The storm-day mountain, close to town.
Hatsvali is Mestia's home mountain — a gondola from town plus two chairlifts 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.
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Is 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.
When 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.