Svaneti · Georgia
Hatsvali Freeride
Sheltered tree runs from 1,870 m to 2,347 m, 8 km above Mestia. The mountain to ski when storms shut Tetnuldi — protected terrain, soft snow and visibility in the trees.
Skier descending through a snowy forest
On this page
Overview
Part of Hatsvali — the place, how to get there and everything else on offer around it.
The place
- Base / top
- 1,870 – 2,347 m
- Vertical
- ~470 m
- Terrain
- Trees, sheltered
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- Dec – April
- From
Overview
The storm-day mountain, close to town.
Hatsvali is Mestia's home mountain — a chairlift from town plus a gondola running to 2,347 m. The terrain is lower and forested, which is exactly its value: when wind and flat light close Tetnuldi's alpine bowls, Hatsvali's trees hold snow, contrast and shelter.
Guided days here work the gladed off-piste between the pistes and the short ridgelines above the lifts. It suits confident intermediates, first off-piste days, and any morning the weather is against the high peaks.
How the day runs
09:00
Meet in Mestia
Gondola from the edge of town — no long transfer. Transceiver check and plan for the conditions.
10:00
Tree laps
Gladed off-piste between and beside the pistes, where snow stays soft and light stays readable.
13:00
Ridgelines
Short hikes above the top lift for cleaner lines when visibility allows. Lunch at the mid-station.
16:00
Finish in town
Ski back toward Mestia; gear drop and optional coffee. No transfer needed.
On the mountain
- Distance from Mestia
- 8 km / 15 min
- Lifts
- Chair + gondola
- Terrain
- Forest & gladed off-piste
- Group size
- 4–6 (private option)
- Best for
- Storm days, first off-piste
- Avalanche gear
- Provided
Gallery
Included & requirements
Services and equipment
- +
- Certified local freeride guide
- +
- Avalanche kit and airbag: separate rental, not included
- +
- Morning snow & weather assessment
- +
- Local knowledge of the glades
You need
- ·
- Confident intermediate skiing
- ·
- Own boots & outerwear (rental available)
- ·
- Lift ticket (buy on site)
- ·
- Travel & mountain insurance
Guided day · group of 4–6
Price covers the whole group (1–6 skiers).
Other freeride tours
Photos
Freeride tree skiing at Hatsvali
Hatsvali sits just above Mestia and is Svaneti's storm-day secret. Where Tetnuldi is big and open, Hatsvali is smaller and forested — which makes it the place to be when clouds roll in and visibility drops. The pine and birch glades hold soft, sheltered powder and give you contrast and definition when the alpine is a whiteout.
We guide off-piste tree lines here for skiers and riders who love playful, protected powder. The forest keeps the snow cold and the wind off, so Hatsvali often skis beautifully days after a storm. Views over Mestia's medieval towers and Mount Ushba are a bonus on clear afternoons.
Why tree skiing at Hatsvali works
Trees give you a visual reference in flat light, break up the wind, and shelter the snow — three reasons Hatsvali is our go-to when the weather turns. It is also close to town, so days are relaxed and easy to combine with lessons or a half-day.
On bigger, brighter days we move up to Tetnuldi's open bowls or into the backcountry.
Related tours & guides
FAQ
Good to know
01Is Hatsvali good for beginners?+
Hatsvali has pistes suitable for learning as well as off-piste tree terrain for confident skiers. It is a great base for lessons because it is close to Mestia, but the guided freeride tree lines are for skiers comfortable off-piste.
02When is the best time to ski Hatsvali's trees?+
On snowy, low-visibility days. The forest gives definition in flat light and shelters fresh powder, so Hatsvali often skis best exactly when the open mountains do not.