GUDAURI - BIDARA - SADZELE - MONASTÈRE DE LOMISSA - VALLÉE DU SNO
Ski the untouched and wild itineraries of the southern slope of the Great Caucasus Mountains.
Gudauri is a ski resort located only 2 hours drive from Tbilisi International Airport. It is the main ski resort in Georgia. Nestled on the southern slope of the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2000 meters, Gudauri is in the heart of a magnificent alpine landscape that benefits from abundant snowfall in winter.
Located on the slopes of Mount Sadzele, which culminates at 3300 mts, the ski lifts of the ski resort range between 2000 and 3279 mts. As is often the case in countries where skiing is not yet very popular, off-piste skiing itineraries are hardly frequented by local skiers and the practice of backcountry skiing is almost unknown. This allows us to enjoy virgin snow without too much competition! For lovers of calm and authenticity, a beautiful day backcountry skiing towards the Monastery of Lomissa is surely an experience not to be missed…
Depending on the weather and snow conditions, we will also be able to travel by minibus to the neighboring valleys to take advantage of the beautiful possibilities of ski touring from typical villages with preserved culture.
What you will do during your trip
You will ski off-piste for six days, discovering the surroundings of Mount Kazbek in Georgia.
Performing descents of 1000 to 1300 meters of vertical drop in virgin snow because the locals are not particularly attracted by off-piste.
And you won’t escape a small glass of tchatcha to share with the locals.
Frequently asked questions
The 9V guides use and recommend backcountry skis from 95 mm to 120 mm wide, depending on your size. Fitted with pin-type touring bindings with ski stops, these skis are fairly light, allowing you to ski with ease and save your legs in all types of snow. We recommend 4-hook freerando boots with 60° of travel.
Nop, we rather be slackcountry skiing. Slackcountry or sidecountry skiing is a mix of classic freeride/powder skiing with one or more short walks on foot or with skins from the top of the lifts. The aim is to quickly reach the beautiful powdery, trackless slopes, even when it hasn’t snowed for a long time. The emphasis is on the pleasure of the descent rather than the effort of the ascent.
Slackcountry skiing is THE powder guarantee!
TRAVEL BAG AND SKI BAG
As we travel by plane, boat, car or minibus, space is often at a premium. So it’s best to keep your luggage small and easy to carry. We advise you to travel with a soft duffel bag with wheels, a soft ski sleeve without wheels and a separate ski boot bag.
BACKPACK (25 / 35 liters with carrying strap for skis) for the day’s essentials:
– warm down jacket at the bottom of the bag,
– goggles with a screen for bad weather,
– neck warmer against wind, cold, powder and sun,
– high-protection sun cream for face and lips,
– spare gloves if you fall down a lot, or mittens if you’re afraid of the cold,
– thermos flask if it’s cold or camel bag if it’s mild,
– dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars,
– survival blanket, shovel and probe.
CLOTHING
You’ll spend a lot more time in ski clothes than in après-ski gear.
At any time of year, the weather can be fine and mild, or extremely cold, snowy or rainy.
Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing: During a snowstorm, skiing is fantastic in the forest. Pack an extra layer of clothing in your daypack to adapt to any changes in temperature. Temperatures vary with altitude, on the order of 10°C per 1000 meters. As a result, the difference in temperature between the valley and the summit can vary by 20° or more with the effect of the wind.
If you’re properly equipped, you’ll enjoy skiing whatever the weather. We ski in all weathers.
If you have an avalanche transceiver, we advise you to bring it with you. If it’s an old model, it’s a good opportunity to check that it’s working properly, and to practice with it. If it’s brand new, it’s important to use it as often as possible to familiarize yourself with its operation. Regular training is the only way to be efficient when you need it! If you don’t have a transceiver, please let us know on the registration form and we’ll provide you with one when possible.
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Program
DAY 1: Meet at Tbilisi airport
Meeting with the guide - Transfer to Gudauri by taxi and overnight in Gudauri.
DAY 2: Gudauri
Warm-up on the ski area and off-piste from the top of the ski lifts, Overnight in Gudauri.
DAY 3: Gudauri
Freeride skiing and short skinning to reach the top of Mount Sadzele, overnight in Gudauri.
DAY 4: Gudauri
Off-piste skiing and backcountry skiing towards the military road between Georgia and Russia, night in Gudauri.
DAY 5: Bidara
From the top of the lift, a shot skinningtowards Bidara sector and skidown to the road, transfer by taxi to the foot of Mount Kazbek in the village of Stephantsminda (ex. Kazbegi ), overnight in Stephantsminda. (Possible option for groups wishing to do some ski touring).
DAY 6: Kazbek or Lomissa
Ski touring in front of the spectacular Kazbek glaciers, overnight in Gudauri.
DAY 7: Gudauri - Transfer to Tbilissi
Last ski day and transfer to the capital. Evening and overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 8 . End of the trip
Breakfast and transfer to the airport - return flight.
The program is subject to change depending on the conditions on the ground and the fitness of the participants.
Hotels and Huts
Hotels and Huts
HOTEL MARCO POLO: Ideally located right next to the ski lifts, the Marco Polo is an international luxury hotel with all mod cons: warm lounge, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi … The breakfast buffet is pantagruelic!
ROOMS HOTEL TBILISSI:Hotel in the city center… close to everything. The rooms are also very comfortable with industrial-style architecture and furnishings….
ROOMS HOTEL KAZBEGI:The spectacular scenery takes center stage in the careful design of the hotel rooms.
Included
Included 9V GUIDES
Full-time supervision by a UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide or a fully qualified ski guide specialist of the region.
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights in comfortable hotels on a B&B basis on a double room basis.
-5 or 6 nights at the Marco Polo hotel with buffet breakfast.
-1 night at Rooms hotel Kazbegi with breakfast (option for groups wishing to go go ski touring).
-1 night at Rooms hotel Tbilisi with breakfast.
TRANSPORTATION
All transportation during the safari for participants and luggage. Transportation will be by taxi driven by a local driver.
SAFETY GEAR
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Not included
Not included RESCUE INSURANCE
TRIP INSURANCE
LUNCHS AND DINNERS
SINGLE ROOM
BACKCOUNTRY / SIDECOUNTRY SKIS
PLANE TICKETS
All plane tickets are at your expense.
