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Hatsvali — Svaneti's Cable-Car Ski Resort
Svaneti's original ski resort sits just above Mestia, reached directly by cable car, topped by Café Zuruldi — Georgia's highest restaurant, with Mount Ushba's twin peaks filling the windows.
Overview
Hatsvali is Svaneti's original ski resort, opened in 2011 just 8–10 km from Mestia and, since 2017, reachable directly by cable car from the center of town — no transfer needed to reach the slopes.
The terrain is compact but scenic: five runs totaling around 7 km between 1,868 and 2,348 meters, topped by Café Zuruldi, the highest restaurant in Georgia, with glass walls framing Mount Ushba's twin peaks and the glaciers of the Svan Ridge.
A second, larger resort — Tetnuldi — operates about 15 km away for freeride and giant slalom terrain, so many visitors base themselves in Mestia and split their time between the two.
Ski Area & Lifts
1,868–2,348 m
A modest but scenic vertical drop of 480 m on Mount Zuruldi.
7 km of Runs
Five ski tracks; the longest descent runs about 3 km.
Mestia Cable Car
A 6-seat lift connecting Mestia's center directly to the resort since 2017.
Zuruldi Chairlift
The main 4-seat lift rising from 1,868 m to 2,348 m in 15–20 minutes.
Café Zuruldi
Georgia's highest restaurant, with panoramic views of Mount Ushba.
Beginner Lifts (Slalom & Bigel)
Short, gentle 550 m slopes for new skiers.
Off-Piste Freeride
Spruce forest terrain beneath the cable cars for advanced skiers.
Night Skiing
Occasional illuminated evening sessions on select runs.
Ski Season
Late December through March or April.
Tetnuldi Resort
A larger, more advanced resort 15 km away, for freeride and giant slalom.
Distance & Connectivity
Reached directly by cable car from central Mestia (winter operation), or by paved road year-round. Mestia itself is roughly 8–9 hours from Tbilisi by car, or a short flight from Tbilisi or Kutaisi, weather permitting.
Book Transfer with Legend TravelAccommodation
Hotel Hatsvali
A base-area hotel at the foot of the slopes.
Mountain Cottages
Self-catered stays near the resort base.
Mestia Guesthouses
Most visitors base in Mestia, a short cable car ride or drive away.
Gastronomy & Local Cuisine
Café Zuruldi and Mestia's restaurants serve Svaneti's distinct mountain cuisine, unlike anywhere else in Georgia.
Kubdari
Spiced meat-filled bread, served at Café Zuruldi and across Mestia.
Tashmijabi
Mashed potatoes blended with local Sulguni cheese.
Svan Salt
A spiced salt blend originating in Svaneti, used table-side.
Chacha
Grape spirit, often homemade and offered by hosts.
Sulguni Cheese
A brined cheese central to Svan cooking.
Mountain BBQ
Grilled meats served at Zuruldi's terrace restaurant.
Homemade Wine
Served alongside meals at Café Zuruldi and Mestia guesthouses.
Khinkali
Dumplings available at both the resort and in Mestia.
Local Honey
Alpine honey sold in Mestia's shops and guesthouses.
Mchadi
Cornbread served as a side to Svan meat and cheese dishes.
Useful Information & Travel Tips
Currency
Georgian Lari (₾); ATMs available in Mestia.
Language
Svan and Georgian; English spoken at hotels and rental shops.
Power Outlets
Type C and F (220V / 50Hz).
Emergency Number
112 for all emergency services.
Ski Season
Late December – March/April, subject to snow conditions.
Equipment Rental
Available at both the resort base and in central Mestia.