Svaneti ski touring is one of the hottest skitouring destinations today. The wide slopes of the South Caucasus offer enjoyable skiing. Just in case, there are also chairlifts that come in handy in case of bad weather. The town of Mestia, the center of the Svaneti region, offers a comfortable stay despite its remoteness. For Mestia we can easy say that it is becoming a real little Chamonix, a new mountain and ski resort. Of course not in the Alps, but on the sunny side of the Caucasus. And it’s not far to get there! You can go to Mestia from most of Europe in one day. Let’s go there with us and enjoy!
Price per person if for 2 peoplePrice per person if for 3 peoplePrice per person if for 4 peoplePrice per person if for 5 peoplePrice per person if for 6 peopleSKI TOURING IN THE MOST UNTOUCHED AREA OF MYSTIC GEORGIA. A NEW SKI PARADISE IN THE CAUCASUS
Ski touring in Georgia in unspoiled Svaneti: beautiful untouched slopes in the heart of the Caucasus – plenty of powder and impassable terrain – new Tetnuldi ski resort – exceptional mountain scenery – 8 day trip, 6 days of skiing at an altitude of between 2000 and 4000 m – accommodation in the town of Mestia.
Kutaisi Airport (Google Map)
Kutaisi Airport
Mestia City (1500 m)
approx 1000 m per day
ski touring equipment (ski, bindings, boots, skins, poles, air bag)
approx 6 h/ day
medium difficulty tour
Georgia, a country sandwiched between Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, has excellent characteristics that have not been on the list of “must-see” tourist destinations for a long time. The country offers the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus, fertile areas where avocados are grown, and the Black Sea coast. Geographically, it belongs to the countries of Central Asia. When the Eurovision Song Contest or the qualifications for the football championships start, then it is talked about as a country of the European continent.
Georgia is also a paradise for all seekers of true ski touring. The region lies on the border with the Russian Federation and Abkhazia. The entire region of Svaneti is best known for the village of Ushguli, which is considered the highest-lying hamlet in Europe at 2200 meters above sea level. The whole area is ruled by Ushba, a 4710 m high mountain named King of the Caucasus!
Svaneti or Svanetia is a remote mountain area in the High Caucasus, considered a new ski touring and freeride mecca. The basis for this is the vast untrodden slopes, which reach up to a height of 4000 m, and extremely dry snow, which is not found in the Alps and which allows for enjoyable swimming in a deep cell. The top ski arena is rounded off by many four and five thousand people, led by one of the most striking mountains in the world (Ushba 4710 m) and the highest peak in Georgia (Shkara 5203 m). The new Tetnuldi ski area below the eponymous peak (Tetnuldi 4858 m) allows skiing at an altitude of between 2200 and 3100 meters. This is a great starting point for ski touring tours and an alternative in case of bad weather. We will adapt the ascents to the conditions and our abilities, which will not be difficult due to the many terrains.
We will set up the base in Mestia, the last town under the mountains, where, despite opening up to tourism, they respect the centuries-old Svanetian tradition. Installations are simple but comfortable enough.
Our meeting point is Kutaisi Airport. From there drive to our base village Mestia. The whole trip takes about 5 hours. So we arrive in the city in the afternoon and we will have enough time to prepare for the next few days. Informative meeting with a local guide and informative city tour. Dinner and accommodation.
First contact with Caucasian snow. On this day, you can expect some freeride descents at the Tetnuldi ski resor. And depending on the conditions also the first real, otherwise slightly shorter tour.
The first real tour with 600 to 1000 m of ascent. The program is not completely defined because we left the possibility to adapt to the snow conditions, weather and abilities and wishes of the participants. If the conditions allow, we will go to the village of Mazeri and the real exploration of the Caucasus can begin. On skis we approach the impressive four thousand, the famous alpine trophies, Ushba 4710 m and descend their slope.
The next tour with at least 900 m of ascent. If conditions allow, we will head under Mount Laila and head towards the eponymous pass. Mount Laila is one of the four thousand peaks that you can climb with us even in summer.
This day we explore the surrounding valleys and hills and choose a suitable tour. Optionally (extra charge) we can go early in the morning to the highest lying permanently inhabited village in Europe – the romantic Ushguli. The full day tour takes us to the heights, when we have a unique view of the High Caucasus, we even see Elbrus and the remaining striking Georgian mountains with the highest mountain in Georgia – Skara. A symbol (*) in the program means that we can also afford a two-day trip to Ushguli, which means we will spend the night in Ushguli. A night in Ushguli is a very special experience and a real reward after a day of skiing.
According to the program, we have free time. After breakfast, the driver will take you to the Tetnuldi ski area, where you can stay all day. By arrangement with the guide, you can go on one of the tours together. In case of extension of the program in Ushguli, go on a tour that day and return to Mestia in the afternoon.
Last day we will find the best slope and enjoy the Caucasian mite and air for the last time. In the afternoon we will finish our ski tour and head towards home. Late farewell from Mestia and drive to Kutaisi. Accommodation and dinner in Kutaisi.
Free until the hour of departure. Transport to the airport and where we say our farewells.
