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Heli-drops, ski touring and lift accessed backcountry skiing in Georgia
Experience the allure of Mestia, often hailed as the “New Chamonix” by mountain travellers — a comparison that couldn’t be more fitting. Picture Chamonix in the early 20th century, and you’ll begin to grasp the essence of Mestia. Nestled at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Mestia finds itself enveloped by towering peaks that rise above even Mont Blanc’s majestic heights.
Lift assisted skiing, ski touring plus a Heli Drop! Experience the ultimate adventure week in one of our favourite locations – a unique experience designed exclusively by Powder Mad!
Nestled within the Georgian province of Svaneti, amidst the awe-inspiring Caucasus Mountains, Mestia is the high-altitude settlement in the centre of Svaneti. Four of the ten highest peaks in the Caucasus call this region home, including Georgia’s tallest mountain, Mount Shkhara, soaring to an astounding 5,201 meters. As you explore the surrounding playground, you’ll encounter Tetnuldi at 4,974 meters, Mount Ushba at 4,710 meters, Ailama at 4,525 meters, and Shota Rustaveli at 4,960 meters. Ushba and Tetnuldi cast their imposing shadows over Mestia like regal deities.
Ski ability and safety
Ensuring your safety is our top priority at all our destinations. Our certified guides, who are experts in the local terrain, will accompany you throughout your trip.
We require participants to have a reasonable level of basic fitness and prior off-piste skiing experience. When you book your trip, we will have a detailed conversation about your skiing skills to ensure you’re matched with the appropriate experience. When you arrive, you’ll participate in a thorough safety briefing where you’ll learn or review the use of transceivers and essential mountain safety protocols.
Additionally, some ski touring experience is expected to fully enjoy and navigate the terrain safely. Rest assured, your safety and enjoyment are at the forefront of our priorities.
Terrain and Location
Prepare for an adventure featuring a diverse and captivating array of terrains. You’ll experience everything from high alpine glaciers to thrilling runs beneath the tree line, offering remarkable variety. In optimal conditions, descents can reach an impressive 1,800 meters!
In the Svaneti region, most slopes are situated above the tree line, providing a unique high-altitude experience. The steepness of the terrain can be adjusted to match the skill level of your group, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. Additionally, don’t miss out on the incredible tree skiing opportunities at Tetnuldi and Hatsvali, as well as skiing the renowned freeride world tour descent.
Weather and Snow conditions
Throughout the season, precipitation from the Black Sea accumulates, leading to substantial snowfall. Both February and March are known for their abundant snow, with a reliable base that enhances the skiing experience.
In February, colder temperatures help maintain excellent snow conditions. March, however, stands out as the most consistent month for snowfall. Additionally, both months often feature sunny weather, offering an ideal combination of spring-like conditions in the valleys and pristine, cold powder in the high mountains.
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Lift-Accessed Ski Areas
For the week, we’ll be based in Mestia, with access to two great lift-serviced ski areas:
Hatsvali Ski Area: Located on the edge of Mestia, Hatsvali features a chair lift and gondola, offering excellent tree skiing. From the top, you can boot pack or skin along the ridgeline for multiple tree-lined descents, and in ideal conditions, ski all the way back to town.
Tetnuldi Ski Area: About 25-30 minutes from Mestia, Tetnuldi’s lifts reach 3,140 meters, with endless freeride options. Above the tree line, it’s a high alpine playground. You can ski 1,500 meters down to a remote village where a minibus will pick you up.
Ski touring options
Our week offers a mix of activities like ski touring and split boarding, with certified guides choosing the best options based on safety and weather. Some highlights include:
Ushguli: Explore Europe's highest permanent settlement, with challenging ascents ranging from 750 to 1,200 meters and an incredible variety of routes.
Mt. Laila: Starting at 1,350 meters, you can ascend to the summit at 3,400 meters, rewarded by an exhilarating 2,050-meter vertical ski descent.
Overnight in a mountain hut: For a unique experience, spend a night in a mountain hut near Ushba. After a late afternoon tour, you'll stay in the hut before continuing to the top of the Chalaadi Glacier for a thrilling ski descent.
HELI-DROP ADVENTURE
Our package includes an exciting heli-drop with a guide-to-skier ratio of 4:1, the highlight of the week. The heli-drop will take place when weather conditions are ideal to ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.
You’ll need specific gear for the day, including an airbag, avalanche pack, touring skis, harness, and carabiner. We’ll take a 15-20 minute flight from Mestia to one of several high-altitude drop points. Some drops are on glaciers, requiring the use of a safety harness.
After skiing incredible powder, you'll switch to touring gear to ascend and ski another line of fresh snow. Conditions will vary as you descend from light powder to heavier snow and finish with a forested trek to the valley, where a minibus awaits. The day ends with a celebratory lunch.
Your guides and hosts
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TRIP SUMMARY
What's included
What's not included
Common questions
The temperatures can be quite severe in Georgia, as such you will require good technical warm and fully water proof gear. A full kit reminder list will be sent to you during the booking process.
- Your full ski kit
- Plenty of layers
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Water-proof apres boots
- Spare micro gloves
- Avi pack
- Harness
- Torch
There are a number of connections departing from European cities to 2 main Airports in Georgia: Kutaisi and Butami. It's preferrable to use Kutaisi as it has the shortest journey to Mestia. Please be aware of the service fees of bringing ski equipment. Also note that there are special regulations, which only permit a certain type of cartridge for avalanche airbags (ABS). It is a good idea to contact your flight operator and make an open statement about the type of cartridge you are planning to carry or speak to us.
We’ve discovered the most delightful guest house, run by a warm and welcoming local family. The accommodation ranges from charming studio apartments to spacious two-bedroom units, all featuring en-suites and balconies. Often, you’ll open your balcony door to find fellow group members already relaxing with a beer and soaking in the view.
The atmosphere is cozy and homely, ensuring a comfortable stay. Your host, Nino, will go above and beyond to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. We enjoy breakfast here every day and have three dinners at the guest house, with the remaining evenings free to explore the town’s numerous restaurants and bars.
The guest house also features a sauna, a well-stocked bar area, and a separate restaurant serving buffet-style evening meals. After a day of skiing, Nino will treat you to cake and tea, and she rarely takes no for an answer.
The safety of the group is of course the most important part of any of our trips. In Mestia we use IFMGA guides only and have fantastic connections to the right guide/s for the given task. Our head guide Misha coordinates all the guides and we use specialists for heli-skiing and touring alike. We ski/board only the safest areas on a given day. All clients must have specialist insurance before going on one of our trips. We can help you through our partners at The Austrian ski club. There are doctors and pharmacies plus a modern hospital in Mestia if required.
Get in touch
To book a trip or to start a discussion, get in touch via email, phone or WhatsApp, or use the form below.
