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Racha Backcountry Ski Tour

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Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Enquire
Price p/p From price based on a group of 6 people on 8-day fixed date tour
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,500

GUIDED SKI & SPLITBOARD BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
8 Days | 6 Nights | 7 Ski Days

Location: Europe | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on a group of 6 people on 8-day fixed date tour
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,500
Over 8 days experience a unique journey through a remote part of Georgia. Ski/splitboard between isolated villages in the seldom-visited alpine region of Racha, exploring a vast assortment of freeride options from comfortable basecamps. Join a fixed date tour or go BIG on a long (or short) private customised tour.
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Apr 03 - Apr 10, 2024
Days: 8
Price: USD 1,500
Availability: Enquire
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Jan 04 - Apr 14, 2024
Min Days: From 3
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
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Racha Backcountry Ski/Snowboard Tour

Hosted & Guided Ski & Cultural Tour in Remote Northern Georgia

Overview

Explore & freeride the most remote mountains of Georgia in Racha on a unique ski/splitboard tour. Over 8 days ski/splitboard to different locations combining stays in local guesthouses at historic Georgian mountain villages with hosted & fully supported snow-camping. The tour itinerary is highly dependent on the tour groups ability, wants & needs, plus the local weather & snow conditions. Traditional Georgian cuisine served throughout the tour, and a chance to interact and learn about the life and history of the Racha with the Georgian team members, is an understated highlight of the tour. Join a fixed date tour or go BIG on a longer (or shorter) fully private customised tour.

Skiing & Splitboarding

The mountains of Racha have freeride terrain for every level of skier & snowboarder. The Greater Caucasus in Georgia are deep in snow by mid-winter and the mountains of Racha are no different. From a main central valley, a series of high alpine hanging valleys are perched above the tree line, providing perfect terrain for freeride skiing & snowboarding, but within relatively easy each from the valley villages. Ascents and descents can be as long or short as the groups wants & strength.

Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia

Arrival & Program

The tour starts and finishes at either Tbilisi or Kutaisi airport (or a city location). The adventure begins with the drive in the 4WD bus toward Racha. After a night in a local guesthouse the ski touring begins the next morning with the first ascent of the trip to a remote, but comfortable, alpine basecamp where freeride options are vast. For detailed information, see the Itinerary tab.

Lodging & Meals

Seven nights' accommodation are included in the price, plus all meals and snacks. Guesthouse lodging will be used for at least 3 nights, including at the start and finish of the tour. Snow-camping can be for up to 4 nights if the group desires. Each camp is set up and maintained by an experienced support team. Facilities include a large heated communal tent, plus twin-share expedition quality sleeping tents. After one (or two) nights' snow-camping, the group will descend to the valley and visit a historic village, staying in a local guesthouse for hot showers, amazing local food and a warm welcome from locals. For more info on accommodation & meals, see the Lodging tab.

Guides

The ski tour is led by an experienced IFMGA accredited mountain guide, supported by a range of highly qualified support team members.

Ski Ability & Gear

The tour is able to cater for intermediate (& better) ski tourers & splitboarders. There is terrain for everyone from novices to experts, however mixed snow conditions (up & down), plus up to over 800m vertical climbs requires a good level of fitness. Full private tour groups with novices can be catered for if the limitations are understood and accepted by the group. Normal day ski touring equipment & food is carried when touring, with the addition of a sleeping bag in your backpack if camping is planned. All ski/splitboard equipment and avalanche safety is required to be brought in by the guests. There is NO ski-touring/splitboard gear available for rent.

Make a booking enquiry ->

Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia

Sample Itinerary for 8-Day Upper Racha Circuit Tour (Gebi/Shovi area)

Note that this itinerary represents one potential vision for your trip. Everything is subject to change based on snow conditions, & the needs of your group, etc.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TBILISI or KUTAISI, TRAVEL TO ONI (in RACHA)

The driver will meet you at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) or Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) and transfer you to the city of Oni in Racha. At the guesthouse there will be a meeting with the guides, gear check and safety briefing. Spend the evening getting to know you fellow adventurers, and preparing for a morning departure and ascent to the first basecamp location.
Overnight in Oni Guesthouse
Meals included - Dinner

DAY 2: AVALANCHE SAFETY INTRODUCTION & SHORT TOUR

Skinning out to a suitable terrain for avalanche safety introduction. Short tour in the second part of the day. After dinner in the evening, planning & preparing for upcoming days.
Overnight in Oni Guesthouse
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3 to 6: FULL SKI TOURING /SPLITBOARDING DAYS

Leaving guest house for multiple day tour. Choice of the tour depends on conditions and group abilities. Depending on snow & weather conditions, possible return to the village.
Tour options include single day tours with return to the village each night, or multi-day tour with winter camping, utilization of local shelters, or a shelter to shelter traverse.
In case of bad weather, visits to the Racha Museum, traditional Racha house visit or synagogue; Wine Degustation (not included in the price)
Overnight in guesthouse or camping depending on program chosen.
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7: FINAL SKI DAY

Early breakfast. Final ski tour or return tour back to civilization depending on group condition. Arrival back to the village. Relax. Dinner and final party.
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

After a wonderful breakfast, you will deliver you to any airport or city in the country. Say goodbye to Georgia or continue to another great Georgian ski experience!
Meal included - Breakfast

Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia

Lodging & Meals

The tours of the mountains in Racha combine accommodation in local village guesthouses with comfortable basecamps closer to the 'action' at higher altitudes where one can truly be at one with the local environment. A total of 7 nights are included in the tour. All lodging is 'twin-share' in both the tents & guesthouses. No single rooms are available.

Guesthouses

Guesthouse accommodation will be utilised throughout the tour. The first, second and last night, plus further nights if required interspersed between camping trips provide time for rest & relaxation, wonderful local food & hospitality and to experience the local village culture. Guesthouse stays may be in the villages of Oni, Glola, Chiora & Ghebi.

Basecamps

To be close to the best snow & terrain, up to four nights may be spent in tents at alpine basecamps, set up by an advanced support team. All gear for winter camping is included in the tour tariff.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

Winter camping is a skill, and doing it comfortably is an art. All the equipment you need for a comfortable night camping in the snow is included in the tour price, and the team will provide you with all the skills and tricks to enjoy winter camping adventures - but with the knowledge that a cozy village is never more than a day or two away.

NO HEAVY BACKPACKS

An experienced support team organise, stock, set up, and take down all the camps as the tour group moves from place to place. You only need to carry your typical touring pack and a sleeping back strapped on for the approach, at most (plus snacks!).

WARM TENTS AND HOT FOOD

The team has been winter camping for years and for any big expedition, any source of heat is a wonderful addition. Not only does having a hot tent it make it easier to dry out, it creates a great atmosphere for socialisation and bonding. Hot food will be waiting for you in the mornings and evenings, and locally-sourced snacks will be provided for the tours as a part of your booking.

Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Tour Georgia
Snow Vigil, Racha Backcountry Ski Tour Georgia

Rates & Inclusions

Rates Information

From $1,500 to $2,000/person*

  • *Price/person decreases with more people in the group (Single: $2,000. Group bookings: 2 ppl - $1,900; 3 ppl - $1,800; 4ppl - $1,700; 5 ppl - $1,600; 6 ppl - $1,500)
  • Price/person based on an 8-day fixed date tour
  • Invoice / base currency is USD$
  • Custom tours for your best dates & durations (price on application)
  • Convert to your currency here
Inclusions
  • GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING/SPLITBOARDING: 8 days fully hosted & guided backcountry skiing & splitboarding
  • ACCOMMODATION: 7 nights guesthouse lodgings & fully hosted/supported snow-camping
  • MEALS: All breakfasts, picnic lunches, snacks & dinners
  • TRANSPORT: All ground transport & airport transfers (Kutaisi or Tbilisi <--> Racha) during the tour
  • TRAINING: Avalanche safety, forecasting & snow camping instruction (if you want/need it!)
  • SMALL GROUP: Maximum 6 guests per tour
  • LOGISTICS & EQUIPMENT FOR SNOW-CAMPING: Including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc.
  • CERTIFIED GUIDE
Add-ons
  • ADDITIONAL GUIDED SKI TOURING DAY: Price on request
Not Included

Terms & Conditions

As per agreed terms & conditions with the tour operator, Snow Vigil, at the time of booking, and including, but not limited to the T&Cs listed below. Any contractual arrangements as a result of a booking enquiry are directly with the tour operator and is subject to their terms and conditions.

Payment

50% due at time of booking

50% due on the first day of the trip