GEORGIA LIFTS & SKINS

Wildlife

Sightseeing

Active

City Life

Culture

Relax

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Lift laps meet real backcountry grit. Out here in Svaneti, ski lifts are just the starting point. We ride the chairs to rack up easy vertical, throw on the skins, and push out into massive, empty terrain where nobody else goes. Think 5,000-meter Caucasus peaks, forgotten medieval villages, untouched powder stashes, and tight forest lines for storm days. If you want high-vert freeride backed up by genuine ski touring adventure, this is it.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ski with a local certified guide who knows every line in the region
Base yourself in Mestia, a medieval mountain village at the foot of Mt. Ushba
Lift tickets included
All logistics handled by the Esploro team, from Kutaisi Airport straight to Mestia
Ride untracked terrain and skin out to remote backcountry zones in the heart of the Caucasus
Enjoy hearty Svan hospitality, traditional cuisine, and local culture

DEPARTURE DATES

January 31 to February 07 2027

£1,460.00

5 available

DESIGN YOUR OWN JOURNEY

Different Dates in Mind?

Our listed dates aren’t the only option. Reach out and we’ll help shape the journey around when you can actually travel.

We’d love to talk it through

Get in touch to schedule a call or live chat and go through the trip in detail, including required skills, fitness level, and backcountry experience.

Tailor-Made Journeys

We offer tailor-made snow safaris focused on culture and landscapes, with a few days on the slopes and itineraries suitable for all levels.

CONTACT US

KEY INFORMATION

DAY 1 – Arrival in Kutaisi

Meet your Esploro tour leader at Milan Malpensa (MXP) before catching our flight to Kutaisi. Upon arrival at Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), a private transfer will take us to our hotel in the city to check in and spend the night, getting rested up before heading deep into the Caucasus toward Mestia the next morning.

DAY 2 – Transfer to Mestia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our private transfer heads deep into the Caucasus toward Mestia. We’ll break up the drive with a stop along the way for lunch (not included). Upon arrival, check in and spend the rest of the day exploring the village of Mestia, taking in its iconic medieval defense towers and mountain views before the riding begins tomorrow.

DAY 3 - First day of skiing

Our first day on snow starts with a quick transfer to the local resort, picking the spot based purely on the weather: wide-open Tetnuldi if the skies are clear, or the sheltered tree lines of Hatsvali if it’s dumping snow and visibility drops. We kick things off with lift-served freeride laps to get the legs working, blow out the travel cobwebs, and let the guides assess everyone’s riding flow and backcountry skills. If the snowpack, weather, and group energy align, we’ll slap on the skins for a short shakedown tour to scope out lines and set the tone for the days ahead

DAY 4-6 - Freeride & ski touring

Now it’s full action time. Over the next three days, we dial straight into the meat of the trip, chasing the best untracked lines across Svaneti. We’ll rack up vertical using the lifts at Tetnuldi to drop into its vast, ungroomed freeride bowls, then throw on the skins to push beyond the boundary ropes and access the zone’s deeper backcountry stashes. Depending on snow stability, weather windows, and avalanche conditions, our mountain guides will handpick the best touring classics around Mestia, whether that means skinning up toward the panoramic Koruldi Lakes, crossing beneath massive glacial hanging walls near Chalaadi, or tackling the high-alpine terrain around Mount Layla. And if the snowpack, weather, and mountain road align, we’ll make the mission out to the legendary, isolated stone-tower village of Ushguli for one of the most iconic backcountry days the Caucasus has to offer.

DAY 7 – Final ski day and return to Kutaisi

We wrap up the trip with one last full-throttle mission in the mountains. This isn’t a gentle cooldown day, it’s an intense, all-day push to squeeze every last drop out of the Caucasus, whether that means ripping fast freeride laps off the lifts or putting the skins to work for one final backcountry line. After a full day on snow, we head back down to Mestia, pack up our gear, and hit the road straight to Kutaisi. We’ll roll into the city late, but with mid-day flights the following day, there’s no rush: you can sleep in, recover, and take your time before heading to the airport.

DAY 8 – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a private transfer to Kutaisi Airport for your international flight home.

Fly into Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), Georgia’s second-largest airport. From there, a private transfer will be waiting just outside. It’s a long ride, about 6 hours on winding, bumpy mountain roads. But that’s the price of reaching Mestia. Once you're there, surrounded by cows and medieval towers, you’ll know: this isn’t just a powder trip. It’s the start of an epic adventure.

Accommodation & Meals

5 nights accommodation at 3 stars hotel with power unit (double or twin rooms)
2 night in Kutaisi at a city hotel (arrival and departure nights)
All breakfasts included

Skiing

5 days of certified local ski guide
Lift tickets for the days

Transfers

Airport pickup to Kutaisi hotel at arrival
Transfer to Mestia upon arrival
Daily transportation to the resort or ski touring routes with 4x4 minivan
Transfer from Mestia to Kutaisi hotel on last day
Transfer to Kutaisi Airport for departure

Extras

Esploro Travel trip leader throughout the journey
Assistance with special dietary requirements (please notify in advance)
Free time for visiting Mestia and its museums and shops

All lunches, dinners, and additional food and drink
Ski equipment and avalanche safety gear
Cat skiing (optional)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
International flights to/from Kutaisi (KUT)
Tips and personal expenses

Advanced

This trip is designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders comfortable floating in deep powder every day, for several consecutive days and to hike up 1000d+ per day. You can ride at your pace, but you just have to be able to float and draw your lines, and hike at least 300d+ per hour.

From January to mid February, Mestia and the surrounding region experience full winter conditions in the heart of the Caucasus. Daytime temperatures range from –5 to –10 °C in the valleys, often dropping below –15 °C at higher elevations. Snowfall is frequent and heavy, building a deep, reliable base. Between storms, clear and crisp days offer stable conditions and excellent visibility, ideal for freeriding.

Ski Gear

Your own snowboard (directional all-mountain or powder shape recommended) or ski (95-105mm width recommended)
Bindings
Boots
Ski helmet
Two pair of goggles for different light conditions

Safety gear

ARTVA avalanche transceiver
Shovel and probe
Avalanche airbag backpack optional but recommended
Personal first aid kit

Optional but Useful

Books to read
Power bank/spare battery

Travel Essentials

Travel insurance covering: off piste skiing/snowboarding, avalanche rescue, medical evacuation, repatriation
Valid passport required for entry into Georgia, with at least 3–6 months’ validity beyond your arrival date, or ID for selected countries
Power plug/adapter for Type C or F sockets (Standard European plug)
Reusable water bottle
ATM are available but not always working in Mestia, grab some cash at the airport
Medications regularly taken or required

Snow & Conditions

Q: What level of ski/snowboard experience do I need?
A: This trip is for advanced riders. You should be confident in riding in any snow condition, and be able to float in deep powder without getting stuck.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect?
A: The terrain in Svaneti varies from tree lines for bad weather days, to alpine and glacier. We’ll mostly ride open bowls, but if conditions allow and everyone is comfortable on steep terrain, we may ride some couloirs too.

Q: Do I need to bring my own ski/board/avalanche gear?
A: You can rent everything in Mestia, but having your own gear is strongly recommended.

Q: Do I need an avalanche backpack?
A: The avalanche backpack is not mandatory but strongly recommended. You can rent one in Mestia, better to ask in advance.

Logistics

Q: How do I get to there?
A: Fly into Kutaisi Airport (KUT). From there, a private transfer takes you to our hotel for the first night, and dthen to Mestia (approx. 7 hours). Daily rides bring you to nearby resorts: Tetnuldi (30 min) or Hatsvali (10 min). On the final day, we depart from Mestia in the afternoon and overnight in Kutaisi before flying out.

Q: How many people are in the group?
A: We keep it small, maximum 6 included our tour leader. That means safer lines, smoother logistics, and a stronger group vibe both on and off the mountain.

Q: Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely. Most of our guests come solo. We’ll pair you with another guest of the same gender unless you request a single room (subject to availability and surcharge).

Life in Mestia

Q: Can I buy food, snacks or other supplies in Mestia?
A: Yes! In the town center you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and two supermarkets that stay open until late at night.

Q: Is there internet access?
A: The hotel has Wi-Fi, but it’s recommended to have a local SIM card, which can be purchased upon arrival at the airport.

Practicalities

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, a comprehensive travel insurance is required, including coverage for backcountry skiing, outdoor activities, and medical evacuation.

Q: Do I need a visa for Georgia?
A: Entry requirements vary by nationality, but a valid passport is always required, or a National ID for most european countries. Many European, North American, and Australian passports allow short stays without a visa, while travelers from other countries may need an e-visa or a visa on arrival. Requirements can change, so we strongly recommend checking the latest information with your local Georgian embassy or consulate before traveling.

Q: What’s the best time of year to go?
A: February to early March is prime time in Svaneti. Consistent snowfall, stable conditions, and cold temperatures keep the powder light and dry, making it ideal for backcountry touring.

Travel With

FRANCESCA PAVESI

Francesca Pavese

Francy clicked into her first pair of skis at two and a half, and she's been chasing fresh snow ever since, a love for powder passed down by her dad. During university she landed in Aosta Valley, and that's where everything changed: surrounded by some of the biggest peaks in the Alps, her approach to freeride and ski mountaineering went to a whole new level. Since then, every day in the mountains has become a mix of riding and creating. Today she works as a rider and model for ski brands, organises and produces shoots, and creates her own video content along the way. Honest, direct and easily bored, she always has one eye on the next trip. She loves a plan, just not too much of one: for her, the best calls are made last minute, reading the conditions and following the snow. Ride with her and you'll come home with deep turns in your legs and stories worth telling.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION

A deposit is required to confirm your spot. Remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. If life happens and you need to change plans, cancellations made up to 60 days prior are eligible for a refund, depending on timing and conditions. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities is required.
Full details in Terms & Conditions

STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Contact our team at bookings@esplorotravel.com

The Long Season

From first storms to final lines, winter without shortcuts.

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