Kazbek Summit Ski and Splitboard Tour

Mount Kazbek (5054m) is one of the most popular mountains in the Caucasus Mountains and a must-go for mountaineers visiting Georgia. Kazbek is the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus and the third highest peak in the country.  On this 8-day program, you will enjoy first some ski touring in the Gudauri region, and then climbing Kazbek, from where you will discover a spectacular ski descent that will take you down from a 5054m volcanic summit!

We will begin this adventure in Gudauri, which we will get to from Tbilisi (2 hours) or from Kutaisi (5 hours). Gudauri is 2100 meters above sea level, and a location from where we can easily and quickly get to miraculous ski areas. We will spend a few days exploring the region, and then cap off our adventure with a Kazbek climb and ski descent. You can find an outline of the itinerary below.

Keep in mind that the day-by-day program will depend on the weather, period, and snow conditions. The guide will decide on the best mountains to visit each day to prioritize the group’s safety and enjoyment.

Some options include:
Mt. Chrdili
Miliona
Kobi-pass
Bidara
Lomisa
Dedaena
Sioni
Arakhveti
Khada valley
Miketi
Mt. Gogebashvili
Chaukhi
Gergeti viewpoint
and I’ll keep other options a secret!

In terms of preparation, some prior experience and skills are required. This trip is suitable for off-piste intermediate, advanced, and expert-level riders! If you think you have the experience listed below, then you are welcome to join:

• A few months of experience off-piste skiing, possibly with guides/instructors.

• Can link several turns in light powder snow on a uniform base.

• Can handle a variety of conditions including lightly crusted and wind-affected snow.

• Can put turns in through heavier snow and on icy 35-degree slopes.

You will also need to be able to walk between 2 hours to 8 hours a day, and you will experience a minimum vertical ascent of 700 m, a maximum of 1400m, a minimum vertical descent of 700m, and a maximum of 4000m+.

For off-piste skiing in the resort area, we will use a ski lift and gondola to reach the best skiing spots.  The total vertical ascent will be 4500m and the total vertical drop will be 4700m+.

The tour is not limited to a specific number of people. One ski guide can take a max. of 6 people (on days 1, 2,3), and one mountain guide can take a max. of 3 people (on days 4-8). The number of guides will depend on the size of the group. In case of need, my colleague GMGA/IFMGA guides will be happy to join us!

I have been guiding for 6 years in Gudauri and more than 10 years on Kazbek. It has given me enormous experience and I always know where to find best skiing spots. I have been on top of Kazbek more than 60 times, I have seen it in all conditions, I know this mountain very well and I promise you an unforgettable and safe expedition. During our ascent, we will train for avalanche safety, take measures for proper acclimatization and I will teach you the alpine techniques required for the summit day. Additionally, we’ll practice how to use the necessary technical equipment(ice ax, crampons, and ropes).

Contact me if you are coming to Georgia and are thinking about this 8-day trip. I will be happy to guide you on a unique experience in the Caucasus Mountains!

Or, if you prefer, I also offer other great programs in the region. You can find them here.