8 DAY 8 DAY SVANETI BACKCOUNTRY SKI TRIP
Svaneti, Georgia
Backcountry Bliss:
An Epic 8 Day Freeriding Tour In Svaneti POWDER!
PROFESSIONAL
GUIDE
GROUND
TRANSPORT
MOUNTAIN
LODGING
TRIP OVERVIEW
Discover Tetnuldi and Hatsvali Ski Resorts:
Enjoy modern ski lifts, exhilarating off-piste zones, and sweeping views of the highest peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Go Ski Touring in Svaneti:
Mesmerizing skin tracks followed by 1000+ meter descents under summits higher than The Alps or Colorado.
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.
Professional Guide
GMGA-certified ski guide for 6 full days of skiing/snowboarding
Ski touring and Freeriding in Remote Regions
6 guided ski days to chase the best powder and terrain
Lift Passes
Ski passes for all Georgia ski resorts.
Accommodation
7 nights of comfortable accommodation in a local family guesthouse.
Meals & Gastronomic Experience
7 home cooked breakfasts and dinners.
Ground Transport
All transportation from Kutaisi Airport or City Center, to Mestia and all freeride/ski tour destinations in Svaneti, and back.
Skill Development
Training on use of avalanche safety equipment and ski technique (if you want it!).
Equipment
Rental equipment available on request.
Flights
Ask us for advice about the best airport and time to arrive.
Lunches
There will always be an option to take a pack lunch and sometimes an option for a hot lunch.
Accommodation on 8th Night
If your flight is for the following day, you can add on accommodation in the city of your departure.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure that your insurance policy covers backcountry skiing. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
Tips for Guides
Gratuity is not included in the price and is always appreciated.
Transfer To/From Tbilisi or Batumi
Transfers to & from Batumi or Tbilisi Airports are available upon request.
Extra Night(s)
If your flight arrival is a day early or your departure is a day later, accommodation for the additional night can be added.
Kutaisi Pickup.
Your journey begins in Kutaisi, the former Capital of Georgia, where our driver will be waiting to pick you up. The scenic 5 hour drive up into Svaneti promises stunning views of the greater Caucasus mountains and valleys. After you arrive, you’ll settle into our comfortable family guesthouse, an authentic slice of local life, and 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 “Gaumarjos!” (“Cheers!”) to celebrate your long-awaited arrival.
Planning Your Adventure
Svaneti is home to Georgia’s highest mountains and several of the longest freeride and ski tour routes on the entire Eurasian continent. Your 6 ski days will be filled with epic descents, stunning hikes, and pure wilderness. After arriving to Mestia and getting settled into your accommodation you will meet with your guide & determine an itinerary based on the conditions and group’s priorities; below is a sample itinerary for this trip.
Freeriding Hatsvali Ski Resort
In snowy weather, we’ll choose Hatsvali 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 the 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. Your guide 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 2-3 days ski touring among the giants and resting in the peace and quiet of the local family guesthouse in this secluded village.
Option B – Cloudbase Hut and Chalaadi Glacier
Enjoy nature’s solitude at Cloudbase Hut, an isolated hike-in mountain hut on the slopes below Mount Ushba, Svaneti’s iconic twin-peaked mountain. Spend 2 days ski touring above Koruldi Lakes and on Chalaadi Glacier, one of the longest and best ski descents in Georgia.
Freeriding in Tetnuldi Ski Resort
On a clear day, Tetnuldi Ski Resort is a freerider’s paradise – so perfect that Tetnuldi hosted the Freeride World Tour in 2023 and it was so good that an even bigger FWT competition was held here for 2024! Enjoy chutes, faces, and open trees with stunning views of Tetnuldi peak, ending in a long out-of-bounds run to a nearby village.
! Exact itineraries depend on weather, snow conditions and preferences of each group !
Prerequisites
Previous experience skiing or snowboarding in powder, fitness level suitable for hiking at high elevation for 3-4 hours.
Required Equipment
Touring Gear
– Skis / Splitboard Equipped with Touring Bindings
– Climbing skins
– Touring Ski/snowboard Boots
– Collapsible Touring Poles
Avy 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
RECOMMENDED
Travel Insurance
– Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and trip cancellation cover
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Fluent English, First Aid Trianed
DURATION
8 Days
SKI RESORTS
Tetnuldi & Hatsvali
GEORGIAN CUISINE
Breakfast & Dinner
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Avalanche Safety & Ski Technique
PRICE
From $1,900 / Person
PRICE CALCULATOR
PARTICIPANTS
PER PERSON
TOTAL
December 2023
| SU | MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA |
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AVAILABLE
BOOKED
SVANETI
Svaneti, Georgia, offers an unrivaled backcountry playground for adventure enthusiasts. Nestled within the awe-inspiring Greater Caucasus Mountains, this region beckons intermediate to expert riders, promising uncharted powder and exhilarating descents. Here’s what awaits you:
Elevation and Terrain Features.
Svaneti boasts skiable elevations ranging from 1,868 to over 5,000 meters, providing an expansive canvas for backcountry exploration. From rugged chutes to vast bowls and thrilling 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.
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.
Thanks to its high elevation, the snow in Svaneti is renowned for its dryness, making it a dream for those seeking fluffy, light powder turns.
Snow Depth.
During mid-winter and spring, base snow depth is often over 4 meters, forming a sturdy and reliable base for your backcountry escapades.
From Kutaisi.
A picturesque 220km road trip, taking approximately 5 hours, passes through Georgia’s vast Rioni Valley before ascending up the long and winding mountain road to snowy paradise.
From Tbilisi or Batumi.
If your flight arrives to Tbilisi or Batumi airports, we can include an airport transfer for a small additional fee. Flying to Batumi adds 1 hour to the drive and flying to Tbilisi adds an additional 4 hours.
For an ideal combination of pristine snow quality and favorable weather conditions, plan your Svaneti ski trip between late January to mid April. This period promises the best backcountry experiences, where the terrain is blanketed in fresh powder and the mountains are ready for your exploration.