Ski Touring in Georgia:
AltiHut & Mkinvartsveri / Kazbek
The Stepantsminda-Mkinvartsveri area is one of my favorite spots in Georgia. Since 2006, I have pioneered ski tours and completed several first descents here. This 8-day skiing adventure in the High Caucasus offers a mix of moderate to challenging ski tours, allowing participants to scale multiple peaks over 3000 and 4000 meters. The journey includes comfortable accommodations, famous Georgian hospitality, and a certified ski guide with local expertise. The tour begins with three days of ski touring around Stepantsminda and Cross Pass, leading to the
Mkinvartsveri (Kazbek) is Georgia`s third highest and probably most famous peak, surrounded by many stories and legends. The area around Mkinvartsveri holds several 4000 m ski summits, such as Ortsveri (4222 m) or Maili-Khok (4600 m). I am involved in running the avalanche forecast for the wider Gudauri - Kazbegi area (www.avalanche.ge) and am therefore up to date about snow and avalanche conditions in the area.
I offer two different types of trips:
- Ski touring package with diverse tours around Stepantsminda and the AltiHut, descibed on this page.
- Ski mountaineering package, designed for experienced ski tourers and alpinists primarily interested in skiing on summits ranging from 4000 m to 5000 m. >> Link.
Accommodation
Opened in 2018, AltiHut is Georgia’s first modern, eco-friendly mountain hut. It is reached after a 4-hour ski ascent from Stepantsminda and is located at 3014 meters, offering easy access to ski lines around Mkinvartsveri, including 4,000-meter summits. The hut provides full-board meals in its own restaurant, complemented by a selection of fine drinks. The ski touring package also includes 3 nights in a comfortable hotel in Stepantsminda.
Logistics and itinerary
- All tours start in morning in Tbilisi at the easily-reached MPlus shop, where we also go through an equipment check. Most equipment can be rented here before we leave if you need (or have forgotten) gear. Soon after our driver takes us towards Stepantsminda.
- We start out with a tour near the Cross Pass, the high point of the “Georgian Military Road”. The following two days we ski tour from Stepantsminda.
- On the third day, we ascent to AltiHut. The tour takes around 4 hours, with fantastic views to the picturesque Tsminda Sameba church and Mkinvartsveri. Those with some power left can ascent another 600 m vertical meters on slopes near the hut, often providing good skiing and snow conditions.
- We will spend the next three days ski touring around AltiHut. Depending on weather and snow conditions and group fitness, we aim to climb and ski Spartak (4517 m) or Maili-Kokh (4600 m). Both are excellent ski summits, with stunning views to Mkinvartsveri and other 5000 m peaks (I have climbed and skied all 5000 m peaks of Georgia and can provide information on most high peaks visible!). The tour leads up the Gergeti glacier to the Kazbek plateau (4450 m), and turns west towards Spartak, with the option to continue to the elegant east ridge of Maili. Very few people ski on these peaks despite their true high alpine character and moderate terrain.
- At the end of the third day at AltiHut, we descend to Stepantminda and drive back to Tbilisi. If you are lucky and have time, you can explore and enjoy Tbilisi with me on day 8.
Group size and skill level
The package is designed for small groups. The minimum group size is 3 and the maximum is 6. The ability to securely ski off-piste is essential, to 35 degrees. Basic skills in doing kick-turns is recommended, though I will coach you if you are not secure turning in steeper terrain. Most days involved tours with between 900 m and 1600 m vertical, but more or less are possible depending on weather and group skills.Prices and what is / is not included
- from EUR 1800 pp.
What’s included:
- 7 days ski guiding with an ACMG ski guide who has pioneered many ski descents in the area.
- 3 nights accommodation in a hotel in Stepantsminda - 1x half-board, 2x full-board.
- 3 nights accommodation and food on full board basis at AltiHut.
- All transport from Tbilisi and back.
What’s not included:
- Travel to and from Tbilisi
- Lunch on the first day in Stepantsminda - we get something in a local restaurant or bakery.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Ski touring equipment. If you have any equipment requirements get in touch!
- Insurance for cancellation, rescue, and medical expenses
Dates 2025
- 1 - 8 April (4 free spots)
-
12 - 19 April
- 20 - 27 April
Individual dates on request!
Booking inquiry