sports management 8 critical thinking questions

How to Use Critical Thinking In Sports

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The ability to know how to respond to your opponent in the moment comes down to your ability to make cognitive decisions that your body has to follow.we usually hear the term “critical thinking skills” in the context of work and education. but critical thinking skills can help us in every aspect of our life.every athlete knows that sport is not a purely physical activity. the mental components of sport range from resilience, motivation, and passion, to strategy, discipline, and wit.like any athletic skill, critical thinking requires practice..

Imagine you’re in the final moments of a game, and it’s a nail biter. Your team is barely up, and the next few plays will determine the outcome of the game. From the looks of things, those final few plays are going to come through you to determine the outcome of the game. Whether you’re a shortstop, a defensive back, a midfielder, or a hitter, the ability to know how to respond to your opponent in the moment comes down to your ability to make cognitive decisions that your body has to follow. Said another way, succeeding in high pressure situations starts with critical thinking skills. 

What are critical thinking skills? ‍

We usually hear the term “critical thinking skills” in the context of work and education. But critical thinking skills can help us in every aspect of our life, not just in the workplace or classroom. With the right knowledge, critical thinking skills can enhance your athletic performance and take your game to the next level.

So, what are critical thinking skills? According to the Foundation for Critical Thinking , “Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically.” Essentially, critical thinking is the ability to skillfully seek out information, process it, and then use it to guide belief and action.

Why is critical thinking important for athletes? ‍

Every athlete knows that sport is not a purely physical activity. The mental components of sport range from resilience, motivation, and passion, to strategy, discipline, and wit. And while hard work can get you far, it is critical thinking that will carry you over the finish line. 

When athletes think critically, they can accurately evaluate their past and present performance, make decisions that support their athletic development, communicate more effectively with teammates and coaches, and maintain curiosity about the game that keeps them striving for excellence. At the elite level, these skills are what differentiate the good athletes from the great athletes.

‍ Developing your athletic skills through critical thinking: ‍

Christopher Dwyer, PhD, has broken down critical thinking into three main components: analysis, evaluation, and inference. If you want to use critical thinking to enhance your athletic performance, developing these three skills is a good place to start. Let’s take a look at what each of these components involves.

• Analysis is the examination of the structure of something, often of an argument. In sport, we can use performance analysis to gather objective information about the events (or structure) of a previous game, race, or match. This can involve collecting observational data from video records, for example, or it can be achieved through reflection, meaning that athletes and coaches can draw on their memories for information about what happened. This might include noting which plays were executed, how many shots scored, how many missed, the time each lap took to complete, or which skills or movements were relied upon the most. Once we have the data, it’s time to evaluate it.
• Evaluation is the systematic judgment of data- the process of deciding its worth and significance. This means looking at the information that we’ve gathered and deciding what it means. If a team relies heavily on a certain play, and that play rarely results in a goal, is that play serving the team? Or if they’re having difficulty executing a play which theoretically should work, where are they going wrong? Is the issue one of coaching, or player error? If a team consistently wins at home, but struggles in away games, what does that mean? Perhaps we have data which tells us that, overall, players sleep less prior to away games. After the data has been evaluated, the next step is to make inferences about those evaluations.
• Inference is the process of forming conclusions based on a body of evidence, and it allows athletes and coaches to seek solutions based on those conclusions. If we use the example of the team whose players sleep poorly before away games, and which loses more often when they play away than when they play at home, it’s possible to infer that travel disrupts their sleep, resulting in worse athletic performance. At this point, coaches and players can use this information to make decisions about how they manage travel, and look for solutions. Perhaps they can arrive a day earlier, leaving more time to adjust. Maybe they could use a sports psychologist to brainstorm strategies for helping the team get more rest. Whatever they choose, they will be one step closer to winning more games. Through this example, we can see how the process of thinking critically leads directly to solutions that improve performance.

‍ Critical Thinking Exercises: ‍

Like any athletic skill, critical thinking requires practice. Here, we’ll look at some common critical thinking exercises that you can adapt for use in sport.

• Reading Exercise : Take a magazine and choose a few articles that interest you. After reading each one, make a list of the key facts, ideas, and concepts in the article. Look at what you’ve noted for each article, and search for links between them. Can you draw any conclusions about the opinions of the authors and the publication? Adaptation: Do this exercise with a sports publication. Seek out articles that offer detailed analyses of various teams. Look for links between action and performance. Try to evaluate the opinions of commentators. Do you agree with their assessments? Why or why not? Form your own opinion about why a team or athlete is performing the way they are.
• Tell it to an alien : No, this doesn’t involve tinfoil hats. Choose 5-10 theories that you find interesting. Then, put on your acting cap, because you’re going to play two roles- yourself, and the space alien. Start by explaining one of the theories to the alien, keeping in mind that the alien knows nothing about earth. Then, stepping into the alien’s role, respond to yourself with a question, trying to force yourself to think about things you may not have previously considered. Repeat this back and forth until you feel that you’ve explored the topic in detail. Adaptation: Simply choose topics and theories relevant to your sport! For example, try explaining a complex strategy to the alien, pushing yourself to explore how and why that strategy works, and what happens when it fails. This way you’ll be in a better position to successfully use and execute that strategy.
• Writing exercise : Keep a detailed log of your training and competitions. Consider the decisions you made and how they resulted in success or failure. Look for links you may not have considered between actions and results. Track how practicing certain things leads to improved outcomes. Look for trends in your life outside sport that may have affected your performance.

Developing critical thinking skills with your athletes: ‍

As a coach, there are several ways to bolster critical thinking in your athletes. Here are a few strategies that you can start to use immediately.

• Communicate : Focus on improving communication between teammates, as well as between team members and coaching staff. Working together effectively to find solutions increases team cohesion, and helps to get everyone’s heads in the game.
• Reflect : Look back on games and practices together with your athletes. Ask them to think about what happened before you jump in with your own theories. Help them accurately reflect on their performance by engaging them with critical questions.
• Feedback : Practice supportive feedback based on curiosity. When you give them instructions, ask them to be curious about why you’re doing so, and how those instructions will help them. Ask them for their own thoughts on how they can improve, and engage with them in self-reflection, offering direction when they get stuck.

Related Articles:

• Mentality is Everything
• How to Set Goals in Sports
• Why Focusing on Process Over Outcome Matters
• Powerful Ways to Master Failure

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Critical Thinking and Why Sport Management Students Should Study Sport in Society

In the summer, much of a professor’s focus is on improving the quality of material being offered to students. This involves participating in professional conferences such as the 2022 North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM) conference in Atlanta. There will be more than 500 sport management professors delivering presentations, sitting on panel discussions, and sharing ideas on sport management. Topics will include everything from sport governance, marketing, and leadership to presentations on how these topics can be taught more effectively.

The Sociology of Sport

It is interesting for students to note that when higher education first researched sport from the perspective of an academic discipline, it was not actually focused on sport management. Sport’s first academic focus regarding how it was organized and governed was from the perspective of the sociology of sport. The North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS) was established long before NASSM.

For this reason, one of the first courses in our sport management program is Sport in Society. The goal of studying sport and its impact on society is to teach students how to think critically about what we are doing in this field. Students will learn to identify and understand what type of social problems and issues are associated with sport. Sport management students are asked to look beyond the statistics and see sport as a social phenomenon. As a result, as both sports fans and managers, can make informed choices about sport and its place in our lives.

The Social Phenomena of Sport

Sports are indeed social phenomena in how they relate to the social and cultural contexts in which we live. They provide stories and images used to explain and evaluate things that impact our life. Examples include the game-winning shot, the underdog overcoming odds, or the larger than life superstar athlete. They provide a window into what our culture and society is all about.

Sport trends are influenced by how sports are organized, commercialized and represented in the media. Trends are also impacted by emerging technologies and the demographic changes being seen in the United States. These are all areas that will need to be considered by sport managers to stay abreast of the latest trends.

The Future of Sport Management

Students creating new and alternative sports may be able to find new ways to view, play and be involved in sports. Regardless of your involvement or vantage point, much of how sport managers will be involved in sport is going to require visions of what sport and social life could and should be like. It’s will also require students to strategize how to turn their sport visions into reality.

Transforming sport is a challenging task. Sport managers may find that any effort to improve sport is often met with strong resistance. Many still believe in the sport myth that the way sports currently exist is the way they should be. People are often surprised that something as simple as changing sport to be safer for children will often meet resistance. Our Sport in Society class is designed to get students thinking of ways they can change sport for the better.

Interested in a bachelor’s degree in sport management?

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By Dr. Joel Cormier, coordinator of the online sport management program and an associate professor of Exercise and Sport Science at EKU. He is particularly interested in academic integrity in college sports, athlete development, and organizational effectiveness. His book, Hockey (Mid)night in Kentucky: a coach’s guide and memoire was recently published.

Note: This was adapted from Chapter 3, “Sport in Society” from the textbook The Management of Sport Organizations (Cognella Press) by Dr. Joel Cormier, Sport Management Program Coordinator, Eastern Kentucky University.

PE 7 Theory of Sport Management

Instructor: Nikki Dequin

[email protected]

(408)848-4894

Week 1- Intro to the course/ course syllabus/ Chapter 1

            Questions                                                                       Key Points from the chapter

Week 2- Chapters 2 & 3

            Questions                                                                        Key Points

          1. Describe how a person becomes a critical thinker.       -Becoming a critical thinker

          2. Define critical thinking.                                                    -components & questions to consider

                                                                                                -Identifying what is meant by critical thinking

                                                                                                    -what is is not/ what it is

                                                                                                -Approaches to critical thinking

                                                                                                -Sponge approach

                                                                                                -Panning for gold approach

                                                                                                -Citical thinking questions:

                                                                                                   *What are the issues and conclusions?

                                                                                                   *What are the reasons?

                                                                                                   *What words or phrases are ambiguous?

                                                                                                   *What are the value conflicts and assumptions?

                                                                                                    *What are the descriptive assumptions?

                                                                                                   *Do the reasons contain fallacies?

                                                                                                   *How good is the evidence?

                                                                                                   *What significant info is omitted?

Week 3 -Chapters 14 & 15

           Questions                                                                         Key Points

Weeks 4 & 5- Management Functions/Marketing Chapters 6 & 9

          Questions Chapter 6                                                         Key Points          

1.List the functions that sport management & marketing               -Functions of Sport management & Marketing agencies

   agencies conduct.                                                                    -Types of agencies

2.List the different types of agencies & explain their                                -Full-service, -General, -Specialty & -In-house

   central role.                                                                             -Career Paths

3.What types of experiences, education & skills would                     -Experience, -Hiring, -Education, & -Skills needed

   a person need to attain when pursuing a position with a             -Current Challenges

   sport management & marketing agency?                                          -In-house vs. outsourcing

4.What are some current challenges facing sport management             -Conflict of interest

   & marketing agencies today?                                                          -Mergers & acquisitions

                                                                                                         -Labor

          Questions Chapter 9                                                        Key Points

1. Define sport marketing.                                                          -Defining sport marketing

2. Why would it be important for companies to develop              -Unique characterisitcs of sport marketing

    a mission statement?                                                                    -Intangible

3. Indicate the steps that you would include in a sport                       -Subjective & heterogeneous

    marketing plan.                                                                            -Inconsistent & unpredictable

4. Explian how you might capitalize on the popularity of                    -Perishable

    hip-hop in your marketing plan.                                                    -Emotions

                                                                                                  -Mission, ethics, & social responsibility

                                                                                                       -Purpose

                                                                                                       -Mission statement

                                                                                                       -Practices

                                                                                                       -Being ethically & socially responsible

                                                                                                  -Developing a sport marketing plan

                                                                                                        -4 P's

                                                                                                         -10 steps

Study Questions Chapter 10                                                      Key Points

Week 7 - Public Relations/Review for midterm

Study Questions Chapter 11                                                     Key Points

            1. What steps can a person take to become                  -Communication basics

                 an effective communicator?                                              -writing & speaking

            2. Explain the difference between media relations                   -becoming an effective communicator

                & community relations.                                                      -communication models

            3. List some recent technological advances that                      -models of public relations practice

                sport public relations professionals might use             -Media relations in sport

                daily.                                                                                 -sport in mass media

            4. As technological advances continue to occur,                     -print media

                explain how professionals might underuse direct                 -Electronic media

                communication skills.                                                         -Media relations specialist

                                                                                                         -Careers

                                                                                                -Community Relations

                                                                                                         -Why engage in these activities?

                                                                                                         -Community relations specialist

                                                                                                         -Ethical issues

                                                                                                 - Other public relations positions

                                                                                                 -Communication technology

                                                                                                         -Internet, -Email, -World Wide Web

                                                                                                 -Current challenges

                                                                                                          -posting info. online, -credible info, &

                                                                                                          -underusing direct communcation skills

            Chapter 12 Questions                                                  

             Chapter 12 Key Points

Websites/articles to review prior to 10/26

www.womenssportsfoundation.org - Understanding Title IX & Athletics 101 & Mythbusting: what every female athlete should know.

www.pe.com - Athletic budgets shrink as recession expands. By, Sean Nealon June 15.

www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writes/and_staples/08/03/HS_economy.

Look up: California's economic crisis. 2010-2011 budget and fiscal outlook.

Chapter 13 Question s

List as many types of sport facilities as you can think of.

Expalin why some move from public to private.

List risk management issues with regard to sport facilities.

Describe the planning & evaluation processes that a faciltiy manager in charge of hosting a sporting event would use.

Chapter 13 Key points:

Types of facilities:

 -single purpose

 -multipurpose

 -nontraditional

Privatization

 -Trend

 -Why?

 -Contract

Risk Management

 -Safety

 -Staff

 -An expensive endeavor

 -Technological advances

Faciltiy Management

 -Primary managers

Event Managers

 -Components

 -Personnel

 -Assignments

 -Planning

 -Evaluating

Europe youth together

Critical Thinking in Sport

Meaning of critical thinking

Ennis defined critical thinking as “reasonable and reflective thinking that focuses on deciding what to believe to do” (Ennis 1987, p.10). Beyer views critical thinking as an evaluative skill that allows an individual to assess information in order to make a judgment on its validity, value, or accuracy. Both Ennis and Beyer claim that critical thinking also involves a systematic process of approaching, evaluating, and thinking through a problem or challenge.

Critical thinking is that the ability to think clearly and rationally regarding what to try or what to believe. It includes the flexibility to have interaction in reflective and freelance thinking. Critical thinking is not a matter of accumulating information. A person with a good memory and who knows a lot of facts is not necessarily good at critical thinking. A critical thinker is able to deduce consequences from what he knows, and he knows how to make use of information to solve problems, and to seek relevant sources of information to inform himself. Critical thinking should not be confused with being argumentative or being critical of other people. Although critical thinking skills can be used in exposing fallacies and bad reasoning, critical thinking can also play an important role in cooperative reasoning and constructive tasks. Critical thinking can help us acquire knowledge, improve our theories, and strengthen arguments. We can use critical thinking to enhance work processes and improve social institutions. Some people believe that critical thinking hinders creativity because it requires following the rules of logic and rationality, but creativity may require violating rules. Critical thinking is quite compatible with “out of the box” thinking, challenging consensus and pursuing less popular approaches. If anything, critical thinking is an essential part of creativity because we need critical thinking to evaluate and enhance our creative ideas.

The way we think can be divided into three different levels of cognition. The first level is made up of basic thinking skills or functional skills that we develop with our parents’ interaction from the time of our birth to the time we start school. The second level of cognition is made up of procedural skills that we develop in school such as reading and writing. These skills are dependent of the efficient development of the functional skills. The final level of cognition is the conceptual level of thinking, where we combine ideas into concepts that gives us our beliefs about ourselves and the world. This level of cognition is directly impacted by the efficiency of the functional skills as well. Inefficiencies in the basic thinking skills impacts our effectiveness in every facet of life, including sports.

The importance of critical thinking

Critical thinking is a general thinking skill in the domain. Whatever we choose to do, the ability to think clearly and rationally is important. If you work in education, research, finance, management, or the legal profession, critical thinking is obviously important. But critical thinking skills are not limited to a particular subject area. Being able to think well and systematically solve problems is an asset for any career. Critical thinking is very important for the new knowledge economy. Information and technology are the driving force behind the global knowledge economy. You have to be able to deal with changes quickly and effectively. The new economy places increasing demands on flexible intellectual skills and the ability to analyze information and integrate various sources of knowledge in problem solving. Good critical thinking promotes such thinking abilities and is very important in the rapidly changing workplace.

Critical thinking enhances the skills of language and presentation. Clear and systematic thinking can improve the way we express our ideas. Critical thinking also improves comprehension skills in learning how to analyze the logical structure of texts. The critical thinking promotes creativity. Developing a creative solution to a problem involves not only having new ideas. It must also be the case that the new ideas being generated are useful and relevant for the task at hand. Critical thinking plays a crucial role in assessing new ideas, selecting the best ones and modifying them if necessary Critical thinking is crucial to self-reflection. We need to justify and reflect on our values and decisions in order to live a meaningful life and structure our lives accordingly. Critical thinking provides the tools for the self-evaluation process. Good critical thinking is the basis of science and democracy. Science requires the critical use of reason in experimentation and confirmation of theory. A liberal democracy’s proper functioning requires citizens who can think critically about social issues to inform their judgments about proper governance and overcome biases and prejudice.

CRITICAL THINKING IN SPORT

It is generally agreed that a very important part of the game is the mental part of any sporting activity. Good thinking skills help from just beginning to the professional level at any level of sport. At the college level, however, and especially at the professional level, it is even more important because the physical abilities between athletes are often very minor and it is the way athletes think and use good judgment that will make the biggest differences. In fact, the better your mental abilities are, the better your physical abilities. How you think can have a profound effect on maximizing your physical abilities at a very basic level.

Some of the basic thinking skills that have a direct impact on sports are form recognition, direction and orientation, classification and categorization, environmental acuity, field discrimination, analysis and synthesis, pattern recognition, abstract sequencing, motor integration, and others. If any of these skills are inefficient, it could have a big impact on the performance of an athlete. How well we recognize things, how well we process them, how well we strategize and how well we execute has everything to do with the efficiency or inefficiency of these cognitive basic or functional abilities. Critical thinking may be adapted to the physical domain in two ways. The first of these involves taking advantage of opportunities that are already present in the teaching area and the second involves making use of the various strategies available to us through critical thinlung. While there are many opportunities for students and athletes to apply the four broad areas of critical thinking to the psycho-motor domain, the challenge is learning to recognize when these opportunities become available. The teacher/coach must be able to recognize those situations in which students can apply critical thinking, assist those students/ athletes through the critical thinking process(es), and then must follow up on this process by asking the students questions that prompt critical thought.

Secondary teachers and coaches can also challenge their students/ athletes to think critically by providing opportunities for creative and independent problem solving. Opportunities exist in the sporting arena, such as allowing learners to think out a strategic plan or having them create a unique movement solution. Such strategies can be included in sport, fitness, and extra-curricular activities.

Critical thinking has a place in the psycho-motor domain. Physical education and sport environments can provide individuals with a supportive environment to learn how to think critically. The practical nature of physical activity allows the individual to apply a new strategy, attempt a new movement and evaluate the worth of the response almost immediately. Students can be challenged to produce unique solutions to movement problems, create new versions of a game, and think through issues related to fitness and health. However, both teachers / coaches and students must be able to recognize the opportunities available to apply and use critical thinking. But, as stated earlier, the challenge is to learn to recognize when these opportunities become available.

Regardless of the strategies taught or the activities involved, the teacher must be the facilitator of the critical thinking process. The teacher fosters the students ‘ ability to focus their attention on decisions that are necessary for skilled performance. Through this active role, the teacher will be able to assist the students in using critical thinking to achieve success in the areas of fitness and movement.

Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

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Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

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Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Kabardino-Balkaria profile

• Published 4 December 2012

Territory : Kabardino-Balkaria

Status : Semi-autonomous region of Russia

Capital : Nalchik

Area : 12,500 sq km (4,826 sq miles)

Population : 900,500 (Rosstat, 2002)

Languages : Kabardian, Russian

Main religion : Islam

Main industries : Ore-mining, timber