Major work transforms Svaneti into regional ski hub

A 40 million GEL project to develop Svaneti into an internationally acclaimed winter ski resort is on track as a local company begins construction work on ski lifts and other infrastructure.

The mountainous region was undergoing major work to transform it into a place where visitors could experience a ski resort that boasted international standards.

With this aim, Georgian company Tetnuldi Development has starting a 15.4 million GEL project in Tetnuldi ski resort in Svaneti’s main town, Mestia.

Within the project, the company planned to construct ski lifts, transport systems and other infrastructure. Tetnuldi Development has already signed a contract with Austrian company RMS Ropeway Maintenance Systems, who will lead the construction works.

The works started in spring and will not be finished until December next year.

Acting Head of Georgia’s National Tourism Administration Rusudan Mamatsashvili believed this project had huge potential.

"In total, €18 million (40.4 million GEL) is allocated to this project, which includes two ski lifts that have already been installed. The remaining four ski lifts will be constructed in the near future,” she said.

Mamatsashvili said the lack of ski tracks and ski lifts had always been a major problem in Svaneti and solving this problem will naturally contribute to increasing the number of visitors to the area.

"Mestia as a winter resort is becoming more and more popular, which will further contribute to increasing the attractiveness of this resort. Such projects are very important for increasing the number of visitors. Naturally, the Tourism Administration welcomes the implementation of such projects,” she noted.

"As a result of this and other projects, it is quite realistic for Mestia to become a major ski tourism hub. In addition, this will be a great opportunity for the local population to earn additional income, for instance from family-type hotels. Usually in winter hotels do not work with such intensity as in the summer because at this time Svaneti has a shortage of visitors,” Mamatsashvili said.