The Ultimate 9 Day Georgia Ski Safari
Svaneti, Goderdzi
Conquer the Caucasus: The Best Cat Skiing and Freeriding in Georgia
PROFESSIONAL
GUIDE
GROUND
TRANSPORT
MOUNTAIN
LODGING
TRIP OVERVIEW
On Your Adventure You Will
Go Cat Skiing in Goderzi
Spend 3 days skiing among scenic mountain villages and old growth pine forests in Georgia’s snowiest region, accessed by your own private snowcat.*
Freeride at Tetnuldi and Hatsvali Ski Resorts
Enjoy modern ski lifts, exhilarating off-piste zones, powdery glades, and sweeping views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Explore With Experienced guides
Ski and travel with a fluent English-speaking GMGA-certified guide who knows the hidden corners of Georgia’s mountain terrain and unique culture.
Relax in Style
Recharge in Goderdzi’s luxury hotel and indulge in traditional dishes cooked at the family guesthouse in Svaneti.
Uncover Georgia’s Ancient Culture
Climb Svaneti’s medieval stone towers, learn how to properly eat Khinkali dumplings, and drink wine like a Georgian.
Do it your way
Customize your trip to include ski touring for an added dose of adventure.
*private snowcat included for groups of 7+. For smaller groups, make your snowcat private for an additional fee
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Cat Skiing
3 full days of cat skiing in Goderdzi.
Freeriding and/or Ski Touring
3 full days of lift-accessed freeriding and/or ski touring in Svaneti.
Professional Guide
GMGA-certified ski guide for 6 full days of skiing/snowboarding.
Lift Passes
Ski passes for all Georgian ski resorts.
Accommodation
8 nights of comfortable accommodation. 4 nights in an isolated 5-star hotel in Goderdzi and 4 nights in a comfortable family guesthouse in Svaneti.
Spa
Unlimited spa access in Goderdzi including pool & sauna with mountain view, steam sauna, and massage treatments available to book.
Meals & Gastronomic Experiences
Goderdzi: Impressive breakfast buffet every day and khinkali dumpling-making workshop for one dinner.
Svaneti: Home cooked breakfast and dinner from a local family every day.
Ground Transport
All transportation from the airport to every ski destination and back. Including 4WD off road vehicles and snowcat transfers when needed.
Skill Development
Training on use of avalanche safety equipment and ski/snowboard technique (if you want it!).
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Equipment
Assistance with rental equipment available on request.
Flights
Ask us for advice about the best airport and time to arrive.
Some Meals
Dinners in Goderdzi are not included except for the khinkali-making workshop. Hot lunches are not included but pack lunches can be taken from the breakfast buffet.
If your flight is for the following day, you can add on accommodation in the city of your departure.
Please ensure that your insurance policy covers backcountry skiing. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended.
Gratuity is not included in the price and is always appreciated
Add Ons
Extra Night(s)
If your flight arrival is a day early or your departure is a day later, accommodation for the additional night can be added.
Single Room / Room Upgrade
Enjoy some personal space on your well-earned holiday and upgrade to a single room. For the ultimate luxury, upgrade to the Rooftop Suite in Goderdzi.
Private Snow Cat
Book a private snow cat to ensure that you can ski everywhere you want and go at your own pace for the whole trip. Private snow cats are included by default for all groups of 7 or 8 people; private guides are always included for every group.
Seamless Arrival
From touchdown to mountain majesty, your adventure begins the moment you arrive. Our professional driver will whisk you away from the bustling cityscapes and introduce you to the tranquility of Goderdzi where the best powder in Georgia awaits.
Batumi Route: ~4hr
For those flying in or out of Batumi, prepare for an intense 4-hour off-road adventure in the unrivaled 4×4 Mitsubishi Delica. Our seasoned drivers navigate this rugged, snow-covered road with unmatched expertise. Be prepared to see lots of snow.
Kutaisi: ~6.5hr
For those coming in and out of Kutaisi, enjoy an easy 2.5 hour drive to Batumi on paved roads before starting the intense 4-hour off-road adventure up to Goderdzi.
Tbilisi: ~6.5hr
Those coming from Tbilisi will enjoy easy paved roads for the first 4.5 hours followed by an exciting 1 hour off-road journey to the snowcat transfer pickup point. After loading your bags and gear aboard the snowcat you can enjoy views of the lower Caucasus on this 1 hour climb up and over the majestic Goderdzi pass.
Breakfast
After a rejuvenating night’s sleep in the luxurious Ambassadori Hotel, fuel up on a grandiose breakfast buffet before venturing out on the snowcat for a morning ascent. Lunches can be packed from breakfast to be taken out on the day’s adventure.
Exploring Goderdzi’s Hidden Treasures
Dive headfirst into the awesome world of cat skiing in Georgia’s powder haven. Three full days of cat skiing will lead us through enchanted beech forests, between rooftops of summer villages buried in snow, among snow-covered pines interspersed with panoramic vistas from pillowy clearings.
Evenings
After each day of catskiing, indulge in an award-winning spa. Soothe your muscles in the pool, unwind, and reminisce about the day’s adventures in the sauna and steam room with friends.
Guided by our expert driver, you will embark on a road trip from Goderdzi towards Svaneti region’s capital, Mestia, in a 4WD Delica, the undisputed champion of these wild terrains! Passing through the picturesque village of Khulo, you will have the opportunity to hop on a cable car spanning nearly 2 kilometers above a lush forested valley, offering breathtaking views of Adjara’s terrain. Make a pit stop along the coast of Batumi for a delightful lunch and the chance for an invigorating dip in the Black Sea. As you wind your way up to Mestia, a long but awe-inspiring road, you’ll arrive primed for a sumptuous feast and a well-deserved night’s rest at our beloved local guesthouse.
Freeriding in Svaneti
Over the course of three thrilling days, Svaneti beckons with its legendary high peaks, iconic medieval towers, and a mountain culture that has stood strong through the ages. Here, intrepid skiers are in for a truly unique experience. Each day, our expert guides will carefully select the route, taking into account the prevailing conditions and the group’s aspirations.
Hatsvali Ski Resort
When snowfall is heavy, Hatsvali Ski Resort unveils its charm, offering sheltered tree skiing and blissfully uncrowded laps. A true locals’ ski area, and only a 5-minute drive from the hotel, Hatsvali is perfect for quick laps and tricky tree runs. Finish the day with a stroll around town, taking in the historic medieval towers and village life.
Tetnuldi Ski Resort
When the skies clear, Tetnuldi Ski Resort is a freerider’s paradise – so perfect that Tetnuldi hosted the Freeride World Tour in 2023, which went so well that an even bigger FWT competition was held here in 2024! Carve down through chutes, faces, and spacious glades with stunning views of Tetnuldi peak, ending in a long out-of-bounds run to a nearby village.
Ski Touring
For those with an adventurous spirit, ski tourers can venture forth to explore nearby glaciers and embark on a powder hunt high above the medieval village of Ushguli.
Our driver will ensure you make it comfortably to the airport in time for your flight. If your flight is the following day, add on an additional night of accommodation and an airport transfer for a reduced price.
Until we meet again!
Prerequisites
Previous experience skiing or snowboarding off-piste in powder.
Required Equipment
Freeriding Gear
– Freeride Skis or Snowboard
– Ski/Snowboard Boots
– Collapsable Touring Poles
Avy Gear
– Avalanche Beacon
– Avalanche Probe
– Foldable Shovel
Outer Wear
– Base layers
– Midlayers
– Waterproof Ski Pants
– Waterproof Ski Jacket
– Gloves
– Helmet
– Goggles
Backcountry Essentials
– Sunglasses
– 25-35 L Backpack (large enough to carry all of your equipment)
– Water Bottle (thermos is best)
– Snacks
– Sunscreen
Let us know if you need assistance with rentals.
Recommended
Travel Insurance
– Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and trip cancellation cover
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Fluent English, GMGA Certified
DURATION
9 Days
SKI AREAS
Goderdzi, Tetnuldi & Hatsvali
GEORGIAN CUISINE
Breakfast & Dinner
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Avalanche Safety & Freeride Technique
PRICE
From $2,400 / Person
PRICE CALCULATOR
PARTICIPANTS
PER PERSON
TOTAL
December 2023
| SU | MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA |
|---|
AVAILABLE
BOOKED
GODERDZI
Goderdzi, Georgia, offers an exceptional freeride terrain for true adventure seekers. Nestled amidst the breathtaking summits of Adjara, this region is a haven for intermediate to advanced riders looking to explore untracked powder in solitude. Here’s what you can expect:
Elevation and Terrain Features.
Goderdzi boasts elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 meters, providing extensive freeride options. The terrain comprises pristine bowls, challenging chutes, and pillowy glades, ensuring an exciting variety for everyone.
Abandoned Villages.
Where else do you have the opportunity to ski between the roofs of ancient wooden houses in snowed-in villages? A rooftop kicker session is a must.
Tree Runs.
If you’re a fan of tree skiing, Goderdzi’s forests are blanketed in deep powder all winter. Our favorite beech forest reminds many skiers of Japan, while the evergreen forest across the valley is more reminiscent of Canada.
When it comes to snow conditions, Goderdzi doesn’t disappoint. Situated in Adjara, where the first waves of eastward-moving weather systems carry moisture from the Black Sea, Goderdzi receives some of the highest amounts of snowfall in all of Georgia. This abundant snowfall not only contributes to its well-deserved reputation for exceptional snow quality but also ensures consistent coverage throughout the season. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Maximum Snowfall.
With an annual snowfall of approximately 10 meters, Goderdzi ensures a deep and lasting winter playground. This consistent snowfall guarantees fresh powder throughout the season.
Snow Depth.
While snow depth varies throughout the season, mid-winter depths typically range from 5-8 meters, creating a deep and stable base for your backcountry adventures.
From Tbilisi (6-7 hours).
This scenic journey through central Georgia takes 6-7 hours. After we depart from the pavement in Adigeni, a rugged off-road segment is followed by a Snow Cat transfer over a high pass unaccessible by car in winter. Imagine a ski resort so wild that it doesn’t even have a road connection from the capital.
From Kutaisi (5-6 hours) or Batumi (3-4 hours).
From Kutaisi, we start by taking the main highway down the Black Sea coast to Batumi. From Batumi, a winding asphalt road ventures deep into upper Adjara, slowly deteriorating into a steep 35km off-road section only accessible with high clearance 4wd cars & experienced drivers. Our hotel lies at the very end of this off-road track.
For the best combination of snow quality and weather conditions, consider planning your trip between mid January and mid March.
SVANETI
Svaneti, Georgia, offers an unrivaled backcountry playground for adventure enthusiasts. Nestled within the awe-inspiring Greater Caucasus Mountains, this region beckons intermediate to advanced riders, promising uncharted powder and exhilarating descents. Here’s what awaits you:
Elevation and Terrain Features.
Svaneti boasts elevations ranging from under 1,000 to over 5,000 meters, providing an expansive canvas for backcountry exploration. From rugged chutes to vast bowls and pillowy tree runs, the diverse terrain caters to all skill levels, ensuring every rider discovers their perfect adventure.
Terrain Variety.
Svaneti’s backcountry landscape offers a spectrum of experiences, from challenging descents to wide-open bowls and steep forest glades. With each turn, expect a fresh challenge, making Svaneti an enticing haven for passionate skiers and snowboarders.
When it comes to snow conditions, Svaneti’s reputation is nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in the Greater Caucasus, the region benefits from prevailing moisture-laden winds from the Black Sea, resulting in abundant snowfall and pristine powder. Here’s what awaits:
Above Average Snowfall.
Svaneti receives an annual snowfall averaging 8 meters, ensuring a deep and sustained winter season. This consistent snowfall provides a playground of fresh powder throughout the ski season.
Dry Powder.
The snow in Svaneti is renowned for its dryness, making it a dream for those seeking fluffy, light powder turns.
Snow Depth.
During mid-winter, snow depths typically range from 4 to 7 meters, forming a sturdy and reliable base for your backcountry escapades.
From Goderdzi.
We arrive in Mestia, the capital of Svaneti region, after a long road trip across Western Georgia. The full day takes about 10 hours including stops for food, sightseeing, and for the brave ones, swimming.
Leaving to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, or Batumi.
The road slowly descends from Svaneti’s high mountain paradise into Georgia’s largest valley, the Rioni. From here, our driver takes you to your departure city:
Batumi – 5 hours
Kutaisi – 5 hours
Tbilisi – 9 hours
For an ideal combination of pristine snow quality and favorable weather conditions, plan your Svaneti adventure between late January to early April. This period promises the best backcountry experiences, where the terrain is blanketed in fresh powder and the mountains are ready for your exploration.