Bakhmaro is one of the snowiest places in Georgia. Because of its proximity to the Black Sea, this mountainous area experiences heavy and frequent snowfalls, while its high altitude and predominantly Northern aspect help to preserve the snowpack throughout the entire winter season.
Freeride in Bakhmaro is possible in all kinds of weather. We can carve through forest glades on snowy or cloudy days and dive into alpine fields on clear days, enjoying the stunning views of the Greater Caucasus and the Black Sea.
We will ride all six days from morning to sunset with a short break for a picnic lunch on the snow. Leave your skitour gear at home: the snowcat will serve as our "lift" throughout the day, transporting us directly to the best spots and later waiting for us at the bottom of each run. We will make 8–12 runs and gain a total of 3000–5000 vertical meters every day.
A rustic house in the village of Bakhmaro will be our home for the entire programme: a cosy wooden lodge featuring warm rooms, a sauna and a chillout zone, and full-board meals from a Georgian chef. We will also arrange a private car transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi and a snowcat shuttle to Bakhmaro for the group.
€ TBA
dates 2022/23:
TBA
8 days
from 8 participants
arrival/departure city:
Tbilisi/Kutaisi
Here is a short video featuring catski in Bakhmaro from our friends at WhiteHearts:
Arrival/departure city: Tbilisi or Kutaisi, depending on your flight. We recommend arriving one day before the start of the programme. We will arrange a transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi for all participants.
Day 1
Arrival day. We take a car transfer and snowcat shuttle from Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Bakhmaro. Settle in and have a rest.
Day 2
We start with a short avalanche training and proceed to our first day of catski.
Days 3–7
Full-time catski in Bakhmaro with a short stop in the afternoon to have a picnic lunch on the snow.
Day 8
Departure day. We take a snowcat shuttle and car transfer back to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. You can plan your flight for the next morning.
We stay in a cosy wooden lodge in Bakhmaro. Accommodation is simple hostel type, with shared facilities and a separate wooden sauna. Wi-Fi is available in our lodging.
We provide participants with three full meals a day, including a lunch box for catski. All meals are traditional Georgian food prepared by a local chef. Alcohol is not included: you can stock up in Tbilisi or Kutaisi to suit your tastes; some alcoholic beverages are also available in the lodge.
Note. If you are allergic to food or have specific preferences, please indicate this in your booking application.
The gear you need for catski is similar to a standard freerider's pack:
- freeride ski/snowboard;
- avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe;
- backpack with a ski/snowboard carrying system;
- telescopic poles for snowboarders or ski poles for skiers;
- helmet and goggles;
- sunglasses;
- sunscreen SPF 50+.
Please consult the packing list featuring our comments and recommendations. If you need any kind of advice, we will be glad to help.
Price includes
- certified guides;
- experienced tail guide;
- all transfers from Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Bakhmaro and back;
- full-day snowcat rides;
- accommodation and meals in Bakhmaro (7 nights);
- first aid kit and repair kit.
Price does not include
- medical/evacuation insurance;
- accommodation and meals in Tbilisi/Kutaisi;
- alcohol;
- tips for guides.
