• Kyrgyzstan, Tian Shan
    • Ski Touring: Yurts & Horses
  • Georgia, Caucasus
    • Ski Touring: Towers of Svaneti
    • Trek: Svaneti’s Ridges & Towers
  • Kazakhstan, Altai
    • Cat Skiing: Pow in the Pines
    • Cat & Tour: Pow in the Pines
  • Turkey, Kaçkar
    • Ski Touring: Big Mountain Lines
  • Tajikistan, Fanns
    • Trek: Peaks, Lakes & Minarets
  • Reviews & Media Mentions
  • About Us
  • HELLO@primalscapes.com
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Primalscapes | Climb. Ski. Explore. Primalscapes | Climb. Ski. Explore.
  • Destinations
    • Column 1
      • Kyrgyzstan, Tian Shan
        • Yurt-based Ski Touring in Jyrgalan
    • Column 2
      • Georgia, Caucasus
        • Ski touring: Towers of Svaneti
        • Trekking: Svaneti’s Secret Ridges
    • Column 3
      • Kazakhstan, Altai
        • Cat Skiing: Pow in the Pines
        • Cat & Tour: Pow in the Pines
    • Column 4
      • Turkey, Kaçkar
        • Ski Touring: Big Mountain Lines
    • Column 5
      • Tajikistan, Fanns
        • Trekking: Peaks, Lakes & Minarets
  • • Reviews & Media Mentions
  • • About Us
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Powder skiing in Svaneti:

the untamed mountains of Georgia

from €1760

what’s included?

22 Feb-1 March 2026
6 days of skiing

Mountains of Himalayan scale.

Direct low-cost flights from Europe.

Rewarding ski touring routes.

UNESCO-protected medieval towers.

Stays at cosy family-run guesthouses.

Cuisine to die for, unique winemaking.

Skiing Chalaadi glacier by mighty Ushba

Jaw-dropping views of 5,000m-high mountain faces, fluffy snow praised by FWT athletes, cuisine to die for, UNESCO-listed medieval defense towers, ancient orthodox churches — yet world’s most unorthodox, one-of-a-kind winemaking — this all is Georgia.

Sunset in Ushguli village in winter with Europe's third tallest peak Shkhara in the backdrop

This trip combines a day of off-piste skiing at a resort with five days of muscle-powered touring based in Mestia and Ushguli villages, in the heart of the Svaneti mountains.

One of the touring days may be snowcat-assisted. We will be staying at two different villages and skiing different slopes every day.

Snowboarder in Svaneti

Daily climbs range from 1,100m to 1,300m, with tougher days hitting up to 1,900m depending on group fitness. The highest point tops out around 3,000m. Solid kickturns are a must. Downhill runs are typically 30–35°, but there can be steeper sections up to 40. Expect the snow to be fluffier and more forgiving than in the Alps!

Walking down the streets of Ushguli

Getting to Georgia from Europe is a breeze: hop on a direct low cost Wizzair flight to Kutaisi from Milan, Munich, Vienna or many other European cities. Alternatively, fly Pegasus via Istanbul. Georgia welcomes European tourists with open arms as a proud EU candidate state. No visa is required for most nations.

jagged skyline on a clear day in Svaneti, Mestia
SKIING IN SVANETI, GEORGIA: WHAT’S THE DRAW?

EPIC BACKDROPS EVERYWHERE
The Greater Caucasus Range, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea (roughly the length of the UK!), forms a dramatic natural border between Georgia and Russia. Home to Europe’s tallest summits, it’s in Svaneti where the Caucasus hits its crescendo with the legendary Bezengi Wall (aka Khalde Wall) — a fortress of jagged 5,000m peaks, immense glaciers and icefalls. Carving lines beneath these monumental landscapes, with little to no infrastructure in sight, feels like skiing on the edge of something vast and untamed.

CULTURAL HERITAGE
Georgia stands out like no other destination in Europe. With its unique alphabet, vibrant arts, lush forests, ancient winemaking traditions, and a warm, deep-rooted hospitality, this charismatic country would be worth visiting even if it were flat as the Netherlands. But it’s far from flat — especially in Svaneti, where medieval stone defense towers, built to protect families and livestock, punctuate the dramatic mountain landscapes. Georgia, one of the world’s first Christian nations and a cradle of ancient civilizations at the crossroads of East and West, offers a rich cultural tapestry. Pair this with its vibrant cuisine and renowned wines, and après-ski takes on an entirely new meaning.

DRYER, FLUFFIER SNOW
Svaneti’s snow is known for being drier and more forgiving than the usual Alpine hardpack. No need for roped-up missions or crampons to find those last remains of powder; here, fresh tracks are more accessible and plentiful, letting you focus on the fun of the descent.

IT’S UNCROWDED
Svaneti is one of Europe’s hidden gems, so you’ll rarely have to share the slopes with other skiers. It’s a far cry from the mainstream routes in the Alps like the Haute Route. Here it is just you, your teammates, the snow, and jaw-dropping views.

IT’S AFFORDABLE
Compared to many popular ski destinations in Europe, skiing in Svaneti won’t break the bank. Accommodation, food, and ski guiding are all great value for money, making this an ideal destination for those looking for adventure without the hefty price tag of the Alps or say Japan.

    Included

    6 days of skiing with a guide (IFMGA aspirant qualification), including one day of off-piste skiing at a resort, and one day of snowcat-assisted touring (subject to weather conditions).

    Ski passes for 1 day.

    All private transfers, including airport transfers, transfers into/out of Svaneti, transfers to ski resorts and between villages etc.

    All accommodation with breakfasts: 4 nights in Mestia, 2 nights in Ushguli and 2 nights in Kutaisi — on a twin-sharing basis. Dinners in Ushguli.

    Lots of laughs and life-changing experiences!

    Not included

    International flights to Kutaisi (starting from €40 one way but adds up to €200-400 with skis and luggage). Transfer from Tbilisi to Kutaisi (if flying to Tbilisi).

    Single accommodation supplement: €280 p/pю

    Dinners a la carte at restaurants in Mestia, about €10 per person per meal, plus drinks.

    Personal snacks and lunch boxes — you can bring your favorite protein bars, buy Snickers/nuts in Mestia or order lunch boxes at a hotel.

    Personal insurance.

    Discretional tips.

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    DAY 1, Sunday: Arrival in Kutaisi. Rest. Scenic drive to Svaneti.

    Touch down in Kutaisi early morning, then rest and refuel at a hotel before our journey begins. After breakfast, we hit the road for a private 5-hour scenic transfer to Mestia, the heart of Svaneti — the main village of Svaneti. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Enguri Dam— the world’s 7th largest — whose source we’ll soon be skiing next to! Once in Mestia, we check into our hotel, gear up, run through a safety briefing, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

    DAY 2: Warm-up tour in Mazeri valley.

    Our first day of ski touring kicks off in the picturesque Mazeri Valley (aka Becho), just a 40-minute drive from Mestia. With short approaches from the road and wide-open slopes, it’s perfect for warming up ski legs. Vertical gains range from 1,000—1,500m, with runs offering breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Ushba.

    Depending on conditions, we’ll aim for spots like Guli pass (north west slopes) or Mt Detsili (north east slopes and some tree skiing), with ruins of an abandoned 11th-century church.

    We’ll also cover avalanche search and rescue training today. If time allows, we’ll visit Mestia’s ethnographic museum, home to fascinating relics like the Adysh Gospels — a Georgian-language Bible dating back to 897!

    DAY 3: Tour Chizhdi pass / Mt Laila.

    We drive to Tskhumari village on the opposite side of the main valley, with incredible views of the Great Caucaus range as we climb higher up. Starting our climb at 1,350m, we aim for a high point of 3,100m depending on group fitness and conditions. This route doubles as the access path to the basecamp of Mt Laila 4,008m, the highest in the Svaneti range.

    After reaching a stunning high bowl, we might squeeze in a bonus run before descending all the way to the valley floor.

    DAY 4: Snowcat-assisted ski tour on Chalaadi glacier.

    Weather permitting, we’ll tackle one of Georgia’s ultimate touring routes: Chalaadi Glacier. A snowcat takes us to 2,700m, saving energy for a 700m skin and short bootpack (no crampons needed!). The grand finale? A spectacular ski run right in front of the legendary twin peaks of Mt Ushba 4,710m — with a total of about 1,500m vertical drop!

    This loop route delivers fresh views throughout, with a pickup at the valley bottom and a drive back to Mestia.

    Bootpacking with a view on Svaneti range
    DAY 5: Transfer to Ushguli, tour Gvibari ridge.

    After a hearty breakfast, we take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ushguli, a UNESCO treasure and one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages (2,200m). With its numerous Svan defense towers, ancient churches and cattle walking on narrow passageways, Ushguli has a vibe of a properly medieval village — set against the epic backdrop of enormous Mt Shkhara 5,193m, Europe’s third-highest peak.

    This part of Svaneti was never ruled by the lowland princes remaining free and relatively independent. While Ushguli is often crowded with daily visitors from Mestia during the busy summer months, in winter it looks quaint and sleeping under the snow blanket.

    Once in Ushguli, we drop our stuff in the guesthouse and head out for skiing. Today’s slope will most likely be Gvibari ridge — a vast north-facing slope with mind-blowing views of Bezengi wall, the highest section of the Great Caucasus range. On clear days, we might even spot Mt Elbrus (5,642m) in the distance! The track goes along the ruins of a 10th century castle which adds to the overall vibe.

    DAY 6: Touring in Ushguli. Transfer back to Mestia.

    Another day exploring Ushguli’s powder playground. Potential objectives include Lagem Pass, offering a closer view of the 5,000m-tall Bezengi Wall, or the shoulder of Mt Dadiashi for stronger skiers in good conditions.

    After a full day of skiing, we drive back to Mestia and settle into our familiar guesthouse for the night.

    DAY 7: Off-piste skiing at Tetnuldi resort. Return to Kutaisi.

    Weather permitting, we’ll spend our final ski day exploring the epic terrain at Tetnuldi Resort, 40 minutes from Mestia. With lifts reaching 3,160m, Tetnuldi offers everything from steep, north-facing couloirs to short tours above the resort. A standout option is the exhilarating final long run down to Zhabeshi or Adishi villages.

    After a quick lunch in Mestia, we embark on the transfer back to Kutaisi, where we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner together.

    DAY 8, Sunday: Transfer to Kutaisi airport and flight home.

    Transfer to Kutaisi airport for your flight home, leaving with unforgettable memories and a thirst for more Georgian adventures.

    Your guides

    Andrew Golovachev, an IFMGA aspirant ski guide within the guides’ association of Kyrgyzstan, an avid alpine climber, and devoted adventure photographer.

    P1090422

    Ran treks, climbs, ski tours and expeditions to Tajikistan Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Siberia, Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member of the British Alpine Club. Professional avalanche education: equivalent of Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 certificate.

    Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

    Accommodation

    In Svaneti’s main village of Mestia we will be based in a small family-run hotel boasting stylish and cozy rooms with private showers. In Mestia we will dine out in numerous restaurants offering Georgian and European cuisine.

    Guesthouse in Mestia
    Guesthouse in Mestia
    Guesthouse in Mestia
    Guesthouse in Mestia

    Located at 2,200m above sea level, Ushguli is one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements. We will be staying there for two nights in a family guesthouse. The rooms are much more basic and showers may be shared.

    Guesthouse in Ushguli
    Guesthouse in Ushguli
    Guesthouse in Ushguli
    Guesthouse in Ushguli

    GEORGIAN FOOD

    Mouth-watering Georgian cuisine alone is a compelling reason to visit Georgia besides skiing in its majestic mountains. Vibrant yet not overly spicy, the cuisine is both rich and remarkably vegetarian-friendly, incorporating a medley of flavors from coriander leaves, nuts, plums, pomegranate seeds, and eggplants — the local food is ingrained into Georgian culture and national identity. While blending some traits of the national cuisines of the Caucasus, Middle East, and East Europe, Georgian cuisine has its distinct character that varies across the regions of Georgia.

    Arguably the most renowned dish is khinkali — Georgian dumplings that put Nepalese momos to shame! Khinkali are rather large hand-made twisted knobs of dough typically filled with minced meat, finely chopped coriander leaves and flavorful broth. When Khinkali is cooked, all the succulent meat juices stay inside. You are supposed to eat it with bare hands, sucking the juices while taking the first bite! There are also vegetarian versions with mushrooms and cheese.

    Among other culinary highlights are kharcho — a hot & spicy beef soup, chkmeruli — chicken baked in creamy sauce, baked trout, or satsivi — poultry in delectable walnut sauce.

    Throughout the country, you’ll encounter freshly baked warm and crusty bread from traditional brick and clay ovens, along with matsoni — a light yogurt, sulguni — brined and salty cheese, and churchkhela — a dessert string of walnuts coated in grape juice. Tkemali, a traditional sour sauce made from red or green plums, rich in antioxidants, goes exceptionally well with meat and veggie grills.

    Now, let’s talk veggies. From lobio — a stew of kidney beans and spices, ajapsandali — baked eggplants, potatoes, onions, and spices, to khachapuri — cheese flatbread, sometimes with an egg yolk, and pkhali — small parcels of finely chopped spinach or beetroot, herbs, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds — Georgian cuisine is a vibrant celebration of color, texture, freshness, and goodness!

    Most of our ski trip in Georgia unfolds in the remote mountain region of Svaneti. Its culinary specialties include kubdari — flatbread with a juicy chopped meat filling, mchadi — cornbread, sometimes with cheese inside, tashmidjabi — potato mash with melted cheese, and, of course, the aromatic Svanetian salt!

    Booking terms

    Sounds exciting? It truly is! We love the place and would be happy to share it with you. Should you have any questions, please check out our FAQ section below. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to send us your inquiry using the contact form or WhatsApp.

    We require financial commitment from the participants in a form of 20% deposit paid via SEPA bank transfer or Paypal/card. The remaining balance is paid in cash or wire transfer upon arrival.

    Cancellation policy

    We promise a 14-day risk-free booking window: you can cancel at any point within two weeks after you put down the first deposit. This buys you time to sort out vacation and flights, to bring in your friends, etc. and not have to worry about someone else taking your spot on the trip.

    In case of cancellation of the trip by the participant due to any other personal circumstances any deposits made are NOT refunded. At our sole discretion we may put them towards your future trips with us.

    See Full Terms and Conditions

    By booking with us you fully agree to the following:

    1) You have sufficient experience for the trekking/camping, skiing or climbing trip that you are joining. If joining a self-contained trek, you understand that you will need to carry your personal belongings as well as your share of food rations and group equipment. Porters are available at extra cost. By joining a ski trip, you confirm that you can safely and comfortably ski ‘black’ runs, have already participated in off-piste skiing trips and feel confident about the difficulty level stated in the itinerary description.

    2) You will arrange suitable insurance that covers helicopter rescue, medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation, ascents (up to 3,000 m for the Kamchatka trekking, 2,200 m for the Ergaki trekking, 4,750 m for the Fanns trekking, 5,642 m for the Elbrus or 5,047 m for the Kazbek) and off-piste skiing & ski touring (for our ski programs). The Austrian Alpine Club member insurance is sufficient – please provide your actual membership number if you are a member.

    3) You will apply for the Russian visa yourself at your local embassy or via a visa centre. Normally, it is a trouble-free process and visas are issued in 5-10 working days. We will provide an invitation letter at no extra cost.

    4) The guide and the organisers reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time due to unforeseen objective threats, such as volcanic eruptions, floods, adverse weather, snowpack condition or based on the guide’s subjective judgement of the team’s condition and fitness.

    6) You fully understand the hazards of trekking, skiing or climbing in the wilderness with regards to general health, changeable weather conditions, snow avalanches, crossing streams, walking over exposed terrain and encounters with wild animals. In case of an accident, it may take a search & rescue party several days to reach the most remote sections of our route. Even though the guide normally carries a satellite communicator, helicopter evacuation is never guaranteed.

    You accept all risks of injury to you or death which may occur during the trek, climb or ski tour with us. For yourself, heirs, executors, administrators, assignees and personal representatives, you forever waive and release all rights and claims for damages, judgements and costs which you may have against the guide, the organisers, their agents and assignees.

    7) The guide and the organizers cannot accept liability for any consequences of force majeure, weather conditions, fire, civil or military disturbance, criminal activity or mechanical breakdown.

    In case of any force majeure circumstances that prevent us from running the trip, such as illness of the guide, we will do our best to make alternative arrangements that may involve a change of the itinerary and/or the organizer. Should that attempt fail, any deposits made will be refunded in full.

    8) You grant full permission to the organisers to use their photographs and/or video recordings with the participants for any publicity and promotional purposes. We warrant that no material of a controversial nature that might damage your reputation will be used.

    9) The sea trip in the Kamchatka trekking trip may be shortened or even cancelled in case of seriously bad weather. In the latter case, the cost of the trip will be reimbursed. Seasickness is not an excuse is rarely an issue and can be alleviated by medications available at the city pharmacies.

    10) For the Kamchatka sail-to-ski trip, the days on the boat may be shortened or even cancelled in case of seriously bad weather. In that case we will make alternative arrangements, such as snowmobile-supported ski touring in a different area of the peninsula. We also will refund any difference between the cost of the cancelled sailing itinerary and the alternative arrangements.

    11) All indicated distances are approximate. Any mismatch with the actual daily mileage does not authorize participants to grumble at dinner 🙂

    Start Your Journey

    Got a question or ready to plan your adventure? Drop us a line using the form below — we’ll reply within 24 hours!

    Prefer email? Reach out at hello@primalscapes.com

    We promise no spam — just answers. Your info stays safe with us and won’t be shared.

    ...or Chat in WhatsApp!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Georgia safe to visit?

    Long gone are the times of gun-point robberies. Today Georgia consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 safest countries, thanks to minimal crime rate, well-trained police force and friendly locals. As long as you stay away from areas with ongoing political tensions (and Svaneti is NO one of them!), Georgia is a fantastic choice for a ski trip!

    Facts: US Department of State currently rates Georgia as Level 1 (the safest!) out of 4. Most of Georgia including Svaneti is ‘green’ in the eyes of UKs FCDO and Government of Canada.

    What gear do I need?

    You can leave your boot crampons and ice axe at home. Thanks to relatively low competition for untracked snow, there’s no need for roped-up missions. Do bring your harscheisen (ski crampons) though, as well as avalanche pack, if you own it. We will send you a full gear list.

    How much local currency will I need to bring?

    None. Most restaurants and souvenir shops in Mestia accept cards, and ATMs are available for withdrawing local currency (lari) if needed. Georgia is refreshingly affordable, with great meals and local treats costing far less than in Western Europe.

    How fit do I need to be?

    Compared to our other destinations like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, Georgia demands a bit more uphill fitness. Some days might involve 1,700–1,800m of vertical gain, with terrain occasionally reaching 35–40 degrees. The good news? The snow is fluffy yet not super-deep so you can stick with your regular lightweight touring skis rather than hauling wide powder planks.

    Are vegetarians catered for?

    Yes, Georgia’s cuisine is surprisingly vegetarian-friendly! Dishes often feature walnuts, spinach, pomegranate seeds, and locally sourced veggies, making it a delight for non-meat eaters.

    Where do I meet the guide?

    The guide will meet you either in Kutaisi at the hotel on the first day or in Svaneti. In the latter case a driver will meet you with a name board at the airport and another driver will deliver you to Mestia.

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