Georgia Backcountry Ski Adventure
Svaneti Ski Touring
Step into the raw, untamed mountains of Georgia’s Caucasus on an immersive backcountry journey designed for experienced skiers and riders seeking something truly different. PowderQuest’s Svaneti program combines full-day ski touring with a deep connection to one of the most culturally rich and visually dramatic alpine regions on earth. From the high glaciated terrain of Tetnuldi to the perfectly spaced tree skiing around Hatsvali and into remote, seldom-visited valleys, each day delivers big mountain descents, varied terrain, and a true sense of exploration. This is our most demanding itinerary, featuring consecutive full touring days, significant vertical gain, and a strong emphasis on efficient movement in the mountains. It’s best suited for seasoned backcountry skiers who are comfortable earning their turns and ready for a physically and technically rewarding experience. With two IFMGA guides — including a local expert based in Mestia — the experience goes far beyond backcountry skiing. Evenings are spent immersed in Georgia`s traditional Svan culture, with home-style meals, local wine, and the warm, authentic hospitality that defines this remote mountain region.
Trip Highlights
- Two IFMGA-certified guides, one of them a native of Mestia
- 7 ski days; 8 nights of lodging in mountain guesthouses and comfortable hotels
- Lift-accessed and full ski touring in the Tetnuldi and Hatsvali zones
- Big mountain terrain: high altitude alpine bowls, glacial ridges, couloirs, and long valley runs
- Breakfasts and dinners included, with Georgian wine served each night
- Private round-trip airport transfers
- 2 dedicated 4×4 vehicles for the entire trip
- Cultural experiences in historic Svaneti villages
- Special overnight in UNESCO-listed Ushguli with ski touring right from the stunning medieval village
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
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- Arrive Kutaisi Airport (KUT)
- Meet your PowderQuest ski guides, 4x4 team, and group for the drive into the heart of Svaneti
- Check into our comfortable lodge in Mestia
- Enjoy a welcome dinner and prepare for your first day in Caucasus
- Over five days, we explore the full range of backcountry terrain surrounding Mestia:
- Tetnuldi — high-alpine, high-altitude terrain with massive vertical, expansive bowls, and glaciated landscapes. Used primarily for lift-assisted access into larger backcountry objectives.
- Hatsvali — lower elevation terrain offering excellent tree skiing, storm-day options, and access to playful backcountry lines.
- Fully backcountry-focused, with lifts used only to access larger terrain—not for resort skiing.
- Expect full touring days at altitude, with sustained climbs into remote valleys and long, committing descents.
- From powder-filled forests to high ridgelines and steep alpine faces, the terrain is diverse, expansive, and physically demanding.
- Evenings are spent back in Mestia enjoying local cuisine, regional wines, and warm Georgian mountain hospitality.
- After our hearty breakfast, we drive deeper into Svaneti to Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe.
- Famous for its ancient stone towers and dramatic mountain backdrop, the medieval village an unforgettable setting for a pure backcountry touring day.
- We spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse — a true immersion into Svaneti’s living history.
- After a final day in the Georgian mountains, we return to Mestia by 4×4 for our last night together.
- Celebrate the week with a special farewell dinner, local wine, and a toast to a remarkable journey through the Caucasus.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Private transfer back to Kutaisi Airport.
- Depart with a lifetime of new stories and a deeper appreciation for one of the wildest mountain regions on earth.
Is This Trip For Me?
You should be in very fit and confident skiing steep and varied terrain and snow conditions, including powder and hard pack. Participants must ski ungroomed black diamond runs without hesitation and have strong ski touring or splitboarding experience, including efficient transitions, skinning steep terrain, and executing kick turns. You should be comfortable climbing 1500 meters (5000 feet) per day at high altitude. Snowboarders should maintain speed on flats, hold a solid traverse line, and maneuver smoothly to keep the group moving, sometimes using ski poles for assistance.
This adventure is best suited for travelers who embrace the unknown and enjoy stepping far outside the typical ski-trip comfort zone. Georgia — especially Svaneti — is raw, remote, and wonderfully unpolished. It’s more foreign culturally than what you may have experienced with us in South America, and things can feel noticeably less organized. That’s part of the charm, but it also means flexibility and a good sense of humor go a long way.
Lodging is very comfortable in Mestia and a bit more rustic for our one night stay at a cozy guest house in Ushguli. The travel days, village life, and pace of the region make this a true mountain expedition rather than a polished resort vacation. In exchange, you’ll be rewarded with exceptionally friendly local people, fascinating history, delicious food, and a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare in the ski world.
If you’re excited by big mountains, rich culture, and the spirit of real adventure, this trip will feel unforgettable.
Trip Essentials
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- Two full-time, certified IFMGA guides lead the entire trip, combining deep local knowledge with a strong focus on mountain safety and cultural insight. (In the rare case of fewer than 4 guests, the trip may be guided by one guide).
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- Airport pick up and drop off.
- 2 private 4x4 vehicles for the duration of the adventure.
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- 7 guided backcountry days.
- Lift tickets included for our lift assisted ski days.
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- Handpicked lodges chosen for comfort, character, convenient locations and authentic Georgian hospitality.
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- Daily breakfast
- Authentic Georgian dinners paired with wine each evening.
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- All gratuities for hotel staff and restaurants are covered, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the adventure.
- Travel insurance
- Flight to Georgia
- Personal expenses such as lunches, drinks outside of the included wine, and discretionary gratuities for your guides.
View or download the packing list
FAQs:
- When is the best time to come for good snow? January through April with March ideal for a combo of good snow and more stable weather.
- Is there Wi-Fi in the lodge? Our lodges offer Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
- Where are the other guests from and what is their ski level? Guests join us from around the world, mostly from North America, Europe, and Australia. Expect a mix of advanced to expert skiers and riders who are comfortable on varied terrain and up for the daily touring adventures as described in the Is This Trip For Me section on this page.
- How much currency should I bring for extras? While most of your expenses are covered, plan on around USD $20 per day for lunches, snacks, and après-ski. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but having some Georgian Lari (GEL) is handy for smaller stops.
- How do I get there? There are two main options to arrive:
- Fly into Kutaisi (KUT) direct from many European cities using Wizz Airlines.
- International flight to Tbilisi, Georgia`s capital city, followed by a domestic connection or ground transfer to Kutaisi (KUT). If you have time, spend a few days in Tbilisi to explore its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant arts scene, and historic Old Town. The city also offers unique culinary experiences, nightlife and beautiful architecture, with iconic sights like the Narikala Fortress.
Accommodations
Mestia
A welcoming, family-operated lodge set in the heart of Svaneti, blending the warmth of Georgian tradition with the comforts travelers appreciate. Housed in a historic building, surrounded by dramatic peaks and crisp alpine air, it’s an inviting base to unwind and settle into the rhythm of the mountains. Mornings begin with a generous spread featuring regional cheeses, homemade preserves, fresh-baked breads, local honey, seasonal fruits, and other favorites—all included. It’s a hearty, flavorful start designed to fuel your day in the high Caucasus.
Ushguli
A simple yet atmospheric mountain guesthouse in the heart of Ushguli, offering a cozy retreat at the edge of the high Caucasus. With its warm common spaces, outdoor terrace, and welcoming family hosts, it’s an ideal base for exploring one of Georgia’s most storied alpine villages. Rooms are straightforward and comfortable, many with views of medieval towers and dramatic valley landscapes. Guests enjoy hearty regional meals and a generous breakfast spread each morning—perfect fuel before stepping out for a full day of ski touring. It’s an authentic, rustic stay that captures the charm and character of life in remote Svaneti.
Book Trip Now
IFMGA guided. World-class culture and adventure skiing in Georgia awaits.
Pricing Details: (in USD)
- $4595 per person, shared twin room with private bath
- Solo travelers are comfortably paired with another guest of the same gender whenever possible
- Optional private room upgrade: $795 (limited availability) for the 7 nights in Mestia. Single occupancy is not available during the overnight stay in Ushguli.
- Deposit: 25% to confirm your reservation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Call us at 1-307-213-9094 or contact us via email.