We got up at 1.30 AM and had a little snack for breakfast before we started our summit attempt at 3 AM. The weather was perfect: a starlit sky, temperatures just below zero and practically no wind.

We started at the bottom of Pasthukov Rocks at 4550 meters and had to begin on a rather steep slope. The snow was very firm though and easy to walk on.

Right before we reached the saddle between the West and East peak at 5300 meters we came into the sun and we soon had to take off several layers of clothes. The ascent from the saddle to the West plateau at 5600 meters was the toughest part. From there it was only an easy, almost flat walk, and at 11 AM we were standing at the top of Elbrus at 5642 meters and could enjoy the view for quite a while since it was warm and no wind at all.

The descent back to our camp at 4100 meters was quite a challenge because it was hot, very intensive sunlight, and we were running out of water. At 2 PM we were very happy to be back in our camp and could enjoy some cold water and juice.

After one more night up on the mountain, we are now back at our hotel in Terskol and enjoy the privileges of civilisation like a decent toilet and a warm shower. Today we will go for an easy hike in Terskol valley. Tomorrow we will fly back to Moscow before I return to Oslo on Wednesday.

– Tommy, Sasha, Derry, John, Mr. Nansen, Róisín and myself