Available

Skills And Fitness Required

3 nights in traditional comfortable cave room "hotels", 2 nights in a traditional cave room "pansyion" (2 beds, 4 beds & 6 beds / room), one night million stars hotel (outdoors)
Full Board with breakfast in the accommodation and dinner in a selected restaurant
Packed lunch and snacks
Transfers and shuttles by private bus with trailer
Entrances to an underground city
Local Certified MTB Guide (English Speaking)
Second Snowmads Guide (Konsti) for groups larger than 6 people

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kayseri. Transport to Soğanlı Valley. We assemble the bikes and get to know the area by foot or bike. We can do a little Single Trail next to the house and get to know the area. Local Food welcome Dinner with the owner of the house.

Day 2

After breakfast we start exploring the rural side of Eastern Cappadocia. It feels good to move again and today we will pedal quite some distance through very interesting landscapes. This day is a mix of asphalt, dirt roads and some singletrail. We have lunch at an old underground church where we learn about the rich history of this area. The afternoon ride will be a bit shorter; In total we bike around 50km and around 800 meter altitude along the way. Dinner in the valley.

Day 3

Another amazing breakfast in the quiet Soğanlı Valley. Transfer roughly one hour to the western part of Cappadocia. Again we use our bikes to explore the area passing shepherds mountain lakes & an ancient red church. Hami got something special planned for lunch today. After that we bike through the beautiful Ihlara valley where we find the first longer singletrail through green fields and crazy rock formations. 30-40 km 500 meter altitude difference. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

A short transport gets us closer to the National Park of Göreme and we ride one of the most fun single trails down to a fairytale valley framed by huge natural towers and mysterious cave entries. At lunchtime we reach the National Park and our spot for the following night. The second half of the day is either for resting, or we explore another short trail. We are in the middle of the action now and this night will be something special. On a huge platform we can sleep underneath the stars in this magical protected area. We offer blankets, but a sleeping bag (at least a thin one) is needed. In case it gets rainy or anybody doesn’t feel comfortable, the place offers sleeping spots in the nearby caves.

Day 5 – Day 8

From now on it’s all about singletracks and fun biking action. Mountain Biking holiday in the village of Göreme. Our luggage already got transported to a nearby cave hotel with the best view over the area. From now on we explore the National Park and the nearby valleys straight from our hotel. There will be time to explore the village, do a balloon ride or just relax. One of our guides will always be available to do extra runs and more trails for the motivated ones. On Day 8 we head back to the Airport of Kayseri. What a nice ride ☺

Cappadocia offers a large network of beautiful trails from easy to difficult. In order not to reach your technical limits right away, you should already bring some experience on trails. You mountain-bike for a while now and often ride on moderately difficult single trails with easy to moderately difficult passages (heels, root passages, loose ground, stones,...). With your fitness you can master tours of up to 50km and 800m of altitude. Also two days in a row. (We will also have way shorter days and a transporter around) Through the caves and creeks we often pass very narrow passages, here sometimes we have to push our bikes for a bit. Basic fitness and mobility are therefore required.

What to bring?

Here is the most important information about bicycles: You don’t need a high-end bike, but it has to meet a certain level of requirements. Full-suspension enduro and/or all-mountain bikes are best suited. These cover a wide range of applications, downhill and uphill. Hard Facts:

Fully: 120mm to 170mm travel
Hardtail not recommended but possible with good skills
Tire width: min 2.25
TUBELESS (mandatory; very thorny terrain)
Telescopic seat post (highly recommended)
Weight: the lighter the better, preferably around 15 kilos (tours up to 50km with approx. 800m of elevation gain and carrying passages)
Carbon or aluminum doesn't matter
Knee and elbow pads are highly recommended
Helmet: half shell + sunglasses
Backpack: ~20l to 25l (day trips)

Also bring:

Spare hoses (at least 2)
Extra brake pads
Water bottle
Long Sleeve shirt (caution thorns)
Suncream
Wind jacket and mid-layer (it doesn't get colder than 1 degree, mostly it's closer to 25)
Thin hut sleeping bag (We spend one night outdoors, blankets are provided)

Travelling with a bike?

At first glance, traveling by bike seems very difficult. With the right bag, however, it works surprisingly well. You will get picked up by the shuttle in Kayseri, so once you have handed your bag over to the plane, you don't have to carry it around much. If you don't want to buy a bike bag (approx. 450€) get in touch with us, we have a few in stock that you can rent for a small fee (50€).

Arrival

The easiest way to get to Kayseri is with Corendon Airlines (departures from Munich, among others) for around €150-200 round trip + bicycle luggage. Turkish Airlines also fly from Istanbul to Kayseri. Traveling by train is still very difficult to implement due to COVID regulations - but we're staying tuned. We will be happy to advise you on flight bookings and will also do this for you on request. Please note in the inquiry form. Getting there by MTB may seem complicated and impractical, but with the right bag, that's no longer a problem. Let us know if you need a bike bag, we will also lend it to you.

Food

There is a lot of good meat on the menu, but Jules was also well cared for on the test trip as a vegetarian. Vegan nutrition is certainly possible, but please note this in the comments.

Accomodation

We are not focused on hotel stars, but in providing a sustainable down to earth way of travelling. We don’t trade fancy hotel rooms for the local experience, but we are always eager to make your stay as comfortable as possible. In Cappadocia you can experience a very unique type of accommodation. Except of one night spent outdoors in the national park (wich is no less exciting) we spend our nights in cave rooms carved into rock just like people did in this region for thousands of years. The first two nights we stay in bigger rooms (max 6 people; check also the photos). There are also double rooms and other options available, if you want more privacy. The other nights are spent in very comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms. Single room on request (surcharge 180€) Are you traveling alone? If possible, we will find a roommate (of the same gender) for you.

Visa Information

EU: Passport valid for at least 6 months. Please contact us for further information. COVID: We send current information about 4 weeks before the start of the trip. In the event of a cancellation due to Covid, we still offer very flexible cancellation conditions.

Which Insurance do I need

We recommend getting a cancellation protection at least. We work together with the Europäische Reiseversicherung and would be happy to make you an offer. If desired, check the box in the registration form.

Place your non-binding booking request
You will receive your personal or group offer + a standard information sheet from us within three days
Let us know if you want to accept the offer (valid for seven days)
When you are ready you will immediately receive the travel contract with all further information
Transfer the 20% advanced payment within seven days (you now have a spot for the trip)
The remaining amount is due 20 days before the start of the trip (you will receive a reminder email)

Unverbindliche Anfrage

Name*
First Name Sur Name
Address*
Street Additional Street Information City / Town State Zip Code Country
E-Mail*
Phone
Flight (Please Choose An Option)*
- Self-Booking
- Offer Requested
Travel And Cancellation Insurance (Highly Recommended)*
- Exists
- Offer Desired
Additional Options
- Single Room
Anything You Want To Tell Us About Yourself?
Captcha
Newsletter
- Get me the lastest newsletter adventure updates
Legal*
- I confirm that I have read and agree to the Snowmads Travel KG terms of privacy policy.

Georgia Trekking Experience

We Snowmads have already fallen in love with the region Svaneti as a top spot for both winter and summer. We’ve come up with something special for this trip. On a very little-used path alongside the Georgian-Russian border we will cross the Kvishi glacier with tents and explore the region around Mestia.

What Awaits You

It all started when Richard Bærug, author and co-owner of the Grand Hotel Ushba, contacted us. Since forever he’d wanted to explore the Kvishi glacier close to the Russian border, which is giant but pretty unknown to most.

Only a few days later we – Fabi and Jules – set out from Mestia to Mazeri and met up with Richard. He told us about the previous scouting tours in the region and about the route we were going to take.

There was no official path and we would see how things work out.

What followed was one of the most beautiful trekking tours we have experienced so far and we realized immediately that we wanted more people to see this untouched area through Snowmads Travel.

The second part of the trip takes us to Mestia.

Since Fabi is a co-owner of the Cloudbase Hut, we just can’t not visit this gorgeous hut on the southern slope above Mestia.

From there it’s only a short hop to the Koruldi lakes where the striking Ushba can be seen.

Our local Snowmads Nick and Zura grew up in Mestia and we are more than happy to have such good guides and friends there to show you this stunning region.

Meet our amazing local guides

Richard

Local Guide

When Rich first came to Georgia as a traveler a few years ago, tourism was still in its infancy. He got to know a local mountain guide, decided to raise the required 3000 lari (then around 1000 €) and co-founded the “Grand Hotel Ushba” in Mazeri with him.

Rich speaks Svan (local dialect), Russian, Norwegian and English, has a Ph.D in media and communication and knows pretty much every corner around his new home. His experiences in the mountains on foot and skis got published recently in: “The Essence Often He Caucasus – Svaneti”.

We are happy to have him with us as a Local Snowmad for our Georgia trips. Rich got more than a story to tell and understands how to bridge the gap between the modern western lifestyle and that of a Georgian peasant.

Nick

Local Guide

Nick is based in Mestia, Svaneti and he is what one would consider a local. The Snowmads trips to Georgia would not have been the same without him and we are happy to have him on board. Nick is a certified mountain guide, ski guide and co-owner of the Cloudbase hut, where we always try to have stopover on our Georgia trips.

Nick always brings an extra dose of relaxation into his tours and one always feels safe under his guidance. His family also runs a small guest house in Mestia, where we will experience outstanding Georgian cuisine and hospitality.

Facts
Trip Infos

Group Size

Min. 4, Max. 8

Starting Point

Tiflis

Costs

coming soon

Next Date

September 2022

Fitness

Physical fitness required

85%

Adventure

How for to push into the unknown

75%

9 days of guiding by a trained mountain guide (4 days of trekking and 4-5 days of hiking from our accommodation)
Accommodation and full board
Rented tents and meals during trekking
Transfer Tiflis-Mestia-Tiflis
Introduction and training on how to move on ice

Accommodation And Meals

Renting crampons, sleeping bags, matresses
Getting to Tiflis
Alcoholic drinks
Tips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Tiflis
We are happy to help you with your journey and which flight to pick. Arriving on time for the first shared dinner would be desirable, though.

Day 2: Departure to Nakra and equipment check
After breakfast in Tiflis we head west into the mountainous region Svaneti. Our first destination is Nakra. In the afternoon we arrive at our accommodation and we familiarize ourselves with the equipment for the next days.

Day 3: Trekking starts
Alongside the Nakra river we hike towards the Russian border. We meet the Georgian border post on the way – since a special permission is needed for our route. The first stage takes around 3-5 hours and we spend the night by the Nakra river surrounded by gigantic waterfalls and 4000 meter peaks.

Day 4: Departure to Kvishi glacier
On the next morning we set out towards Kvishi glacier. We leave the Nakra valley and choose a side valley, where we leave marked paths and go our own way. Our goal for the day is to reach the glacier early, put up our tents and get used to the ice there. Ascent of the day around 3-5 hours.

Day 5: Crossing the glacier
After we check our equipment again we start off towards the ice. Our alpine guide Nick and a helper install fixed ropes to secure the first steeper part. After that the glacier flattens and we can catch our breath and enjoy. After hours on the ice and amidst massive rock faces we reach an oasis that seems a little out of place after 6-8 hours. A rich green pasture surrounds two little ponds with fresh mountain water that invited us to take a bath when we first got there. We called the spot „Paradise Lake“ and stay the night there.

Day 6: Back to civilization
We start this day with crossing at least two glacial streams. After that we head out of the valley and rich pastures and forests soon start replacing the barren glacial landscape. We cover around 15km on this day, though only downhill. We reach Mazeri in the evening and check in at our Local Snowmad Richard‘s Grand Hotel Ushba.

Day 7: Day of rest with the option to visit the Guli waterfall
On this day we get to know the life in Mazeri, visit locals and listen to Richard’s stories at dinner. If you’re motivated there is the option to set out for Shdugra waterfall with our mountain guide (5-6 hours). The Shdugra waterfall is the highest in Georgia and definitely worth a visit.

Day 8: Transport Mestia – Cloudbase Hut
Depending on the mood and energy levels of the participants there are two options for this day. One group can cross the Guli mountain pass with our guide. It takes 7-9 hours and around 1400 meters in altitude to get to our destination, the Cloudbase Hut. Who chooses to take this route is rewarded with a wonderful view of the Ushba and a visit to the Koruldi lakes. We take your luggage from the Grand Hotel Ushba directly into the accommodation to make the long ascent a little bit easier for you.
For all those who want to have a more relaxed day, we organize a transport from Mazeri to Mestia directly into the hut. Depending on whether the group is motivated we can visit the Koruldi lakes in the afternoon from the hut (ascent around 1h).

Day 9: Relaxing in the Cloudbase Hut
This day is all about the well-earned relaxation. The location of the hut on the southern slope above Mestia is perfect for relaxing in the hammock and in the evening friends from Mestia come around to have a BBQ.
There is also the possibility of course to explore the surroundings and go on short hikes.

Day 10: Mestia and option Ushguli
On this day we hike down to Mestia and get to know this very special mountain village. Our local Snowmads look after you – you can already look forward to the Georgian kitchen!
We also offer the possibility to go and see the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Uschguli on this day. If you’re interested, please say so in the inquiry.

Day 11: Departure
It’s been great!

Fitness

Enjoyment of exercise and physical fitness are required to participate in our trips, but you don’t have to do top performances on this trip. Our guides are of course eager to adjust the pace to the group as best they can, however, ascents up to 1500 meters in altitude or 15 km in flatter terrain should not be a problem for you.
You should be no stranger to longer mountain tours to meet the requirements of this tour. Surefootedness is absolutely necessary!
Participants may be excluded from certain runs or hikes if they don’t meet the requirements and / or endanger themselves, the group or the mountain guides.

Ice Climbing Skills

We will spend one day on the ice. You don’t necessarily need previous knowledge for that, though. The steep terrain will be secured with ropes and most of the way over the glacier is only mildly steep anyway (<20 degrees). You will be trained by our mountain guide in advance and we will only start ascending after everyone is comfortable with the equipment.

Equipment

Hiking boots suitable for crampons (please find out if your crampons fit your shoes)
Universal crampons
50-60 liters trekking backpack
Sleeping bag (-5 Comfort)
Sleeping mat with good floor isolation (please check if it’s working)
Warm outdoor clothing, Gore-Tex or the like
Functional clothing
Sunglasses (suitable for glaciers) and sunscreen

If you need equipment to rent, please say so in the inquiry. And only take what you really need, every kg will be noticeable.

Group Size

For this trip the group size will be limited to 8 participants. This way we can assure you maximum safety and we can also prevent that a bigger group might distort the local processes.

For groups of four persons or more we can offer all dates and destinations for private groups,
companies or other constellations – please just inquire and we can put together a tailor-made program.

You can determine the extent on your own.

We spend the first night in Tiflis in a very modern hostel in double rooms. Welcome Dinner is included.
The second night we’ll stay in a small guest house in Nakra. Double rooms, dinner included.

During trekking we’re on our way with TNF Stormbreaker two-person tents. If you want to bring your own tent, please do so. Concerning food everyone is asked to help prepare meals while trekking.

2 nights in the Grand Hotel Ushba (Mazeri) with three meals double room/twin
2 nights in the Cloudbase Hut with two meals, multi-bed room
1 night in the guest house Phaliani with three meals and double room/twin

Getting There

Journey to get to our starting point is not included. If you need help with flights, you’re welcome to contact us.

Visa Regulations

Passport or ID card?
German and Austrian citizens can travel to Georgia with an ID card without any problems.

This applies to direct flights.

For flights with transfers in Istanbul,
Warsaw, Riga or Kiev we recommend travelling with passport,
because some airlines do not accept an ID card.

Place your non-binding booking request
You will receive your personal or group offer + a standard information sheet from us within three days
Let us know if you want to accept the offer (valid for seven days)
When you are ready you will immediately receive the travel contract with all further information
Transfer the 20% advanced payment within seven days (you now have a spot for the trip)
The remaining amount is due 20 days before the start of the trip (you will receive a reminder email)

Non-Binding Inquiry

Name*
First Name Sur Name
Address*
Street Additional Street Information City / Town State Zip Code Country
E-Mail*
Phone
Flight (Please Choose An Option)*
- Self-Booking
- Offer Requested
Travel And Cancellation Insurance (Highly Recommended)*
- Exists
- Offer Desired
Additional Options
- Single Room
Anything You Want To Tell Us About Yourself?
Captcha
Newsletter
- Get me the lastest newsletter adventure updates
Legal*
- I confirm that I have read and agree to the Snowmads Travel KG terms of privacy policy.

Balkan – Winter Experience

Cat-Skiing and Touring — You love skiing powder and also look for a wild adventure? Then the Balkan Winter Experience is just what you want.

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 05

What Awaits You

Skiing the Balkan States is usually not the first thing that comes to one’s mind while wondering about the next skiing trip. The wild mountains and it’s welcoming people are the reason why we fell in love with this special place. On this trip you will get to know the small local ski area communities and explore the surrounding terrain on touring equipment.

The second part of the journey leads us into the border region of Kosovo where our local Snowmads Sebo and Hamdi established a remote little powder oasis. With a snowcat in front of the mountain lodge you are ready for adventure. The tour is guided by an Austrian UIAGM certified guide (German and English speaking) and supported by our Balkan Snowmads team.

More infos can be found below.

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 09

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 03

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 04

Itinerary

We meet up in Skopje on Saturday, please ensure that you will arrive before 3:00 pm.

The first half of the trip we will explore the regions of Shar Mountains, use ski resorts as access points and then use our touring-equipment to find the most interesting faces.

The trip would not be what it is without the experience to spend some nights at the remote Lynx-Freeride Lodge at the Gjeravica. Our long-time friends and local Snowmads Sebo and Hamdi will await you up there in the wilderness and get you to the best possible snow conditions. We have two days of catskiing in the package and one day of touring, where we would get up the Gjeravica, if the conditions let us.

On Saturday we will head back to Skopje, where we do a little city tour with our local friends to celebrate a fun trip and a lot of good times. And for the last night of accommodation we found a very special and comfortable place for you.

Meet our amazing local guides

Dani

Local Guide

If you ever need something in the Balkans, Dani will know where, who and how to get it. When we travel with Dani, you get the ‘no worries’ package. Dani is always happy to find a way to make our journeys that little bit more easy while he shows us something new and uncharted.

Hamdi

Local Guide

Hidden behind the humble smile of Hamdi, is a man known on the mountain as “Super Hamda”. Hamdi knows the rugged mountains bordering Kosovo, North Macedonia & Albania like no other and is infamous in the region for his expertise and knowledge.

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 11

Snowmads Travel Balkan Winter Experience 10

Facts
Trip Infos

Group Size

Min. 4, Max. 8

Starting Point

Skopje

Activities

Cat Skiing & Skitouring

Next Date

-coming soon- Feb & March 2023

Fitness

Physical fitness required

65%

Ski Level

Experience on ski or snowboard

75%

Adventure

How for to push into the unknown

85%

2 days Cat-skiing @ Lynx Freeride Lodge, 3-4 days free-touring (skitouring, resortskiing)
7 night in double rooms (Guesthouses, apartments and hotel) / single room option available
Breakfast, Lunchpack, Dinner
Local Guides (English speaking)
UIAGM certified Mountain Guide (German & English-speaking)
Transports and driver

Skills And Fitness Required

Flights
Ski & Snowboard gear
Alcoholic beverages
Tips

Our trips are masterminded by professional athletes, but you definitely don’t have to be one to join us on them. For us sport is above all a medium to connect people and realise dreams, whether it’s winter or summer. Some skills may be required depending on the adventure, but mostly our journeys are designed for anyone that’s motivated, fit and excited to broaden their horizons. This trip is for experienced off-piste skiers/boarders. You should be able to ski all kinds of terrain with confidence and a good technique. This trip also requires handling skills and basic knowledge of climbing skins, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. Experience in rappelling is not necessary. Physical fitness is mandatory for participating in our freeride trips. Our guides are of course eager to adjust the pace to the group as best they can, but hikes between 400 and 800 meters in altitude should not be a problem for you. Depending on snow, strength and motivation of the group hikes will take between 1-3 hours. Participants may be excluded from certain runs or hikes if they don’t meet the requirements and / or endanger themselves, the group or the mountain guides.

Lift-assisted Freetouring

A combination of freeride and touring. We adapt our daily plans to the current conditions. When there’s fresh powder, for example, we don’t waste time on long hikes if we have a lift available. The focus is on skiing as much powder as possible and touring skis help us approach the best possible snow conditions.

Snowcat Skiing

Cat skiing with LYNX Freeride is an adventure in itself. The lodge is far from civilization and you can really relax up there. Sebo and Hamdi, our local guides, will get us to the best spots around the highest peak of the Kosovo, Gjeravica. A modern snowcat is ready for us to explore the remote slopes around the Lodge.

Equipment

Our trips are suitable for skiers and snowboarders (splitboard). For skiers we recommend skis with 90 to 115mm under foot. Best case would be with pin bindings and free-touring ski boots. We don’t exclude snowboarders, but please check the trip requirements and sign up only if you can fullfil them easily. Avalanche equipment (backpack, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) is mandatory. Helmet is recommended, but optional on this trip. We also suggest proper outer wear in order to adopt to changing weather conditions. Snow goggles, sunglasses, spare gloves, cap, possibly balaclava or mask. An airbag backpack is recommended, but not mandatory. If you need any rentals, let us know.

Safety

Terrain

On of the major advantages in this region is, that we don’t have to hurry or fight for our lines. There will be many different options to ski down the different venues, from steep couloirs, tree-runs with pillows and mellow open powder fields. Our mountain guide will choose the terrain according to the conditions so everybody can find interesting terrain to ski and stays safe.

Possible Changes

Many years of planning Freeride trips and searching for the best possible snow conditions taught us, that it’s best to stay as flexible as possible. In order to get the most out of your trip, our packages are open for small changes until soon before the trip starts and we checked all the conditions in the destinations involved. Nature is always stronger than the human will. Forcing ourselves into something is not our way and safety is always priority. If we have to change plans or even skip a day of skiing we hope you understand that we do this in order to keep everybody safe.

Food

The cuisine on the Balkan is one of the highlights of the trip. There is a broad variety of meat dishes, but also a lot of vegetarian options that definitely provide all the nutrients a veggie lover needs. The breakfast is usually very rich and for the road we will either have snacks on huts or bring lunch packs. On this trip we rarely get any packaged food and most ingredients will be out of local organic farming.

Accomondation

We spend three nights in private houses, with different room options available. The houses are modern and well equipped with kitchens and comfortable beds. Rooms fit up to four people, but there are doubles and single available. The Lynx lodge offers rooms with twin beds and some with queen sized beds perfect for couples or against charge as single rooms.

How To Get There

There are no flights included in the package, as we learned that most people like to take care of this themselves. Secondly, we are reaching out to an international audience to join our trips. There are many possibilities to fly into Skopje, for those out of the Austrian region, check out Austrian Airlines and Wizzair out of Memmingen. If you want us to send you a flight offer just mention it in the inquiry form. There is the possibility of taking the train, just contact us for information about schedules and recommendations.

Visa Information

Europeans don’t need a visa in advance for the Balkan states. Your passport should be valid for at least 180 days after arrival date. For people from other parts of the world contact us or check the visa requirements by yourself.

Place your non-binding booking request
You will receive your personal or group offer + a standard information sheet from us within three days
Let us know if you want to accept the offer (valid for seven days)
When you are ready you will immediately receive the travel contract with all further information
Transfer the 20% advanced payment within seven days (you now have a spot for the trip)
The remaining amount is due 20 days before the start of the trip (you will receive a reminder email)

Non-Binding Inquiry

Name*
First Name Sur Name
Address*
Street Additional Street Information City / Town State Zip Code Country
E-Mail*
Phone
Flight (Please Choose An Option)*
- Self-Booking
- Offer Requested
Travel And Cancellation Insurance (Highly Recommended)*
- Exists
- Offer Desired
Additional Options
- Single Room
Anything You Want To Tell Us About Yourself?
Captcha
Newsletter
- Get me the lastest newsletter adventure updates
Legal*
- I confirm that I have read and agree to the Snowmads Travel KG terms of privacy policy.

Innsbruck Winter Experience

Where it all started…

Home to most of the Snowmads and definitely one of our favourite places on this planet. Innsbruck has got it all, big mountains, good people and the vibe of a young energetic city. If you have never been there, it will blow your mind. If you have, we will blow it again.

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Group Photo

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Group Stadt

What Awaits You

You’ll have the chance to explore the best freeride spots around Innsbruck together with a local UIAGM mountain guide and in the best case one of our Snowmads Athletes.

These weekend trips are meant to show you the best and most fun side of Innsbruck, on the mountains and in the city. You don’t have to be a pro yourself to enjoy our way of freeriding around Innsbruck, this trip is suitable for everybody who regularly skis off-piste and feels comfortable touring on skis or split boards

On this long weekend we take on the role of the Local Snowmads and show you our “home mountains” as we know and love them.

More info about the detailed program further down

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Group Skitouring Sunset

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Group Sunset

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Axamer Lizum Ladies

Itinerary

We meet up Wednesday evening in Innsbruck for dinner together in our accommodation for this trip, the brand new Montagu Bed & Beers (Höttingergasse 7, 6020 Innsbruck).

Hardly any other city allows you to reach interesting terrain and powder as easily as the freeride-city Innsbruck. Therefore, we will focus on the surrounding areas and take advantage of the public transport system that connects the city with the ski resorts.

Our guides and Snowmads know where to find the best conditions and decide depending on the weather and snow situation where the group will go.

Sunday is scheduled as a weather day without a planned program happening. If conditions were really bad on one of the days before, then we will use this day for another session instead. So if you can, plan your departure back home for the afternoon/evening, it’s no problem to stay in your room until later that day.

Meet our amazing local guides

Local Snowmads

Local Guides

Montagu Bed x Beers

Accommondation

Innsbruck Freeride Experience Snowmads Group Skiing

Facts
Trip Infos

Group Size

Min. 4, Max. 7

Starting Point

Innsbruck

Costs

690€

Next Date

(Deutsch) 5.-9. April w Konsti Ottner

Fitness

Physical fitness required

55%

Ski Level

Experience on ski or snowboard

70%

Adventure

How for to push into the unknown

60%

Three days of freeskiing around Innsbruck with one of our athletes + local UIAGM mountain guide
Four nights @ the brand new Montago BedxBeers, Innsbrucks’ finest hostel
Breakfast, lunchpack & dinner
Transportation
Avalanche safety refresher course by our mountain guide
Movie screening (Snowmads)

Skills And Fitness Required

Arrival & Departure
Alcoholic beverages
Lift tickets (calculate with 50-100€)

Lift-assisted Freetouring

Equipment

Group Size

For our freeride/touring trips the group size will be limited to 7 participants. This way we can assure you maximum safety and adapt the terrain to the skill level of the group. For groups of four persons or more we can put together a tailor-made trip that fits your needs perfectly. Just inquire and we’ll get back to you with a special offer.

Accommodation

The brand new Montagu Bed & Beers hostel in the heart of Innsbruck offers us various options to get some well-deserved rest. The standard option is a six-bed dorm with separate cabins for extra private sphere. For a single or double room option please make a note in the booking request and we will tell you the price depending on your request. For more info check out the Local Snowmads section. We provide a variety of local foods and keep the refrigerator filled for you to do your own breakfast and prepare lunch packs if needed. For the two included dinners we have special menus by our chefs from the Montagu hostel.

How To Get There

Sustainability is a big issue for us and we recommend you to travel by train or bus. Our accommodation is located in the center of the city and is perfectly connected to the public transport system. (We will provide a little goodie from our sponsors for those who took public transportation).

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When you are ready you will immediately receive the travel contract with all further information
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The remaining amount is due 20 days before the start of the trip (you will receive a reminder email)

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India – Bike & Hike

A special kind of adventure through the impressive Himalayas. On Royal Enfields, we explore the beautiful and wild region of Himachal Pradesh in North East India. The Characters you will meet on this journey and their mind blowing stories are as impressive as the diversity and wonders found in the Spiti and Lahoul Valley.

What Awaits You

Hidden in north eastern of India, the Spiti & Lahaul Valley of the Himachal Pradesh region is the most remote place in a country defined by massive contrasts and population. Strongly influenced by Buddhism, the cultural depth of the valley unveils the many layers of diversity to be found on the road in India.

Exploring this region on Royal Enfields, it is an epic ride through rapidly changing scenery, customs, myths and beliefs. You will experience first hand the dust of India’s remoteness, the smells and sounds of the traditional way of living and the moving stories of the characters you will meet on this journey. Due to the heavy snowfalls in Winter, the route is only accessible for a short period of time in Summer. The roads are not for the faint hearted and the conditions are challenging.

With altitudes of more than 4500m and unplanned surprises that shape memories and experiences, the encounters you will find on this trip will turn every rider into a storyteller. Exploring this region on Royal Enfields, it is an epic ride through rapidly changing scenery, customs, myths and beliefs. You will experience first hand the dust of India’s remoteness, the smells and sounds of the traditional way of living and the moving stories of the characters you will meet on this journey.

Itinerary

The trip will start in Chandigarh, 4 hours north of New Delhi. If you need help with flights or transportation to Chandigarh, we can organize transports for you, just contact us.

As the roads are far from western standards, this tour requires not only a licence, but also experience on motorbikes. Not only are the roads difficult to handle, but you will regularly encounter everything from cows, donkeys to yaks in the middle of the roads. You should not be shy to use your horn!

The route of Spiti Valley is not your classic tourist track, therefore, some of our stops are unable to offer higher standards of accommodation. Majority of the trip we will have private rooms with hot water and comfortable beds. While, some nights will be spent camping. The normal camp tents are comfortable and sleep two people.

This trip requires some experience with high altitudes as we will often sleep above 3000m and some of the passes bring you to 4500m. If you have never slept on altitudes like this, we strongly recommend to try before booking.

Meet our amazing local guides

Chetram Babaji

Local Guide

The term “Baba” is used in multiple languages and has different meanings. Sometimes it means grandfather, friend and in some cases, it means guru or spiritual leader. Babaji, is a little bit of everything. He lives in the small village called Diyaugi that you won’t find on google maps and is rarely visited by tourists.

Jordan

Local Guide

We talked about the Yak that stood by the house, Jordan told us that this is not any Yak but the Holy Yak of the village. He further said that he saw one of us touching it, and that this is normally not a good idea, but the Holy Yak knew that we didn’t know, so he let us leave with no harm. Located 5150m above sea level, Komic Village is one of the highest on earth.

Facts
Trip Infos

Duration

13 days

Dates

7th – 19th September 2020

Group Size

Min. 4, Max. 8

Activities

Motorbike & Hike

Starting Point

Chandigarh

Fitness

Physical fitness required

65%

Skill Level

Experience required for the different activities

70%

Adventure

How for to push into the unknown

85%

Motorbikes, Royal Enflield 500ers or Himalayans + Fuel
Backup Vehicle with driver and mechanic
Twin room accommodation for the whole trip
Breakfast and Dinner & Tea
Water and Snacks on the road
Tour Guide from Austria

Flights
Alcohol, tobacco & tips
Your personal expenses
Damage to the bikes

Required Equipment

Hiking shoes
Proper functional clothing (including warm jacket)

Language

The tour will be accompanied by our local partner Makemyride and guided by our Austrian Snowmad Steve. Steve speaks fluently in both English and German,
however, in order to get the most out of your journey and the characters you meet, it would be ideal if you can speak English.

Hiking

The hiking on this trip provides a perfect balance to sitting on a motorbike for hours.

While the hiking tours are not very long,
the mountains surrounding our route are simply breathtaking
and we strongly recommend you to join our Guide Steve and explore some places higher up.

Anyone who feels like resting or doing some cultural activities, is welcome to do so.

Visa Information

We recommend to use the online Visa application via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India.
The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

International travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket,
with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.

Visa application should be done at least 1 Week before departure.

For more Informations and Instructions, visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

Food

India is known for its food. A broad variety of spices and colourful dishes make this trip a highlight.

Though we will not always be able to eat a-la-cart.

Depending on the stop, there are sometimes many option and sometime we get the common Thali-Dish.

There will always be vegetarian options available as this is also what most locals eat.

Handicapped People

This trip is not suitable for people with physical handicaps.