Hut to Hut Ski Tour in Georgian Caucasus, Svaneti
Venture into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains and discover the enchanting region of Svaneti, Georgia, on an unforgettable ski tour guided by the experienced Ilia, an IFMGA-certified ski guide. Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this remote land, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and world-class skiing opportunities.
Caucasus
8 Days
Feb - May
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy ski touring in a fantastic destination in Georgia.
- Discover the natural wonders and dreamy landscapes of Svaneti.
- Join a multi-day hut to hut ski touring adventure like no other.
Description
Would you like to experience the unique ski touring opportunities that Georgia has to offer? Then you must join me on this 8-day hut-to-hut adventure to experience the snowy peaks of Svaneti, in the Caucasus mountains. Not only will you have the chance to experience pristine untouched powder, but you will also discover the beautiful local culture as you explore different mountain villages.
Svaneti (also called Svanetia) is an ancient region in the northwestern part of Georgia. Located in the heart of the Caucasus, it is surrounded by the highest peaks of the range, at altitudes between 3000 and 5000 meters. Towering mountains, coniferous forests, pristine snow, and glaciers are part of the dreamy landscape of Svaneti, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Besides the natural attractions, the region is also known for its historical stone villages. Furthermore, in the past few years, Svaneti has become a very attractive spot for winter sports lovers.
On this adventure, we will visit the small village of Becho, Mestia, and a community of villages called Ushguli. Each day, we will travel to different mountains in the region, of altitudes up to 3000m. You will be able to enjoy an exhilarating skiing program that will take your breath away while discovering the Georgia mountains and the warm and welcoming local people! Find the complete itinerary below.
Please contact me if you want to be a part of this Svaneti skiing tour next winter. I'm a local GMGA certified guide who will be glad to show you the best spots of this outstanding region of Georgia.
You can also check another great tour that I offer in Georgia: Gudauri freeride and ski touring trip.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Luggage transfer
- Lifts tickets
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to the airport of Tbilisi (Georgia’s capital city) and departure to Svaneti. There’s a chance of taking a flight from Natakhtari (near Tbilisi) or Kutaisi airport to Mestia airport. We spend the night in a guesthouse at Becho village.
Day 2: Mount Decil
This is our first ski tour. We go from Village Mazeri to Mount Decil (at 2578 m). Then, we descend to village Etseri (1500 m). Finally, we spend the night in Becho.
Day 3: Guli Valley
We go from Village Mazeri to Guli Valley (there’s a viewpoint at 3200m). Then, we descent on Guli glacier to village Bagvdanari (at 1600 m). Night in Becho.
Day 4: Mount Simzagari
We go from village Etseri to Mount Simzagari (3311 m). Then, we descend to village Ipari (1300 m). Spend the night in Becho.
Day 5: Tskhkvzagari
We drive to Mestia and then go to Tskhkvzagari (2353 m). We descend on Chaladi glacier. Spend the night at a hotel in Mestia.
Day 6: Tetnuldi resort
A transfer takes us from Mestia to Tetnuldi resort (2000 m). We use lifts to 3300 m. After that, we descend to village Zabeshi (1600 m). Night in Mestia.
Day 7: Tetnuldi resort
Transfer takes us from Mestia again to Tetnuldi resort. We use lifts to 3300m. We descend to village Adishi (2000m). Finally, we drive to Ushguli, where we spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 8: Departure
We return to Tbilisi. Then, a transfer takes you to the airport for departure.
FAQs
What is the best time of the year to ski in Svaneti?
Usually in February the conditions are better for freeride or freeride/ski touring mix trips. And March and April are the best months for more classic ski touring in in Svaneti .
What's the meeting point?
We can meet in Kutaisi or Tbilisi airport. If you can fly to Kutaisi, it's much better. But Tbilisi is also ok.
What are the accommodations in Svaneti like?
Accommodation in Svaneti will be in simple guesthouses with private showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, and basic amenities. Note that there is hot water available for showering at the accommodations.
Do we sleep in a different place every night?
Yes, thats correct. We will stay in three different places during the trip to in Svaneti.
Do we need a sleeping bag?
No need to bring a sleeping bag. It's not necessary for this trip.
Will we be able to evolve on a glacier despite our lack of experience?
The possibility of moving on a glacier depends on snow conditions in in Svaneti .
Could you provide a more detailed breakdown of the itinerary?
The in Svaneti itinerary can vary based on the prevailing snow conditions, but here's a general outline: We'll start by exploring Mestia village, then venture into the beautiful Becho valley, and finally, we'll make our way to the picturesque Ushguli. Please keep in mind that specific daily plans may be adjusted to ensure the best and safest experience considering the weather and snow conditions.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Ilia
4.5
(60)
Mountain Guide
I'm a fully certified IFMGA / UIAGM mountain guide from Tbilisi, Georgia. I have the GMGA (Georgian Mountain Guides Association) certificate and I'm a member of the Austrian Mountain Guide Association.
I'm a professional mountaineer, national team member of Georgian Mountain Federation. I am actively climbing in the Caucasus mountain range.
The programs I guide more often are:
- Mountaineering = Mt. Kazbek, Mt. Tetnuldi, Mt. Ushba, Chaukhi region.
- Ski Touring = Gudauri, Svaneti, Kazbegi regions.
I also manage large expeditions and base camps for Caucasus Mountains.
Please get in touch with me if you plan to come to Georgia. It will be my great pleasure to help you and to guide you in our awesome mountains.
I am leading a Guide Office in Georgia, and work together with my colleagues George, Lasha and Leri (National certified Mountain Guides). In case I'm not available, one of them will be your guide.
Languages
Russian | Georgian | English
Certificates
GMGA | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Matthew
Global warming is upon us. This trip was too late in the season, the snow was too warm and slushy. There was no hut to hut skiing as it was too late in the season. It was a Sunday start and Sunday finish trip, leaving 6 days between. The impression that we had from your accompanying written material is that the destination was half a day travel from Tbilisi . In actuality, the drive is 8 to 10 hours each way, which is a considerable amount of time in a one week holiday. The guide (Lasher) was excellent, the accommodation good, the people friendly.
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!
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.
Evan
We spent an exceptional week in Svaneti. Ilia guided us safely all around the valley. The place is wonderful and exceptionally well preserved. Villages are just out of time and still protected from mass tourism. they should definitly be visited soon... We enjoyed extraordinary views and gigantic landscapes, followed by endless descents in superb snow... Ilia's reputation clearly precedes him among all the guides who consider him as a reference. One recommendation : Get there soon and enjoy this beautiful region!
Erin
Snow conditions were challenging and our guide did an excellent job finding the local powder! I would recommend this trip to anyone and I would highly recommend a LOCAL guide. They know the lay of the land and I think our trip was very successful due to their local knowledge compared to some of the other groups we saw with non-local guides.
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