Ropeway support blown up on Elbrus slope

NALCHIK, February 19 -- In the Elbrus area in Kabardino-Balkaria unknown persons overnight blew up the 11th support of the second line of the ropeway "Stary Krugozor-Mir”, a law enforcement source in the republic said on Saturday. According to him, none was hurt, but the ropeway is closed for tourists.It is located west of the village of Terskol on the southeastern slope of Mount Elbrus at a height of 3 to 3.5 km above sea level. It is a ring single-rope way with detachable cabins.

The driving station Stary Krugozor is at the lower part, and the drawing station Mir is at the upper part. The stations are fully automated.

The ropeway was officially opened in a ceremony in April 2009. The construction of the garage for gondolas at the Mir station was completed in the summer, and passenger service began in the winter of 2010.