Mestia in Svaneti is a remote part of the Caucasus mountain range. Here is the new ski resort Tetnuldi, Georgia. It was opened in 2013, construction of new facilities is still underway. The advantage of the recreation center is the cost, convenient transport system, traditional Georgian hospitality.
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About the ski resort
Tetnuldi plans to become as big as the famous Georgian ski resort Gudauri. The height difference between the slopes will be 775 m, the maximum starting point of the descent will be 3045 m. This should attract tourists and vacationers traveling on their own.
The ski area in the Tetnuldi ski resort is located near the glacier. It provides good snow cover. The skiing season lasts six months – from November to May. The recreation center is surrounded by wild nature and the highest mountains of the Caucasus. There are few locals and even fewer skiers. Before the opening of the resort, only experienced skiers and snowboarders each discovered these unexplored Georgian mountains.
Recreation features:
- The height of the slopes is up to 3 km, the snow cover is uniform, the snow lasts all season.
- The cover is well suited for skiing; the quality is better than in the Alps.
- There are three lifts, the cost is 8 Euro per day;
- Maximum capacity – 4100 vacationers and tourists
Tracks are open from 10:00 to 16:00. The most difficult part will probably reach Mestia – the center of Svaneti (the traces of Tetnuldi are located 15 km from Mestia). There are several winding mountain roads that lead to it, as well as several buses. If you want to get there as quickly and comfortably as possible, you will have to hire a car with a driver in Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
Tetnuldi location and infrastructure
It is located about 15 km from the center of the city of Mestia, which is the administrative center of the upper Svaneti region. The trip takes from 30 minutes to one hour depending on the situation on the road to Ushguli. A free bus leaves from the central city square to the Tetnuldi ski resort at 11:00. Taxi cost – from 100 Gel, car rental per day – 30 Euro.
The road to the gorge is flat, without sharp drops. But in autumn and spring there is a lot of mud, which makes it difficult to travel. That’s why they rent SUVs. An alternative is taxi services or regular buses. They can quickly get to the Tetnuldi ski resort.
At an altitude of 2100 m there is a building that houses ticket offices, cafes, ski and equipment rental. There are currently no hotels or inns in the vicinity of Mestia. However, there are guest houses in Mestia , you can rent apartments. At Nino ‘s guest house Ratianos cost of living for two per day – 15 Euro, breakfast included.
The only place for ski slopes in Svaneti is called Hatsvali, which is much lower and closer to Mestia. The main problem with Hatsvali is that it only has one lift.
Ski slopes in Tetnuldi
The first lift has one descent, about 500 m high and 2.5 km long. Two new Poma lifts give access to the huge northeast slope. There are more slopes here, you can ski and snowboard. For beginners, the Tetnuldi ski resort provides instructor services. Before renting equipment, it must be checked.
The Tetnuldi ski resort is located in the north, the snow is protected from the sun. Thanks to this, the snow cover is uniform. Winds carry moisture from the Black Sea, which settles on the mountains of the Caucasus in the form of snow, as here in Tetnuldi. Snow in the southern areas below 2500 m quickly melts. The area is safe for independent travel and descents. The slope angle of the tracks does not exceed 20°. The weather is stable, but sometimes there is a strong wind.
Free slope trails
The resort has freeridden trails, they are available at the exit from the ski lifts. The relief is interesting, partly difficult – there are steep slopes, flat places and small rises, trees. From the high point of the base 3165 m you can reach the slope, the distance is 100-150 m. There is a convenient descent on loose snow.
At first, there will be a pretty section, followed by a gentler slope towards the second part of the descent. Then you need to dodge between the bushes and trees. The last part of the path is the descent to the lift. The track has wide fields with a slight slope, small depressions and climbs, which you need to overcome at speed.
Freeride in the Tetnuldi ski resort will be of interest to many: from beginner skiers to professionals. The relief is varied, there is a forest zone, which is lacking in Gudauri, wide fields and cool slopes.
How to get there
There is an airport in Mestia, but flights to this mountainous valley are highly dependent on the weather, so you can’t count on it. Nearby are Kutaisi and Batumi airports, where you can choose flight options. The road from Zugdidi to Svaneti is laid between the mountains, over deep gorges.
The roads in Georgia are not for the faint of heart: the drivers here are experienced, but often violate traffic rules. Lots of police patrols. Do not give bribes in case of violation of traffic rules. This may lead to arrest; a protocol will be drawn up. The bus fare is from 0.5 Euro. The price depends on the duration of the route.
Findings
The Tetnuldi ski resort deserves the attention of tourists and travelers. Already now Tetnuldi has something to oppose to the most popular resort of Gudauri. Like it here
Fans of riding for pleasure and without crowds of people on the slopes and at the queues for the lift, lovers of freeride, the nature of the Caucasus.
But the resort will not suit those who want European service, but cheaper. Georgia is not Europe and this is its beauty. Fans of active rest besides skiing: look into the bars on the mountain, go to discos, visit spas, bowling alleys, etc. In a word, those who prefer to spend most of their time not on the slopes, but in nightclubs.