Cat-Skiing & Ski-Touring Bakhmaro Packages
Overview
Cat Skiing in Bakhmaro is one of Europe's best ski adventures. Packages includes return airport transfers, 7-nights of accommodation in the traditional village of Bakhmaro, all meals at Bakhmaro plus 6 days of guided snowcat supported backcountry ski touring. The ski touring explores areas beyond the reach of the snowcats & up to the highest peaks in the region. Each day can include around 3-hours of time in the snowcat to get to the most interesting backcountry locations. Each night you will return to the comfort of the base in the quiet village of Bakhmaro. The lodge's food, sauna & hospitality provide a wonderful end to an adventurous day.
More adventurous expert freeriders can opt to stay in the Adjara Mountain Hut and explore more remote terrain on a cat ski & tour trip[. Check out Adjara Cat Ski & Tour Packages here.
Anyone looking for full cat ski only tours should see our Cat Skiing Bakhmaro page.
Snow & Terrain
The terrain includes great tree skiing and high alpine terrain between 1,900m and over 2,700m elevation in the snow laden Little Caucasus of southern Georgia. High amounts of snowfall, especially at the beginning of the season provide generally excellent conditions. Tree runs with names like "Big in Japan' indicate the quality of the ski experience here. In early December and March during the Cat Ski & Tour programs, snow conditions can vary from deep powder to early Spring corn and everything in between! Regardless of the conditions, exploring the area by snowcat & ski/splitboard is definitely worth the journey. The amount of skiing done is dictated by the weather & the fitness/will of the group.
Vertical, Fitness & Ability
The tour explores the neighboring valleys of Bakhmaro. The mountains rise up to 2,755m altitude and since the base is already at 1,900m, the groups will go up to 800m in altitude per ascent. There are also some interesting circular tours with 2 or 3 ascents and with an altitude of 1,500m or more. One of them is the high valley of Meria Keli with its beautiful alpine village, or the backside of Buksieti with the alpine village of Zoti Keli with its old steel bridges.
An advanced ability to skin for several hours a day and ski descents in varied terrain and snow is required to ensure full enjoyment of the tour. Please be honest about your ability - both up and down!
Snowcat Supported - How It Works
With the lodge location already in the mountains, groups can start the tours right from the front door. However, it is also possible to take the snowcat to an interesting starting point, or the cat drivers can pick the group up at a more secluded location after the tour.
The snowcats are available to the group every day to reach more remote areas, organize a pick-up in the valley or even go for a day of pure catskiing when there is fresh snow.
On days with fresh snow, the group will use the Snowcat for a freeride day to draw as many lines as possible in the untracked snow.
If visibility is poor or the wind is stronger, the forest is used. The beech forests in particular offer unforgettable tree runs. Depending on the snow and weather conditions, the group can also use the Snowcat in the morning and take part in a half-day tour in the afternoon.
The Snowcat is also available for single trips on tour days. In this way, the guide can significantly increase the range of the tours. They are of course always available as a back-up and of course also offer additional security for the groups.
To see how a week on tour looks, see our Itinerary tab.
Lodging & Food
Accommodations at Bakhmaro are in either one of two newly built lodges called 'The Pioneers' or Riders Lodge, or for a lesser fee in a budget-style local guesthouse. The Pioneers Lodge has 10 twin & triple rooms with modern ensuite bathrooms, a large living and dining space plus sauna. Food is a highlight of any trip to Bakhmaro. All meals are included and no one goes home disappointed. For more information, see the Lodging & Food page.
Getting There
For more information on how to get to Georgia & the gateway airport of Kutaisi (KUT), see our Bakhmaro & Adjara Location page. You will be met at the airport by the cat ski hosts for transport to Bakhmaro by minivan and snowcat.
Safety
The operation is run by a reliable and professionalism German / Swiss organization, where quality and safety management is paramount. Several snowcats are available at any one time, ensuring the groups safety when far from the base.
Tour groups are led by a local guide from the professional Georgian Mountain Guides Association overseen by a professional guide from the Alps.
Below is a short video of cat skiing at Bakhmaro experience courtesy of whitehearts.de......
Make a booking inquiry here.