Reaching 5048 above sea level

Next time we go up we are climbing to reach the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus 5600 above sea level.

Most of the time I can hear stories how altitude changes things, how it changes approach to the peak, how it makes you dizzy and have all kinds of effects on human body. So... After first gentle warm up day it was time to ramp it up. I was all eager to find out and so I was pushing to go higher and higher. I took the climb as a time trial effort. Measure it well and all might be alright at the end. Measure it wrong way and you might find yourself gasping for air mid way through not being able to go any further. Up and up and up, keeping in mind, there are more days to come we climbed to 4600 in our second day. Awesome feeling but I admit I could feel a little discomfort in my head. Luckily after a good meal all was well and there was only sleep on plan. Sleeping in 3700 above sea level for the first time is something else. Heart rate is much higher and to calm myself down I started to count sheep. The only trouble was I came to 2693 and I was awake. Than however they started to ski down infinite slopes and I don’t remember anything else. After such sleep I was ready for breakfast and well motivated to hit the touring with the guys. Sun was shining and everyone could feel great day coming. We ve managed to climb to 5048. I ve reached this altitude on skis for the first time in my life and it was awesome. Of course not as awesome as the ride down. Untouched snow fields and blue sky was perfect combination to finish the day. Next time we go up we are climbing to reach the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus 5600 above sea level.