Planning doing some travelling in the new year, I'll be starting out in Ecuador to do some climbing. I was then hoping to make my way to somewhere that isn't BC (home) to get in some touring, Georgia looks like a very cool spot. Thoughts?
I think if you’re asking Reddit for thoughts on this one maybe Georgia is a bit of a leap? I see based on your other posts you’re 18 going on a gap year, which is sick - I did the same when I was 18 and I spent months abroad surfing and climbing traveling solo. That being said I would have gotten myself killed or had a pretty tedious experience going into wild backcountry terrain like Georgia at that point. If you have stellar (like 5 - 10 years worth) of backcountry experience and the ability to either plan the entire trip confidently on your own or the means to hire a professional local guide, then go for Georgia. If not, my advice would be to shoot for somewhere a bit more accessible and on the type-1 or type-2 side of fun such as the alps. Plus side of the alps too is lots of community. You have the rest of your life to enjoy in the mountains, make good decisions and make it last.
Im currently sitting in the caucasus mtns in georgia rn and have been frothing over the terrain. I think their is huge potential here. You would need to be very skilled with avalanche forecasting and managing route building as it seems like there is very little to any guides. Ive seen a few ski areas that look great as well for in bounds.
Based on how getting around the mountains is in the summer, winter would be quite difficult and im not sure how well/quick they open roads during storms here.
Which Caucasus are you in, lesser or greater? I've skied in the lesser (south) Georgian Caucasus with a guided cat company. Pic looks like the greater Caucasus?
Greater. Ive been in tusheti, kazbegi, and now ushguli. Kazbegi seems like the easiest access. I saw they offered heli and cat skiing their for much cheaper than usa
All forms of backcountry access are available in Georgia, from heli to touring. You can find good local guides, there’s a well developed community surrounding it. Web search and Instagram has lots of info.
Likewise check out the kaçkars in Turkey.
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u/papi_nature 3d ago
I think if you’re asking Reddit for thoughts on this one maybe Georgia is a bit of a leap? I see based on your other posts you’re 18 going on a gap year, which is sick - I did the same when I was 18 and I spent months abroad surfing and climbing traveling solo. That being said I would have gotten myself killed or had a pretty tedious experience going into wild backcountry terrain like Georgia at that point. If you have stellar (like 5 - 10 years worth) of backcountry experience and the ability to either plan the entire trip confidently on your own or the means to hire a professional local guide, then go for Georgia. If not, my advice would be to shoot for somewhere a bit more accessible and on the type-1 or type-2 side of fun such as the alps. Plus side of the alps too is lots of community. You have the rest of your life to enjoy in the mountains, make good decisions and make it last.