In reply to JStearn:
The route from the Barrels up to the Piruit 11 hut is becoming crevassed over these recent years, there usually obvious, marked and can be walked around, however at that time of year they may be covered in fresh snow so just ask the Snow cat drivers where they are! They normally fill them in each morning so the skidoo'd can get over them so they'll know. Once established on route above the Piruit hut there should be no crevasses. like said if your finding them, your a long way off route, so no need for picket! There's 2 walking routes up from the valley, the one up under the cable car is the road/ski run in winter so you can walk all the way up to the barrels in that. The other way is to start from Terskol and walk up the road to the observatory then up onto and cut across the Teskol glacier, however this is crevassed and only recommended when dry, (even then!) Remember unless things have changed since 2018 you MUST buy a national park permit for Elbrus, otherwise Russian mountain rescue is not valid, its peanuts and I've had call to use it a couple of time so well worth it! Can't say I mind the barrels that much, but that toilet is just awful! as said the new restaurant's accommodation etc is recommended and you should be able to book at that time of year as it will be quiet. One thing I'd recommend is put some Doller's away for a skidoo ride up too, or down from the top off the Pastukov rocks on summit day. off course the best way is to walk the whole thing from the barrels, but it's much, much further than it looks, 1900m up and down is a big day! You do of course have the option of camping the night before just above the Piruit 11 hut on the rocks on the right, but I'd want a good long weather window and a big down bag at that time of year. As others have said I'd recommend you use a local company for your logistics and just get one of their logistic only packages, that way all these issues are sorted for you! Enjoy the mountain and try and spend some time in the bars etc in the valley!
M