Bakhmaro Cat Skiing & Snowboard Packages
Overview
Cat Skiing Bakhmaro is one of Europe's newest & best ski adventures. Located in the Caucasus of southwestern Georgia at the remote village of Bakhmaro, the closest major Georgian cities are Kutaisi & Batumi.
Packages (either Pioneers - standard or budget) include return airport transfers, 7 nights of accommodation in the traditional village of Bakhmaro at the newly built 'Pioneers' Lodge (standard) or mountain cabin (budget), all meals at Bakhmaro plus 6 days of fully guided cat skiing. For more information on how a week at Bakhmaro works, see the Itinerary page.
The main cat-ski season runs from mid-December to early March. In mid to late March, the tours are snowcat supported ski-touring/splitboarding. For these cat/tour weeks see the Cat Ski & Tour Bakhmaro page.
Snow & Terrain
The location of Bakhmaro in the "Lesser Caucasus" is relatively close to the Black Sea and chosen specifically for its combination of awesome terrain and deep winter snow pack. The proximity of the sea to the high peaks of around 2,700m provides abundant moisture, and when combined with cold temperatures, deep powder from December to early March. We can personally attest to the incredible depth of snow at Bakhmaro.
The terrain includes great tree skiing & high alpine terrain between 1,900m and over 2,700m elevation in the snow laden Little Caucasus of southern Georgia. High levels 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. The numbers of return clientele are another indicator!
Lodging & Food
From season 21/22, accommodations at Bakhmaro are in either in a newly built lodge called 'The Pioneers' or (for a lesser fee) in a mountain guesthouse with shared or bunk rooms called 'Base'. 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. The guesthouse accommodation provides a more rustic Bakhmaro experience, but one could argue its aythenticity adds, rather detracts from the experience All meals are included and, regardless of where you are staying (Pioneers or Base), no one goes home disappointed. For more information, see the Lodging & Food page.
More adventurous expert freeriders can opt to stay in the Adjara Wolfsbed Alpine Hut and explore more remote terrain. Check out Adjara Cat Ski Packages here.
Experience & Ability
The operators try to put together homogeneous groups. Please help them by defining your main interests and your ski/board skills and please be honest about it. Don't overestimate your skills, especially if you have limited freeride experience. To be able to ride safely in a remote area like the Lesser Caucasus, riders need really advanced freeride skills to ride all types of snow (including hard and wet snow). You have to have the strength to climb out of a stream bed or dig yourself out of deep snow. Last, but not least, you need the necessary self-confidence to occasionally ski on fast or steep slopes.
In order to put groups together as homogeneously as possible, there are 3 defined types:
RIDE - Sporty riders who ski/board a lot and don't want to wait - let's say experts.
EXPERIENCE - Freeriders who are safe in any terrain, but also appreciate the Caucasus experience - advanced .
BACKCOUNTRY - Freeriders who always carry skins with them in their rucksacks and are happy to accept ascents of up to 500 meters in altitude in order to reach extraordinary lines.
Those who book first define the focus of the group. Later bookings must correspond to the group focus.
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.
Snowcats
The Bakhmaro cat ski operation uses up to 3 modern SnowCats, plus several in reserve. Each have a maximum of 12 seats for guests.
Safety
The operation is run by a reliable and professionalism German-Swiss organization, where quality and safety management is paramount.
Tour groups are led by a local guide from the professional Georgian Mountain Guides Association, overseen by professional mountain guides from the Alps.
Here is a little video of the Cat Skiing Bakhmaro experience from the early days courtesy of whitehearts,de ......
