Svaneti Ski Resorts
Svaneti starts to be the major Georgian magnet for mountain lovers not only in summer, but also in winter. Previously tourists, especially those who are fond of the mountains and exploring ancient cultures, headed to this remote region from July to late September. Now, proud Svanetian people welcome their guests from late December till the end of April too.
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So, why should you choose Svaneti & Georgia for skiing?
Because…
– It is very easily accessible from Europe (cheap flights to Kutaisi & Tbilisi, short distance to resort)
– Georgia and especially Svaneti is one of the cheapest and affordable places to live and travel to
– High altitude, tallest peaks of Caucasus and proximity to the Black Sea ensure best quality snow and huge amount of backcountry locations.ย
– Pretty decent infrastructure and recreation options for ski enthusiasts along with ancient history and museum like vibe of beautiful towers and landscapes
– Exotic, post-soviet country and high mountain settlement in the middle of Europe and Asia, offers a great combination of skiing, travel-exploration and fun ๐
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Surrounded by the highest mountain peaks, covered with legends and myths about hallowed local traditions, Mestia is the heart of the region. From here, routes to further destinations in Svaneti begin. Mestia is also a convenient point to stop for overnights and move towards ski lifts, equipment rentals, marked pistes, and virgin slopes. Staying overnight is possible there or in the other villages nearby. In Mestia, you can find simple guest-houses and mid-range cozy hotels – all known for warm hospitality and generous home-cooked meals. Most essential services are clustered around the central square, including the town hall, public services hall, police station, hospital, and branches of Liberty Bank and Bank of Georgia. Mestia also has pharmacies, ATMs, currency exchange points, two larger chain supermarkets, and many smaller local shops selling everyday essentials, along with a wide choice of cafes and restaurants.
The town is served by a small domestic airport and a shuttle bus station with connections to Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Batumi – minibuses.
But there is no local public transport within Svaneti itself. The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography and the ski lift to Hatsvali Resort are both within easy reach of the town center, but do require a transfer.
While some restaurants and shops accept bank cards, many placesโsuch as ski rental points and small family-run minimarketsโoperate on a cash-only basis. Carrying some Georgian lari in small denominations is highly recommended.
Hatsvali Ski Area
First Svanetian resort, Hatsvali was opened in 2011 it is 8 km away from Mestia and since 2017 can be reached by a cable car from the center of Mestia. Hatsvali offers runs for beginners and intermediates. The lower lift station is located at an altitude of 1865 meters; the equipment rentals are nearby. Leitner ski lift will take you up to the mountain Zuruldi (2347 meters above sea level) within 10 minutes. At the resort there are also two smaller ski lifts 600 and 800 meters long.ย
At present, Hatsvali offers five ski runs with a total length of about 5.5 kilometers. The shortest and easiest run, measuring 500 meters, is well suited for beginners. Next to it is a dedicated training zone where ski instructors conduct lessons. The 600-meter intermediate slope is a good choice for skiers with some experience who want to build confidence and refine their technique. Advanced skiers can tackle the longest and most challenging run, which extends for 4.4 kilometers and is especially popular with international visitors thanks to its technical features and higher level of difficulty.
If you are for extreme feelings, go ahead with freeriding, backcountry, and skitour.
On the premise you will find: a ski-rental booth, small hotel,ย cafe and a public toilet, Zuruldi: panoramic restaurant Zuruldi with a fantastic view of Mt Ushba and the Great Caucasus Range.
View on map
Tetnuldi Ski Area
The second Svanetian resort, is in use since December 2015. Its name derives from the name of a legendary mountain. Located 15 kilometers away from Mestia, Tetnuldi is almost as big as Gudauri. There are 5 modern cable cars, which bring up the guests to the altitude of 3165 meters, and 9 developed ski runs with the longest one 9.5 km long (making it the longest ski slope in the entire South Caucasus) with a vertical drop of 1.7 kilometers. Tetnuldi provides excellent opportunities for freeriding and truly stunning views to the surrounding. Most Apres-ski and accommodation are located in Mestia, so you would need to drive up to the resort. However, the low cost of living, equipment rental and ski passes smoothes this temporary inconvenience. There is a cafe and ski-rental at the lower ski-lift station.
For the record, Tetnuldi is hosting the Freeride World Tour competition already third year in a row! Next competition is due on February 22-28th of 2026.
View on map
General Information
Ski Season Opening Dates: Tetnuldi & Hatsvali – December – April
Cable car connecting Mestia with Hatsvali operates since 2017 December 23
Main Slopes: Hatsvali & Tetnuldi
Ski Lifts Working Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 weekdays / 10:00 – 17:00 weekends / 18:00-20:00 night, weekends.
Ski Area: Hatsvali highest – 2347m & lowest – 1865m; Tetnuldi highest – 3165m & lowest – 1600m
Vertical Drop: Hatsvali – 550m; Tetnuldi – 900 m
Length of Tracks: Hatsvali – Total 5.5km; Tetnuldi – Total 25km.
The Length of the Longest Track: Hatsvali – 4.4km; Tetnuldi – 9.5km.
Ski Lifts: Hatsvali – 1 T-Bar; Tetnuldi – 3 POMA; Hatsvali-Mestia – 6 Deoppelmayer.
Distance to Mestia: From Tbilisi – 480 km; From Kutaisi – 240km; Batumi – 270km; Zugdidi – 140km.
Night Skiing: yes, occasionally on weekends
Artificial Snow: Not needed
Freeride Possibility: One of the best locations in Europe. Hosting Freeride World Tour series 3 year in a row. Guides and proper equipment – mandatory
Snowpark / Entertainment Park: NA
Official Websites: M.T.A. Mestia / Facebook
Featured Mention: Backdrop journal blogpost
Interesting: https://mta-ski.panomax.com/
Click on the pictures to view larger images
How to get there
Mestia is 400 kilometers from Tbilisi and can be reached via the city of Zugdidi, journey takes 7-8 hours by road.
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Public Transport to Mestia
– Minibus
Departs daily from 6 am to 8 am from the square nearby the “Children’s World” department store (next to the railway station).
Ticket cost about GEL 40-50 per person. Travel time of 8 hours.
From Kutaisi minibus departs from the bus station. Ticket price – 25 GEL. If this day is no direct minibus to Mestia, you can get to Zugdidi and then transfer to a minibus or a taxi to Mestia.
– Train
ย A night train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi arrives in the city early in the morning, just in time for the mini-bus to Mestia. The train leaves from Tbilisi central railway station (2, Vagzali sq. Tbilisi).
– Air
The local airport in Mestia has been refurbished and weather permitting a service is being operated by Georgian airline โService Airโ using Czech L410 planes three times a week from Natakhtari village, near Tbilisi, to Mestia โ on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flight lasts 45 minutes.
Be warned that places are always limited and should be booked way ahead of flight date. If you get a room in a plane consider yourself very lucky.
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To Book Private Transafer Contact Us:
E-mail: info@georgia4you.ge
24H service: +(995) 557 17 11 44 (24/7)
WhatsApp: +(995) 557 17 11 44
Food & Leisure
Mestia is a very popular tourist destination in Georgia, therefore there are plenty of local restaurants you can visit for Georgian & local cuisine. The most recommended one is cafe Laila which sometimes offers live music in the evening. There is a nice restaurant in Hatsvali resort at the top of the ski lift – Zuruldi, it offers tasty Georgian cuisine and magnificent views of surrounding mountains.Restaurant Lile is good, as is Lushnu Qor which is more on the rustic side. Cafe Ushba is probably the cheapest in town. Drinks – Cafe Bar Buba is the localโs favourite, and for a late night hipster bar try Twin Peaks
View on mapActivities
Apart from Skiing there are plenty of other leisure options in Svaneti area, below we have listed several most popular suggestions. Even for those who donโt usually seek out museums, these sites are worth a visit. On days when the weather isnโt ideal for skiing, they provide a great opportunity to discover Svanetiโs rich cultural heritage, preserved in isolation for centuries.
Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography
This museum holds remarkable examples of medieval Svan art and often exceeds visitorsโ expectations with the richness of its collection. It is regarded as one of Europeโs strongest regional ethnographic museums, thoughtfully designed to fit its natural setting. A typical visit takes about 40 minutes, with guided tours available. The museum is located just a short five-minute walk from Mestiaโs central square.
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Museum of Alpinism (Mikhail Khergiani House-Museum)
This house-museum is dedicated to Mikhail Khergiani, the legendary Soviet-era mountaineer born in Svaneti. Created by his close friends, it stands as a tribute to bravery, friendship, and an enduring spirit of adventure, offering an intimate look into the life of one of the regionโs most iconic figures.
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Margiani Machubi and Ratiani Museum
These preserved Svan houses present an authentic glimpse into medieval manor life. With original interiors and defensive towers, they reflect the traditional architecture of the region. Visitors can climb the towers to enjoy wide views over Mestia and better understand Svanetiโs unique cultural landscape.
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Trip to Ushguli
A highest village at the bottom of mount Shkhara, UNESCO world heritage site, 3 hours drive from Mestia
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Attend Freeride World Tour competition
Below is the official program
Ski Rentals
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In Mestia
There are some rental shops in the center of Mestia and at the bottom of the slopes but variety is limited. Preferably you should bring your equipment. Especially if you plan on backcountry skiing and freeriding.
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In Tbilisi
Mplus / Mogzauri Shop
25 Vazha-Pshavela Ave., Tbilisi, Georgia
Pin on Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/jZkSKVzLfJNrzgbXA
Price List for rental and service shop: https://mplus.ge/pages/rentals-and-services
Phone: (+995 32) 231 91 01
email: info@mplus.ge
Here you can rent full sets of equipment from the following brands: Head, Elan, Rossignol, Volkl, Atomic, Nordica, Salomon. Accessories can also be rented or bought. Usual price range is 20-30 GEL per day for standard package (skis, boots, sticks or snowboard and boots); 50 GEL per day for VIP package (speed skis, freeride skis and etc.) 5 GEL per day for goggles, gloves or helmet. Here you can receive ski maintenance services, snowboard and ski touring equipment rental services.
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Shop and Rental X-Treme
85i Beliashvili St. (near Digomi bridge), Tbilisi, Georgia
Pin on Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/vTBaV28dBa8uABGV7
(+995 599) 030314
(+995 32) 239-79-99/2368636
https://www.facebook.com/XTREME.GE/
https://xtreme.ge/
dvsporti@gmail.com
Opening hours: 11:00-19:00
Located in Tbilisi near the exit of town (direction to north – Gudauri) at 85 Akaki Beliashvili St.
Likewise you can rent full sets of equipment of brands: Head, Tyrolia, Atomic, Salomon, etc.
Rescue Services & Avalanche Safety
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All ski areas of Svaneti are patrolled by experienced and well equipped ski rescue and first-aid teams. A hospital in Mestia can provide only emergency immediate help.
Daily ski pass does not include insurance, therefore it’s highly recommended you arrange your own insurance.
In case of emergency at the resort you should dial Georgian emergency service number – 112.
Snow conditions are regularly monitored, with avalanche risks constantly measured, forming the basis for decisions regarding the opening and closure of runs.
Svaneti is a high mountainous region and offers unlimited opportunities for skitouring and freeriding, although keep in mind that avalanches and dangerous situations are very common. For those visiting Svaneti’s resorts specifically for off-piste skiing, specialized equipment is mandatory. Off-piste skiing is only allowed under the supervision of a professional guide though.
Mandatory Equipment:
– Freeride ski/snowboard (available for hire)
– Backpack with fastening for ski or snowboard
– Transceiver, avalanche probe, shovel (available for hire)
– Helmet
Daily ski pass does not include insurance, therefore it’s highly recommended you arrange your own insurance.
In case of emergency at the resort you should dial Georgian emergency service number – 112.
Snow conditions are regularly monitored, with avalanche risks constantly measured, forming the basis for decisions regarding the opening and closure of runs.
Svaneti is a high mountainous region and offers unlimited opportunities for skitouring and freeriding, although keep in mind that avalanches and dangerous situations are very common. For those visiting Svaneti’s resorts specifically for off-piste skiing, specialized equipment is mandatory. Off-piste skiing is only allowed under the supervision of a professional guide though.
Mandatory Equipment:
– Freeride ski/snowboard (available for hire)
– Backpack with fastening for ski or snowboard
– Transceiver, avalanche probe, shovel (available for hire)
– Helmet
