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Accessible freeride and warm welcome
For those who wanted to visit most beautiful and mistic region of Georgia and dive deeply into its culture and history, full of legends and traditions preserved from the very ancient ages. For those who dream of freeriding in the big mountains, where there is always good snow conditions, no crowds of tourists and no queues for lifts. For those who have not tried it yet, but want to effectively and safely learn off-piste techniques. For those who are simply tired of the routine, whose soul is torn to the mountains and wants to relax in good company.
January 30 - February 6
March 6 - 13
Svaneti, Georgia
basic tour
- air tickets with sport equipment on board;
- meals on the way and lunches;
- ski passes (around 80€ for 6 days);
- avalanche equipment rental if necessary;
- sport insurance if necessary;
- extra activities and excursions.
For a company of friends and corporate clients from 6 people - we can pick up other travel dates by prior arrangement. We will offer accommodation options, additional excursions and programs, we will assist in booking tickets, arranging transfers and more.
The tour is considered booked only after making an advance payment of 30% within 3 banking days from the date of booking. Further - 70% no later than 15 days before the start of the trip.
The minimum total number of tourists in a group required for this trip is 6 people, for freeride - 2 people, heliski and snowcat - 4 people.
The cost of additional services is paid on the spot.
The travel program may change based on the skill level of riders, weather conditions and other objective reasons.
In Svaneti there are two ski resorts - Hatsvali and Tetnuldi. The center of everything - hotels, shops, restaurants, equipment rentals and services - is the municipality of Mestia, surrounded by high peaks, located at an altitude of 1500 m.a.s.l.
Prices for ski passes are about 80€ for 6 days (a ski pass works for both resorts). There will be enough time in our camp to visit both Hatsvali and Tetnuldi.
Hatsvali is within walking distance from our hotel. There are about 5,5 km of slopes for different levels of the riders. Some of them are quite interesting with good elevation changes and turns. The resort has a large chairlift and gondola. But this resort is more attractive for the light freeride around. It is especially pleasant to ride here in the forest in the presence of a sufficient amount of snow.
The second younger and more developed Tetnuldi complex is located 15 km from Mestia on the mountain of the same name. Here we get on an organized transfer by 4x4 vans. There are almost always no queues for lifts: they will quickly deliver you to one of the four slopes of different difficulty levels at an altitude of up to 3160 m. One chairlift picks up to 6 people, has soft seats and a dome that keeps cozy inside when it's windy and frosty. Even in the peak season, there are not so much tourists here, which makes it possible to fully enjoy the slopes and nature, calmly learn to snowboard for beginners as the slopes are wide enough. From the slopes you can go to the powder fields, make a couple of descents to the village of Zhabeshi through the beautiful forest. Nearby are large glaciers, thanks to which there is always a lot of snow, there is practically no wind, and the season lasts from November to May.
Mestia has a police station, supermarkets and souvenir shops, bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops, museums, sauna, a market, equipment rentals and services, a hospital, a bank and post office, ATMs and currency exchange .
Anyone who has sufficient freeride experience can participate in the camp. We have no prejudices and we are glad to both snowboarders and skiers, if the person is adequate and friendly.
Svaneti will be perfect for:
- beginners in freeride with sufficient experience in riding the slopes (the guide will provide practical classes in off-piste techniques, avalanche safety training);
- more experienced freeriders (many interesting lines and spots, accompanied with snowcat, heliski and short backcountry walks);
- beginners in snowboarding who want to take a leisurely riding the slopes, take few lessons with instructor or relax among the big mountains.
Keep this in mind though:
- For riding it is obligatory to have protective equipment (at least a helmet);
- freeride is suitable for both snowboarders and skiers who have some experience or are just starting to ride off-piste (freeride snowboard / skis are needed);
- freeride avalanche equipment is a must (not included in the tour price);
- it is necessary to take into account your experience, state of health, physical fitness and medical contraindications for participating in program;
- Participation is for adults only;
- children may travel only if accompanied by a parent/legal representative or other adult, subject to the relevant legal requirements and necessary documents.
The road should be easy and pleasant, so we will help you find the best flights for you, taking into account our transfers and your country of departure!
Below is an example of flight times and ticket prices from Lithuania, Belarus and Poland:
From Vilnius
WizzAir
The cost with sports equipment is about 210 Euro.
Jan-Feb.
| VNO - KUT - VNO |
| 01-30, 13:45 - 19:35 |
| 02-06, 20:10 - 22:20 |
March
| VNO - KUT - VNO |
| 03-06, 13:45 - 19:35 |
| 03-13, 20:10 - 22:20 |
From Warsaw
WizzAir
The cost with sports equipment is about 190 Euro + nights in Kutaisi (or join us in Vilnius).
Jan-Feb.
| WAW - KUT - WAW |
| 01-29, 05:45-12:10 + ночевка в Кутаиси |
| 02-07, 12:45-13:30 + ночевка в Кутаиси |
March
| WAW - KUT - WAW |
| 03-05, 05:45-12:10 + night in KUT |
| 03-14, 12:45-13:30 + night in KUT |
From Minsk
Белавиа
The cost with sports equipment is about 190 Euro + night in Kutaisi
Jan-Feb.
| MSQ-KUT-MSQ |
| 01-29, 23:05 - 01-30 , 04:25 + day in KUT |
| 02-07, 5:25-8:50 + night in KUT |
March
| MSQ-KUT-MSQ |
| 03-05, 23:05 - 03-06, 04:25 |
| 03-14, 5:25-8:50 |
Transfers from/to airport of destination and local transport in Svaneti are already in tour cost. Upon arrival at the airport, a minibus will be waiting for us. The road from Kutaisi will take about 5-7 hours (depends on the road and weather). We get back to the airport of departure in the same way.
In Svaneti we move flexibly on snowbuses, without being tied to any transport schedules. The cost of the camp week includes 5 days of transfers to the resort of Tetnuldi and back to the hotel (one day will be devoted to Hatsvali, where we will get on foot).
Please note that airfare is not included in the tour price. You book and pay for air tickets yourself on the airline's website after confirmation of your order for participation in the camp. For our part, we select convenient flight options for participants and provide other necessary information, so we ask you to book participation in the trip in advance. Prices usually go up closer to the flight dates.
We ask you to find out in advance current requirements of the airline and the rules for crossing the border (including in connection with COVID-19), the conditions for changing and refunding the cost of tickets, baggage allowance.
Our camp will be based in a cozy guest house in the center of Mestia. We will be hosted and treated with traditional dishes and wine by the family of David Giorgioliani, for whom we will become not just tourists, but dear guests and friends.
The morning here will be really good! Fresh mountain air, panoramic view of the mountains and ancient Svan towers around. Accommodation will be in double or triple rooms with private bathroom. You can pre-select a room with double or single beds. The house has WiFi, a dining room, a room for storing and drying equipment, a living room with TV, an equipped kitchen, a covered terrace on the top floor with mountain views. Single accommodation in a room is possible with extra payment.
The price includes 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner). Lunches - at the resorts in the restaurant (not included in the price, about 8-15$ per day) or lunch boxes to go. If you have any meal restrictions, be sure to let us know when booking your tour.
In Mestia there are shops with the necessary set of food products, hygiene products and household goods, SPAR, market with local fruits, vegetables and spices, restaurants and bakeries with fresh local pies (khachapuri and kubdari), coffee shops.
During our trip, you can use the services of an experienced snowboard instructor who:
- puts you on a snowboard from scratch (about 3-5 hours of lessons);
- analyses your mistakes and corrects technique;
- tells more useful theory;
- gives the right start for your further practice.
Training in the mountains is always the fastest progress. Long wide trails will allow you to practice your technique and quickly learn the knowledge gained from the instructor in the beginning.
We teach both adults and children from 10 years old. Classes are held individually and no more than 2 hours a day. If you don’t have your own equipment yet, contact us and we will help you find it.
Svaneti is truly the mecca of freeride in the Caucasus. No descent along the slope can compare with cutting through the puffy snow, surrounded by mountains and snow-covered forest.
Therefore, on this trip, if you are already experienced on a board and have at least an initial level of off-piste ride, we recommend joining us for freeride days with a local trusted guide.
A more precise program of the ride is determined on the spot based on weather conditions, the safety of the slopes and the skills of the riders. For off-piste you will need a snowboard suitable for freeride or freeride skis, a roomy and comfortable backpack, and your own avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, shovel).
For long-distance backcountry you also need ski-touring skis or a splitboard with skins, trekking poles. For short tours from Tetnuldi we can go on foot or on snowshoes (available for rent in Mestia).
If necessary, the guide will organize training on the use of avalanche equipment and emergency actions in a group.
The cost of participation in freeride will depend on the final number of group members. The minimum number is 2 people.
Heliski / Heliboarding (heliski, heliboarding) is skiing and snowboarding in the mountains off-piste with helicopter transfers. This is an incredible freedom and sensations that will be remembered for a lifetime!
Heliskiing in Svaneti is organized only in March, so you can participate in it during our March tour.
An international company with 10 years of experience is responsible for heliskiing. Flights will be on a modern helicopter Eurocopter AS350 B3 Ecureuil under the control of experienced pilots.
Heliskiing is suitable for experienced riders who have sufficient off-piste technique and avalanche safety skills. Avalanche equipment (beeper, probe, shovel, ABS backpack) is included in the price of the Heliski package.
We will have a full day, during which we will have time to make 5 drops / descents in the most beautiful and snowy spots of Upper Svaneti! The group consists of 4 people (for one day it is possible to organize departures for a maximum of 3 groups of 4 people, no more and no less). We will be accompanied by experienced guides-instructors, who will arrange trainings and testing of avalanche equipment before departure.
At lunch there will be a break and a snack (included in the price) on a mountain with a stunning view.
Booking participation in heliskiing is necessary in advance. You can also participate in heliskiing without buying the basic tour.
Heliski may be canceled or postponed for another day due to bad weather conditions or for safety reasons. In case of cancellation, payment is refunded in full.
Snowcating (snowcating, catskiing, catboarding) is skiing and snowboarding in the mountains off-piste with snowcat transfers and drops.
In Svaneti, snowcating is practiced not far from Mestia - on Koruldi (about 20 km from the town) near the famous beautiful summit Ushba. The elevation difference is about 1500 m. The time of one descent is about 40 - 60 minutes. For one trip we will make about 4 descents (depending on the skills and strength of the participants). There will be also options to go for new routes around Tetnuldi ski resort with descents down to Adishi, Zhabeshi and other destinations.
Snowcating is suitable for experienced riders who have minimal basic off-piste and avalanche safety skills. Drops take place in a group of 4 people and more. You must have avalanche equipment with you (not included in the price), a helmet.
All transfers will be on a maneuverable and fast snowcat with a comfortable passenger cabin. You don't need to walk - just ride and enjoy. At lunch there will be a break and a snack (included in the price) on the mountain.
Bookings for snowcating must be made in advance. You can also participate without purchasing the masic tour.
The snowcating may be canceled or postponed for another day due to weather conditions or for safety reasons. In case of cancellation, payment is refunded in full.
During the trip, you can count on the full support and accompaniment of a russian- and English-speaking guide.
We will tell you where to buy ski passes, plan leisure activities and timing for each day, how and where it is better to exchange currency, where to go on excursions, where to go in an emergency, where to buy groceries and more.
We go to the most snowy and safe places for freeride. We will share useful life hacks, advise places for recreation and must visit places (and we will go there together at the request of the group).
The freeride group is separately accompanied by local experienced guides-instructors.
Nationals of EU States, citizens of Belarus DO NOT need a visa for a short-term stay in Georgia.
Please prepare the necessary documents in advance, find out the rules for crossing the border and the list of items restricted for import into the country in order to avoid problems on the way.
The Georgian currency is the Lari, GEL (1 Euro = about 2,8 Lari). For payments in Mestia you can have money on the card. For payments in ski resorts it's preferrable to have a cash in Lari. There are currency exchange, banks and ATMs in Mestia as well.
We also recommend that you find out all the information about the restrictions in connection with the spread of coronavirus before the trip, based on your country of origin of the trip. We will monitor the situation and provide updates to the group.
We stand for safe and responsible ride in the mountains, especially off-piste on wild slopes. Therefore, we cooperate with guides who not only have extensive experience in working with groups, but also know the region we are going to perfectly. All riders must have their own avalanche beacons, probes and shovels while riding off-piste. We do not provide this equipment (if you need it please ask us in advance and we will try to find solution). If necessary, we will train in practice how to use this equipment correctly and act in emergency situations, we will check the equipment before we ride.
Participants whose level is not sufficient cannot be allowed to ride off-piste. Minors are not allowed, as well as persons who are in a state of alcoholic and drug intoxication, have poor health or diseases that prevent participation, behave inappropriately, and by their actions make a threat to the property, health and safety of third parties.
We advise each participant to take out sports insurance for the duration of the trip, which covers the risks of winter sports, off-piste and rescue work in the mountains, and the cost of emergency medical care in case of COVID-19.
We want to leave you with as many vivid impressions from the trip as possible, so we have some interesting activities for our group.
Everything will depend on the wishes of the participants and free time, but here is what we recommend:
- have lunch at the highest restaurant on mount Zuruldi with a stunning view over the Caucasus range and mount Ushba;
- arrange walking photo walks around Mestia;
- look at the famous Svan towers, perfectly preserved from the 9th-12th centuries and included in UNESCO list (Ushguli village);
- visit the traditional museum-house of Machubi, preserved from the 14th century, and learn more about the culture and life of the Svans since those times;
- take a photo of the unusual building of the airport named by Queen Tamar with the mountains on background;
- ride a horse in the snow;
- go to the village of Heshkili and ride on a swing with a panoramic view of the mountain range;
- visit a mountain healing sauna with a view of Ushba;
- visit a mineral spring with a real "Narzan" water;
- try traditional Svan cuisine (meat pies kubdari, Svan khachapuri, chvishtari).
Beauty and atmoshere of Svaneti ↓
Our march trip ↓
8 days / 7 nights
Arrivals in Kutaisi, overnight stay if necessary (if from Warsaw and Minsk), transfer to Mestia and late check-in (Tue night). Rest after long way.
Week program planning and first warm up day. Full 6 days of riding on Hatsvali and Tetnuldi! Additional: snowboard training on slopes, freeride tours and guided ski touring programs, snowcating and heliski rides. Walks around Mestia, trips to mineral springs, sauna, evening parties, communication and interesting adventures.
On Mon morning we can have a short ride on Hatsvali or go to Ushguli for an excursion. Then we are packing baggage and in the afternoon we go to Kutaisi. From Kutaisi we fly home (to Warsaw and Minsk - on Tue with an overnight stay in Kutaisi).
Grew up in Svaneti and knows the local mountains like no one else. Professional guide with 8 years of experience, certified by the international association of guides IFMGA, member of the CMGA association. Worked as a mountain rescuer, enjoys mountaineering. Giorgi will take us to the finest powder spots near Tetnuldi resort or further depending on the weather, the safety of the slopes and the group's skills.
Accompanying guide, organizer.
Also the organizer of the snowboard community Allride and the snowboard school Goride. Has been snowboarding since 2009. Skilled to clearly plan everything to the smallest details. The main goal of everything he does is to convey knowledges about safe and correct snowboarding as much as possible and to make snowboarding more popular and safe.