Mount Kazbek Ski-touring
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Tbilisi. About 2,3-3 hrs drive (140km from the airport) to the hotel in Gudauri area. Hotel at 2000m.
Day 2/3. 2 days ski touring up to 3100m-3300m peaks. Hotel.
Day 4. Very early morning start driving and via the Stepantsminda (former Kazbegi) town get to the village Gergeti (1750m). From here start our long walking day to the Betlemi hut at 3700m. Depending on the snow conditions first hour or two it will be necessary to carry skis before we get to good snow for ski-touring. Gain altitude walking-skitouring up alpine slopes, enjoy wonderful views of the Trinity Church at 2150m. Crossing the Sabertse Pass at 3150m continue ski touring following a moraine and Gergeti Glacier to the mountain hut Betlemi (former meteorological station). One will not expect much comfort in this high mountain hut, but we try our best. About 7-8 hrs walking from Gergeti Village.
Day 5. Acclimatisation day. Ski touring up to about 4300-4400m, at the beginning of the Maili Plateau. Ski down to the hut.
Day 6. The Summit day. Very early morning we go to the Maili Plateau (4500m) passing the south slopes of Kazbek and avoid crevasses. From the Plateau we climb up to the Saddle at 4900m, and then following slopes about 35-45 degrees climb the top (7-8hrs from the hut). The summit of Mount Kazbek 5047m provides fantastic views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mt. Elbrus. Descend to the hut to overnight.
Day 7. Spare day in case of bad weather. This day we make a quick summit attempt if weather on the previous day was bad. Hut.
Day 8. Ski down as far as snow conditions let to and return to the Gergeti Village. Here meet transport and drive to the hotel in Tbilisi.
Day 9. Transfer to airport for the flight home.
