Ski Adventure Svaneti (Georgia)

In addition to our standard ski adventure trip in Georgia, we now offer a unique variant in western Georgia. This exciting journey begins and end in Kutaisi. The route takes you through the ski resort of Mestia to the seaside resort of Batumi and our cat ski base in Goderdzi. It’s a varied trip with many different landscapes — we drive through temperate lowlands, alpine terrain, tea plantations, and back up toward dense pine forests. This trip truly has it all.

As always, we primarily work with local partners and guides. As a non-profit travel organization, we support tourism in developing countries. This way, you get an authentic local experience, while local people earn a decent income. We also help stimulate local initiatives to develop (winter) tourism.

Kutaisi

On Sunday, we expect you to arrive in Kutaisi before 11:00 a.m. You’ll have a chance to meet your fellow travelers before we begin the transfer to Mestia — a 5–6 hour drive toward the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Mestia

By Sunday evening, we’ll arrive in Mestia, the main town of Svaneti. In winter, Mestia transforms into a fairytale mountain village, surrounded by towering peaks and centuries-old stone watchtowers. At about 1,500 meters above sea level, Mestia forms the heart of Svaneti’s mountain life — authentic, rugged, and steeped in tradition. As the narrow streets disappear under a thick layer of snow, the village comes alive as a base for skiers, freeriders, and mountain lovers.

The modern Hatsvali ski resort is just a few minutes from the center. The higher Tetnuldi Resort lies a bit farther from town and offers long runs with spectacular views of the Caucasus glaciers.

Hatsvali / Tetnuldi

Around Mestia, there are two challenging ski areas. Hatsvali is a bit smaller but has many forested slopes — an ideal area to warm up for the week. There’s a cozy mountain hut at the top where we’ll meet for lunch together.

We’ll spend the next two days in Tetnuldi, a more challenging resort that even serves as a venue for the Freeride World Tour. We’ll ski with our local guide, who will also show us some of the hidden spots in the area. The views from Tetnuldi are unmatched — you can see Europe’s highest peaks on the horizon. After the last resort day, we will start another roadtrip. 

Batumi

After our third day of skiing around Mestia, we prepare for a new road trip — this time to the Black Sea coast. From Poti, we can see the Lesser Caucasus Mountains on our left and the Black Sea on our right. We drive all the way to the seaside resort of Batumi, where we spend the night. Batumi has now become the second-largest city in Georgia. Over the past twenty years, the city has undergone a true transformation. Many skyscrapers have been built, but the old town has been well preserved. We take a walk along the boulevard, and those who wish can enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars. The next day we have more time to wander around Batumi.

We visit the fish market, the botanical gardens, and the pebble beaches of the Black Sea. The atmosphere here feels almost tropical. Palm trees line the boulevard with stately grace, and the terraces are usually lively and full. We explore the old town and then prepare for the final stage of our journey — we’re going cat skiing just 100 kilometers from the Black Sea.

Cat Ski Goderdzi

We’ll stay 2 nights in a mountain lodge with a pool, and sauna. During the day, we’ll ski using our own snowcat (PistenBully). This machine, normally used for grooming pistes, has been converted into a transport vehicle. The snowcat will take us to various slopes around Goderdzi.

We’ll ski or snowboard for two full days in untouched powder, and we’ll be picked up each time we finish a run. These will be intense days — but luckily, we can relax afterward in the jacuzzi. To support the local community as much as possible, we’ll eat in a local restaurant in the village.

Kutaisi

After our second day of cat skiing, we pack up our things and start descending toward Kutaisi. By the end of the evening, we arrive in the city — the circle is complete. We’ve had an incredibly varied week. We’ve seen the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus, and the Black Sea coast. We’ve visited Georgia’s second and third largest cities, and hopefully, we’ve enjoyed some true Georgian Pow. This definitely leaves us wanting more. See you next year.

Is the Ski Adventure Svaneti (Georgia) tour for You?

• You’re an adventurer looking for something different from the Alps

• You’re a ski enthusiast comfortable skiing red slopes

• You enjoy learning about other cultures and traditions

Included

• 4 nights in guesthouse in Mestia**

• 2 nights in a mountain lodge in Goderdzi

• 1 night in guesthouse in Batumi**

• 1 night in guesthouse Kutaisi**

• Breakfast and dinner (+ non-alcoholic drinks with meals)

• 2 days of cat skiing

• Backpack with shovel, probe, and avalanche beacon

• Wine tasting in Mestia

• Ski passes for Hatsvali, Tetnuldi, and Goderdzi

• English-speaking guide

• Local transfers (excluding airport transfers)

Not Included

• Flights (€150–€400)

• Airport transfers (available on request)

• Lunch

• Alcoholic drinks

• Tips & souvenirs

• Ski or snowboard rental (€150 per week)

• Airbag rental (€25 per day)

• Travel insurance

Do not book flights yet!

As soon as the minimum number of participants (5) is reached (*), we will send an email with the available flight booking options. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will inform you no later than 40 days before departure.

We recommend booking with Wizzair, Georgian Airways, Transavia, or Turkish Airlines.
Return flight prices range between €150 and €400.

The fastest option is a direct flight to Kutaisi but you can also choose to fly in and out of Tbilisi

A transfer from Tbilisi to Kutaisi can be arranged on request.
You can also choose to arrive earlier and spend some time in Tbilisi.
The transfer time from Tbilisi to Kutaisi is approximately 3.5 hours.
The transfer time from Batumi to Kutaisi is approximately 2.5 hours.

* In recent years, we have always reached the minimum number of participants.

Traveling as a group?

If you would like to travel as a group of at least 5 people, you can request a custom-made trip.
Alternative departure dates are usually possible upon request.
Please contact us via mail@rycetravel.com or via WhatsApp at +31 528447050.

Ski Adventure Svaneti (Georgia)