Ski Adventure Georgia
The Perfect Mix of Ski Resorts, Cat Skiing, Culture, Cuisine & Nightlife
An unforgettable ski & snowboard adventure is waiting for you in the mighty mountains of Georgia. From the ultra-modern ski lifts & spectacular terrain of Gudauri, the tree glades at Bakuriani and the catskiing from Goderdzi Pass, the skiing & snowboarding is just one part of the experience. From the lively old town of Tbilisi to the Gergeti Monastery and hot springs of Akhaltsikhe, the hospitable Georgian people provide the basis for a cultural experience like no other, including some of the world’s finest wines & local cuisine. What a journey. Are you coming?
Highlights
- An immersive & diverse tour with plenty of powder, culture, sights, tastes & nightlife.
- Two full days of guided cat skiing at Goderdzi.
- Three full days of skiing & snowboarding in two of Georgia's premium ski resorts.
- Sightseeing, wine-tasting & nightlife tours of fascinating Tbilisi
- Sunrise hike to Gergeti from Stepantsminda
- Incredible Georgian cuisine, plus sample the wine, beer and of course cha-cha
- The best of Georgian hospitality
- Fully hosted & guided tour with all the logistics, including transport, taken care of.
Itinerary
The Ski Adventure Georgia tour itinerary begins with a pickup from Tbilisi airport or meeting the tour group at the first guesthouse in Tbilisi. Participants can arrive on the Saturday, or early on the Sunday as the first day and night are in the city. Be prepared for a wonderful exploration with your guide of all the city sights (plus a few wines along the way too!). The tour then heads to Gudauri ski resort and the village of Stepantsminda in the tour van. A sunrise ski down from the Gergeti Monastery is possible before the second day at Gudauri, before transferring by the tour van to Bakuriani ski resort for a night of fun in this intriguing ski resort town. Following a day on the pistes & tree glades of Bakuriani, the group head toward Goderdzi Pass for 2 full days of catskiing, before returning to Tbilisi on the Saturday via the Akhaltsikhe hot springs, for a final big night in the city. See a more detailed program via the Itinerary tab.
The Skiing
The skiing starts at Gudauri, the largest ski resort in Georgia. It will be our playground for the next two days. Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, Gudauri has seen significant developments in recent years, transforming it into a world-class destination. The resort features modern chair lifts & gondolas, with the highest reaching 3,279m. This high elevation offers breathtaking views and a vertical drop of almost 1,500m, providing a variety of exciting terrain. From challenging off-piste runs and backcountry opportunities for advanced skiers to groomed trails for beginners, Gudauri caters to all skill levels. After full days on the slopes, we’ll unwind at a local pub, enjoying well-deserved drinks and the lively après-ski atmosphere.
A winding road up from the valley will lead the group to the mountain village of Bakuriani, one of the tour operators favourite skiing locations in Georgia. This wooded haven boasts widely spaced trees on steep slopes, ensuring plenty of untouched snow for thrilling descents. The pistes are good for all abilities and the après-ski scene here is legendary - not for trendy pubs, but for the vibrant, chacha-fueled gatherings that capture the local spirit. After a long day on the slopes, we can enjoy a final freeride run to the historic ski jumps of Bakuriani before heading into the village itself.
The final two days and a morning are spent cat skiing at the Goderdzi village in Adjara, southwest Georgia. Due to its beautiful glade terrain and abundant snowfall (due to a combination of prevailing storm direction & its proximity to the Black Sea), Goderdzi is a freeride paradise often referred to as the 'Japan of Georgia'. The deciduous trees create stunning tree runs, and the surrounding terrain is dotted with numerous mountain huts. Goderdzi Pass road is closed in winter (due to the deep winter snowpack) so the group's journey to and from the area will be assisted by snowcat for the final portions, culminating with a long run back to the tour van when departing. Due to the impressive snowfall, averaging over 4m deep at the peak. The mountain pass is also the access road to numerous catskiing drops around Goderdzi. The days in Goderdzi will be intense, with winding tree runs and natural, playful terrain that will leave you in awe. During our shared meals, we will have plenty of stories to share, making for a memorable and exciting experience.
The Experience
Aside from the skiing, the adventure includes so much more. The tour begins and finishes in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. Starting with a city tour of the old town, the group will be guided into the historic Dzveli neighborhood and wandering through the narrow alleys behind the ancient city walls. You'll take the gondola up to the Narikala Fortress for breathtaking views and explore the Botanical Garden, before descending via the countless stairs back to the old town. The tour will embark on an afternoon's 'wine bar crawl' in the city, sampling some of Georgia's finest wines. The first day concludes with a delightful dinner at our favourite local restaurant, offering a perfect introduction to Georgian cuisine and hospitality.
Whilst skiing Gudauri, you will spend the night in a cozy local guesthouse in Stepantsminda, the final stop on the historic Georgian Military Highway. This charming village offers stunning vistas of Mount Kazbegi, which towers at 5,047m. Our hosts, a warm and welcoming local family, will prepare delicious traditional Georgian meals for the group, showcasing the rich flavours of the region. In the evening, expect a glass (or two) of chacha, the potent local spirit, as you relax and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery. This stay promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. After waking up in Stepantsminda, it’s optional to do a sunrise hike with the group. Ascend on foot to the Gergeti Infinity Church at 2,200m and await the sun rising over the peaks. After a brief visit to the church, you can ski/board back to the village (depending on the snow conditions).
After skiing at Bakuriani, the group will head into the village where it resembles a giant fairground, with horse riding, bumper cars, shooting tents, and local liqueurs - perfect ingredients for a delightfully strange evening of fun in the snow.
Whilst getting to and from Goderdzi for the final ski days is an experience in itself, on the return journey a stop will be made at the beautiful Akhaltsikhe Hot Springs. Upon return to Tbilisi a final night will allow an exploration of the city's vibrant nightlife and bustling bars & clubs. To cap off your week of skiing and adventures, toast with a chacha, beer, or local wine, just like the Georgians would!
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodations during the tour are in locally owned and run guesthouses in Tbilisi, Stepantsminda (near Gudauri), Bakuriani & near Goderdzi Pass. Half-board is included for the entire tour with breakfast eaten mainly at the guesthouses, and dinners spread between the accommodation and other local restaurants along the journey. There is plenty of time for après ski drinks, wine tasting & sampling the often-abundant nightlife and after-dark activities.
Georgian cuisine features plenty of bread, cheese, and meat, but don’t worry, you’ll still get your share of vegetables and fruit. And then there's wine beer and the local strong spirit, cha-cha. 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 to tasty dishes such as Ojakhuri (potatoes with meat), Shkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce), Pkhali (spinach and walnut tapenade) and Kharcho (stew). Georgia is also the cradle of wine production. Wine had been drunk here for 8,000 years. You can find it in all kinds of flavours and colours including mulled wine. If wine is not your thing, then there is always local specialty beer or the stronger cha-cha (the local version of raki). Of course there will also be tea, coffee, water or soft drinks available as part of the tariff, whilst alcoholic drinks are at local bar prices.
Guides
Your experienced tour host will guide you around the ski resorts of Gudauri & Bakuriani. For cat skiing at Goderdzi, all guides are GMGA (Georgian Mountain Guide Association) certified and have extensive knowledge of avalanche safety, mountaineering, first aid and snowpack. The tour operator predominantly works with local staff and believe it is important to use local knowledge and to support the local community.
Ski & Snowboard Ability & Gear
This Ski Adventure Georgia tour is for intermediate to advanced riders preferably with some off-piste experience in powder.
Bring your own ski & snowboard gear if you have it, otherwise there is an option to rent skis, snowboards & boots from the tour operator. Enquire when booking.
Transport - Getting There & Away
The tour includes return transport from Tbilisi Airport or the guesthouse in Tbilisi city centre, plus all other transport during the tour. Tbilisi (TBS) airport is easily accessible from flight origins throughout Europe, the UK, Türkiye & the Middle-east. At the end of the tour you will be returned to Tbilisi city centre or airport for departure.
We recommend spending at least an extra night or two in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, preferably after the tour. For more details & accommodation options, see our Tbilisi overview page.
Ski Adventure Georgia Tour Bookings
Solos and small groups are welcome to join one of the fixed-date trips via the date listings above. Or if you are after a minimum group size of 5, you can make a booking request for a private, customised ski adventure tour.
About the Tour Operator
Ryce Travel is a foundation dedicated to supporting Community Based Tourism (CBT) and they work predominantly with local partners and guides. As a non-profit tour agency, Ryce supports tourism in developing countries, providing you with an authentic local experience while ensuring that locals earn a decent income. Additionally, Ryce helps to foster local initiatives to grow winter tourism.