Day 1: ARRIVE IN KUTAISI – JOURNEY TO SVANETI

Travel time: 6–8 hrs | Route: Kutaisi – Zugdidi – Etseri
Arrive at Kutaisi International Airport and meet your driver for the long but spectacular journey north into the Greater Caucasus. The road winds through gorges and mountain valleys toward the remote Svaneti region, where centuries-old stone towers rise above alpine villages. Stop in Zugdidi for a local lunch before continuing into the highlands. On arrival, meet your guide, check gear in Mestia, and settle into a family-run guesthouse in Etseri.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Etseri.

Day 2: WARM-UP TOUR TO MAZERI

6–8 hrs | +900–1,100m
Route: Etseri – Ushba Ridge – Mazeri Valley
After breakfast and a safety briefing, begin your first day on skis. The route climbs gradually through pine forests and open meadows toward the ridge below Mt. Ushba (4,710 m), one of the most dramatic peaks in the Caucasus. Enjoy panoramic views before descending through fresh powder into the Mazeri Valley.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Mazeri.

Day 3: OVER GULI PASS TO MESTIA

7–9 hrs | +1,300m / -1,500m
Route: Mazeri – Guli Pass – Mestiachala Valley – Mestia
A challenging ascent leads to Guli Pass (2,950 m), offering sweeping views of Ushba and the Svaneti Range. From the summit, descend long, open slopes into the Mestiachala Valley and on toward Mestia, the cultural heart of Svaneti.
Overnight: Hotel in Mestia (3★).

Day 4: TETNULDI SKI RESORT & HADISHI VALLEY DESCENT

6–8 hrs | variable ascent/descent
Route: Mestia – Tetnuldi – Hadishi Valley – Mestia
Head to the Tetnuldi ski area for a day of touring beneath Mt. Tetnuldi (4,858 m). Depending on snow conditions, enjoy short lift-assisted runs or a full-day tour leading into Hadishi Valley, a long, scenic descent through glaciated terrain back toward Mestia.
Overnight: Hotel in Mestia (3★).

Day 5: USHGULI & THE LATPHARI RANGE

5–7 hrs | ±1,100m
Route: Mestia – Ushguli – Mt. Gvibari – Latphari Range
Transfer to Ushguli (1.5 hrs), one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this extraordinary setting, skin up toward Mt. Gvibari for breathtaking views across the Latphari Range before descending back into Ushguli.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Ushguli.

Day 6: DADIASHI RIDGE & ZAGARO PASS

6–8 hrs | ±1,030m
Route: Ushguli – Dadiashi Ridge – Zagaro Pass
Ski through untouched alpine wilderness along the snow-covered Zagaro Pass road toward Dadiashi Ridge (3,181 m). The ridge offers one of the finest panoramas in Georgia, a vast sweep of the Caucasus dominated by Elbrus, Ushba, Tetnuldi, and the towering Bezingi Wall.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Ushguli.

Day 7: SHKHARA GLACIER TOUR & RETURN TO MESTIA

6–8 hrs | +1,000–1,324m
Route: Ushguli – Lamaria Ridge / Mt. Kareta – Shkhara Glacier – Mestia
A final day in the heart of the Caucasus. Choose between a demanding ascent of Mt. Kareta (3,524 m) with a 2,200 m vertical rise, or a traverse of Lamaria Ridge (3,151 m) overlooking the immense Shkhara Glacier and Georgia’s highest peak, Mt. Shkhara (5,193 m). Return to Mestia for a celebration dinner and well-earned rest.
Overnight: Gistola Hotel (5★), Mestia.

Day 8: DEPARTURE

Travel time: 6–8 hrs | Route: Mestia – Kutaisi
Transfer back through the Svaneti valleys to Kutaisi International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on conditions, there may be time for a short visit to Mestia’s National Museum or a local café before departure.

All accommodation is based on twin sharing. A single room supplement is available for €100 if you’d prefer your own space.

We’ve handpicked a mix of comfortable guesthouses and a high-quality hotel to end, giving you the best experience throughout the trip.

6 nights in welcoming guesthouses

1 night in a 5-star mountain hotel, with access to a heated indoor pool, sun terrace and a sauna (note, sauna use may be subject to a small additional fee).

What’s included

What’s not included

Touring skis or splitboard with bindings that allow heel lift for uphill skinning and lock down for descents (e.g. tech/pin or hybrid frame bindings)

Climbing skins (cut to fit your skis/splitboard and in good condition)

Ski touring boots, lightweight with reliable walk mode, compatible with your bindings

Adjustable ski poles (telescopic or folding, with powder baskets)

Helmet (recommended, especially for descents)

Balaclava or lightweight face covering (optional but useful in wind/cold)

Thin ski socks (avoid thick socks—they reduce circulation and comfort)

Insulated gloves or down mitts with waterproof outer shell

Ski goggles with good visibility in flat light, rose, orange, or pink lenses are ideal; bring a second lens or spare goggles for brighter conditions (e.g. darker or mirrored lens). Avoid clear or overly dark lenses unless the forecast guarantees steady light conditions, good visibility is essential for safe skiing in backcountry terrain.

Optional but Recommended
Ski (splitboard) crampons for better grip on icy or steep ascents
Binding repair kit (specific to your setup, in case of minor issues)
A backpack with an integrated airbag for added safety

Avalanche Safety Gear – Mandatory
For your safety and that of the group, you must carry:

Modern digital avalanche transceiver (3-antenna only)
Analogue, single-antenna, or outdated transceivers are not allowed. If you arrive with an incompatible device, you will not be permitted to join the tour until it is replaced.

Avalanche shovel – must be metal (plastic shovels are not accepted)

Avalanche probe – minimum length 240 cm, and must fit in your pack

(Please note avalanche safety gear is not included in the tour price,
but rental options may be available upon request.)

Clothing & Personal Gear

Base & Mid Layers

Technical base layers (top & bottom – wool or synthetic)

Insulated mid-layers (lightweight down or fleece)

Thermal leggings (ankle length)

Extra warm gloves or mitts for downtime

Down or synthetic insulated jacket (for evenings)

Outerwear

Waterproof shell jacket and trousers (GORE-TEX or similar, with side vents/zips)

Warm hat and neck gaiter or buff

Wool or synthetic thick socks

Snow boots or insulated footwear

Nightwear suitable for mountain guesthouses

Swimwear (for the spa, sauna, and pool at the 5-star hotel)

Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm with SPF 30+

Sunglasses (Category 3 or 4 lenses recommended for high-altitude UV exposure)

Day Pack Essentials

Touring backpack (30–35L with ski/snowboard carry system)

Hydration system (CamelBak with insulated hose or water bottles in insulated sleeves)

Electrolyte tablets or energy gels (for sustained energy during touring days)

Other Useful Items

Head torch with charger (essential for early starts and emergencies)

EU plug adapter (2 round-pin type)

Slippers or indoor shoes (for comfort at guesthouses)

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Our skis or yours?
We recommend bringing your own gear for the best fit and familiarity, but if that’s not possible, you can rent a full or partial ski touring setup. This includes skis with touring bindings, ski touring boots, climbing skins, and poles for €65 per day. Please let us know in advance so we can have it ready.

Bringing your own equipment?
If you are bringing your own gear, make sure it’s appropriate for ski touring in alpine terrain. Your setup should include:
– Touring skis with reliable touring bindings. Ideally, skis should be 95–110 mm underfoot, wide enough to handle powder and variable conditions but still efficient on the climb.
– Ski touring boots compatible with your bindings.
– Climbing skins that fit your skis edge to edge.

(Please note avalanche safety gear is not included in the tour price,
but rental options may be available upon request.)

A valid passport is required to travel, with at least 6 months before expiration.

Fly into & out of  Kutaisi Airport, Georgia. Full arrival details and meeting point will be available in your back office after booking.

Travel & health insurance is required. Please ensure your policy includes emergency medical care, trip delays or cancellations, backcountry skiing/boarding and active travel. See our section on INSURANCE for more details & useful contacts.

Visas. Many nationalities, including citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. However, entry requirements may vary, so we strongly recommend checking with www.visahq.com

The currency in Georgia is the Lari (GEL). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger restaurants, small villages and remote areas often require cash. It’s advisable to carry some GEL for purchases in these places. ATMs are commonly available in towns but may be scarce in the mountains.

Dietary Requirements & Allergies. We’re happy to cater for most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free but please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. In some remote areas, options may be limited, so we recommend bringing any essentials or snacks that suit your needs.

If you have food allergies, it’s essential you inform us ahead of time. Whilst we’ll do our best to avoid cross-contamination, we can’t guarantee allergen-free meals and cannot accept liability if accidental exposure occurs.

Is this the right trip for me?
To fully enjoy a backcountry ski-tour in Georgia, you should be in good physical condition. The terrain ranges from intermediate to advanced, so some previous experience with backcountry skiing is important. If you’re an intermediate skier, Nata, our skilled guide will be there to support you, offering tips and guidance as the terrain becomes more challenging. More experienced skiers will still find plenty to explore. Georgia’s backcountry has no shortage of demanding routes. For those aiming to take on the toughest objectives, an excellent level of fitness & skill level is a must.

What about skiing to altitude?
Most of our touring takes place between 1,800–3,200m. You’ll gradually acclimatise over the trip. While Georgia’s mountains can feel alpine, we don’t go to extreme elevations, so altitude sickness is unlikely for most people, but you may feel breathless on steeper ascents, especially in the first few days.

Can I bring my own skis?
Yes, bringing your own skis is encouraged if you’re comfortable with your setup. Just ensure they are suitable for touring (bindings must allow heel lift for uphill travel), recently serviced & in good condition. Be aware of airline fees and baggage policies, which are your responsibility.

What kind of fitness do I need?
You should be in good physical condition, capable of sustained uphill touring for multiple hours each day. If you’re an intermediate skier, your guide will help with technique, but you must already be confident skiing off-piste in varied snow conditions.

What will the conditions be like?
Expect a mix of powder, spring snow, and everything in between, conditions vary with weather and elevation. Mornings and high terrain can be cold, while valleys warm up quickly. You’ll need a flexible layering system to adapt.

The ski touring route may be adjusted by our guide Nata based on weather conditions, snow quality, or the fitness levels of the group to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. If weather conditions are poor, alternative activities could a day at the Hatsvali ski resort or a visit to the National Museum of Mestia.

Will I have phone signal/Wi-Fi? Can I charge devices during the day?
Phone signal is generally reliable in towns, but coverage becomes patchy or unavailable in remote mountain areas. Most guesthouses and hotels offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow or inconsistent. Power will be limited during the day, so bring a small power bank if you need to charge devices while touring. Most accommodations have sockets available for overnight charging (EU 2-pin plugs). For internet access on the go, consider buying a local Georgian SIM card at the airport upon arrival, unlimited data for one week costs around €10.

Can I do laundry?
Some accommodations offer laundry service or shared facilities. We recommend packing quick-dry clothing and a small travel detergent for hand-washing essentials along the way.

What if I get tired or injured?
Our guides are trained in advanced mountain rescue and will assess and respond to any injury or fatigue on the mountain. Evacuation by vehicle is possible in most areas, and the itinerary has some flexibility to accommodate changes. If you need to take a day off, that’s absolutely fine, it’s your trip. Our drivers can arrange transport to the next destination so you can rejoin the group when you’re ready. Please ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers off-piste skiing and medical emergencies.

Do we need to tip?
Tipping is not mandatory in Georgia, but small tips (e.g. rounding up or ~10%) in cafés and restaurants are appreciated. A tip for your guide and local support team at the end of the trip is welcomed if you feel the service has been good.

Is English widely spoken?
In Tbilisi and larger towns, English is fairly common, especially amongst younger people. In rural areas and mountain villages, English is much less widely spoken, Nata, our ShePeaks guide will act as translator and cultural bridge throughout the trip. The national language is Georgian, a unique language with its own ancient script. While not expected, learning a few basic words or greetings is always appreciated by locals. Here are a few to get you started:

Hello – გამარჯობა (gam-ar-joba)
Thank you – მადლობა (mad-lo-ba)
Yes – კი (ki)
No – არა (a-ra)
Cheers! – გაუმარჯოს (gaumarjos!)