Trip Overview
Length:
7 days
Difficulty:
3/5
Price:
6500 Euros
Location:
Svaneti
Dates:
2022 - March 27th to April 2nd
What makes this trip special
A Ski Adventure In A Remote And Historic Region
Stay In A UNESCO World Heritage Site
High Elevation, Big-Mountain Terrain
Exploration And First Descents
The Tour
Join us on a heli ski expedition to the historic and mountainous Svaneti region of northwestern Georgia. This is not just a skiing adventure, but an opportunity to explore an ancient land and its culture. We’ll be skiing in the Upper Caucasus range; this is big-mountain, high elevation helicopter skiing, with most runs starting at elevations above 3500 meters (11,500’).
Svaneti’s jaw-dropping terrain is on a different scale to most other ski destinations: towering peaks, enormous glaciers and massive ridge lines. With limitless terrain at our disposal, our guides will work hard to find the best snow and ski runs to suit the group’s desires.
At the end of each ski day, we’ll return to a comfortable mountain lodge in the middle of Mestia, the main town of the Svaneti region. There we’ll enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine, local wines and a good night’s rest.
The Place
Svaneti is a spectacular region in northwestern Georgia, a place where wild and picturesque mountains meet fascinating medieval villages brimming with culture. The UNESCO World Heritage listed communities in Svaneti are dominated by stone house towers that were once used as a method of defence against raiders. As many as 200 of these towers, which are 20-25m in height, can be seen in a single village and the oldest date back to the 8th century. Thanks to Svaneti’s isolation these towers have been preserved and remain today as a testament to the area’s history.
Mountains in the region top 4000m, and Tetnuldi is the highest at 4,974m. Europe’s highest peak, Mt Elbrus, is a mere 20kms to the north. These rugged mountains dominate the skyline throughout Svaneti and give way to deep gorges and immense valleys.
There are two good ski resorts in the area, Tetnuldi Resort and Hatsvali-Mestia. On days when flying isn’t possible we’ll have the option to ski these resorts, go ski touring or explore some of the historic villages in the region.
The Weather
February, March and April are the best months to ski in Svaneti. The days are long, and we can expect temperatures ranging from -10 deg C to -2 deg C. High pressure systems become more common as we get further into spring, providing sunny skies and light winds. It’s not uncommon to have a whole week of sunny weather.
Travel to Georgia
Georgia is open for travel for visitors who are fully vaccinated. Flights into Tbilisi are available from many European cities.
What's Included
- 2 Certified Guides
- 6 nights accommodation while in Mestia at the Mestia Chalet – twin share rooms
- All meals while in Mestia
- Ground Transportation – Tbilisi-Mestia-Tbilisi
- 10 hours of Flight Time in an A star Helicopter – B3 – 2 groups of 4 skiers.
- Avalanche equipment – Beacon, shovel, probe and Air Bag backpack
*Additional flight hours can be purchased for 2300 Euros which will be divided up amongst the group
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Tbilisi
- Accommodation and meals in Tbilisi
- Alcohol
- Travel Insurance
- Ski/Snowboard Equipment
*Alcohol can be purchased from the hotel in Mestia, 2 Euros per glass of beer, 8 Euros for a bottle of wine.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Transportation from Tbilisi Airport or your hotel in either Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi. It is an eight hour drive from Tbilisi to Mestia and about 4-6 hours from Batumi or Kutaisi to Mestia.
Upon arrival at Mestia, we will have dinner in our hotel, meet with the guides and partake in avalanche training.
D. Accommodation Provided.
Day 2 – Day 6
Heli skiing in the Caucasus Range, roaming far and wide to experience the most of these incredible mountains. 2000 meter runs amongst 5000m peaks. There will be plenty of time to explore the history and culture of the region when we’re not on the slopes.
B-L-D. Accommodation Provided.
Day 7
Heli-skiing in the morning. Transportation to Tbilisi in the afternoon. We advise staying the night in Tbilisi and getting a morning flight the next day.
B-L. Accommodation not provided.
Daily Schedule. The daily schedule will be determined by weather and conditions.
8:30 Breakfast
9:45 Transfer to helicopter fully outfitted to ski for the day
10:00 Heli-Skiing
13:00 Lunch on the mountain or in a hotel
14:00 Heli-Skiing
16:00 Apres-ski and relaxation.
18:00 Dinner
19:00. Bar, video, lounge
Accommodation
Our accommodation is at the Chalet Mestia. This is a traditional mountain lodge located right in the heart of town.
Each comfortable and well appointed room features a private bathroom, spectacular mountain views and Satellite Television. There is free WiFi throughout the Lodge. With a nice lounge and restaurant area, it’s the perfect place to relax after a great day of skiing.
Guests will have many opportunities to try Georgian cuisine. Traditional cuisine is a feature of every dinner, such as Kubdari, a Georgian flatbread stuffed with lamb, cheese, onions and herbs and spices.
The wine is not to be missed. Georgia has an 8,000 year history of wine making, with a large selection of wine throughout the country, and good bottles costing as little as 8 Euros.
Photo Gallery
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the skiing like in Svaneti?
What is the weather like in the Spring?
Do I need ski equipment?
Are snowboarders welcome?
Is it dangerous in Svaneti?
Is Avalanche Equipment provided?
Do I need to be an advanced skier or snowboarder?
What's the accommodation like?
Trip Reviews
Application Form
Once you’ve filled on our online booking form we will contact you within 24hrs. Our follow up email will include the detailed trip notes.
We’ll also send you a medical form, this helps us make any necessary preparations it does not exclude you from the trip. To secure the booking we require a 500 Euro deposit for each person. If you’d prefer to contact us directly we can be reached at info@expeditionengineering.com or at +12502662515
We’d be happy to discuss different trip options and help you find the perfect expedition holiday.
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