High alpine touring in the Caucasus.
Georgia's Caucasus Mountains rise to over 17,000' (5000m). Ski touring here in the Svaneti region, we are surrounded by iconic alpine giants like Shkhara, Tetnuldi, and Ushba. Based from the mountain villages of Mestia and Ushguli, this trip provides an Alps-like experience, combined with Georgia's historic villages, wonderful culture, and cuisine.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- 7 days on snow with staff
- Resort and backcountry guiding7 days of guided skiing in the Caucasus Mountains; limited to 6 skiers & 2 guides
- 1 guide : 3 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- These mountains are high in terms of both elevation and vertical relief, although the best skiing terrain exists at reasonable altitudes of sub-10,000'.
- Snow conditions come into optimal alignment for ski touring in February and March, as the faucet turns back on, and longer days bring warmer temps and stability to the snowpack.
- This a small group, low ratio experience limited to 6 skiers & 2 guides.
- Sport
- Ski
- Max group size
- 6 guests
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- 7 days of guided skiing in the Caucasus Mountains
- 11 nights lodging (double occupancy) including 3 nights in Tbilisi
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Not included
- Flights to/from Tbilisi
- Alcohol, dinners in Tbilisi
- Additional activities outside of the itinerary
- Single occupancy upgrade (available at additional cost)
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson, Transfers.
Day by day
B = Breakfast included, D = Dinner included
- Day 1: ARRIVE in TBILISITbilisi arrival day. We stay at a hotel in the city's old town, where cobblestone roads and walking streets are lined with great restaurants, shops, markets and historical sites.
- Day 2: EXPLORE TBILISIExplore Tbilisi and de-jetlag with a city tour, self-guided exploration, or Georgian cooking class. B
- Day 3: FULL DAY DRIVE to MESTIAWe load up the vans for a long but scenic drive to the mountains, with stops along the way. B, D
- Day 4: SKI TETNULDI SKI AREAThis is an easy day to warm up the ski legs at the local ski area, Tetnuldi. Situated on the lower flanks of its namesake peak, whose summit towers high above (15,938' / 4858m), Tetnuldi offers impressive views and fun terrain. In the afternoon we head out for a short "shakedown" tour in the backcountry. B, D
- Days 5–6: SKI TOURING around MESTIAWe'll explore a variety of touring options in the mountains near Mestia including the Laila zone, Guli Pass, Detsili Mountain, or Hatsvali ski area. All are within a 40 minute drive of town. B, D
- Day 7: KORULDI LAKESWith overnight packs, we ascend to a cool hut above Mestia, where mind-blowing views from the porch offer a new perspective on these mountains. In the vicinity is fun terrain that holds protected snow right near treeline. Looming high above is the famous peak, Ushba (15,436' / 4705m), known as the "Matterhorn of the Caucasus". B, D
- Day 8: CHALADI GLACIERAscending another 3000'+ (1000m) from the hut, we cross over a rocky ridge, on the other side of which is the Chaladi Glacier. This is like stepping into another world. From here it's a 5500' (1675m) descent to the valley, skiing beneath towering alpine faces, ice falls, and peaks. If you've heard of Chamonix's famous Vallée Blanche in the French Alps, this is Georgia's equivalent. In the afternoon we drive to the village of Ushguli. B, D
- Day 9: USHGULIWaking up at our guesthouse in Ushguli, we simply put on our skins after breakfast and tour right out of the village. After moving through the forested elevations, we pop out into alluring north facing alpine bowls, ridges, and faces where endless options abound. Across from us are more big-mountain giants, including the highest in Georgia, Shkhara (17,037' / 5193m). On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Elbrus in Russia from here (18,510' / 5642m). B, D
- Day 10: USHGULIOur last ski day of the trip, we explore another zone above Ushguli, before heading back to Mestia for the night. B, D
- Day 11: TBILISIWe drive back to Tbilisi where we wrap up our incredible journey. B
- Day 12: DEPARTUREReturn flights can be planned for any time on this day.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Where you stay
- 11 nights lodging (double occupancy) including 3 nights in Tbilisi
- Single occupancy upgrade available at additional cost
- The adventure begins in Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi, where we stay in a recently renovated historic hotel in the old town.
- The village of Mestia is our base for the first part of the trip.
- With overnight packs, we ascend to a cool hut above Mestia.
- Waking up at our guesthouse in Ushguli, we simply put on our skins after breakfast and tour right out of the village.
Getting There
Fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). There are many flight itineraries of varying lengths to get to Tbilisi, ranging from 14-24 hrs from the US. Common connecting hubs include Paris, Munich and Istanbul.
Departures from Tbilisi International Airport can be arranged for any time on Day 12.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Feb 15 – Feb 26, 20272026/27 · 12 days4,800 USD$4800 per person, 12-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing)AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Feb 15-26, 2027".
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Custom dates and itineraries are available for private groups and individuals.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Reviews
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