GEORGIA
GEORGIA
HELI-SKI IN SVANETIA, CAUCASUS-GEORGIA!
You will find yourself in one of the most adventurous and scenic places in the world making your fresh powder turns. This is an old and historic world that benefits from being so close to Europe and the Black Sea.
Svanetia is situated on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus mountains and is surrounded by some 3,000–5,000 meter peaks.
Our playground and base is located in the village of Mestia (1500 meters), which has always been regarded as the chief community of Zemo, or Svaneti province. Despite its small size, the town-let was an important centre of Georgian culture for centuries and contains a number of medieval monuments, such as churches and forts, included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Heliskiing here is unique for many reasons. You will have access to a tremendous large area (1500km2) with a variety of slopes and descents perfect for Heliskiing. The Northern and colder faces hold the most Powder with some incredible scenic settings that you’ll never forget.
This place is unique not only as a Heliski destination but also the chance to experience the culture and the food and wine. (Georgia is reputed to be the first place in the world to produce wine some 8.000 years ago).
On non-flying days (caused by bad weather) there are a number of resorts and lifts we can utilize to ski the tree runs and ensure skiing every day even in poor weather. There is some interesting Freeride terrain located within the small lift systems of Tetnuldi and Hatsvali. Tetnuldi has high Alpine lifts and is only 20min drive away and Hatsvali is located in our Village and is a tremendous place for Tree-skiing when the really big snow dumps are happening and the trees are needed to be able to see!
Mestia has been on the map for some years as the getaway mountain resort for many Georgians, but is considered as a fairly new Heli ski destination with only one operator until recently.
See the full process from the moment you give us a call to when you skiing down the beautiful snowy mountains of Georgia right here.
The terrain really has a great variety and interesting descents. You will find everything from High Alpine Glaciers to runs below tree line. You can expect descents of an incredible 1.800 meters!
Most of the slopes in Svanetia region are above the treeline. There is a variety of steepness and that can often be adapted to skill level in the group.
Safety first, so skiing in the most steep terrain will only take place when conditions allow it.
Our base is Posta Mestia located in the very heart of Mestia, this hotel offers its guests stylish and cozy rooms with views of the breathtaking Caucasus mountains. There is a super restaurant serving local cuisine and a bar that will hear many tales of the day’s adventures. Besides you will find a heated pool and sauna in the basement.
We will be using AS350B3 helicopter with a highly experienced local pilot and qualified GMGA Guide, this means 4 guests’ skiers or Boarders per Heli + the guide. There will be max 8 guest sharing two Helicopters. These are versatile machines and perfect for the terrain. We will aim to fly 5 days with a spare day included in the event of a down day. In the event that weather conditions prevent flying, we will opt for skiing at a nearby resort.
The highest mountain in Georgia, Mount Shkhara at 5.201 meters is located in the province. Other prominent peaks include Tetnuldi (4.974 meters), Shota Rustaveli (4.960 meters), Mount Ushba (4.710 meters), Ailama (4.525 meters), as well as many others.
GEORGIA
ABOUT THE TRIP
Departure
There are a number of connections departing from European cities to Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT) og Batumi (BUS). Be aware of extra charges for bringing ski equipment. Also note that there are special rules that only allow traveling with a certain type of cartridge for avalanche airbags (ABS). It is a good idea to contact the airline and provide a statement about the type of cartridge you plan to bring. Eastern Snow is happy to help with advice on the optimal flight connection.
Transfer
We will meet you at the airport and transfer by minibus for 5 hours (Kutaisi) or 6hrs (Batumi) to your Hotel
Stay
Our base is Posta Mestia, where you’ll spend 6 nights in the heart of Svaneti with access to all the surrounding nature and beauty as well as non-ski entertainment and cultural things to see and visit.
Accommodation
The trip includes full board accommodation. In the Hotel, you’ll be eating gourmet meals every evening. We choose to mix it 50/50 eating partly in hotel and partly in some of the local restaurants in town. There is a heated pool and sauna located in the basement, available in the afternoon for your enjoyment and relaxation before dinner.
In the morning you’ll have a hearty breakfast and later there’ll be lunch in the terrain.
Skiing ability
A certain degree of basic fitness is assumed and that you will have experience in off-piste terrain from previous trips. During the booking process one of our agents will discuss your level openly.
SAFETY
Safety is naturally always a priority when heliskiing in Georgia and on any of our trips. GMGA guides with knowledge of the local area will guide you all the way. They are there to ensure your safety, and in the event of an accident they know what to do and how to get you directly off the mountain to a safe zone or Hospital if required.
Avalanche equipment including air bags will be available if you do not have them. On arrival we will conduct a security briefing and ensure or refresh knowledge on use of the safety equipment.
You will have to make sure that you have the appropriate insurances to be covered Off-Piste and in Georgia. You can read more about it here. You can read more about it here.
Passport and visa
It is very important that the information in your passport matches what is on your ticket. No visa is required to enter the country.
Extra info
The power plugs are 220v and of the same type as in most Northern European countries (not UK).
GEORGIA
Prices and weeeks
€8.900
FROM
- 2023-2024
Calculate price!
2023-2024
- WEEK 11
09, mar. – 16. mar. 2024
Included:
- English speaking GMGA guide during the whole trip
- Heliskiing for 6 days (10 effective flight hours shared among a group of 8 people)
- Transfer from Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT) og Batumi (BUS) to and from the destination
- Full board accommodation
- Stay at Mestia Lodge with heated pool and sauna
- Logistics and safety
- Borrow safety equipment for free (beacon, probe and shovel)
- Skiing at the local lift system in bad weather conditions
Furthermore, you can:
- Order drinks according to needs
- Rent ski/board equipment
- Purchase massage in spa area
- Purchase more helicopter hours (2200 Euro per hour if all group agree to exceed the included flight time)
Not included:
- Plane tickets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transportation of equipment
- Ski rental
GEORGIA
GALLERY
