Backcountry Skiing in Mestia: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You
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Ski among the gigantic peaks of Eurasia soaked with snow and solitude
Overlapping the cultural blocks of Europe and Asia, the rugged country of Georgia features some of the highest and isolated mountains on the continent. The alpine townlet of Mestia is perfectly placed among the Caucasus Mountains as a springboard for thrilling backcountry skiing. Visit during the winter months between December and March for ideal backcountry skiing conditions.
Top backcountry skiing trips | Mestia
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FAQs: Backcountry Skiing in Mestia
What should I know about Backcountry Skiing Mestia?
Located high up in the Caucasus Mountains is the alpine townlet of Mestia, resting at 1,500 meters above sea level. It is part of the Svaneti region of Georgia and has a population of approximately 14,000 people, most of whom are Svans, a subgroup of Georgians that mostly inhabit Svaneti. Although small in size, the townlet has been part of core Georgian culture for centuries.
Why should I choose Mestia for my Backcountry Skiing adventure?
Small town big vibes
Mestia may be a tiny town but it’s a cultural capital of Georgia. For centuries is lay at the core of national culture, with a collection of medieval buildings, including ancient forts and churches that are listed and protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today it is a fundamental tourism spot where to spring into the wintry backcountry.
Snow-filled solitude
Home among the high summits of the Caucasus Mountains, the townlet of Mestia is the perfect jumping off point to enjoy the backcountry of Georgia, home to endless slopes of possibilities. However, unlike other European hotspots, the mountainside in Georgia receives a lot less outdoor adventurers given its underrated reputation.
Spectacular Svaneti
The wildest chunk of Georgian territory is found in the Upper Svaneti region in the north of the country. Cows wandering down the paved roads of Mestia, where the high snowy summits dominate the skyline. The mountains huge the town tightly, so it doesn’t take long until you’re deep in the backcountry of Georgia, where spectacular slopes of virgin snow await.
What can I expect from the weather during my Backcountry Skiing trip in Mestia?
The region is home in the Caucasus Mountains, receiving an alpine climate with year-round snow.
Which language is predominantly spoken in the Mestia region?
Georgian.
What currency is accepted around Mestia?
Georgian lari.
What's the country code for the Mestia region?
+995.
When is the best time to travel to Mestia for Backcountry Skiing?
Visit during the winter months between December and March for ideal backcountry skiing conditions.
What people are saying about Backcountry Skiing | Mestia
Wolf
We spent a week organised by Illia and his team between Mestia, Ushguli, in Februar 2020. Our guide was Gogi. He was also driving us from Tbilisi to Mestia and in Mestia for the daily ski tours. We spent a fantastic week. Everything was very well organised. Gogi found very nice ski tours, that matched what we wanted, i.e. between 1000 and 2000m climbing per day in nice landscapes with good powder. Gogi was also always concerned with our security (avalanches) and we had always the impression to be in good hands. Thank you for this very nice week !
Gabrielle
Poor weather but nice guide
Daniel
Absolutely loved our trip to Georgia. In short: incredibly pittoresque villages, wonderful people, amazing food, stunning scenaries, ridiculous powder (some of the best snow ever!), and a very friendly, professional and experienced ski guide. You will always feel safe with Ilia. What more does one need? I highly recommend a trip to the beautiful Svaneti region.
Oliver
Mestia and in particular Ushguli provided for a remarkable context to this amazing, off the beaten track skiing trip. The pictures speak for themselves: it is developing quickly but is nevertheless a place frozen in time, where cows and donkeys far outnumber cars and the Caucasus provides for an imposing backdrop. Georgian hospitality was fantastic and Ilia made sure we were well looked after at all times, on and off the slope. We felt very safe enjoying the copious amounts of powder that was falling the week we were there. We kept on bumping into groups of people who had been guided by him in prior seasons and felt compelled to visit again - and something tells me we might join those ranks soon too...
Madison
Mestia in the Svaneti region will not remain an idem gem for long. It's got it all: alpine descents, all-you-can-ski powder and remote villages charged with history. Illia was a great guide both in and out of the slopes; safe, fun and knowledgeable. And do not worry about the food, it is amazing!
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