Svaneti Winter Escape
10 days | Tetnuldi, Mestia and high-mountain Georgia
This journey is designed for travellers who want to experience winter in Svaneti — one of Georgia’s most spectacular mountain regions. Based mainly in Mestia, the program combines skiing in Tetnuldi with high mountain landscapes, local food, Svan culture, traditional villages and time to experience the atmosphere of the Caucasus in winter. It is not a standard ski holiday in one resort, but a winter stay with a strong sense of place: snow covered towers, mountain roads, local dinners, regional traditions and the dramatic scenery of Upper Svaneti. This is a good choice for travellers who want to ski, but also discover the
culture and character of one of Georgia’s most distinctive regions.
Why choose this program
●experience winter in Svaneti, one of Georgia’s most spectacular mountain
regions
●ski in Tetnuldi, known for its high-altitude slopes and dramatic Caucasus
views
●travel along the Georgian Military Highway towards the Greater Caucasus
●ski in Gudauri, one of the country’s best-known winter resorts
●stay in Mestia, the main town of Svaneti, surrounded by medieval stone
towers
●combine skiing with local cuisine, Svan traditions and cultural experiences
●enjoy a winter program based in one region, without changing hotels every day
●follow a well-planned route with private transport and comfortable pacing
How the journey is structured
This is a 10-day winter program of moderate intensity, designed for travellers
who want to combine skiing with a deeper experience of Svaneti.
Unlike a classic touring program, this journey is based mainly in Mestia,
allowing travellers to settle into the rhythm of the region. Several days are
dedicated to skiing in Tetnuldi, while others focus on local culture, mountain
villages, traditional food, workshops and selected winter activities.
The program is active, but not extreme. Optional activities such as
snowshoeing, snowmobiles or dog sledding may be available depending on
weather, local conditions and group preferences. The route includes mountain roads and winter conditions, but the overall structure is designed to remain comfortable, organised and well-paced. Accommodation is arranged in carefully selected properties, and all transfers are provided by private vehicle with driver.
Day 1 Arrival in Kutaisi, Martvili and Transfer to Mestia
Arrival in Kutaisi and the beginning of the winter journey. After arrival, the
program includes a local meal and a wine tasting in a family winery in the
Martvili area, offering a first introduction to western Georgian hospitality.
The route then continues towards Svaneti, with a stop at the Enguri Dam — one of the most impressive hydrotechnical structures in the Caucasus. In the evening, arrival in Mestia, the main town of Svaneti, located in the high
mountains and known for its medieval defensive towers. Dinner with wine and overnight stay in Mestia.
Day 2 Tetnuldi Ski Resort
The first full skiing day in Svaneti. After breakfast, transfer to Tetnuldi, one of
Georgia’s most impressive high-altitude ski resorts.
The day is dedicated to skiing or snowboarding, with wide slopes, open
mountain views and the distinctive atmosphere of the Caucasus. Tetnuldi is
suitable for travellers who want to enjoy winter sports in a setting very different from standard European resorts. Return to Mestia in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
Skiing in Tetnuldi
Another day on the slopes of Tetnuldi, allowing travellers to enjoy the resort at a more comfortable rhythm. Depending on the group’s level and weather conditions, the day can focus on relaxed skiing on prepared slopes or a more active winter experience. Optional activities such as snowshoeing or snowmobiles may be available locally, depending on conditions and availability. Dinner and overnight stay in Mestia.
Day 4
Tetnuldi and High-Mountain Winter Landscapes
A third day in the Tetnuldi area, dedicated to skiing, mountain views and the
winter scenery of Upper Svaneti. The day allows travellers to experience the resort more fully and enjoy the open landscapes around the Tetnuldi massif. After skiing, return to Mestia for dinner and rest.
Day 5
Ushguli, Svan Towers and Local Cooking
A full-day excursion to Ushguli, one of the highest permanently inhabited
villages in Europe and one of the most iconic places in Svaneti.
The journey is made by 4×4 vehicles through high-mountain landscapes and traditional villages. In Ushguli, the program includes time to see the medieval stone towers and Lamaria Church, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus. The day also includes a local experience with a Svan family, such as preparing traditional regional dishes. Depending on local availability, the program may include a film screening in Ushguli’s small cinema. Return to Mestia in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 Mestia and Svan Craft Traditions
After several active days, this day offers a slower rhythm in Mestia. The
program includes a walk through the town and time to experience the
atmosphere of Svaneti beyond the ski slopes.
Travellers take part in a local craft workshop, which may include woodcarving, painting or ceramics, depending on availability. For those interested, an optional dog sledding experience may be arranged locally.
The day ends with a local dinner and wine.
Day 7
Tetnuldi and Svan Cultural Evening
A return to the slopes of Tetnuldi for another day of skiing and winter views.
In the evening, the program includes a cultural element in Mestia, such as a
theatre performance, film screening or another local cultural experience
depending on the season and availability. This day combines active time in the mountains with a closer look at the cultural life of Svaneti. Dinner and overnight stay in Mestia
Day 8
Final Skiing Day and Farewell Supra in Mestia
The final skiing day in Svaneti. Travellers return to the slopes for one more day of winter activity, mountain views and time in the snow.
In the evening, the program ends with a farewell supra in Mestia — a traditional Georgian dinner with regional food, wine, toasts and, where available, Svan music or folk elements. It is a warm and memorable conclusion to the mountain part of the journey.
Day 9
Return to Kutaisi and Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, departure from Mestia and return to Kutaisi. The route
descends from the high mountains back towards western Georgia, offering one last view of Svaneti’s winter landscapes. In the evening, a final dinner or supra in Kutaisi marks the end of the journey, with local food, wine and the atmosphere of western Georgian hospitality.
Day 10
Departure from Kutaisi
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kutaisi airport.
Departure and end of the winter journey through Svaneti.
Day 11
Departure
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kutaisi airport. Departure and end of the winter journey through Georgia.
What’s included
●accommodation in carefully selected properties
●all internal transfers by private vehicle with driver
●mountain transfers where required by the route
●breakfasts and selected meals included in the program
●skiing days and winter activities as described in the itinerary
●local experiences, workshops, dinners or tastings as described in the
program
●travel materials, including the “Uncovered Book”
Not included
● flights
● insurance
● entrance fees (where applicable)
Practical information
●program designed for private groups from 8 participants
●dates arranged individually during the winter season
●accommodation standard and selected elements of the program can be
adjusted
●the route includes city sightseeing, mountain roads and active skiing days
ski touring, freeride, snowcat or heliski elements are optional and depend
on weather, snow conditions, safety assessment, local availability and
group level
●ski passes, ski equipment rental and specialist mountain activities are not
included unless agreed otherwise
●international flights are not included, but we can advise on the most
convenient arrival and departure options
●travel insurance, including winter sports coverage, is required and not
included unless agreed otherwise
●entrance fees to paid sites and attractions are not included unless agreed
otherwise
Who this journey is for
This program is well suited for travellers who want to experience winter in
Svaneti in a comfortable, structured and well-organised way.
It is a strong choice for those who:
●want to ski in Tetnuldi and experience high-mountain Georgia
●are interested in Svaneti, local traditions and mountain culture
●prefer staying mainly in one region instead of changing hotels every day
●want to combine skiing with local food, workshops and cultural experiences
●enjoy winter landscapes, authentic places and regional atmosphere
●value good organisation, private transport and a balanced pace
This is not a standard ski holiday based only on the slopes. It is a winter stay in
Svaneti, designed for travellers who want to ski, rest and experience one of
Georgia’s most distinctive mountain regions from the inside
Contact
If this winter journey feels like the right fit for your group, get in touch.
We will prepare detailed information, available dates and a current proposal
based on your preferred travel style, group size, skiing level and
accommodation standard
