7 DAY BACKCOUNTRY
SKI TOUR IN SVANETI
Svaneti, Georgia
Backcountry Bliss: Gear Up for An Epic 7 Day Backcountry Ski Tour In Svaneti POWDER!
The people of Georgia’s Svaneti region are fiercely proud of their beautiful home – and with good reason. Svaneti is a freerider’s paradise. Between Tetnuldi’s lift-accessed couloirs and Ushguli’s scenic faces, Svaneti has countless options for adventure-seeking skiers and snowboarders. With our guide team’s passion for Svaneti’s remote ski tours, uncrowded ski resorts, and ancient culture, we know that you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.
PROFESSIONAL
GUIDE
GROUND
TRANSPORT
MOUNTAIN
LODGING
TRIP OVERVIEW
On Your Adventure You Will
Discover Tetnuldi and Hatsvali Ski Resorts:
Enjoy modern ski lifts, exhilarating off-piste zones, and sweeping views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Explore with deeply knowledgeable guides:
We’re proud to work with fun-loving, powder-hungry GMGA guides who are passionate about sharing Svaneti’s mountains and culture.
Access iconic destinations like Ushguli and Chalaadi Glacier:
Trust us, there’s nothing like ski touring in remote medieval villages surrounded by grand glaciers.
Experience Svan culture & cuisine:
Georgia is famous for its welcoming culture, fresh food, and unique wine.
WHATS INCLUDED
Local Guiding and Hostings:
Professional guide for 7 days (Guest-Guide Ratio: 4:1)
Ski touring and freeriding in remote regions:
5+ guided ski days (1 lift-accessed side country, 4 ski touring in remote areas)
Lift Passes:
Ski passes for all Georgian ski resorts.
Accommodation:
7 nights of comfortable accommodation (ski-in/ski-out where available) with breakfast.
Ground Transport:
All transportation from Tbilisi, around Georgia, and back.
Meals:
All breakfasts and dinners.
Skill Development:
Training on use of avalanche safety equipment and ski technique (if you want it!).
Arrive in Tbilisi or Kutaisi. Drive to Mestia.
Head to Svaneti with the promise of beautiful mountains, famous hospitality, and countless surprises. The drive to Svaneti is long, but we promise it’s worth every kilometer. After we arrive, you’ll settle into Edelweiss Guesthouse, an authentic slice of local life. Enjoy a welcome dinner sampling Georgia’s famous cuisine – cozy fare for cold snowy nights. Thanks to Georgians’ famous hospitality and delicious wine, you’ll quickly learn to repeat “Gaumarjose!” (“Cheers!”) to celebrate our long-awaited arrival.
Ski Tetnuldi Resort or Hatsvali Resort
We’ll begin our trip at one of the two local ski resorts – Tetnuldi or Hastvali.
On a clear day, Tetnuldi Ski Resort is a freerider’s paradise – so perfect that Tetnuldi hosted the Freeride World Tour in 2022! Enjoy chutes, faces, and open trees with stunning views of Tetnuldi peak, ending in a long out-of-bounds run to a nearby village.
In snowy weather, we’ll choose Hastvali Ski Resort – a true locals’ ski area. A 5-minute drive from the hotel, Hatsvali is perfect for quick laps and tricky tree runs. Ski tour along the ridge to warm up your touring legs and enjoy a peaceful forest ride. Finish the day with a stroll around town, taking in the historic medieval towers and village life.
Ski Tour near Mestia
Depending on your interests and mountain conditions, our guides will select an ideal ski-touring day trip. Having trained extensively in Svaneti, our guides have a long list of local ski tours to share, from mellow glades to steep faces.
Multi-day trip to Ushguli or Chalaadi Glacier.
In Svaneti, all options are good options. Our guides will select an ideal multi-day itinerary depending on the mountain conditions.
Option A: Ushguli
Deep in Svaneti lies Ushguli, a legendary group of medieval villages surrounded by Georgia’s tallest peaks and countless ski lines. Spend 3 days ski touring among the giants and resting in the peace and quiet of this secluded village.
Day 4: Drive to Ushguli, ski tour Ushguli.
Day 5: Ski tour Ushguli, return to Mestia.
Option B: Cloudbase Hut and Chalaadi Glacier, plus day-trip near Mestia
Enjoy nature’s solitude at Cloudbase Hut on the slopes below Ushba, Svaneti’s iconic twin-peaked mountain. Spend 2 days on Chalaadi and enjoy one last ski tour or resort day in Svaneti.
Possibility to ski Hastvali in the morning; Drive from Mestia, stay in Tbilisi or Kutaisi
If your legs are ready and the road conditions are good, we may have one last opportunity to ski at Hastvali Resort. Say goodbye to new friends, and hop in the car to drive back to the city.
Prerequisites
Previous experience skiing or snowboarding off-piste, comfortable on ‘red’ runs, and a fitness level suitable for hiking at high elevation for 3-4 hours.
Required Equipment
Touring Gear
– Touring Skis / Splitboard Equipped with Touring Bindings
– Skins for Touring Skis/Splitboard
– Freeride Skis or Snowboard
– Ski/snowboard Boots
– Collapsable Touring Poles
Avi Gear
– Avalanche Beacon
– Avalanche Probe
– Foldable Shovel
Outer Wear
– Base layers
– Midlayers
– Waterproof Ski Pants
– Waterproof Ski Jacket
– Gloves
– Helmet
– Goggles
Backcountry Essentials
– Sunglasses
– 25-35 L Backpack (large enough to carry all of your equipment)
– Water Bottle (thermos is best)
– Snacks
– Sunscreen
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Fluent English, First Aid Trianed
DURATION
7 Days
SKI RESORTS
Tetnuldi & Hatsvali
GEORGIAN CUISINE
Breakfast & Dinner
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Avalanche Safety & Ski Technique
PRICE
From $1,600 / Person
PRICE CALCULATOR
PARTICIPANTS
PER PERSON
TOTAL
SVANETI
Svaneti, Georgia, offers an unrivaled backcountry playground for adventure enthusiasts. Nestled within the awe-inspiring Greater Caucasus Mountains, this region beckons intermediate to advanced riders, promising uncharted powder and exhilarating descents. Here’s what awaits you:
Elevation and Terrain Features.
Svaneti boasts elevations ranging from 2,100 to 4,690 meters, providing an expansive canvas for backcountry exploration. From rugged chutes to vast bowls and dense tree runs, the diverse terrain caters to all skill levels, ensuring every rider discovers their perfect adventure.
Terrain Variety.
Svaneti’s backcountry landscape offers a spectrum of experiences, from challenging descents to wide-open bowls and steep forest glades. With each turn, expect a fresh challenge, making Svaneti an enticing haven for passionate skiers and snowboarders.
Tree Runs.
If you’re a fan of tree skiing, Goderdzi’s forests are blanketed in deep powder during the season, offering thrilling tree runs with the perfect blend of speed and control.
When it comes to snow conditions, Svaneti’s reputation is nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in the Greater Caucasus, the region benefits from prevailing moisture-laden winds from the Black Sea, resulting in abundant snowfall and pristine powder. Here’s what awaits:
Average Snowfall.
Svaneti receives an annual snowfall averaging 8 meters, ensuring a deep and sustained winter season. This consistent snowfall guarantees a playground of fresh powder throughout the ski season.
Dry Powder.
The snow in Goderdzi is renowned for its dryness, making it a dream for those seeking fluffy, light powder turns.
Snow Depth.
During mid-winter, snow depths typically range from 4 to 7 meters, forming a sturdy and reliable base for your backcountry escapades.
From Tbilisi.
There are two options coming form Tbilisi. The drive
From Kutaisi.
A a picturesque 260km adventure, taking approximately 6 hours, passes through Batumi and ventures deeper into Adjara. A lengthy off-road section starts shortly after the seaside which is only accessible by 4x4s
For an ideal combination of pristine snow quality and favorable weather conditions, plan your Svaneti adventure in late January or early February. This period promises the best backcountry experiences, where the terrain is blanketed in fresh powder, and the skies are ready for your exploration