8 DAY SKI TOUR SVANETI

Situated in the north of the country Svaneti is bordered by both Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria in the Russian Federation. It is home to some of the highest mountains in the Caucasus. This historical region is brimming with ancient villages and the locals known as Svans have largely retained their culture and heritage for centuries. Characteristic of this region are the Svan towers (Koshki) built in the medieval period to act as defense and signal towers against invading armies. Skin up to some of the highest passes in the region and ski through these beautiful mountains exploring the medieval towers and Churches of Svaneti on the way, be awe-struck by some of the highest peaks in Europe and prepare to be immersed in local mountain culture. 

• Enjoy a warm-up day of lift-based ski touring in the forests around Mestia.
•  Discover ancient defense towers and villages with churches dating back to the 9th Century.
•  Skin up to 3500m peaks and experience incredible 2000m descents on untouched powder back into the valleys in the shadow of 4-5000 meter plus mountains.
•  Cross remote mountain passes as we ski through endless wilderness from village to village in this forgotten part of the world. 
•  Be awestruck by the sights of Mt. Shkhara (5068m) and Mt. Tetnuldi (4858m).  

DAY 1: SUNDAY

Transfer to Kutaisi.

Overnight in Kutaisi

Dinner included

DAY 2: MONDAY

Transfer to Svaneti - Lift base ski touring in Mestia

Transfer to Svaneti from Kutaisi.

Setting off at 2 a.m. we transfer to Svaneti arriving in Svaneti in time for breakfast. 5hr transfer time.  

This gives you the perfect opportunity to catch up on some sleep while on the road.

The drive takes approximately 5 hours from Kutaisi with a few small breaks on the way. The roads become rough and winding as we climb into the mountains which is an adventure all of its own. We eventually arrive in Etseri and drop our bags off at our guesthouse where we have breakfast. After breakfast, we acclimatize and warm up for the adventure ahead with lift-based touring at Mestia’s ski resort, Hatsvali, a superb resort offering endless opportunities for off-piste descents and epic tree skiing. In the evening we head back to our guesthouse for dinner in Etseri.

• Overnight in Guesthouse in Etseri.
• B, L, D included

DAY 3: TUESDAY

Etseri- Mt. Simzagari

After an early breakfast, we have a 20-minute transfer to the start of today’s tour at 1600m. From our start point, we ascend the spectacular peak of Simzagari 3311m. We follow an epic ridge line that eventually leads us to the summit where we are rewarded with stunning views of the famous North Ushba at 4698m. Ushba is the most iconic mountain in Svaneti with the North and South summits at 4700m there are many Svan legends linked to the mountain. We are now set for an incredible descent down the south face of Simzagari and back to our start point for a transfer back to our guesthouse in Etseri where we spend the evening filling ourselves with local dishes and exchanging stories of an incredible day’s ski touring.

• 800-1700m Ascent depending on the fitness of the group.
• Overnight in Guesthouse in Etseri
• B, L, D included

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY

Etseri- Becho

We have another epic day of ski touring skinning up to the mountain pass linking Etseri to Becho. Having taken on plenty of carbs for breakfast we should be well prepared for the possibility of doing up to 1,750 m of vertical ascent today leading up to the pass before rewarding ourselves with great views of the Laila Range, Ushba, and the Abkhazian part of the Caucasus. We finish the day with a superb descent down into Becho where we spend the night at the beautiful family-owned Grand Hotel Ushba.

• 800-1750m Ascent depending on the fitness of the group.
• Overnight in Guesthouse in Becho
• B, L, D included

DAY 5: THURSDAY

We leave the Grand Hotel Ushba early and head to Bagvdanari village at 1600m. The tour heads northeast up the Kheldra valley towards Mtavarangelozi Church at 2000m. Throughout today the twin peaks of Ushba above us dwarf everything in the area its looming peaks and impenetrable rock faces remind us of the power and majesty of Mother Nature. From the Church, we climb more steeply up to the shoulder 2954m and then onto a steep ridge to Kheldra Peak 3312m. From here we are treated to unparalleled views of Ushba and Tetnuldi above with the valleys of Mestia and Becho below. Depending on the conditions there are two options, skiing back down the line of ascent or over the pass and down to Mestia for a well-earned beer.

• 900-1700m Ascent depending on the fitness of the group.
• Overnight in Guesthouse in Mestia
• B, L, D included

DAY 6: FRIDAY

We transfer from Mestia to Tetnuldi. The newly opened Tetnuldi resort offers great free riding and touring terrain straight from the lift, just below the base of the majestic Mt Tetnuldi with views of the whole Svanetian mountain range. Tetnuldi's 4858m spectacular glaciers and rock towers are ever-present throughout the day. After enjoying the freeriding opportunities of the resort, we skin up a narrow ridge to Lakchkhilda Peak at 3501m. From the top, we have a spectacular descent all the way down to the very remote village of Adishi 1800m. From Adishi we have an adventurous transfer by 4x4’s back to Mestia.

• Overnight in Guesthouse in Mestia
• B, L, D included

DAY 7: SATURDAY

Transfer to Tbilisi.

Setting off after breakfast at 9 a.m. we head out of the mountains stopping to marvel at the Enguri Dam (The second-highest Arch dam in the world). We have a 4-hour drive to Kutaisi through beautiful countryside. After a short break, we head back to Tbilisi.

• Overnight Tbilisi
• Breakfast and Lunch included

DAY 8: SUNDAY

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport.

Breakfast included

INCLUDED:

• Transportation: 2 x airport transfers
•  Transportation: by 4x4 (support vehicle) during the tour
•  Accommodation: All included, as in the itinerary.
•  English-speaking professional guide as per program.
•  Entrance fees to the museums and historical sites.
•  Meals: as in itinerary.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights
•  Medical insurance, (mandatory)
•  Alcoholic beverages

RECOMMENDATIONS:

DOCUMENTS:

• Flight information for Mogzauri Rent
  
• Valid Passport – visas are not necessary for US and EU citizens traveling to Georgia (however check with your Embassy for any changes prior to your journey)
  
• Medical insurance (Mandatory)
  
• Cash for alcoholic beverages, snacks, tipping guides, souvenirs, and incidental costs($1≈2.7 gel).

SKI EQUIPMENT:

• Touring Skis or split board
  
• Touring boots
  
• Avalanche transceiver
  
• Snow shovel
  
• Snow probe
• Telescopic ski poles with wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter)
  
• Crampons
  
• Ski crampons
  
• Climbing skins
  
• Ice axe
  
• Goggles
  
• Helmet
  
• Avalung or avalanche airbag (Recommended)
  
• 35-40 L Backpack

* ZAG and Elan Touring Skis, Blackhole Split boards, and Ortovox Avalanche safety equipment can be rented from Mogzauri Rent.  

CLOTHING:

• Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
  
• Fleece jacket or vest (insulating mid-layer)
  
• Fleece pants (for cold days)
  
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill; worn at stops)
  
• Jacket (waterproof/breathable or soft shell)
  
• Gloves, mittens, and/or overmittens Light gloves (for high-energy activity)
  
• Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
  
• Pants or bibs (waterproof/breathable or soft shell)
  
• Liner socks Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
  
• Gaiters
  
• Bandana or Buff (neck or face gaiter)
  
• Sun-shielding cap or hat for bright days

OTHER ESSENTIALS:

• Sunscreen and lip balm
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Headlamp or flashlight
  
• Matches or lighter
  
• Knife or multi-tool
  
• Duct tape strips; repair items as needed
  
• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Bivvy bag or reflective blanket
  
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
  
• Energy beverages or drink mixes

PERSONAL ITEMS:

• Toilet paper
  
• Quick-dry towel
  
• Waterproof bags for your passport and other valuable

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