Hatsvali Ski Resort

ჰაცვალი

A compact ski resort just above Mestia offering slopes with sweeping mountain panoramas. It provides winter skiing and summer chairlift rides to viewpoints over the Svan valleys.

Things to do

• Ski the Hatsvali slopes — Carve down the forested and open runs that descend from around 2,347 meters with views across the Svan valleys.
• Ride the chairlift to the summit — Take the lift up for panoramic views over Mestia and the surrounding peaks, running in both winter and summer.
• See the Ushba viewpoint — From the top station you can gaze across to the twin-peaked Mount Ushba, one of the Caucasus's most striking summits.
• Summer hiking from the top station — In the warmer months walk the ridgelines and meadows around the upper lift for wildflowers and glacier vistas.
• Visit Mestia town below — Explore the medieval Svan defensive towers and cobbled streets just a short drive down the mountain.
• Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography — See ancient icons, manuscripts, and Svan artifacts in Mestia after a day on the slopes.
• Photograph the panorama at sunset — The exposed upper slopes catch golden light on the surrounding snow-capped ranges.

Food to try

• Kubdari — The signature Svan meat pie stuffed with spiced chopped beef or pork, a hearty staple after skiing.
• Chvishtari — Cornmeal cakes baked with melting Sulguni cheese, warm and filling mountain comfort food.
• Tashmijabi — A rich Svan dish of mashed potatoes blended with molten cheese, similar to elidzhi.
• Sulguni cheese — The salty, stretchy Georgian cheese produced in the region and served fresh or fried.
• Svan salt — A fragrant blend of salt with garlic, coriander, and local herbs used to season nearly every dish.
• Mulled wine or chacha — Warm up with spiced wine or the potent Georgian grape spirit chacha at a lodge after skiing.

Local customs & good to know

• Combine your visit with Tetnuldi — Hatsvali is small, so many skiers pair it with the larger Tetnuldi resort nearby for more terrain.
• Weather changes fast — Mountain conditions in Svaneti shift quickly, so check lift status and dress in warm layers even in spring.
• Respect Svan hospitality — Svans are proud of their heritage; accept offered food or a toast graciously and learn a few Georgian words.
• Bring cash for the mountain — Card payment can be unreliable at the resort and small guesthouses, so carry Georgian lari.

Nearby

• Mestia — 3 km
• Koruldi Lakes — 7 km
• Svan Towers of Latali and Ipari — 10 km
• Mount Ushba — 10 km