Tucked deep within the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Freeride & Ski Touring in Mestia offers an unforgettable way to explore the spectacular landscapes and remote terrain of Georgia’s Svaneti region. Surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, traditional villages, and historic medieval towers, Mestia provides an exceptional setting for freeride skiing, ski touring, and backcountry adventures in the heart of the Caucasus.
This 7-day ski adventure is designed to explore the diverse terrain around Mestia rather than focusing exclusively on ski touring. Depending on weather, snow conditions, avalanche risk, and the group’s ability, the program can combine Resort Freeriding, Backcountry Skiing, Ski Touring, Catskiing, and optional Heliskiing.
Based in Mestia, the group stays in a comfortable premium-class hotel and travels each day to the best available skiing areas with experienced local ski guides. The itinerary is flexible, allowing the guides and group to decide the best activity for each day according to mountain conditions.
From the extensive freeride terrain of Tetnuldi to remote backcountry routes and the spectacular landscapes of Ushguli, this is an opportunity to experience the Caucasus beyond the typical ski resort.
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Important: The daily itinerary is a sample program and may be modified according to weather forecasts, snow conditions, avalanche risk, group ability, and guide recommendations. If conditions are not suitable for a planned activity, the program may be replaced with another suitable skiing or touring option.
Freeride & Ski Touring in Mestia (Georgia)
- Explore the spectacular freeride terrain of Tetnuldi Ski Resort
- Discover remote backcountry and ski touring routes around Svaneti
- Experience the unique landscapes and traditional villages of the region
- Visit Ushguli, one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe, with opportunities for backcountry skiing and ski touring
- Enjoy optional Catskiing and Heliskiing depending on snow, weather, avalanche conditions, and availability
- Travel with experienced GMGA-certified guides, with IFMGA-certified guides available upon request
Trip Overview
Mestia is one of the most spectacular destinations for freeride and backcountry skiing in the Greater Caucasus. Surrounded by high mountains, glaciers, remote valleys, and traditional Svan villages, the region offers a wide variety of terrain for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
The 7-day program combines different types of skiing and mountain experiences. The group may spend a day freeriding at Tetnuldi, explore backcountry terrain using climbing skins, ski touring in remote areas, or venture toward Ushguli depending on the conditions.
The program also offers the possibility of adding Catskiing or Heliskiing as optional experiences. These activities are arranged according to weather forecasts, snow and avalanche conditions, and operational availability.
Rather than following a rigid itinerary, each day is planned together with the guides based on the current mountain conditions and the experience level of the group.
Why Choose a Freeride & Ski Adventure in Mestia?
- Varied terrain: Combine resort freeriding, backcountry skiing, and ski touring throughout the week
- Tetnuldi Freeride: Access extensive freeride terrain from one of Svaneti’s main ski resorts
- Remote mountain experiences: Explore less-accessible areas away from the main resort
- Ushguli adventure: Discover spectacular ski touring and backcountry opportunities around one of Svaneti’s most remarkable villages
- Optional Heliskiing & Catskiing: Add extra adventure days when conditions and availability allow
- Professional local guides: Ski with experienced GMGA-certified guides, with IFMGA-certified guides available upon request
- Flexible itinerary: Daily activities are adapted to weather, snow, avalanche conditions, and group ability
Who Is This Tour For?
This adventure is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable skiing off-piste terrain and want to experience a combination of resort freeriding, backcountry skiing, and ski touring.
Previous ski touring or backcountry experience is recommended for participants who want to take part in the more demanding routes. The exact terrain and daily activities will be selected by the guides according to the group’s experience, physical condition, and current mountain conditions.
Mestia offers a rare opportunity to experience the Caucasus through skiing, combining spectacular freeride terrain, remote mountain landscapes, traditional Svan culture, and the freedom to adapt the adventure to the conditions of the day.
Equipment
1. Ski & Touring Gear
Ski touring skis (lightweight, backcountry-specific)
Ski touring bindings (tech/frameless or frame bindings)
Alpine touring / ski mountaineering boots
Climbing skins (for ascending)
Ski poles (adjustable recommended)
Ski crampons (for icy slopes, optional depending on route)
Avalanche transceiver / beacon
2. Safety & Rescue
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel
First aid kit
Helmet
Crampons and ice axe (if crossing glaciers or steep terrain)
Whistle & signal mirror
Personal GPS / map & compass
3. Clothing
Base layers (thermal top & bottom)
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket & pants
Gloves / mittens (light & heavy)
Warm hat / balaclava / neck gaiter
Ski socks
Sunglasses or goggles (for snow glare)
4. Backpacks & Essentials
Ski touring backpack (with gear straps for skis)
Hydration system / water bottles
High-energy snacks / lunch
Sunscreen & lip balm
Headlamp with extra batteries
5. Optional / Extras
Camera / action camera
Trekking poles (if needed for approach)
Lightweight stove & cookware (for multi-day tours)
Personal hygiene items
Itinerary
7-Day Freeride & Ski Touring Adventure in Mestia, Georgia
Destination: Mestia, Svaneti, Georgia
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Skiing: 6 Days
Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced / Advanced Freeride
Experience an unforgettable week of skiing and freeriding in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Explore the freeride terrain of Tetnuldi, remote backcountry routes, traditional villages and spectacular mountain landscapes, with optional Catskiing and Heliskiing depending on weather, snow and avalanche conditions.
Day 1 | Arrival in Mestia
Arrival at Kutaisi International Airport followed by a private transfer to Mestia.
After checking into the hotel, the group will meet the guides, check equipment and discuss the skiing plan for the following days based on the group’s experience, weather forecast and snow conditions.
Overnight: Mestia
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 | Freeride at Tetnuldi Ski Resort
The adventure begins at Tetnuldi Ski Resort, one of the main freeride destinations in Svaneti.
The first skiing day is designed for acclimatization, warming up, equipment checks and getting to know the local terrain. The guides will also assess the group’s freeride level and use this information to plan the following days.
If weather conditions or visibility are poor, the program may be moved to Hatsvali Ski Resort, which offers more sheltered forest terrain.
Activity: Resort Freeride
Day 3 | Backcountry & Ski Touring
Leave the resort behind and explore the remote backcountry of Svaneti using ski touring equipment.
Depending on the weather, snow conditions and group ability, the guides may select routes in areas such as:
- Mount Laila
- Chalaadi Glacier
- Guli Pass
- Etseri Ridge
Expected elevation gain: approximately 900–1,200 meters.
The exact route will be selected by the guides according to the conditions on the day.
Day 4 | High-Mountain Freeride & Optional Heliskiing
A full day dedicated to exploring the high-altitude terrain of Svaneti.
Depending on conditions, the day can include Ski Touring, Backcountry Skiing or Heliskiing as an optional experience.
The sample itinerary includes a helicopter drop on a glacier at approximately 3,400 meters, followed by a long descent with slopes reaching approximately 30–35 degrees and around 1,700 meters of vertical drop.
Important: Heliskiing is an optional activity and is subject to weather conditions, avalanche safety and helicopter availability.
Day 5 | Catskiing Adventure
Enjoy a full day of Catskiing near Tetnuldi Ski Resort.
Approximate operating time: 09:30–15:00
Depending on snow conditions, the group may use one of two areas:
Area 1
- Approximately 6–7 runs
- 500–600 meters of vertical drop per run
- Maximum 13 guests per snowcat
Area 2
- Approximately 9–11 runs
- 300–400 meters of vertical drop per run
- Maximum 15 guests per snowcat
If conditions are not suitable for Catskiing, the day can be replaced with Resort Freeriding or Remote Ski Touring.
Day 6 | Backcountry Skiing in Ushguli
Travel to Ushguli, one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe and one of the most remarkable areas of Svaneti.
Located at approximately 2,200 meters, Ushguli offers a variety of Ski Touring and Backcountry Skiing possibilities.
The drive from Mestia takes approximately 1.5 hours. Depending on snow and weather conditions, the group can expect approximately 1,000–1,200 meters of elevation gain.
The day also offers an opportunity to experience the unique landscapes, traditional architecture and historic villages of Upper Svaneti.
Day 7 | Departure
After breakfast, transfer from Mestia to the airport for the return journey.
End of the tour.
What’s Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation in Mestia
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Airport transfer from Kutaisi International Airport to Mestia and back
- Daily transfers between the hotel and skiing areas
- Experienced local ski guides
- GMGA-certified guides, with IFMGA-certified guides available upon request
- Ski passes for the ski resorts used during the tour
- Resort Freeride, Backcountry and Ski Touring activities
- Visits to selected historical and cultural attractions around Mestia
Optional Activities
- Heliskiing
- Catskiing
- Single-room accommodation
- Ski and snowboard equipment rental
Important Information
This itinerary is a sample program and may be adjusted according to weather forecasts, snow conditions, avalanche risk, group ability and the recommendations of the guides.
The daily program can be modified to include more Resort Freeriding, Ski Touring, Catskiing or Heliskiing depending on conditions and group preferences.
Heliskiing and Catskiing are optional activities and are subject to weather, snow, avalanche conditions and availability.