OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2007. Ascent of Almetyevsk mountaineers to the highest point of the Western Europe dedicated to the production of 3 billionth ton of Tatarstan crude oil, reported the press-centre of OAO TATNEFT.

The team of mountaineering oilmen from the oil city of Almetyevsk ascended Mont Blanc (4810 m): the highest peak in Western Europe in August 2007. The dear for the hearts of many mountaineers summit has been conquered by the veterans of OAO TATNEFT Michael E. Zemlyanov (69 years old) and Shagit L. Taipov (70 years old), who witnessed the production of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd billion tonnes of Tatarstan crude oil. The Expedition was headed by Vladimir Yaroslavlev, downhill skiing instructor of "Yan" Downhill Skiing Club and a member of the mountaineering picked team of the Republic of Tatarstan, the team also included Nail Yangirov, Department Head of TATNEFT- Regions Management Co. Ltd., and Anis Khasanov, Director of OOO "Master".

Chronicle of the events:
July 31. The arrival in the town of Chamonix (France), which is located at the foot of Mont Blanc.

August 1. Acclimatization training and ascent to the so called Ice Sea - the largest Alpine glacier.
 
August 2. One day waiting due to the storm in the mountains.

August 3. The early morning start of the ascent. Reaching the Tete Rousse Refuge at the altitude of 3,200 m.

August 4. Getting up at 2:00 am. Crossing a stone fall risky, ice and snow covered corridor called Couloire de la Mort. Further steep climbing up the rocks. Short rest at the De Goute Refuge at the altitude of 3,700 m, and after for hours of following the snow covered icy route we stop at the Upper Vallot Refuge at the altitude of 4,300 meters.
 
It is worth noting, that due to the storm force winds all other mountaineers went down, but the team leader Vladimir Yaroslavlev decided to proceed with storming the peak. And the flags of OAO TATNEFT and the Republic of Tatarstan were delivered to the summit of Mont Blanc. After half an hour stay at the summit and picture taking session descending to the Vallot Refuge.

August 5. Further descending. We reached the Couloire de la Mort. The Corridor had woken up already and stones were sliding on the ice. We successfully passed the most dangerous spot along the route. And, finally, we returned to the base camp.

Expedition members are extremely grateful to the Management of OAO TATNEFT, which has provided an opportunity to gear expedition and to reach a preset goal.