August 16, 2021

A Mountain of a Chore


A Mountain of a Chore
Even the most remote places on the earth aren't immune from human tampering, unfortunately.  Photo by Ivan Lukyanov via Unsplash

Most people scale the tops of the world's highest mountains for the satisfaction or thrill of having conquered the immense altitude. On August 28th, however, a group of volunteers will be ascending Mount Elbrus with a more altruistic goal: to rid the slopes of unnecessary litter

Mount Elbrus is both the tallest mountain in Russia and the tallest mountain in all of Europe. Climbers from all over the world come to cross it off of their bucket list, but the natural beauty of the area pays a cost for all that traffic. 

With this in mind, "Clean Mountain 2021" encourages volunteers to help tackle this problem. Participants are given free cable car rides and the equipment necessary to remove litter (no strenuous mountain climbing required, thank God). 

This is the second time the event will take place. Last year, 320 volunteers showed up and were able to collect fifty tons of garbage. Quite the score, but hopefully, they still searched it well for any felines hidden inside.

You Might Also Like

Prose of the Mountains
  • September 01, 2015

Prose of the Mountains

A section of three excerpts from the Central European Press' new translation of the works of Aleksandre Qazbegi, which vividly bring back the spirit and feel of the Caucasus of the 19th century.
The Lure of Elbrus
  • May 01, 2013

The Lure of Elbrus

Each year, thousands of hikers are drawn to the Caucasus, convinced it will be no problem to scale Europe’s highest peak. After all, it’s only 18,510 feet, and a rail car can take you up to the base camp at 12,500 feet. But Elbrus is a devious mountain.
Spring Cleaning for a Cause
  • April 19, 2021

Spring Cleaning for a Cause

Emptying out apartments, but keeping hearts full— this is how some Muscovites are giving back in anticipation of Easter. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955