Winter in Svaneti
Freeride, heliski, cat-ski and backcountry around Tetnuldi, Hatsvali and Ushguli — built around the day's snow, not a fixed schedule.
Read more
Eight ways to ski Svaneti
Every program runs with certified local guides, full avalanche safety, and the flexibility to change plans when the mountain does.
A whole week or more of guided skiing from Mestia — not a day at a time. The time to wait for the right day and take it.
Freeride Tour
→Guided off-piste days chasing the best snow and aspect.
Heli Ski
→Fly to remote high alpine faces for untracked powder.
Catski Tour
→Snowcat access to big descents without the hike.
Backcountry Skiing
→Earn your turns on ski-touring days with a guide.
Ski Lessons
→Improve your off-piste technique with local instructors.
Transfer
→Comfortable, reliable transfers to and from Svaneti.
Rental Shop
→Fat skis, splitboards, boots and safety gear to rent.
Supra & Storytelling
→A traditional Svan feast and mountain stories after skiing.
Tell us your dates and we'll build the week.
Powder, program length, group and level — send it over and we reply within a day with a plan and a quote.
Skiing in Georgia's wildest region — winter in Svaneti
If you are looking for skiing in Georgia beyond the crowded pistes of Gudauri and Bakuriani, Svaneti is the answer. Tucked into the high Caucasus around Mestia, this region offers cold, dry powder, empty slopes and dramatic terrain beneath 4,000–5,000 m peaks such as Tetnuldi, Ushba and Shkhara. The winter season runs roughly from mid-December to early April, with the most stable snow usually in February and March.
Svaneti has two lift-served ski areas — Tetnuldi, a wide open mountain with long descents, and Hatsvali, smaller, forested and perfect for storm-day tree skiing. Around and above them lies a huge amount of accessible backcountry, which is where we spend most of our winter.
Ways to ski Svaneti with us
- Freeride skiing — guided off-piste on Tetnuldi and Hatsvali, from mellow powder fields to steep couloirs.
- Catski / snowcat skiing — lift-free powder laps by snowcat, the affordable alternative to heli.
- Ski touring & backcountry — earn your turns on skins toward Laila, Adishi and remote passes.
- Heliski-style & heli-assisted days — big descents for strong, experienced skiers.
- Ski & snowboard lessons and gear rental in Mestia for those starting out.
Why ski Svaneti instead of the big resorts?
Two reasons: snow and space. Svaneti catches heavy, dry snowfalls off the Black Sea and holds them in cold, north-facing terrain, so powder lasts for days after a storm. And because the region is remote and lift infrastructure is minimal, you will often have entire slopes to yourself. Add local guides who know every safe line and the region's medieval villages to come home to each night, and it becomes one of the most rewarding winter destinations in the Caucasus.
Frequently asked questions
Is Svaneti good for skiing?
Yes — for off-piste, freeride and touring it is one of the best regions in Georgia. It gets abundant, dry Caucasus snow, has two lift-served mountains (Tetnuldi and Hatsvali) plus vast backcountry, and stays far quieter than Gudauri or Bakuriani. It suits confident intermediates through to experts, and beginners can learn on the pistes with lessons.
When is the ski season in Svaneti?
The season generally runs from mid-December to early April. February and March usually offer the deepest, most stable snow. We watch conditions daily and adjust plans to find the best snow on any given day.
Is there real heliskiing in Svaneti?
Classic multi-drop heliskiing in Georgia is centred on Gudauri. In Svaneti we focus on freeride, catski and ski touring, and can arrange heli-assisted big-mountain days for advanced groups on request. See our heliski page for an honest comparison.