Tetnuldi, Тетнулди

Tetnuldi rises high above the Svan capital of Mestia, its lifts reaching well up towards the glaciers of the Greater Caucasus and its runs falling through open, treeless alpine terrain. This is a resort defined by remoteness and scale: few lifts, few people and enormous surrounding mountains, with the pyramid of Mount Tetnuldi and the twin horns of Ushba dominating the skyline. The pisted network is modest, but the freeride and touring potential is vast for those with the skills and caution to use it. Base life is not at the lifts but down in Mestia, a UNESCO-listed town of medieval defensive towers. The result is a raw, authentic mountain experience unlike anywhere in the Alps.

Go for wilderness skiing amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the Caucasus, paired with the living medieval culture of Svaneti. It suits freeriders, ski tourers and intrepid travellers who value emptiness, big descents and authenticity over lift infrastructure and resort comforts.

The season is high, cold and weather-exposed, with heavy Caucasus snowfalls giving deep cover but frequent storms and wind that can close the upper mountain. Between fronts, the treeless flanks open into vast untracked terrain beneath glaciated summits. Conditions and access can be rugged, so flexibility is essential.