Off-Piste Journey Format

The five-day program is built on backcountry principles, with each day revealing new facets of the Caucasus. Routes wind through pristine powder bowls, ancient relic forests, and high-altitude plateaus. One full day is dedicated to a multi-kilometer trek into remote valleys to conquer untouched virgin slopes.

The foundation of safe freeride is competent risk assessment. Avalanche safety briefing and hands-on rescue drills using professional gear (beacon, probe, shovel) are mandatory and integral to the tour. These skills let you ride confidently in the wild, even under the most challenging conditions.

Who This Adventure Is For

The program is designed for experienced riders who command skis or snowboard on any terrain. It’s the perfect choice for those eager to break free from resort skiing and experience genuine movement liberty.

Svaneti is more than just mountains. Ancient watchtowers rising above snow-blanketed villages and a distinctive local culture create an unforgettable atmosphere that lingers as vividly as the most breathtaking descents. Sampling Georgian cuisine and traditions complements the active itinerary beautifully.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1. Expedition Launch: From Tbilisi to the Heart of Svaneti

Morning begins with group assembly in Tbilisi—a convenient starting point for all. Next, a comfortable 4WD transfer along scenic Caucasian switchbacks to Mestia (7–8 hours with coffee stops and photos of snowy gorges). Upon arrival—quick check-in at cozy guesthouses overlooking the peaks.

Day highlight: mandatory briefing led by the guide. We meticulously inspect your freeride kit—wide-waisted skis/snowboard for deep pow, avalanche gear (beacon on, probe, shovel), group radios, and loaded backpacks. The guide breaks down the full plan, tailoring it to current snowpack, weather forecast, and group level. Dinner of Svan khychin and khachapuri—perfect for acclimatization and team bonding.

Day 2. Hatsvali: Forests, Technique, and Rescue Drills

Early rise and short shuttle to Hatsvali resort (5–10 min). We kick off with warm-up runs on groomed pistes to loosen muscles and dial equipment. Then—into dense forest zones where terrain turns serious: tight glades, downed trees, variable snow.

Lift to the summit, followed by a 20–40 min foot traverse (line-dependent) with full packs. Descents demand precise edge control and terrain reading.

Afternoon: hands-on rescue practice—simulated avalanche with a “buried” participant. Everyone rotates searching with beacons, probing, and digging. This is real-world muscle memory that can save lives.

Evening over dinner: off-piste safety lecture—snowpack analysis, avalanche signs, backcountry group tactics. We review the day’s wins and lessons.

Day 3. Tetnuldi: High-Altitude Bowls and Freeride Scale

Earliest departure—jeeps to Tetnuldi base (15–20 min). Gondola up, and you’re above 3000 m. Two warm-up piste runs for altitude acclimation and snow feel.

Main event: 5–6 full freeride descents across vast alpine bowls with varied aspects (north-facing couloirs for powder, south for firn). Vertical drops up to 800–1000 m! Short skin-ups (10–25 min) unlock untouched lines with perfect snow.

Guide constantly monitors conditions. Each run feels epic—views of Ushba, Tetnuldi, and Shkhara erase fatigue.

Evening debrief: flight review with drone footage (weather permitting), line analysis, tomorrow’s tactics. Beer and shashlik—well-earned reward.

Day 4. Adishi: Full-Day Backcountry Expedition

Tour climax. Pre-dawn 4WD departure to the remote Adishi area—pure wild Svaneti. Drive takes 1–1.5 hrs on snow-covered tracks.

All-day backcountry mission: skinning or snowcat assist (conditions dictate), then multiple virgin-slope descents. Drops up to 1200 m across open bowls to tight couloirs. This is total group synergy—line choice, pacing, safety.

Lunch: snow picnic with thermoses and Svan flatbreads. Evening transfer back to resort. Exhausted? Yes. Euphoric? Absolutely.

Day 5. Finale: Hatsvali and Farewell to the Mountains

Easy start—back to Hatsvali. Morning for signature lines from earlier days, riding purely for joy. Perfect for photos, video, pure enjoyment.

By 16:00—Mestia rally: gear return, farewell coffee with tower views. Transfer to Tbilisi (arrival ~23:00–00:00). You leave not just tired—loaded with stories, new friends, and the itch to return.