Georgia On My Mind | Ski – Touring in the Caucasus Mountains
Laila Mountain Ski Tour Georgia may be a small Country, but its Mountains are enough to impress everyone from flatlanders to the most advanced Mountaineers. The Greater Caucasus Range marks the northern border, while the Lesser Caucasus Range fills the middle of the country, leaving very little flat land.
The Greater Caucasus consists of impressive, steep, glaciated peaks, while the Lesser Caucasus are more rounded, lower, and forested. The Lesser Caucasus Regions bordering the Black Sea receive the most consistent Snowfall, but due to their low elevation (<2500 m.), the Ski Season finishes at the end of March and most peaks are comfortable for hiking in late May.
The Greater Caucasus, on the other hand is generally Skiable well in April and even in the Summer above 3000m. An unforgettable Ski adventure is waiting for you in the mighty Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. Ski – Touring is a revelation, available to any intermediate or advanced Skier. It opens up a world unrestricted by the infrastructure of the Resorts, providing total Freedom to Ski wherever you want
Ten years ago, Skiing in Georgia was a well kept secret known by only a handful of locals and the most adventurous Skiers. This is rapidly changing as the Georgian Ski hype spreads throughout Europe and the rest of the World, so it seems about time to pack your gear and start planning your Skiing Adventure in Georgia! Ski – Touring in Georgia is one of the best activities for people interested in Winter Sports
With beautiful unspoiled slopes in the heart of the High Caucasus, an abundance of Powder Snow in uninhabited terrain and exceptional Mountain scenery, Svaneti is a remote Mountainous Region in the High Caucasus. This is the new Ski and Freeride Paradise!!! Mountains here reach as high as 5200m. and are covered in a deep blanket of Snow from December to April. Extremely dry Snow unfound in the Alps, offers a long and enjoyable season of Deep Powder Skiing. The main Bezhini Range is surrounded by 4000m. to 5000m. high Peaks. The first of them is one of the most striking Mountains in the World, Mount Ushba 4710m. And of course the highest mountain of Georgia, Shkara 5203m. Our Tour combines the best of the region’s Resort Skiing, Backcountry Ski – Touring, visiting medieval villages, hospitality and culture
Tetnuldi Ski Resort sits under the peak of the same name Mount Tetnuldi 4858m, which allows Skiing between 2200m. – 3200m. elevation. This is an excellent starting point for our Ski – Touring routes, as well as an alternative in case of bad weather. We will adapt the routes to the snow situation and the group’s capabilities. It’s true that the best slopes are hidden but we know where to find them as we assess each day where the best snow conditions are. The routes take advantage of the Tetnuldi Ski Lifts to assist in ascending to over 3500m. elevation before Ski – Touring using skins, with daily vertical ascents of between 1000m. to 1400m. – depending on snow conditions and the group’s ability. Long Ski descents of over 1400m. vertical are expected during the Tour
With a short, gliding walk from the Resort to get away from the crowded slopes we can access a huge Freeride Zone and discover a Summit or hidden valley. So whether you’re a seasoned Tourer or just keen to learn the basics of these incredible sports simply join one of our Freeride Camps. Freedom is the name of this game.
Chaukhi Massif is located on the north side of Caucasus Mountains in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Region with the elevation of it’s peaks above 4000m. For this reason there is a Powder until the second half of May. It’s landscape is remarkable with amazing mixture of huge stunning Mountains and bare steep rocks, creating unforgettable surroundings. The Chaukhi Mountains are one of the popular places for climbing in the summertime and for Ski – Touring and Ski – Mountaineering in the winter and springtime. A magic touch is added by the small lake at the bottom of these wonderful mountains. This amazing environment helps you lose your perception of time. Pleasantly tiring adventures and fascinating moments capture you in this fairy tale scene. Everyday we will accend to the beautiful summits and then ski down to Zeta Camping huts
This program is for good Skiers with Mountaineering experience and also for amateur Skiers who do not have climbing experience. The program can be changed depending on the snow conditions, the weather forecast and also on group’s physical condition and experience. Also, we can change tour durations per the guest’s wishes
Racha is one of the least explored regions of the Greater Caucasus. Unlike other areas, it lacks major tourist attractions and offers “only” untouched mountains and forests, meaning the interpid hikers who make it there will be rewarded with unspoiled views in every direction. Racha is only visited by those who come exclusively for the mountains
Racha is often spoken about as a sort of Mountain Paradise, a pristine landscape of peaks, lakes, mineral springs, stony rivers, hiking trails and secluded cabins that has so far escaped discovery by most tourists. Located in the highlands of North – West Caucasus Racha is popular destination among locals. Known as a place for relaxation and respite, this is where you go to cool off, eat delicious food and drink good wine
Shoda Mountain is an amazing summit that refers to Greater Caucasus Mountain Range with the peak of 3609m. If you manage to reach the peak, you will remember the magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains. In winter the temperature here reaches negative 35º – 45º. You must have confident Skiing or Snowboarding skills in Freeride from 35º to 55º to finish this route. Ski – Touring experience and physical preparation is required
Guides
Our Tours are for intermediate to advanced Skiers and Splitboarders. There is terrain suitable for all levels but experience and ability in variable slopes and snow conditions is an advantage. You will be led by experienced, local, GMGA certified Ski Guides, supported by a range of highly qualified IFMGA experts. They will be guiding you for the entire duration of the Tour Photo – Svaneti Ski Guide