Ski touring in Svaneti€690


Overview

This tour gives you an option to explore some of the most beautiful areas of Svaneti on skis. Of all regions of Georgia, Svaneti is one of best for ski touring due to an abundance of powder snow, terrific mountain scenery and unique UNESCO-listed historical region.

Experience UNESCO-listed
Svaneti region in winter

Experienced, GMGA-certified guides



Date No. of participants Duration Deposit
01. 02. - 05. 02. 2024 4 - 6 (AVAILABLE) 5 days €150


DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL: MESTIA
DIFFICULTY:
Good physical condition is needed in order to be able to practice 4-6 hours of skiing per day.


Itinerary

Day 1 Skitouring at Tetnuldi resort

We meet the group at the hotel. After an individual check of the equipment to ensure that everything is in order and there is nothing left we have to transport 30 minutes. Next 30 minutes, guide will check how participants know how to use the equipment. This is a probe, a beeper and a shovel.
Then we take the cable car from 2230 meters to 2710 meters near the first cable car, from there we have to ski down to 340 meters to the north side to check the technique of skiing in the untracked snow.
We descend to 2370 meters, Here we start the tour and climb to a height of 3170 meters and descend in the north-west direction, if the group skis well it is possible to ski down to Zhabeshi 1550 meters vertical which also includes skiing in the forest, transport will meet us in Zhabeshi and bring us to Mestia.

Day 2 Skitouring around Etseri

We will drive to Etseri village and will spend a day at the foot of Mount Ushba (4710 m), one of the most impressive peaks in the Caucasus Mountains. From the village Etseri we will ascend north of Meziri mountain to the height of 2640m where there is a cross erected. We will enjoy beautiful slopes, pass snowed summer huts and enjoy the views towards the whole Caucasus mountain range Ushba, Shkhara and Tetnuldi summits as well as Svaneti range with impressive Lahili summit. Accommodation at Mazeri.

Day 3 Ushguli skitouring (Lamaria ridge)>

This day we will be transported to Ushguli. Ushguli is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, located at 2200 meters above sea level. We will experience a total change of scenery, enjoy tasty meals and local hospitality. After check in at our guesthouse we will leave bags and ascend 3050 ridge of Launvari (lamaria) between Shkhara glacier and Zagaro pass. From there we will enjoy views towards the Svaneti ridge, Enguri gorge and its birthplace Shkhara and the main caucasus ridge including impressive Ailama summit (4547m). Then we will ski down to the guesthouse and warm up before dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Ushguli

Day 4 Skitouring to the Gorvashi pass

This morning we will ascend Gorvashi (Latpari) pass area which is the other side on the ridge of Svaneti looking directly at the main Caucasus ridge from the south. To get there we will need to ski first between the old towers of Chazhashi village. From the ridge which is between 3000 and 3100 meters we will admire a magnificent panorama offered by the largest Caucasian mountains, on the border between Upper and Lower Svanetia.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mestia/Latali

Day 5 Skitouring beneath Mt. Laila

This day we will drive towards Tskhumari community, Lezgara village. This route is one of the best for ski touring and the possible vertical is even 2100m but we will ascend 1350m in most cases. This route is on the foot of 4000m Lahili (Laila) summit and we approach the Chizhdi pass which is 3097m from the sea level. After the village we will pass beautiful forests, alpine valley, summer huts and will reach one of the best panoramic views. Even the highest summit of Europe Elbrus is visible from here in a good weather. And not just Elbrus, a big section of the Caucasus including Shtavleri, Ushba, Asmashi and other summits.


NECESSARY EQUIPMENT:
  • Touring skis
  • Ski touring boots
  • Gaiter, shovel, prob, beeper
  • Sticks
  • 35-40L capacity backpack
  • Ski helmet (optional)
  • Sunglasses and goggles, suncream.
A complete list will be provided to you at the time of registration Equipment rental is possible.


INCLUDED:
  • Four nights at Svaneti guesthouses with food
  • Transfers during the tour
  • Service of GMGA-certified, English speaking skitouring guide


NOT INCLUDED:
  • Your personal ski-touring equipment as listed above
  • Travel insurance. You will need to arrange a travel insurance. On my trekking trips, I use SafetyWing travel insurance
  • Snacks and alcoholic beverages
  • Boredom


DEPOSIT:
Since this is a small-group tour, we will need some deposit to be able to book your spot. The price is 150 EUR, money can be sent either as SEPA transfer or through PayPal or TransferWise. We collect these deposits only after the minimal threshhold of participants has been reached. The deposit is fully refundable if you cancel your booking more than 45 days before the start of the trek. If you cancel later, we reserve the right not to refund the deposit if we can´t find the replacement for your spot.
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