Sample Itinerary for 8-Day Racha (Chiora/Gebi/Shovi) Tour

ARRIVAL DAY: TBILISI or KUTAISI 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 1: TOUR TO BASECAMP ABOVE GLOLA

Ski tour 800m vertical to the first camp above the village of Glola. The day will include an avalanche education session delivered by highly qualified IFMGA guides and avalanche forecasting experts. Expand your knowledge on why and where avalanches happen, how to approach risk management in the backcountry, and other important considerations. Some practical exercises will include: burial and recovery, search patterns, multiple burials & communication.
Overnight in tent at 1st Basecamp
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 2: GLOLA BASECAMP SKIING & DESCENT TO GLOLA VILLAGE

Approximately 800m vertical maximum, terrain options range from easy to very challenging. After a full day of skiing, we plan to descend to the village for rest, recovery and more fabulous local hospitality.
Overnight in Glola village guesthouse
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3: ASCENT TO NEXT BASECAMP

Minimum 1000 m vertical, ending with a ski run to the basecamp. Climbing higher on the ridge above the camp during approach can add another 300m vertical for a longer run if you feel up to it
Overnight in 2nd Basecamp
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: FULL ALPINE SKI DAY

Vertical from 500 — 1000 m possible, with terrain ranging from very easy tree runs above the camp to very challenging steep lines
Overnight in 2nd Basecamp
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5: ASCEND TO CHIORA RIDGE AND DESCEND TO VILLAGE CHIORA

Approximately 500 m vertical, option for an extra 250 m vertical and a ride on the challenging spine wall. Mellow final descent down the ridge to Chiora village.
Overnight in Chiora village guesthouse
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6: ASCEND TO GHEBI BASECAMP

You’ll set off after a hearty breakfast toward the last alpine basecamp. Approximately 800 metres vertical climbing. Option for some fun exploratory descents before dinner!
Overnight in 3rd Basecamp
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7: SKI GHEBI BASECAMP AREA

Skiable vertical from 800 to 1200 m, terrain ranging from easy to very challenging.
Overnight in Ghebi village guesthouse
Meals included - Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

After a wonderful breakfast, you are picked up and transferred to the the Tbilisi Airport. Say goodbye to Georgia or continue to another great Georgian ski experience!
Meal included - Breakfast

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 8 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 and last night, plus two further nights interspersed between camping trips provide time for rest & relaxation, wonderful local food & hospitality and to experience the local village culture. Guesthouse stays will be in the villages of Oni, Glola, Chiora & Ghebi.

Basecamps

To be close to the best snow & terrain, up to four nights will be spent in tents at alpine basecamps, set up by an advanced support team.

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.

Rates & Inclusions

Rates Information

From $1,500 to $2,000/person 
Groups discount for parties of 8 or more ($1,300/person)

• Invoice / base currency is USD$
• Price/person based on an 8-day fixed date tour
• Custom tours for your best dates & durations (price on application)
• Convert to your currency here

• GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING/SPLITBORDING: 8 days fully hosted & guided backcountry skiing & splitboarding
• ACCOMMODATION: 8 nights guesthouse lodgings & fully hosted/supported snow-camping
• MEALS: All breakfasts, picnic lunches, snacks & dinners
• TRANSPORT: All ground transport & airport transfers (from Kutaisi or Tbilisi) during the tour
• TRAINING: Avalanche safety, forecasting & snow camping instruction (if you want/need it!)
• COMMEMORATIVE VIDEO: Short video of all participants taken during the tour
• LOGISTICS & EQUIPMENT FOR SNOW-CAMPING

• ADDITIONAL GUIDED SKI TOURING DAY: Price on request

• FLIGHTS: Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT) - get the best flight deals here
• INSURANCE: Travel Insurance - get the best travel insurance here
• SKI/SPLITBOARD GEAR
• AVALANCHE SAFETY EQT: Beacon, shovel, probe, backpack
• OTHER: Alcohol & Gratuities

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.