Skiing in Khada Valley, Tskere Village
Linear routes, Cultural experience, Day trip
Descent begins right from a ski lift. There is a large selection of ideal lines, incredible views, and an atmospheric location – these features make this route the best way to experience this mountainous region in only a few hours.
PD: Slightly difficult (Peu Difficile)
Duration of skinning up ⇡
⇡ 00:00 h.
S2 : Wide slopes which are easy to manoeuvre, maybe fairly steep (25°).
Very remote: Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Low Exposure (E1): Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.
The descent to Khada Valley - an inhabited valley deep within the Gudauri Ski Resort surroundings - is a breathtaking adventure. From the beginning of the route via a ski lift, to giant and diverse descent lines, to more than one kilometer of vertical drop, to stunning views and the opportunity to observe life in a remote mountain village, this route is one of the most interesting in the region. However, an increased avalanche danger and a longer return to the resort (in comparison with other routes that also start from a ski lift - Kobi, Bidara) become constraining factors for freeriders.
In wintertime, several families live in Khada Valley, and they are in fact isolated from civilization, as the major part of the only road is covered with snow. This is a one-day route, and you need a couple of hours to return to the resort after the descent.
Every year unlucky tourists find themselves in Khada Valley. These are solo freeriders who accidentally arrive into the valley in conditions of poor visibility while going off-piste on Kudebi Mountain. Sometimes they come to Khada Valley deliberately without realizing the dangers of the chosen terrain and that there are no taxis available in this region to return them to the resort.
Fortunately, despite a great avalanche danger of the eastern and south-eastern slopes, there have been no. fatal accidents. The route is potentially dangerous due to thawing, steep slopes, the presence of terrain levels, the complexity of navigation in conditions of poor visibility, and so-called "terrain traps." If possible, avoid the descent through well-pronounced terrain depressions and ravines – try to choose a descent line along the edges of the slope. Certainly, this route is not recommended for independent passage by riders without corresponding experience.
Check the level of avalanche danger before setting off for the route! Daily updated information on the level of avalanche danger can be found in the Gudauri Travel Bar (www.gudauri.bar).
Standard avalanche equipment (beeper, probe, shovel)
Mobile communication is on the itinerary
Is the route accessible when the Cross Pass is closed?
Yes
There is a stream, springs
Recommended maps for this region
Trekking Map # 4: Khevi, Stephantsminda, Gudauri, Truso. Skale 1 : 50 000.
You can find information about the level of avalanche danger in the region, buy maps of the route, join an organized group, or order a professional mountain guide on this route in the Gudauri Travel Bar (www.gudauri.bar).
Rescue service: +995 790 211 100
Fire service, police, medical assistance: 112
Helicopters: +995 32 2243 503, +995 595 350 900, +995 595 404 606
Copying any fragment of this guidebook is acceptable with active link to the source www.gudauri.travel.