The Gergeti-Altihati-Meteo Ski touring route

Location 

Start at the Gergeti Triniti Church, a beautiful church in Gergeti village of the Stepantsminda municipality, 2,176 meters above sea level. The church dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most spectacular places in Kazbegi. From here, the road leads to the Mkinvartsveri and Ortsveri routes. The best views of Mkhinvartzveri and Stepantsminda are from Gergeti.

Route 

Start the hike from Gergeti Trinity Church and follow the road along the classic route to Altihati. Altihati is 3,014 meters above sea level, near the first acclimatization point of the Mkinvartsveri glacier. There is a high-end hotel cafe where visitors can rest, have a meal, and spend the night. After Altihat, the route continues for another 2 kilometers to the glacier.

Start descending without crossing over the glacier, in the direction of the starting point, and finish skiing at the Gergeti Trinity, where transport is waiting. 

Starting point: 2,176 meters

Vertical distance: 1,110 meters

Highest point: 3,286 meters

Total distance: 7 kilometers 

What to consider

Use an off-road vehicle to get to the starting point and ski this route from December to mid-May. If the Stepantsminda-Gergeti road is not clear, the tour will begin in Gergeti village, 1,900 meters above sea level.

Make sure to have the proper equipment including, ski touring skis, an avalanche safety bag, an avalanche transmitter, a shovel, a probe, and other essentials. You can stay in hotels and family hostels in Stepantsminda.