• Season
    January - March
  • Duration
    8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Guiding Ratio
    Max 1:5
  • Price
    NZD $3,590.00

About this expedition

Immerse yourself in the dramatic Greater Caucasus on our guided ski touring expedition in Svaneti, Georgia. Based in the historic mountain town of Mestia, this 8-day trip uniquely combines lift-accessed freeride at Tetnuldi — a Freeride World Tour venue — with remote backcountry touring beneath iconic peaks like Ushba and Tetnuldi. Sleep among UNESCO-protected stone towers, enjoy legendary Georgian hospitality, and explore pristine alpine terrain with IFMGA-certified guides. Fully inclusive and rich in culture, this is ski touring where myth, mountain, and living medieval history meet.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the mountains
Upon arriving in Tbilisi or Kutaisi, we head straight to Mestia—a mountain town and ski resort situated at an altitude of 1500 meters. The journey takes you through a scenic reservoir and a narrow mountain gorge leading to Upper Svaneti. In Mestia, you will settle into a cozy guesthouse and enjoy a warm welcome dinner, steeped in Georgian hospitality. After dinner, we will hold a briefing, check equipment, and take a stroll through the ancient town, surrounded by towers and churches that are over a thousand years old.
Day 2-3
Day 2-3
Avalanche training, ski touring, and exploring Tetnuldi
We begin with avalanche safety training: practicing essential skills with safety gear and assessing group abilities. Once ready, we head for ski touring on the slopes of the Tetnuldi and Hatsvali ski resorts. Tetnuldi, meaning "White Mountain," rises to 4869 meters and is one of the iconic peaks of the Caucasus range. The resort is the second largest in Georgia, with a 900-meter vertical drop and perfect conditions for exciting and comfortable freeride skiing. Hatsvali, the second stop on our programme, is famous for its panoramic views of Tetnuldi and Ushba. This area offers some of the snowiest slopes in Georgia, paired with unforgettable vistas of the Caucasus.
Day 4-6
Day 4-6
Ski touring in remote locations
We delve deeper into Svaneti to explore untouched, off-piste terrain. You'll experience pristine snowy valleys surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and the breathtaking panoramas of the Southern Caucasus. On our routes, we'll visit ancient Svan villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle and rich culture of the mountain people. Optional visits include the ethnographic museum and the museum of Mikhail Khergiani, the legendary Svan mountaineer known as the "Tiger of the Rocks" for his incredible speed and skill on vertical climbing routes.
Day 7
Day 7
Farewell ski tour and transfer to the city
We'll start the day with a final ski tour, a chance to say goodbye to the unforgettable landscapes of Svaneti. Afterward, we transfer back to Tbilisi or Kutaisi, where we will check into our hotel. Spend the final evening strolling through the old streets of the city and indulging in traditional Georgian cuisine—a perfect reason to return here again and again.
Day 8
Day 8
Departure
In the morning, you will have a transfer to the airport and depart for home, taking with you incredible memories and the lasting impressions of the Caucasus.

What Makes This Trip Unique

The Svaneti Blend: The seamless fusion of lift-accessed freeride paradise (Tetnuldi) with wilderness ski touring directly from a culturally rich, inhabited village is unparalleled.

Cultural Depth: You don’t just ski past history; you sleep, eat, and celebrate within it. The hospitality is integral, not an add-on.

Elbrus Vista: The chance to see the continent's highest peak from your ski line adds a breathtaking, scale-defining perspective to the journey.

Guided Excellence: Our local and international guides provide not just safety and route-finding, but also cultural interpretation and access to hidden gems.
Meet Your Guide
Dmitry Rybalchenko
IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
Elite ski-mountaineer & guide. Piolets d'Or nominee & Snow Leopard Award recipient. 10 years leading expeditions across Siberia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Inclusions and Details

This all-inclusive package covers all logistics: All ground transfers, seven nights of hotel accommodation in Mestia, and all meals at the destination. Expert guides provide the safety and local knowledge needed to unlock this final frontier, creating an adventure defined by untouched snow, profound solitude, and pure exploration

  • Accommodation

    1 night hotel accommodation in Tbilisi and 6 nights in Mestia guesthouse.

  • Meals

    All meals at the destination

  • Transfers

    All ground transfers

  • Guides

    Professional guides including avalanche and safety training
Equipment
This trip requires ski touring equipment and avalanche rescue gear. Please bring your own transceiver, shovel and probe, and make sure you are comfortable using them. If you need to hire any items, let us know when you book.
View full equipment guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Dates

Related trips

Svaneti is our Georgia winter week — Mestia, Tetnuldi and touring under Ushba. Summer climbs in the same valleys are next; register interest.
Plan Your Svaneti Adventure
Have questions or ready to book? Contact us today, and let our experts help you craft the ultimate mountain adventure in the stunning Caucasus.