The Caucasus Mountains and Dolomite360 invite you to an 8-day backcountry ski adventure. You’ll climb with skins, reach high passes, and drop into long runs through snow-filled valleys. From Mestia to Ushguli, ski among Georgia’s tallest peaks, stay in remote villages, and experience a culture inspired by mountains, ancient towers, and centuries of winemaking. Looking for a unique ski trip? This is it!
Highlights
- Six days of guided backcountry skiing in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains / Explore UNESCO-listed Svaneti with its medieval towers and villages
- Overnight stays in Ushguli, the highest permanent settlement in Europe
- Long climbs and epic descents beneath the Ushba and Shkhara peaks
- Local hospitality, hearty food, and a taste of Georgia’s wine tradition
Itinerary
This 8-day ski touring trip takes you deep into Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, and has an awesome mix of wilderness and culture. Starting in Mestia, you’ll join your UIAGM/IFMGA guide for six days of skinning and skiing through forested valleys, high passes, and open powder fields. The route covers famous spots like Tetnuldi, Guly Pass, and the Chalaadi Glacier, with views of some of Europe’s highest peaks, including Mount Ushba and Mount Shkhara. Each night, you’ll stay in local guesthouses and mountain huts, with Ushguli as a highlight. Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. Between ski days, you’ll experience centuries of mountain culture, from medieval towers to local food and wine that share Georgia’s story. This trip combines tough climbs, exciting descents, and cultural discoveries in a place few skiers visit. Want to ski the Caucasus? Contact us to join, or explore more of our tours and group departures for inspiration.Programma ( 8 )
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Day 1
Arrive in Georgia
Fly into Kutaisi and transfer through the valleys of Svaneti to Mestia, sitting at the base of Mount Ushba. This lively mountain town is your starting point for the week. Overnight in Mestia.
(Please note: flights are at your own arrangements, with an estimated cost of €250 from Italy) -
Day 2
Tetnuldi
With your guide, ride the Tetnuldi Ski Resort lifts to gain height quickly. From the top station, skins go on and you’ll climb toward the upper glaciers. The day finishes with a long descent of about 1,800m / 8,948’ that drops toward remote villages before heading back to Mestia. -
Day 3
Guly Pass
Skin up through a quiet valley beneath the dramatic twin peaks of Ushba. The route climbs to Guly Pass at 3,054m / 15,181’, opening to sweeping views across the Caucasus. An incredible descent follows, back toward Mestia for another night. -
Day 4
Ushguly
Head deeper into Svaneti to Ushguli, sitting between 2,200m / 10,936’ and 2,410m / 11,980’. Recognized as the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, it’s also a UNESCO site. Over two days, your guide will take you on ski tours reaching around 3,000m / 14,913’, on the flanks of Mount Shkhara (5,200m / 25,849’). Evenings are spent in a simple mountain hut with warm meals and a cozy atmosphere. -
Day 5
Ushguly
Head deeper into Svaneti to Ushguli, sitting between 2,200m / 10,936’ and 2,410m / 11,980’. Recognized as the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, it’s also a UNESCO site. Over two days, your guide will take you on ski tours reaching around 3,000m / 14,913’, on the flanks of Mount Shkhara (5,200m / 25,849’). Evenings are spent in a simple mountain hut with warm meals and a cozy atmosphere. -
Day 6
Chalaadi Glacier
Travel back to Mestia, then get ready for a snowcat ride that brings you to the Chalaadi Glacier around 2,400m / 11,930’. From here, skins lead the way up to a pass at 3,200m / 15,907’. The descent cuts through glacial terrain marked by ridges, crevasses, and sharp peaks that tower above. Overnight in Mestia. -
Day 7
Weather-Dependent Adventure
The last ski day adapts to conditions. One option is Laila Pass at 3,100m / 15,410’, offering wide views across the Caucasus. The other heads above Mazeri toward a peak at 3,000m / 14,913’. Both give a strong finish before returning to Mestia for your last night. -
Day 8
Transfer to Kutaisi airport
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
More information
Important to notePlease note that the mountain guide may adjust the itinerary based on weather, snow conditions, and the group’s needs.
In Mestia, accommodation will be in a hotel, while in Ushguly, you’ll stay in a mountain hut.
Traveling in these remote lands requires flexibility and adaptability to local customs and group dynamics. Each evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional meals at local restaurants. The estimated contribution to the trip fund is around 250€ per person, which will cover dinners and fuel for transportation.
Necessary Equipment – Provided by Dolomite360 on request
- Skis, skins and poles
- Ski touring boots
- Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, Shovel & Probe (ARTVA kit)
- Climbing harness
- Ice Axe
- Boot crampons
The equipment above listed may be included or available for an additional fee based on your selected itinerary. Please refer to the “What’s included” section for more details.
Necessary Equipment – Not Provided
- Backpack
- Gloves
- Hat or headband
- Water bottle or thermos
- Snacks
- Sleeping bag liner and towels (if sleeping in shared rooms in rifugios)
- For tours in non-glaciated terrain, ice axes, boot crampons, and climbing harnesses may not always be required, but it's generally recommended to bring them due to potential itinerary changes and varying conditions.
Recommended Equipment
- Layered technical clothing (base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer layer)
- Waterproof pants and jacket
- Spare change of clothes
- Sunglasses or ski goggles
- Sunscreen and lip balm
More information
In Mestia, accommodation will be in a hotel, while in Ushguly, you’ll stay in a mountain hut.
Accommodation in lodges or B&Bs
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