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Ski touring in Sioni valley

Sioni is one of the most spectacular itineraries in the region, characterized by a long approach, excellent snow quality, and a large selection of descent lines in a varied terrain.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
13 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
6-7 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
31˚
Ski touring in Sioni valley Map

The Sioni Valley – cold and hidden from direct sunlight for most of the winter - is one of those areas where the snow remains longer than in the whole region and its quality is better than anywhere else at a similar altitude. Until the publication of this guidebook (summer of 2017), the route was rarely visited by freeriders (compared to other routes within Gudauri) due to lack of knowledge about the route, longer access to the beginning of the ascent (35 minutes by car), and the approach to the route (distance – 4 km, ascent – 400 meters, time – 1.5 hrs). But even with a significant increase in the popularity of this route, you can always find beautiful descent lines on untouched snow in a distinctly varied terrain, from snowy fields and giant couloirs with steepness of no more than 27º to steep walls and long couloirs between big rocks.

Description

The route starts from the village and consists of two relative parts – the approach to the beginning of the ascent with a smooth climb and the actual ascent from the Sioni Valley to the Tsiteli ridge or Kabarjina Mountain. The terrain is diverse. Here all forms of mountain relief are represented, except glaciers. Throughout the route there are views of Mount Kazbek and Mount Kabardzhina.

The northern exposure of the Sioni Valley and of the slopes along the route is not lit by the sun during the major part of winter. Traversing the route early in the morning can be colder than expected - bring warm gloves and hot tea with you in this case.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

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.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Alpine

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area