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MONTH BY MONTH IN SVANETI (MAY-OCTOBER)

12/5/2019

Layla (4008m) in the middle of summer

Each and every season is unique!
In recent years (starting from 2017) the weather pattern has changed. There is no certainty that those dry and sunny summers will or will not continue. However I decided that the following updated description should refer to this recent pattern.
If planning to revisit consider coming in different month. You might not even recognize your favorite spots! Autumn has beauty very much different from summer's.

MAY
Transition from late spring to summer

Deep snow still prevails above 2300 and nights are cold. It melts a lot as we get closer to the end of month
More rainy days (at the beginning of the month). Last two weeks are considerably drier
Certain routes are already accessible
Snow bridges make river crossings easier and safer. However on sunny days water is high and turbulent
Flowers start to pop up and fruit trees attractively blossom

On the top of Shtavleri (3993m) in the second half of May

June
Summer arrives and strengthens it's positions.

Extensive snowfields at 2800 which melt away as we approach July
The peak of bloom (both shrubs and flowers)
Mountains are still covered with layers of shining snow left from spring
Days getting hotter and nights are comfortable. Occasional rains (two days in a row at most)
Glaciers are safer to cross and icy sections are easier to move through

Primulas at the foot of Mt.Layla

July
High summer month

Days are hot and nights are warm (even at higher altitudes)
Many more tourists make popular routes crowded
Most of the snow (below 3000) melts away
Weather is stable with only rare showers giving way to longer sunny spells
Most routes are in excellent conditions

Above West Layla (Dzhvari) glacier

August
Vacation season is in full swing

Days are often extremely hot and dry. Very few rains and occasional thunderstorms
Popular trails are very crowded and many hotels/guesthouses are solidly booked
Glacier routes become icy and bridges over crevasses thinner (or collapse)
Wild berries appear
Mountain lakes are already free from snow

Above the glacier of Mt.Layla in the second half of August

September
Dry and cool time to enjoy the mountains. Half summer/half fall

Days are still hot yet nights become cooler (even freezing as you climb higher)
Second half of the month may bring an occasional snowfall above 3000
Colors of autumn start to appear after its second week
Glaciers look like shields of bare ice. Crossing them after first snowfalls must be taken seriously
Plenty of wild berries and fruits

Layla (4008m) with it's many glaciers in September

October
Quieter period full of wonders

Lower day temperatures make hiking very pleasant
Nights are freezing and require extra layers
Some snowfalls above 2600
Fall colors and snow covered peaks match perfectly
Climbing routes are either icy (south faces) or covered with layer of snow (north faces)
Sunny periods go on for weeks
Harvest season of wild berries continues

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MOUNTAIN FOOTWEAR

11/24/2019

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Ice axe is a symbol of mountaineering while boots are it's foundation.

photo: two pairs of mountain boots that serve me since 2014 and they will likely carry on for few more seasons

There are several factors to consider when choosing boots for mountaineering.
Thinking about how technical the climb is as well as the terrain and length of approach before purchasing a boot will all help you achieve the right balance between protection, safety, and performance.
Comfort is an important factor when choosing a mountaineering boot. Discomfort leads to pain, blisters and a greater risk of accident. A semi-rigid or rigid sole and more durable upper take some getting used to, and they will certainly not provide as much comfort as a flexible boot or shoe. However, these features are there for a reason, so don't risk replacing them for flexible boots or trekking shoes just because these are more comfortable as these would not offer the same level of performance in particular when using crampons .
In the Caucasus you will need a footwear for those situations when an approach shoe isn’t enough and that super stiff mountain boot is too much .
Below are some models suitable for both approach and mountaineering.

Some useful tips:

Buy early. Stuff goes on sale all the time. However the best time to find deals is when retail in general is quiet.
Pick your socks first. When you're trying on you need to wear the socks you plan to wear on the mountain (both thin and thick).
Don't be afraid to go up a size (and even more).
Try on different brands .
Check to see if shoe is both tight and loose enough.
Make sure your toes aren't cramped.
Walk around in them before buying.
Don't forget! You may also rent or buy second-hand (many of them are in "as new" condition).

You are welcome to send me pictures of the boots you consider
and I will help you to make a good choice.

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MONTH BY MONTH IN SVANETI (MAY-OCTOBER)

MOUNTAIN FOOTWEAR

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