  They’ll spend the night in the hut and then make their way back to the Valley in the morning.  A big congratulations is due everyone.  Just a great job all the way around.,

Phil Ershler

August 6, 2018

Final acclimatization hike today.  Weather was good so the team’s thinking tonight for a summit attempt.  Forecast is a little ‘iffy’ in the days ahead so a shot tonight seems like the right decision.  Acclimatization has gone well and members have been handling the altitude well.  Let’s keep fingers crossed, hoping the weather holds and that every is able to perform well tomorrow.  It’s game day.

Phil Ershler