High-altitude hotel opens on Mount Elbrus
The LeapRuseco-hotel has opened its doors on the southern slope of Mount Elbrus – Europe's
highest peak. The new property nested at
This unique
lodging facility came into life thanks to the Northern Caucasus Development
Corporation and its affiliate, the Northern Caucasus Mountain Club. The former
has invested 130 million roubles (almost €3 million)
while the latter has executed the project proving that a climb on Elbrus can be
extreme and comfortable at the same time: hot shower, heated floor and a decent
three-course meal instead of a can of cold stew.
The LeapRus
Hotel is first of all meant for alpinists, skiers and mountain trekking
enthusiasts. Besides, it has turned out to be a great wedding venue for
adventure-seeking couples.
The new
accommodation facility is made up of several smaller modules: sleeping, dining,
and technical. It was erected on Mount Elbrus in cooperation with architects
from the LEAPfactory. It took the team all three summer months to complete the
modular structure in severe weather conditions. Lights, heating, and even
high-speed internet are powered by solar batteries or a back-up diesel generator
(in case of emergency). The hotel will be welcoming tourists all year round. All
in all, the LeapRus can accommodate up to 36 guests. The rates start at 1750
roubles (€40) per bed per night, including
transfer and baggage delivery to and from the hotel by a piste caterpillar.
"Opening
of an all-year-round hotel is a result of a complex high-altitude operation.
Eventually the property is sure to become a landmark or the Elbrus area,"
told one of the project's begetters, Mr. Andrey Katayev.
The
Northern Caucasus Development Corporation is very proud of the new property.
"The LeapRus sets new quality standards of tourist services on Elbrus. We
believe it's going to contribute to the international tourist flow to the
region," hopes the corporation's Director General, Mr. Anton Pak.