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Goderdzi
Goderdzi
The mountain village of Goderdzi is called the Japan of Georgia. Deciduous trees provide beautiful tree runs and the idyllic village consists of countless (abandoned) mountain huts. These huts were used by shepherds and their families in summer. They used to spend summers with their livestock on the extensive grassy slopes. The Goderdzi pass gives access to Goderdzi in summer. However, the pass is closed in winter. Because on average there is more than 4 meters of snow on the top. Our mountain lodge is on top of this mountain pass. And from there we go even further into the mountains.
Terrain
Since 2017 we offer cat ski trips to Goderdzi. Together with the local population, we have invested in several Pistenbully's. All cats have a modern cabin and a safe entry and exit. An experienced guide will show you the best slopes. Nearly 8,000 hectares of land are available. This varies from mellow tree runs to faces of 40+ degrees. In the morning we decide together with you where to go. Assume that you can do at least 6-8 runs with 3000-5000 altimeters in one day.
The cat ski terrain is divided into 4 regions. We will usually choose 1 per day. The highest peaks are on the eastern flank. These reach up to 2600 meters altitude. We usually don't get lower than 1700 meters. The east side is known for the many snow plains and the village of Beshumi. Here you sometimes ski between abandoned wooden huts. In the south are steeper slopes and some cliff drops. In the west mainly tree runs with dense forests and some openings. Depending on the weather conditions, we choose the best region for cat skiing.
Cat / Pistenbully
At the moment our fleet consists of four Pistenbullys. These German powerhouses plow with wide caterpillar (cat) tracks. Since 2017 we use two Pistenbully 300 Polar for ascending the slopes around Goderdzi. From 2021, two Pistenbully 600 have been added. Both have a cabin for 12-16 people. You enter with a handmade staircase. The skis and snowboards are placed in boxes on the side. Sometimes we have to traverse more than 900 meters vertical. That is why we do everything to make you feel as comfortably as possible. For the wizz kids among us: the Pistenbully has 461 HP and a maximum speed of 25 km per hour.
Accommodation
We sleep in a unique mountain lodge that was completed in 2020. You sleep in twin rooms with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The food is provided by a qualified chef who will serve the most delicious local dishes. Georgian cuisine consists of a lot of bread, cheese and meat, but of course you also get your dose of fruit and vegetables. How about eggplant with walnut sauce, vegetarian stews, dumplings and bean dishes? In the lounge there is every opportunity to relax and play a game. On request we can arrange a short transfer to the ski area (20/30 minutes by 4x4 or Pistenbully). Here you will find a number of hotels and bars.
Staff
We have a fantastic group of freeriders on site. They will ensure that you make safe descents. All guides are GMGA (Georgian Mountain Guide Association) certified and have extensive knowledge of avalanche safety, mountaineering, first aid and snowpack. We only work with local guides. The employees of the mountain lodge and the Pistenbully drivers also come from the region. We believe it is important to use local knowledge.
Electricity / Internet
Electricity (220V) and internet are available in the mountain lodge. The wifi signal is usually fine, but don’t expect high speeds. You can also choose to purchase a SIM card yourself. You only have coverage with the MAGTI network. Costs are 15-20 euros per month for unlimited data.
Food & Drink
Georgian cuisine is a unique mix of Mediterranean, Russian, Turkish and Arabic dishes. As said before, a lot of bread, cheese and meat, but the Georgian cuisine is so much more. The most famous dishes are Khatchapuri (cheese pizza), Lobiani (bean pizza), Khinkali (dumplings), Shashlik and salads. In addition, tasty dishes such as Ojakhuri (potatoes with meat), Shkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce), Pkhali (spinach and walnut tapenade) and Kharcho (stew).
Add the fact that Georgia is the cradle of wine production. Wine had been drunk here 6,000 years before Jesus was born. You can find it in all kinds of flavors and colors. Even mulled wine is drunk there. If wine is not your thing then there is always local specialty beer or the stronger chacha (raki). Of course we also have tea, coffee or soft drinks.
Transport
We can organize a transport from any point in Georgia. From the international airport of Tbilisi or Kutaisi it takes about 5 hours to drive to Goderdzi. It is about a 2-hour drive from Bakuriani ski resort. There is no road to the mountain lodge so you will be picked up with the Pistenbully or 4×4. From Batumi it is possible to drive to Goderdzi. This takes about 2 hours on a road where you also need four-wheel drive. The roads are being improved rapidly, but we will see changes in accessibility for next winter.
Private tours
Please contact us for customized tours. We apply a minimum of 3 cat skiing days and a minimum group size of 6.
Cat ski Georgia for you?
- advanced skiers/snowboarders with off-piste experience
- adventurers and lovers of deep powder
- skiers / boarders who want something different from the Alps
Included
- Transfers on site
- 5 days of cat skiing
- Accommodation (twin rooms)
- All meals and water/tea/coffee
- English speaking guide
- Freeride ski guide
- Use of sauna
Not included
- Flights (from 150-200 return) both Tbilisi and Kutaisi are possible from Europe
- Food & drinks not included in breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Souvenirs & tips
- Ski or Snowboard rental
- Avalanche equipment
- Travel insurance
Cat Ski Georgia
- 5 days cat skiing
- Full board, excl. flights
- Sleeping in a mountain lodge
- Tbilisi or Kutaisi
- A Pistenbully at your disposal all day
- Always looking for powder and first tracks
Sunday | Transfer Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Goderdzi | Mountain Lodge |
Monday | Full day cat skiing | Mountain Lodge |
Tuesday | Full day cat skiing | Mountain Lodge |
Wednesday | Full day cat skiing | Mountain Lodge |
Thursday | Full day cat skiing | Mountain Lodge |
Friday | Full day cat skiing | Mountain Lodge |
Saturday | Return Tbilisi/Kutaisi |
Ian van Mourik– :
Went to Georgia with my friends. Every day fresh pow. The trip was great. Tornike is a very knowledgeable and skillfull guide. And I loved his humour. Goderdzi is a paradise