FFS Pod with Ilia Berulava - founder of the Georgia Guide Office

Backdrop Journal's FFS Backcountry Podcast

Episode 23 - Ilia Berulava is a man on a mission, not only has he set up the Georgia Guide Office from scratch, he was also instrumental in gaining IFMGA recognition for the mountain guide training in Georgia. We chat life, culture, the mountains of his homeland, and what’s on offer in this special part of the world.

After training as a guide in Chamonix Ilia returned home to set up his own little Chamonix in the village of Mestia, high in the Svaneti region of the caucasus mountains, close to the Russian border. It’s been a great success, increasing local on mountain employment, filling hotel rooms and showcasing the regions abundant pow to the world.

“All safety comes from fear... nothing is 100% safe and once you’re in the mountains, aside from your knowledge, you have this gut feeling.”