It’s a subject of debate – whether Elbrus (5,642 m) in the Caucasus is the highest peak in Europe or not. The fact is that the extinct volcano has two summits – the west peak (5,642 m) and the eastern version (5,621 m). Thomas Lämmle has often been as a mountain guide on Elbrus. In the last year, between his professional commitments on the mountain, he has managed to start from both peaks. This aroused hunger for more in the experienced high altitude climber.
June 2019. “I was guiding a group. We had successfully climbed the north side of the mountain, and this had taken less time than planned, so we had our reserve day to spare. I used this to make a solo push from the base camp at 2,500 metres to climb to the east summit of Elbrus – another personal adventure” reports Thomas. This time I reached the east summit just before 6 a.m. The sun was already up, supplying the first warmth of the day. To be up here all by yourself was something really nice. Thomas did not wait long, but laid out his wing and took off. Soon afterwards he had landed at the morning’s departure point. The environmental contrast could not have been greater. From a bleak snowy peak to soft green grass – in 25 minutes.
A second helping
July 2019. Thomas was back in the Caucasus for work. He still had a score to settle, unfinished business – a flight from the west summit. He started out early, wanted to be on the top at sun up. The climb up was laborious. The higher he climbed, the thinner the air. He felt seriously short of breath, but the wind whistled in Thomas’ ears. Would it be a different story on the west summit?
When he got to the top a weak south east wind was blowing. “When I realised that I could take off I could not prevent the broad smile that took over my face,” enthused Thomas. Here on the top, at 5,642 metres, it persisted, until he took off and his feet exchanged snow for air. He had to run fast. Slowly he floated out into the valley, and looked at his climbing route from above – he had been down there not even two hours ago. His gaze wandered away, into the distance, to base camp at 2,500 m. He landed there safe and sound, less than 30 minutes later.
Wanting more
September 2019. As the result of another guiding tour Thomas went to the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Again he managed to fit in some personal time and made a flight from the top. Two different Seven Summits with the paraglider within a few months. What’s going to be next? “To fly from an 8000er; that would be crazy! Let’s see what the future brings,” said the inspired mountaineer.
The Equipment
About Thomas
Thomas Lämmle
Thomas is one of the most successful German high altitude mountaineers, among other things he climbed ten 8000m peaks without additional oxygen. He discovered his passion for paragliding over 30 years ago. Especially the combination of high altitude mountaineering and flying fascinates him. For 2020 he is planning a climb&fly in the Himalayas.