Georgia·2 - 9 April 2025
Svaneti (Georgia) skiing week
A whole week of Georgian culture and backcountry skiing in the Caucasian mountains
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Overview
Shred untracked powder and delve into the captivating culture of Georgia on this unforgettable week-long adventure! Carve through pristine slopes in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, specifically the Svaneti region. Towering peaks, dramatic glaciers, and ancient villages with iconic stone towers will be your backdrop as you experience the thrill of backcountry skiing and the warmth of Georgian hospitality. This trip is a perfect blend for skiers and culture enthusiasts, offering both epic descents and enriching experiences.
Highlights
Ushguli
Ushguli, nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains, boasts a history as rich as the slopes that surround it. Evidence suggests settlements in the area date back to the 9th-10th centuries. These weren't just any villages; they were communities built around towering stone towers, a testament to Ushguli's turbulent past. These Svan towers served as both homes and fortresses, protecting residents from invaders throughout the medieval era. Ushguli's remote location, while challenging to access today, also played a role in its unique history. This isolation helped preserve the region's distinct cultural traditions and architectural heritage, making Ushguli a living museum of Georgia's mountain past.
Georgian culture
Georgia's mountainous regions, particularly Svaneti with Ushguli and Mestia, hold a unique cultural tapestry woven from centuries of adaptation and resilience. Life in the harsh mountain environment demanded a strong sense of community. The iconic stone towers, still prominent in Ushguli, were more than just dwellings. Built from the 9th-10th centuries onwards, they served as fortified homes, protecting families from invaders and harsh weather. While challenging, the remoteness of the mountains also fostered a distinct cultural identity. Isolated from outside influences, Svaneti developed its own language, Svan, and preserved ancient traditions like polyphonic singing, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. This isolation also contributed to the architectural style, with stone towers and houses becoming emblematic of the region.
Hosts
Lorenzo d'Addario
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world. He has been guiding many groups in Norway, Iceland, Japan and Georgia.
Schedule
Given the abundance of ski routes in the Svaneti region, we can adjust the itinerary during our skiing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. The skiing program is decided on a daily basis based on technique and experience. We are going to leave (early) in the morning (depending on weather conditions) and come back in the afternoon. Lunch will be a snack while skiing. We are going to have a great dinner at the b&b or at some restaurants depending on your preference.
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrival in Kutaisi and drive to Mestia
Your Georgian adventure begins in Kutaisi! After touching down at the airport, you'll swap the airplane hum for the rumble of a car as you embark on a scenic drive towards Mestia. The journey itself is a treat, with winding roads offering glimpses of the Caucasus Mountains gradually rising on the horizon. As you near Mestia, anticipation builds, knowing the dramatic peaks and charming villages await your arrival.
Days 2-6
Skiing days
We'll spend part of the week skiing around Tromsø, and part in the Lyngen region. Skiing in these areas is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers some of the best off-piste skiing in the world surrounded by fjords and the Arctic Ocean.
Day 7
Drive back to Kutaisi!
With a heart full of memories and legs pleasantly sore, you'll bid farewell to Ushguli. The return journey to Kutaisi will offer a chance to reflect on your incredible week. As you wind through the Caucasus Mountains, take a final look at the majestic peaks that were your playground. The landscape slowly transitions, marking the end of your Georgian adventure but leaving you with a yearning to return someday. Kutaisi awaits, ready to whisk you back to civilization, but the spirit of Svaneti will undoubtedly stay with you long after you depart.
What's Included
What's Included
Certified IFMGA mountain guide
6 days of skiing
7 nights in a typical house
Van transfers
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
Book
Trip Entry
FROM$2,129.20/pp
Gallery
Ushguli, Georgia
A region where ancient Georgian culture and epic ski mountaineering adventures collide
Imagine this: you summit a pristine peak, the Caucasus Mountains sprawling endlessly beneath you. One side reveals the charming stone towers of a medieval Svan village, the other, a canvas of untouched powder snow. This is the magic of Ushguli and Mestia, a region where ancient Georgian culture and epic ski mountaineering adventures collide. Carve your lines through virgin slopes, then soak in the warmth of a local homestay, savoring hearty meals and local legends.
Trip Tips
Skiing Skills
On this trip, some of the stages are demanding. There are often some long stages, and / or a demanding summit push where it can get cold. You must stand up to reach the goal, and have a good training basis and good health before departure. There could be the possibility to sleep in bivouacs, but you do not have to have experience with bivouacs to participate. It is also recommended that you have previous experience with ski touring or ski mountaineering.
Liability
NIVA selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Climbing and skiing are risky sports that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. NIVA recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed. We can also offer a full package by buying the flight tickets.
You'll Be Staying Here
Typical House in Ushguli
In Ushguli, you'll be staying in a traditional Svan guesthouse – a unique blend of history and hospitality. Imagine a house built from stone, with a distinctive tall tower that once served as a family fortress. Inside, expect warm Georgian welcomes and cozy living areas, where you can connect with your hosts and fellow travelers after epic days on the slopes.
FAQs
What should I bring?
Clothing
- Underwear, wool (or warm material)
- Socks
- Midlayer
- Insulated jacket (warm)
- Shell jacket
- Shell pant
- Hat, warm
- Buff
- Thin gloves/mittens
- Gloves/mittens
Footwear
- Ski boots
Equipment
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen/chapstick
- Goggles
- Ski helmet
- Skis and poles
- Skins
- Crampons
- Ski crampons
- Ice axe
- Avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Snow shovel
- Light thermos
What's the weather during the period?
You can visit this website for insights about the weather.