Tetnuldi Ski Resort

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Tetnuldi ski resort Mestia Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Tetnuldi ski resort Mestia Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Freeride powder at Tetnuldi ski resort Mestia Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Freeride powder at Tetnuldi ski resort Mestia Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Mestia Georgia
Mestia Georgia
Tetnuldi ski resort off-piste powder (photo - The Adventure Project)
Tetnuldi ski resort off-piste powder (photo - The Adventure Project)
Tetnuldi skiing (photo - The Adventure Project)
Tetnuldi skiing (photo - The Adventure Project)
Ski Tetnuldi Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Ski Tetnuldi Georgia (photo - The Adventure Project)
Ushguli is a great ski-touring destination in the Svaneti region near Tetnuldi
Ushguli is a great ski-touring destination in the Svaneti region near Tetnuldi
Hatsvali ski area near Mestia is a fabulous alternative to the high alpine Tetnuldi
Hatsvali ski area near Mestia is a fabulous alternative to the high alpine Tetnuldi

Tetnuldi Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Tetnuldi

Tetnuldi2.5/52
Tetnuldi2.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
  • Recommend
    50%
  • Would Revisit
    50%
Gudauri Ski PAckages
Wagner Custome Skis

Georgia Skiing

Adjara & Bakhmaro
Bakuriani
Goderdzi
Gudauri
Hatsvali

Tetnuldi Maps & Stats

     Tetnuldi Ski Trail Map
  • Tetnuldi Ski Trail Map
  • Vertical (m)
    2,265m - 3,160m (895m)
  • Average Snow Fall
    6m
  • Lifts (5)
    4 Chairs
  • Opening Dates & Times
    January to late-April
    10:00am to 4:30pm
  • Terrain Summary
    Runs - 15km
    Longest run - 4km+
    Advanced - 15%
    Intermediate - 50%
    Beginner - 35%
  • Lift Pass Price
    Day Ticket 23/24
    Mestia - valid at Tetnuldi & Hatsvali
    Adult - 50GEL (approx. €18)
    Child (6 to 12yr) - 25GEL (approx. €9)
    Child u/6yr - Free

    Season Pass (valid in Gudauri, Goderdzi, Bakuriani & Mestia)
    Adult - 650GEL (approx. €226)
    Child - 325GEL (approx. €113)
     Hatsvali Ski Trail Map
  • Hatsvali Ski Trail Map

Tetnuldi Ski Resort Georgia

Tetnuldi ski resort is one of the newest in the world and a place that will increasing become well-known as an adventure ski destination of high repute. Located in the Caucasus mountains of Georgia near the fascinating town of Mestia, Tetnuldi has a wonderful diversity of off-piste to satisfy the most discerning powder hounds.

With a top lifted elevation of 3,160m, snow quality & quantity is mostly guaranteed to be deep, dry & delicious. Ski lift passes are in the super-cheap realm of the world's lift pass pricing structure! Only problem is that road access to the lifts can be costly if not on a tour, and lift opening times are dubious at best (10am officially but that’s not factoring in GMT - Georgian Maybe Time!). Definitely a place to bring the skins and choose your own adventure or be in a tour group that can show you the way.

Pros & Cons for Tetnuldi Ski Resort

Pros

  • High elevation ski area with a reliable, deep snowpack.
  • Nice skiable vertical of around 900m on the lifts.
  • No lift lines.
  • Big mountain skiing & snowboarding opportunities
  • Amazing off-piste & backcountry terrain directly off the ski lifts and above/beyond them.
  • Relatively new ski lifts.
  • Options for cat & heli-skiing.
  • Super cheap lift pass that includes Hatsvali - exceptional value when the lifts are turning.
  • Several superb options to eat & drink on the mountain.
  • Fabulous local hospitality & food.
  • Fascinating history, culture & local architecture.
  • Incredibly affordable.
  • The whiff of high adventure is FREE!

Cons

  • Limited on-piste trails.
  • The road from Mestia up to the ski area can be difficult to drive particularly later in the season when freeze/thaw is active.
  • Skiers & snowboarders that are not on organised tours can get charged exorbitant rates to be driven up to the resort from Mestia.
  • Ski lift operation can be unreliable but are improving.
  • No accommodation near the ski lifts.

Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)

  • Flights to the nearest airport (Kutaisi) can be limited, planning is key!
  • Not your ideal family ski holiday destination.
  • No easy public transport options to get to the area.
  • Unless ski touring, accommodation is down in the valley at Mestia or other villages. Thankfully Mestia is an incredible travel destination in and of itself.

Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain

With a base elevation of 2,265m and top lifted point of 3,160m, the terrain at Tetnuldi ranges from high alpine woodland with birch predominant, up to full alpine treeless bowls, ridges & couloirs. The total piste length of around 14km is limited in diversity & scope, but piste skiing is not the reason to come here. The Tetnuldi resort is amongst Georgia's most remote & spectacular (& snowiest!) mountain regions - the Svaneti. Whilst the chairlifts provide some great skiing inbounds, all those mountains make the off-piste, side & backcountry the reason to visit here. Numerous Svan villages replete with the region's signature fortified stone tower houses make incredible backcountry free-touring destinations, with typical ski descents of between 1,000m to 1,400m vertical. The isolated village of Ushguli, oft called the gem of the Svaneti, is the ultimate ski-touring destination, but descents to villages like Zhabeshi via the Tsaneri River valley on the northern side, or Adishi on the southern side are a fabulous way to end a day.

Check out the ski trail map for Tetnuldi below.

Tetnuldi Ski Trail Map
Tetnuldi Ski Trail Map

Lifts

The lift infrastructure consists 4 new chairlifts (2 hooded, detachable 6-seaters & 2 fixed grip quads), all installed in 2015/16 plus a surface tow, serving a tasty 900m of skiable vertical & abundant freeride powder ski terrain. Of late, the top chairlift at Tetnuldi (officially called the Boris Kakhiani ...... we think!), which incidentally only serves around 130m of vertical, has not been running. The reasons proffered for it are many & varied, but in the end, if it’s not running, skinners & bootpackers are grinners as it accesses some super side country descents.

If the weather is poor, there may only be one or two lifts open. The first chair (Chvabiani) and a second off to the side of the mountain (Jumber Kakhiani) will usually run and provide alot of scope for on & off-piste shenanigans.

Catskiing

There is a new cat ski operation in the Svaneti with two base areas. One is near the Tetnuldi ski area and starts from the base of the ski lifts. Single trips, or full day outings are possible. The snowcat provides a fast reliable mode of transport up the mountain in the morning before the lifts open and can be a great way to get first tracks or start a ski-tour down to Adishi (or somewhere similar). Many of our tour partners can include this option in their tours. The cat operation usually starts later in the season.

Heliskiing

Heliskiing is getting popular in the Svaneti region as well, based out of Mestia, adding to the winter activity mix. See details about Svaneti Heliskiing.

Where is Tetnuldi Georgia?

Tetnuldi ski resort is in the remote Svaneti (Svanetia) region amongst the highest peaks of the Caucasus mountains in northern Georgia. Only 15km drive 15km (30min to 1hr depending on conditions) by road east of the historic town of Mestia, journeys to Tetnuldi are not the easiest in the world, but far from the most difficult. The road is well graded and cleared throughout winter, but is generally snow-covered from December to mid-March, then can become difficult later in the season as freeze/thaw sets in. If you are confident enough to drive oneself in a 4WD rental, the road is fine. If you are on an organised, relax and enjoy the ride!

The nearest major city & airport are at Kutaisi, 250km by road south of the ski area. The road journey from Kutaisi is a tortuous 5 to 6hr. For the final 1½hr the road can be very rough and icy, potentially littered with falling rock hazards, plus at night, the many wandering horses, cattle & dogs can be difficult to see. It is a fun experience.

The new & modern Kutaisi Airport (KUT) is the best gateway to the Svaneti and has a limited number of flights daily from several major & secondary airports throughout Europe. Alternatively, flying into Tbilisi (TBS) is an option, but the journey to Mestia is 2 to 3 hours longer. Tbilisi is a wonderful city to visit though, so the few hours extra travel may be worth it, plus the airport has a huge variety of airline options, as opposed to Kutaisi which is very limited. We flew into Kutaisi from Vienna (VIE) on the Hungarian airline Wizz Air. Flight was good but be careful with their pricing as every add-on costs!

From the Kutaisi airport the quickest way to Mestia (& Tetnuldi) is via a private transfer. Unless you have one organised via your tour operator or hotel, you can use GoTrip for a private shuttle, but pay a little more for a good, safe driver. Make sure the vehicle is all-wheel drive and with snow tyres

[AdListings Filter="Kutaisi Airport Transfers"]

Mainstream public transport services direct to Tetnuldi from the airport do not exist (that we are aware of any!), so a bus or taxi into the city, then a minibus (marshrutka) from the main Kutaisi bus station is required. This is a very cheap alternative to a private transfer but comes with the relative discomfort of a lengthy transfer in a cramped bus plus a big question mark over where one puts your skis. Please let us know if you have succeeded in this challenge!

Once in Mestia, the final part of the journey is along an ice & snow-covered road with a reputation bordering on the notoriously bad! Local accommodation providers can organise a taxi or shuttle up to the mountain, but it is recommended to only use 4x4 or truck/bus transport during winter. The shuttle's up to the mountain fuel the local winter economy so the price can be as steep as the ascent if not in a large group. Most of the cars are Delica 4wd vans that can take up to 7 passengers comfortably. Rental cars should similarly only be driven up by experienced drivers with vehicles equipped for winter driving. The term best used to describe how to drive in the Georgian mountains is 'with caution’.

For more information about getting around the country, see our Travel to Georgia page.

Tetnuldi Accommodation

The closest main centre to Tetnuldi is the historic town of Mestia. There is very limited accommodation at the Tetnuldi ski lifts & very little infrastructure, so Mestia is the easiest alternative (at least until we have scoped it out more!). Mestia is a town full of character, with fortified tower houses & mountains filling most views from its vibrant centre plus a wide range of superb hotels & guesthouses to choose from. For an authentic Mestia experience stay in a traditional guesthouse like Ametapi - comes with obligatory castle tower attached. Or try a modern guesthouse version like the boutique Korte Guest House. Alternatively, full-service hotels like the modern Chalet Mestia or the 4-star Hotel Posta provide all the comforts for a great stay in the region. If relying on buses or taxis to get up to the ski lifts, stay in Mestia & make daily forays up to Tetnuldi. Guesthouses & hotels will assist with organising transport up to the resort if they don't have their own shuttle service.

Search & book all Mestia accommodation.

For those with a rental car, an intriguing alternative to Mestia is the little village of Chvabiani to the east. Several magnificent guesthouses, some with their own stone towers, dot the quiet village. In good snow it is even allegedly possible to ski all the way down the village from the resort.

Search & book Chvabiani accommodation.

Nearby Ski Area

Right on the doorstep of Mestia, a small ski resort is set in amongst the forests called Hatsvali. There is accommodation at the ski lift base. The skiable vertical is around 500m on cold north-aspect terrain & is perfect for snowy blizzard days. The locals may discourage you from going to Hatsvali, don't listen to them. From all reports it is great fun in fresh snow. it also has a new gondola serving the ski terrain.

See the Hatsvali ski trail map.

Review

The Powderhounds visited Tetnuldi in early February and can attest to its fantastic inbounds & outbounds skiing potential. If you want to go, take a great value trip with our tour partners from the listings below. Stay tuned for more of our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights once we find the time.

See how the European ski resorts compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.

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Tours in or near Tetnuldi

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Goderdzi & Svaneti Ski Safari
PRIVATE FREERIDE POWDER & CAT SKIING TOUR
9 Days | 8 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Combine wild adventure & luxurious comfort in the 2 snowiest & remote regions of Georgia on a 9-day ski safari. World-class freeriding, cat skiing, ancient culture & delicious cuisine await you in the Adjara & Svaneti regions. Private groups only. Get your crew together & book for your best dates & duration....
Price p/p Price based on twin-share, 9-day tour with a minimum of 8 people
Base/invoice currency is in USD$ inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,350
View Details
 
Svaneti Ski Tour
PRIVATE FREERIDE POWDER & SKI TOURING
7 Days | 6 Nights | 5+ Ski Days
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Ski through medieval villages surrounded by 5,000m peaks. Experience thundering glaciers, roaring celebrations & untracked powder. This is adventure Svan-style. Combining lift access & ski-touring, this tour is for private solos & groups only. Get your crew together & book for your best dates & duration ....
Price p/p Price based on twin-share, 7-day tour with a minimum of 4 people
Base/invoice currency is in USD$ inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,800
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Tetnuldi here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Svaneti Freeride Powder Adventure Tour
GUIDED FREERIDE ADVENTURE, CAT & HELI-SKIING
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6+ Ski Days
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
One week of high adventure chasing the best freeride lines & powder skiing across the Svaneti region of Georgia. Guided by a team of fun-loving locals that know all the secrets to having a great time in the region - both on & off the snow. Get your crew together & choose your best dates & duration.
Price p/p From price based on an 8-day tour with a group of 3 people.
Base/invoice currency is in EUR inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,296
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Georgia Mestia Ski & Ride Tour
GUIDED SKI ADVENTURE
10 Nights | 7 Days Skiing | Tetnuldi, Hatsvali & Backcountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore the amazing Svaneti region of Georgia from your hotel base in Mestia. Ski powder at Tenuldi & Hatsvali resorts plus the boundless backcountry. A fully hosted and guided 11-day small group program, including 7 days skiing with experienced local guides & 10 nights accommodation in Mestia & Tbilisi.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room at Suntower Mestia Hotel, min 4 guests on tour
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,735
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Tetnuldi here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Guided Ski Tour Svaneti
GUIDED SKI & SPLITBOARD BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
10 Days | 9 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Experience unforgettable skiing in Svaneti, Georgia on a private guided tour exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of this medieval region. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Caucasus, skiing long descents on untouched snow & indulging in delicious Georgian cuisine. Go solo or with a group for a fully customised tour.
Price p/p From price based on a private group of 4 people on a 10-day tour
Base/invoice currency is in EUR inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,566
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Tetnuldi here

Heli Skiing Tours

Svaneti Heli Skiing Day Tour
GUIDED HELISKIING DAY TOUR | SVANETI CAUCASUS GEORGIA
1 Heliskiing Day
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Heliski for a day amongst the incredible terrain of the Svaneti in places rarely touched by skiers & snowboarders. Big powder lines in the Greater Caucasus of Georgia with experienced local guides & transfers from Mestia. Get a group together and join a 'fixed date' day tour ...
Price p/p From price based on a fixed date, 1-day tour with 8 participants.
Base/invoice currency is in EUR incl taxes.
USD 1,188
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Svaneti Heli Skiing Packages
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY HELISKIING SVANETI
7 Days | 5.5 Heliski Days
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Heliski the amazing terrain of the Svaneti in places that have never been touched by ski or snowboard. Limitless new powder lines in the Greater Caucasus of Georgia with wonderful local guides, lodging & hospitality in beautiful Mestia. Join a 'fixed date' tour or customise your own private heliskiing adventure ....
Price p/p From price based on twin share on a 7-day package.
Base/invoice currency is in EUR incl taxes.
Custom dates for groups of 6 or more only
USD 8,640
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Tetnuldi here
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