Bzerpinsky Cornice route

The trail to the Bzerpinsky Cornice is one of the most scenic day hikes in Krasnaya Polyana. It suits hikers of different fitness levels and gives a real sense of mountain adventure: panoramic views, alpine meadows and the clean mountain air of the Caucasian Reserve.

From the Gazprom Alpika lower station, a single cable car takes you to Pikhtovy Hut without changes. From there a footpath climbs gradually through fir forest onto open mountain meadows and to the final point — the cornice at 2,063 m, with sweeping views of the Main Caucasus Ridge and the Aibga, Perevalnaya and Pseashkho peaks. Cable-car timetable: polyanaski.ru. Descent: Alpika cable car until 17:30, backup via Gazprom Laura until 19:00. Check the current schedule before you go.

An hour’s walk from the cornice lies Maloye (Small) Lake. The path follows a good trail through meadows surrounded by peaks and streams. If you head for the lake, keep an eye on the time — it slips by unnoticed.

The cornice is also a base for treks to Mount Tabunnaya and Pik Bzerpi — these add more ascent and time. To explore the area properly, an overnight hike is the way to go: it lets you enjoy nature without rushing, and you can catch the sunrise from Tabunnaya.

Another option from the Bzerpinsky Cornice is a trek to Kholodny Camp, near which there is a glacier of the same name. It is a few-hour route, and it is also more comfortable with an overnight at the cornice or at Kholodny Camp, so you can take it at an easy pace.

Important! At the cornice and other spots you may encounter bears and foxes. No attacks on people have been recorded here so far, but you must be ready for such an encounter — the reserve is true wilderness.