Ski Adventures: Through Milioni to Narvani valleys
Linear routes, Ridge route, Day trip, Overnight
The specific features of the route are a fairly flat central part of the Narvani Valley and a long (one-two hours) exit from the gorge to the road, the danger of passing the route immediately after a snowfall, in poor visibility and during a short daylight (in January).
S3 : Slopes up to 35° (equivalent to the steepest runs in ski resorts, on hard snow). Requires good skiing abilities in all snow conditions.
Extremely remote: In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
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.
More routes and information about the region
Ski adventure in the Narvani Gorge starts from the top station of the Sadzele cable ways in the Gudauri ski resort, takes about 6 hours and allows to enjoy the wildlife of the big mountains, pristine slopes, dry northern snow, incredible views of the Kobi, Milioni, Narvani and Khado gorges, a wide choice of both safe and steep lines.
Out of the additional equipment you may need crampons, extra down parka, a sufficient supply of food and water for a snack, a GPS-navigator or a map with a compass.
The best time to pass the route is a clear sunny day in late March and early April.
When ascending the causeway between the gorges of Milioni and Khado, avoid the couloirs and relief traps, keep to the ridge part of the slope. The final part of the ascent to the causeway is passed with a distance, one at a time, after making sure of the stability of the snow cover – wind slab snow is not uncommon here. In case of impossibility or increased danger of ascending the causeway, you need to descend to the Milioni Gorge.
When leaving the gorge, keep to the right side, do not go down to the bottom of the gorge – apart from being a relief trap for avalanches, some parts of the gorge below are impassable in winter.
Skins, Ski Crampons, Standard avalanche equipment (beeper, probe, shovel)
There is no mobile connection on the itinerary
Is the route accessible when the Cross Pass is closed?
No
Is at the end of the route in the creek
Recommended maps for this region
Trekking Map # 4: Khevi, Stephantsminda, Gudauri, Truso. Skale 1 : 50 000.