Route name — Fisht peak. Number in classifier 62. Cat. grade. 2A*. Leader V. Taranenko. Year of passage 1984.

Fisht (2867 m), 2A cat. grade. via SE ridge, rock route. V. Taranenko, 1984. After prolonged snowfalls — snowy (for classification purposes between October 15 and May 15). This route is one of the most aesthetically appealing routes in the area:

• many beautiful views;
• panorama of the Western Caucasus;
• effective angles for photo and video shooting.

From the "Fisht" trailhead, follow the marked trail to the base of the wall. Then, up to the left along the Maly Fishtinsky Glacier (avalanches!) to the Fishtinsky Pass (2.5–3 hours).

Routes to Fisht peak

Fisht mountain (2867 m). Thread of 2A cat. grade. route along the SE ridge (left on the diagram)

Approaches to the route

At the pass, turn right and along the steep snowy slope, turning into a couloir, approach the rock ascent.

Start of the route: steep snowy slope turning into a couloir

Snowy slope turning into a couloir

Movement in the couloir Climb the rocks to the ridge (80 m 50° II). Insurance in teams with a rope.

Movement along the rocks Along the easy narrow rock-snow ridge, approach the snow cirque (300 m). Then cross the snow cirque and move to the large snowy couloir from Fisht peak (100 m). Up the snowy couloir (stones! snowslides!) to where the couloir forks (100 m). From here, there are two route options:

• Along the left branch of the couloir to the summit;
• Along the right branch to the ridge and along the ridge to the summit. Both options are equal in difficulty and time (100 m, 40–50°); the state of the route should be considered when choosing the path. From the pass 2.5–3 hours. Descent via 1B cat. grade. route. In case of poor visibility, descent along the ascent route is possible.

The route is classified as winter. But with a decrease in the amount of snow and processes associated with changes in terrain, over time, the complexity of the route in the summer only increases. We ask you to consider classifying this route as 2A all-season. This is also necessary to be able to complete the program of the 2nd stage of training in one area. This will allow, at minimal financial cost:

• developing mass mountaineering in Kuban.