Ski Touring in Svaneti Georgia
On top of Datsil
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kutaisi airport at 15.40. Drive to Mestia, “the capital” of Svaneti area in Caucasus Mountains – 4,5-5h. Welcome dinner
Day 2: Our first ski and travel experience in the Caucasus. We`ll be transferred by 4×4 machines to the local ski resort of Tetnuldi. Depending on the snow conditions and our preferences we`ll take the lifts for a 1st run to warm up or skin up to a nearby peak, than ski down to Zhabeshi village in both cases. Transfer back to Tetnuldi, we`ll get the chair lift up and ski down to the village of Adishi. Transfer to to the highest permanently inhabited settlement in the area – the village of Ushguli at 2200 m, accommodation.
Day 3: A full day in Ushguli area. We start straight from our accommodation with a day of ski touring along the border massif between Upper and Lower Svaneti that has a several valleys with peaks between 2900 and 3200m. The day starts with an entertaining ski run through the village to its lowest point where our ascent starts. A 1000m climb to one of the passes between Upper and Lower Svaneti . Ski back to Ushguli with an option for an extra climb. Accommodation in the same guest house in Ushguli.
The village of Adishi
Day 4: A half day of ski touring and a transfer back Mestia. We will do another ski route right next to Ushguli – we will skin up the nearby peak that offers a 800m climb, with good skiing down and a stunning view towards the highest peak of Georgia – Skhara (5 193m ). Afterwards we head back to Mestia for a night back in civilization.
Day 5: A short transfer to Mazeri village. We skin up to Guli Pass at 3000 m., +1500 of ascent.The route up to Guli pass will take us right below the prominent Ushba peak. Afterwards a long descent following the route of the climb will take us back to Mazeri village. Accommodation in Mazeri.
Ski touring in Mazeri village area, Becho valley
Day 6: We put the skins from the front door and climb the peak of Datsil (2578 m) and descent to the village of Etseri at 1500 m through beautiful breech forests. Short drive back to Mazeri, second night at the same place.
Day 7: Transfer to Kutaisi, a sightseeing walk in the second biggest city of Georgia. Final dinner. Accommodation in a hotel in Kutaisi.
Day 8: Departure at 7am.
Skiing down towards Etseri village
Required equipment:
Touring skis; ski touring bindings with ski/walk mode and brakes or straps; climbing skins; ski crampons; poles; AT ski boots – with rubber sole and ski/walk mode.
Personal Rescue Equipment – beacon, shovel, probe.
Rucksack 35-45l, water and wind proof pants and jacket with hood, 2 pairs of gloves – a tiny ones for touring and ski gloves, sun glasses, sun block, sun hat, warm hat, ski goggles, travel liner for the huts, water bottle or flask (1l), snacks, personal first aid kit.
Ski touring above Mazeri village