Svaneti is a region located in the central Caucasus, on the side of Georgia. The area covers about 2 thousand km2 of mountain and high mountain areas with many peaks well above the height of four thousand meters. Shkhara peak reaches a height of 5200 m above sea level and is the second highest peak in the Caucasus. In the area of high altitude, the mountains are covered with glaciers.

In terms of tourism, we can identify three areas. Mestia region, centrally located, and the area of the village of Ushguli and Mazeri. These areas, taking into account travel time, are far apart from each other.

Each year, the number of tourists coming to the region increases. There are not conducted thorough records of tourism in Svaneti, but the administration says that in Mestia itself the occupancy of accommodation base  from year to year is increased by an average of 15% - 20%. This would correspond to the national statistics - from 2011 to 2015 the number of tourists coming to the country doubled.

In the past three years the number of existing hiking and trekking trails leading to glacial areas increased twice. Also the movement of climbing is increasing. In Mestia operates ski resort Haslali with a maximum capacity of 1,000 skiers per hour. In the village of Zabezi, on the slopes of Tetnuldi, there is formed a huge, partially already functioning ski resort, with a target capacity of 9000 persons / hour. The resort will be fully operational in the 2017/18 season. The upper station at the resort reaches the altitude of 3200 m above sea level which significantly extends the ski season. Also the tourist base, in the form of accommodations, shops and cafes, is increasing. In every town you can find accommodation. Tourism has become the main source of income of the population of Svaneti. Easy access and the relatively small distance from the center of Europe and the indubitable tourist attractions of Svaneti and other regions of Georgia, are a guarantee of a significant permanent increase in tourist traffic.

The increase in tourism and ski enforces the need for a fully professional organization specialized in high mountain and skiing emergency rescue.