Hatsvali and Tetnuldi Ski Areas

Upper Svaneti has two ski areas, and they complement each other rather than compete. Hatsvali lies eight kilometres from Mestia, starts at about 1,870 metres and is defined by runs cut through forest: short, sheltered from wind and comfortable for intermediate skiers. Its gondola also operates in summer, and plenty of visitors ride it in July and August purely for the view.

Tetnuldi sits 15–16 kilometres from Mestia, higher and considerably more serious. Its lift system takes skiers above three thousand metres, opening onto wide treeless slopes. This is one of the highest lift-served points in Georgia, and the panorama across Shkhara, Ushba and Tetnuldi itself justifies the ticket on its own.

The practical differences:

• Hatsvali — short access road, forest runs, less wind, modest vertical
• Tetnuldi — longer and partly rough access, alpine terrain, much bigger descent
• Both areas run a short season and have simpler infrastructure than Gudauri

Equipment rental exists at both bases, but the range is limited, so bring your own boots if you have them. Regular transfers run from Mestia centre to each area, which many people prefer to driving. Neither resort has the queues or the nightlife of larger Georgian resorts, and that is a large part of the appeal here.