Three Peaks challenges in Russia

The landscapes of Russia

West of the Urals, broad plains and lower hills dominate much of European Russia. Beyond them, Siberia extends across forest and tundra landscapes, while mountain systems occupy many southern margins and parts of the Pacific side. The Caucasus forms one particular southern mountain region within this much larger territory.

The range of climates is equally broad, from southern steppe to subarctic and polar environments. Conditions in the Caucasus cannot stand for those of Siberia or the Arctic coast. Exploring Russia's mountains therefore means choosing a regional landscape rather than treating the whole country as one upland destination.