from €1760
6 days of skiing
Mountains of Himalayan scale.
Direct low-cost flights from Europe.
Rewarding ski touring routes.
UNESCO-protected medieval towers.
Stays at cosy family-run guesthouses.
Cuisine to die for, unique winemaking.
Jaw-dropping views of 5,000m-high mountain faces, fluffy snow praised by FWT athletes, cuisine to die for, UNESCO-listed medieval defense towers, ancient orthodox churches — yet world’s most unorthodox, one-of-a-kind winemaking — this all is Georgia.
This trip combines a day of off-piste skiing at a resort with five days of muscle-powered touring based in Mestia and Ushguli villages, in the heart of the Svaneti mountains.
One of the touring days may be snowcat-assisted. We will be staying at two different villages and skiing different slopes every day.
Daily climbs range from 1,100m to 1,300m, with tougher days hitting up to 1,900m depending on group fitness. The highest point tops out around 3,000m. Solid kickturns are a must. Downhill runs are typically 30–35°, but there can be steeper sections up to 40. Expect the snow to be fluffier and more forgiving than in the Alps!
Getting to Georgia from Europe is a breeze: hop on a direct low cost Wizzair flight to Kutaisi from Milan, Munich, Vienna or many other European cities. Alternatively, fly Pegasus via Istanbul. Georgia welcomes European tourists with open arms as a proud EU candidate state. No visa is required for most nations.
SKIING IN SVANETI, GEORGIA: WHAT’S THE DRAW?
EPIC BACKDROPS EVERYWHERE
The Greater Caucasus Range, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea (roughly the length of the UK!), forms a dramatic natural border between Georgia and Russia. Home to Europe’s tallest summits, it’s in Svaneti where the Caucasus hits its crescendo with the legendary Bezengi Wall (aka Khalde Wall) — a fortress of jagged 5,000m peaks, immense glaciers and icefalls. Carving lines beneath these monumental landscapes, with little to no infrastructure in sight, feels like skiing on the edge of something vast and untamed.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Georgia stands out like no other destination in Europe. With its unique alphabet, vibrant arts, lush forests, ancient winemaking traditions, and a warm, deep-rooted hospitality, this charismatic country would be worth visiting even if it were flat as the Netherlands. But it’s far from flat — especially in Svaneti, where medieval stone defense towers, built to protect families and livestock, punctuate the dramatic mountain landscapes. Georgia, one of the world’s first Christian nations and a cradle of ancient civilizations at the crossroads of East and West, offers a rich cultural tapestry. Pair this with its vibrant cuisine and renowned wines, and après-ski takes on an entirely new meaning.
DRYER, FLUFFIER SNOW
Svaneti’s snow is known for being drier and more forgiving than the usual Alpine hardpack. No need for roped-up missions or crampons to find those last remains of powder; here, fresh tracks are more accessible and plentiful, letting you focus on the fun of the descent.
IT’S UNCROWDED
Svaneti is one of Europe’s hidden gems, so you’ll rarely have to share the slopes with other skiers. It’s a far cry from the mainstream routes in the Alps like the Haute Route. Here it is just you, your teammates, the snow, and jaw-dropping views.
IT’S AFFORDABLE
Compared to many popular ski destinations in Europe, skiing in Svaneti won’t break the bank. Accommodation, food, and ski guiding are all great value for money, making this an ideal destination for those looking for adventure without the hefty price tag of the Alps or say Japan.
Jessika Ziegler2024-08-20It was a great trip. In German we would say: "It was a well-rounded affair". Thanks Andrew
Luna Ziegler2024-08-12We went with Andrew on a hikking trip in the Fan mountains in Tadschikistan. The scenery and the whole trip was amazing. Andrew was such a perfect guide, he spoiled us every day with amazing food, wonderful camping spots and it was so amazing that you can feel that not only the people who booked the trip were enjoying it also himself. he is living this adventure live at its fullest. we can only recommend you to go on an adventure with him!! thanks a lot for that time we will never forget
Alex Antsiferov2024-05-21Andrey is a fantastic guide! He has a knack for discovering real, authentic places. Some of the coolest adventures in my life have been in his company. He himself is tough as nails and never seems to get tired, but he always plans trips within others' abilities and never takes unnecessary risks. Also, Andrey takes great photos — I totally depend on him for my supply of desktop wallpapers!
Alexey Gaponov2024-03-22I've joined Andrey on skiing trips to Mamay valley (Lake Baikal), Ridder (Kazachstan) and Svaneti (Georgia), and would love to do so again! His trips are always thoroughly thought through, well organized and include many interesting ideas beyond skiing. For skiing/skitouring itself: Andrey is a great back-country guide, paying extreme attention to mountain safety, group's mood and abilities, and manages to find areas of untouched snow even in spaghetti-ridden spots (this might involve some uphill walking at times). Add to this his desire to interconnect people from different cultures (even in the current deglobalized times) and a skill to solve clients' problems quickly (like organizing a replacement skitouring set of the right size in the middle of the woods), and you get a reliably great ski trip as a result.
Paul Kutarski2024-02-25Excellent and truly memorable trip to Kyrgyzstan. Well organised and interesting itinerary both on and off the snow. Lots of great powder descents. The standard of accommodation and food significantly exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to go with Andrey again and, indeed, hope to do so next season.
Linda Chew2024-02-24Kyrgyzstan January 2024 The trip was incredibly well organised by Andrey with pleasant surprises which made it very memorable. The accommodation was excellent, warm and comfortable with great food. The ski guiding suited the abilities of the group and the snow was enjoyable. I would certainly recommend this trip with Andrey.
Eric Kendall2024-02-16Skied in Kyrgyzstan with Andrey. He is excellent - found great lines, and organised brilliantly. Also a great drone pilot! Can't wait for our next trip with him - see you in March, Andrey!
Steve Kentish2024-01-22Andre is excellent, as an organiser of the trip and as a guide. The skiing and weather was excellent in Kyrgyzstan. Safety was a key component, which he was well on top of. He used his local knowledge to find the best angle and orientation of descents. Had a great trip. Hope to return with Primalscrapes again. Note: the skiing is a fair distance from Bishkek, so long bus transfers are required, Andre organised a few excursions to break these up.
Carolyn Brown2023-12-26Andrey is an excellent off-piste guide. He has a reliable team around him and his attention to detail ensures everything runs smoothly on his trips. His help with choosing our holiday outline, booking flights and organising kit hire was first class at every stage.
Francisco Garcia2023-12-21Great experience with Primalscapes in Ridder!
Touch down in Kutaisi early morning, then rest and refuel at a hotel before our journey begins. After breakfast, we hit the road for a private 5-hour scenic transfer to Mestia, the heart of Svaneti — the main village of Svaneti. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Enguri Dam— the world’s 7th largest — whose source we’ll soon be skiing next to! Once in Mestia, we check into our hotel, gear up, run through a safety briefing, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Our first day of ski touring kicks off in the picturesque Mazeri Valley (aka Becho), just a 40-minute drive from Mestia. With short approaches from the road and wide-open slopes, it’s perfect for warming up ski legs. Vertical gains range from 1,000—1,500m, with runs offering breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Ushba.
Depending on conditions, we’ll aim for spots like Guli pass (north west slopes) or Mt Detsili (north east slopes and some tree skiing), with ruins of an abandoned 11th-century church.
We’ll also cover avalanche search and rescue training today. If time allows, we’ll visit Mestia’s ethnographic museum, home to fascinating relics like the Adysh Gospels — a Georgian-language Bible dating back to 897!
We drive to Tskhumari village on the opposite side of the main valley, with incredible views of the Great Caucaus range as we climb higher up. Starting our climb at 1,350m, we aim for a high point of 3,100m depending on group fitness and conditions. This route doubles as the access path to the basecamp of Mt Laila 4,008m, the highest in the Svaneti range.
After reaching a stunning high bowl, we might squeeze in a bonus run before descending all the way to the valley floor.
Weather permitting, we’ll tackle one of Georgia’s ultimate touring routes: Chalaadi Glacier. A snowcat takes us to 2,700m, saving energy for a 700m skin and short bootpack (no crampons needed!). The grand finale? A spectacular ski run right in front of the legendary twin peaks of Mt Ushba 4,710m — with a total of about 1,500m vertical drop!
This loop route delivers fresh views throughout, with a pickup at the valley bottom and a drive back to Mestia.
After a hearty breakfast, we take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ushguli, a UNESCO treasure and one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages (2,200m). With its numerous Svan defense towers, ancient churches and cattle walking on narrow passageways, Ushguli has a vibe of a properly medieval village — set against the epic backdrop of enormous Mt Shkhara 5,193m, Europe’s third-highest peak.
This part of Svaneti was never ruled by the lowland princes remaining free and relatively independent. While Ushguli is often crowded with daily visitors from Mestia during the busy summer months, in winter it looks quaint and sleeping under the snow blanket.
Once in Ushguli, we drop our stuff in the guesthouse and head out for skiing. Today’s slope will most likely be Gvibari ridge — a vast north-facing slope with mind-blowing views of Bezengi wall, the highest section of the Great Caucasus range. On clear days, we might even spot Mt Elbrus (5,642m) in the distance! The track goes along the ruins of a 10th century castle which adds to the overall vibe.
Another day exploring Ushguli’s powder playground. Potential objectives include Lagem Pass, offering a closer view of the 5,000m-tall Bezengi Wall, or the shoulder of Mt Dadiashi for stronger skiers in good conditions.
After a full day of skiing, we drive back to Mestia and settle into our familiar guesthouse for the night.
Weather permitting, we’ll spend our final ski day exploring the epic terrain at Tetnuldi Resort, 40 minutes from Mestia. With lifts reaching 3,160m, Tetnuldi offers everything from steep, north-facing couloirs to short tours above the resort. A standout option is the exhilarating final long run down to Zhabeshi or Adishi villages.
After a quick lunch in Mestia, we embark on the transfer back to Kutaisi, where we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner together.
Transfer to Kutaisi airport for your flight home, leaving with unforgettable memories and a thirst for more Georgian adventures.
Your guides
Andrew Golovachev, an IFMGA aspirant ski guide within the guides’ association of Kyrgyzstan, an avid alpine climber, and devoted adventure photographer.
Ran treks, climbs, ski tours and expeditions to Tajikistan Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Siberia, Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member of the British Alpine Club. Professional avalanche education: equivalent of Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 certificate.
Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
Accommodation
In Svaneti’s main village of Mestia we will be based in a small family-run hotel boasting stylish and cozy rooms with private showers. In Mestia we will dine out in numerous restaurants offering Georgian and European cuisine.
Located at 2,200m above sea level, Ushguli is one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements. We will be staying there for two nights in a family guesthouse. The rooms are much more basic and showers may be shared.
GEORGIAN FOOD
Mouth-watering Georgian cuisine alone is a compelling reason to visit Georgia besides skiing in its majestic mountains. Vibrant yet not overly spicy, the cuisine is both rich and remarkably vegetarian-friendly, incorporating a medley of flavors from coriander leaves, nuts, plums, pomegranate seeds, and eggplants — the local food is ingrained into Georgian culture and national identity. While blending some traits of the national cuisines of the Caucasus, Middle East, and East Europe, Georgian cuisine has its distinct character that varies across the regions of Georgia.
Arguably the most renowned dish is khinkali — Georgian dumplings that put Nepalese momos to shame! Khinkali are rather large hand-made twisted knobs of dough typically filled with minced meat, finely chopped coriander leaves and flavorful broth. When Khinkali is cooked, all the succulent meat juices stay inside. You are supposed to eat it with bare hands, sucking the juices while taking the first bite! There are also vegetarian versions with mushrooms and cheese.
Among other culinary highlights are kharcho — a hot & spicy beef soup, chkmeruli — chicken baked in creamy sauce, baked trout, or satsivi — poultry in delectable walnut sauce.
Throughout the country, you’ll encounter freshly baked warm and crusty bread from traditional brick and clay ovens, along with matsoni — a light yogurt, sulguni — brined and salty cheese, and churchkhela — a dessert string of walnuts coated in grape juice. Tkemali, a traditional sour sauce made from red or green plums, rich in antioxidants, goes exceptionally well with meat and veggie grills.
Now, let’s talk veggies. From lobio — a stew of kidney beans and spices, ajapsandali — baked eggplants, potatoes, onions, and spices, to khachapuri — cheese flatbread, sometimes with an egg yolk, and pkhali — small parcels of finely chopped spinach or beetroot, herbs, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds — Georgian cuisine is a vibrant celebration of color, texture, freshness, and goodness!
Most of our ski trip in Georgia unfolds in the remote mountain region of Svaneti. Its culinary specialties include kubdari — flatbread with a juicy chopped meat filling, mchadi — cornbread, sometimes with cheese inside, tashmidjabi — potato mash with melted cheese, and, of course, the aromatic Svanetian salt!
Booking terms
Sounds exciting? It truly is! We love the place and would be happy to share it with you. Should you have any questions, please check out our FAQ section below. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to send us your inquiry using the contact form or WhatsApp.
We require financial commitment from the participants in a form of 20% deposit paid via SEPA bank transfer or Paypal/card. The remaining balance is paid in cash or wire transfer upon arrival.
Cancellation policy
We promise a 14-day risk-free booking window: you can cancel at any point within two weeks after you put down the first deposit. This buys you time to sort out vacation and flights, to bring in your friends, etc. and not have to worry about someone else taking your spot on the trip.
In case of cancellation of the trip by the participant due to any other personal circumstances any deposits made are NOT refunded. At our sole discretion we may put them towards your future trips with us.
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