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The Adjara region is Georgia's answer to Japan's famous powder. Thanks to its proximity to the Black Sea, this area boasts record snowfall. With Cat Ski Georgia, you can revel in this pristine powder, guided by our expert locals and transported by a powerful Pistenbully snow cat. This beast will take you to the most remote and untouched slopes, offering an adventure you'll remember for a lifetime. Don't miss the chance to experience this extraordinary skiing paradise.

As always, we work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, we support tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, we help foster local initiatives to grow (winter) tourism.

Goderdzi

The freeride paradise of Goderdzi is less than 100 kilometers from the Black Sea. The Georgian government started construction of a ski resort in 2016. A number of lifts (including a super-fast gondola) have now been completed. Our lodge is located on top of the Goderdzi pass where we stay all week. You will not be short of anything here and the food is finger licking good.

Cat Ski Goderdzi

 
After arriving in Tbilisi (or Kutaisi) we will drive you to Goderdzi. The journey takes you through expansive forests and ascending mountain ranges, each more breathtaking than the last. Nestled at an altitude of 2100 meters, our lodge sits right next to the Turkish border, surrounded by a stunning snowy landscape. Due to the enormous snowfall, we'll switch to a snow cat for the final leg of the ascent. Once you arrive at the lodge, you're greeted with an incredible view over the Adjara region. The sunsets here are nothing short of magical, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered peaks and creating an unforgettable sight.

Goderdzi

The mountain village of Goderdzi is called the Japan of Georgia. The deciduous trees create stunning tree runs, and the idyllic village is dotted with numerous (abandoned) mountain huts. These huts, once bustling with shepherds and their families during the summer, provided shelter as they grazed their livestock on the vast grassy slopes. In the summer, the Goderdzi Pass opens up access to Goderdzi. However, in winter, the pass is closed due to the impressive snowfall, averaging over 4 meters at the peak. Our mountain lodge is perched at the top of this pass, serving as the gateway to even more remote and breathtaking mountain adventures.

Cat Ski lodge

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 four exhilarating regions, each offering unique challenges and stunning vistas. We typically focus on one region per day. The highest peaks, soaring up to 2600 meters, are on the eastern flank, featuring expansive snow plains and the enchanting village of Beshumi, where you can ski among picturesque abandoned wooden huts. The southern region offers steeper slopes and thrilling cliff drops, perfect for adrenaline seekers. To the west, you'll find mainly tree runs through dense forests with occasional clearings, providing a beautiful and diverse skiing experience. Based on the weather conditions, we select the optimal region each day to ensure the best cat skiing adventure.

Cat Ski Goderdzi

Cat / Pistenbully

Our fleet currently boasts four Pistenbullys, the ultimate German powerhouses for conquering the slopes. Since 2017, we have been using two Pistenbully 300 Polars to navigate the challenging terrain around Goderdzi. In 2021, we expanded our lineup with two Pistenbully 600, each equipped with a cozy cabin that accommodates 12-16 people. You'll board via a custom-made staircase, and your skis and snowboards will be securely stowed in side-mounted boxes. With vertical traverses sometimes exceeding 900 meters, we ensure your ride is as comfortable as possible. For the tech enthusiasts: our Pistenbullys boast a robust 461 HP and can reach speeds up to 25 km per hour.

pistenbully Georgia

Accommodation

We stay in a one-of-a-kind mountain lodge, completed in 2020, offering twin rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Our qualified chef will spoil you with mouthwatering local dishes, highlighting the best of Georgian cuisine. Enjoy a variety of bread, cheese, and meat, complemented by fresh fruits and vegetables. Imagine savoring eggplant with walnut sauce, hearty vegetarian stews, dumplings, and flavorful bean dishes. The lounge provides a cozy spot to unwind and play games. If desired, we can arrange a short transfer to the nearby ski area, just 20-30 minutes away by 4x4 or Pistenbully, where you'll find several hotels and lively bars.

Arsiani Hotel Goderdzi

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 predominantly 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.
Cat skiing Georgia

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).

Cat skiing Goderdzi

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

A transfer from Tbilisi is included but 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 by snow cat 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 Tbilisi-Goderdzi-Tbilisi
  • 5 days of cat skiing
  • Beeper, probe and shovel
  • 6 nights in Arsiani Hotel (twin rooms)
  • All meals and water/tea/coffee
  • English speaking guide
  • GMGA certified Cat ski guide
  • Use of swimming pool

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
  • Beeper, probe and shovel included
  • Local Georgian guide
  • Full board, excl. flights
  • Sleeping in a mountain lodge
  • Tbilisi or Kutaisi
  • A snow cat at your disposal all day
  • Always looking for powder and first tracks

START TOUR:
Sunday  11:00 uur, arrivals Tbilisi Airport
Or pick up in city center Tbilisi

END OF TOUR:
Saturday 17:00 uur, departures Tbilisi Airport
Drop-Off in city center Tbilisi

Sunday Transfer Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Goderdzi Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Monday Cat ski day 1 Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Tuesday Cat ski day 2 Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Wednesday Cat ski day 3 Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Thursday Cat ski day 4 Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Friday Cat ski day 5 Mountain Lodge Arsiani
Saturday Return Tbilisi/Kutaisi
  1. 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

  2. Miguel Ortiz:

    Ryce Travel ensures a seamless experience, providing comfortable rooms and authentic Georgian food at Arsiani. Our guide Giorgi stands out with his deep local knowledge, expertise, and warm hospitality, making every run both safe and exhilarating. The small group sizes offer a personalized and exclusive feel, perfect for those seeking fresh tracks and a genuine backcountry experience.

  3. Bouke Verwegen:

    This was definitely one of my best trips ever. The location is stunning with vast views till the Turkish border. The terrain is challenging and varied. The first two days we stayed on the flatter sections above the lodge. When the snow storm was finished, we drove all the way to the top. There is something special about the snow quality. It really is something unmatched. Rooms were comfortable but there could be more facilities in the central areas. Ryce Travel see you next year again!

  4. Liam:

    Top top top

  5. Leon Vanderberghe:

    We will be there again next year. We have tried several cat ski operations in Macedonia, Canada and Turkey. The conditions here are truly second to none. Plus, it’s still affordable. The guides are excellent. It’s quite a drive to get there.

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