Freeride and Ski Touring in Georgia, Group Tours

Goderdzi Bakhmaro
Svaneti Gudauri

Georgia has long been a top destination for freeride and ski touring enthusiasts. Vast fields, dense forests, high passes, and stable snow cover attract riders from all over the world. PVD Club has compiled the best freeride and ski touring programs in key locations—Gudauri, Goderdzi, Bakhmaro, and Svaneti. Each program is designed with skill level, safety, and maximum descents on pristine snow in mind.

We also offer freeride tours to Bakhmaro , Svaneti , Goderdzi.

Freeride in Goderdzi: Three Days Among Fairytale Forests and Endless Fields

The Goderdzi resort is located in the highlands of Adjara, at an altitude of approximately 2000-2500 meters. The location is unique for its combination of a subtropical climate and Caucasian snow: up to 10-12 meters of precipitation falls here per season, the forests are dense and high, and the fields above them remain untouched for weeks. This is why Goderdzi is considered one of the most consistent freeride spots in Georgia. The program is designed for exactly three full days of off-piste skiing and is suitable for those already confident on groomed slopes.

Day 1: Getting to know the area and practicing safety

The freeride program at Goderdzi begins immediately with a trip to the slopes. The first half of the day is dedicated to forest skiing in the immediate vicinity of the resort—this is an excellent opportunity to assess each participant's skill level and tailor future routes. The descents take place on moderate slopes among tall fir and beech trees, where the snow remains soft even after several days without precipitation.

In the afternoon, a full avalanche training session is held at a specially prepared site:

The practice of searching for one or more "victims" with a beeper
Probe work and strategic shovel
Scenario practice under the guidance of an IFMGA/UIAGM guide

In the evening, over dinner, the basics are covered:

Avalanche classification and trigger mechanisms
Reading the terrain and choosing a safe line
The specifics of the snow cover of Adjara and the microclimate of Goderdzi

Day 2. Deep forest and the other side of the resort

The morning begins with a transfer to the Goderdzi Pass (about 20-25 minutes by car). From here, access to the reverse side of the ridge opens—an area off-limits to regular hikers. The first descent takes you across wide fields, eventually entering dense forest, where the snow is particularly deep and soft.

Three full lines are planned for the day:

A long descent through the upper fields with an exit into a forest canyon
Traverse and second descent on a different exposure
The final descent directly to the bottom station or hotel through the lower forest

The total vertical drop per day is typically 1800-2200 meters. After skiing, there's a sauna and steam bath at the guest house, where you can fully recharge.

Day 3. A day of big fields and maximum differences

The final day of freeriding in Goderdzi is dedicated to the longest and most open lines. The ascent to the pass is either by snowcat (additional payment on site) or by hiking with skins for 40-50 minutes—the choice depends on the group's fitness and desire for an additional ski-touring climb.

There are then up to four descents:

Wide alpine fields with a slope of 25-35 degrees
Access to the mountain villages through the lower fields
The difference in altitude between each descent reaches 800-950 meters.

This is where the most photogenic lines and a sense of total space emerge. By lunchtime, the group returns to the resort, where there's time for a relaxed coffee overlooking the slopes they've just conquered.

The requirements for participants remain unchanged throughout the tour:

Confident skiing on slopes of any difficulty, including black ones
Own or rented avalanche kit (beeper, probe, shovel, 25-35 l backpack)
Freeride skis/snowboards with a width of at least 95 mm under the boot
Good physical condition - in three days you can gain up to 5000-6000 meters of vertical drop

Goderdzi Freeride , performed by PVD Club, is a compact yet intense tour, where each day is noticeably different from the previous one, leaving a complete impression of Adjara freeriding.

on prepared trails and the presence of a full avalanche kit.

Freeride in Bakhmaro: Extreme Ski Touring in Georgia's Snowiest Spot

Freeriding in Bakhmaro is a place where people come not for comfort, but for real snow. Situated at an altitude of 1900–2100 meters in the Gurian Mountains, the village is just 50 km from the Black Sea as the crow flies. As a result, up to 15 meters of snowfall fall here in winter, and meter-long snowfalls overnight are common. There are no ski lifts, no shops, and almost no cell phone service. There is only snow, mountains, and silence.

Two riding formats – for the group to choose from

Catski program (snow groomer for the whole day)

Rent a snowcat for 7–8 hours.
5–6 full descents with a difference of 400–550 meters each.
The total altitude gain per day is 2500–3000 vertical meters.
Quick drops every 15–20 minutes, minimum time spent getting up – maximum time skiing.
Suitable for those who want to get the most out of the day.

Pure ski touring / splitboard

The ascent on skins or snowshoes takes 1,5–2,5 hours, depending on the route.
1–2 long descents per day (450–600 meters difference).
The climbs are free, there is complete silence, and only your own tracks are left.
Ideal for those who love the process and are not chasing the number of descents.

Zones and routes directly from the village

From Bakhmaro, within a 20-50 minute ride, there are more than ten different lines available on skins:

The northern slopes of the Kvirila ridge are open fields with access to sparse forest.
Western exposure to the Chhara Pass – long couloirs of 35–40° and a forest finish
The southern fields above the village are ideal powdery ground in the shade of trees even in sunny weather.
Long traverse to Mount Sakornia (3-4 hours ascent) – 900 meters of vertical drop for strong groups

The Bakhmaro forest zone is unique: tall beeches and firs keep the snow in perfect condition for weeks, and slopes rarely exceed 35°, making descents relatively safe with proper avalanche assessment. Book a freeride tour to Bakhmaro for a truly enjoyable experience.

A rough outline of a three-day freeride program in Bakhmaro

Day 1 – Arrival and reconnaissance

Arriving by snowcat for lunch
Half a day of snowcat riding near the village (3-4 runs)
Evening briefing and avalanche training

Day 2 – Full day on a snowcat

5-6 descents in different sectors
We try all the exposures, looking for the best snow

Day 3 – Ski Tour Day

An early start on one of the long routes
1-2 long descents, return by 15-16 hours
Departure back to civilization

The requirements for participants are strict:

Confident off-piste skiing
A complete avalanche kit and the ability to use it
Good physical condition (especially for ski touring)
Preparedness for Spartan living conditions (warm guest houses, but no luxury)

Bakhmaro is a place people return to. Once you've experienced meter-deep powder snow in the Gurian forests, it's hard to remain indifferent. If you're ready for a true adventure without compromise, Bakhmaro awaits.

Five-day freeride tour in Svaneti

Five days of intense freeriding in Svaneti at the Hatsvali and Tetnuldi resorts, plus a trip to remote areas. The program combines skiing from ski lifts, hiking traverses, and a full backcountry day.

Day 1. Tbilisi → Mestia. Start of the adventure

Departure from Tbilisi at 06:00–07:00 (8–9 hours travel time via Zugdidi)
Upon arrival, a mandatory equipment check is required: freeride skis or a board at least 100 mm wide, a beeper, a probe, a shovel, a radio, a 25–35 liter backpack, spare gloves and a mask
Accommodation in Mestia, dinner at the guest house
Evening briefing: weather and avalanche forecast for five days ahead, group distribution, discussion of routes and backup plans

Day 2. Hatsvali – forest skiing and avalanche practice

Ascent on the Hatsvali cable car
2–3 warm-up descents along the slopes to assess the level of the group
Entrance into dense forest to the right and left of the main slopes: short but technical lines among tall trees
The main descent of the day is a 25-35 minute traverse from the upper station to the lower station of the lift (a difference of about 700-800 m)
In the afternoon, a full-scale rescue simulation will take place: searching for two “victims,” probing, digging, and providing first aid.
Evening Lecture: Off-Piste Safety, Decision-Making Strategy, and Avalanche Bulletin Management

Day 3. Tetnuldi – the day of big fields

Early departure at 07:30, transfer by jeep to the lower station of Tetnuldi (20 minutes)
2 warm-up descents on the slopes
Next, there are 5–6 freeride descents from different summit exposures:
Total elevation gain per day: 3000–4000 vertical meters
In the evening, we review the past day and plan our trip to Adishi.

Day 4. Backcountry day in the Adishi area – the pearl of the tour

Departure at 06:30–07:00 in prepared SUVs towards the village of Adishi (1,5–2 hours on a winter road)
Dropping off at the highest possible altitude (usually up to 2200–2400 m)
One long descent of 1000–1300 meters of vertical drop through the alpine zone, sparse forests and fields down to the valley itself
A second short descent is possible if time and energy allow.
Picnic lunch in the mountains, return by transfer to Mestia by 17:00–18:00
Many participants later call this day the best of the entire winter.

Day 5. Finale at Hatsvali and return

Easy day: we hit the slopes by 09:00–10:00
3-4 descents depending on the group's wishes - we usually choose the most delicious lines, which are left for "dessert"
By 15:30–16:00 we descend to Mestia and pack our things.
Departure to Tbilisi at 16:30–17:00, arrival around 01:00–02:00 at night

The freeride program in Svaneti is suitable for riders with a confident level and experience in off-piste skiing.

Freeride Gudauri for all skill levels

The most accessible resort, 120 km from Tbilisi, offers routes from simple to extreme. The vertical drop reaches 1200 meters, and the choice of lines is vast.

The main freeride zones in Gudauri

Kobi, Khada and Milioni Gorges
Slopes of Kudebi, Sadzele and Bidora
Ski touring routes to Lomisi Monastery, Miketi and Dedaena peaks

Beginners have access to guided training programs, while experienced riders can explore challenging lines with steep drops. In spring, the northern slopes above 2700 meters maintain excellent snow conditions even in April.

A sample freeride program in Gudauri looks like this.

Day 1. Arrival and “First Snow Off-Piste” (for all levels)

09:00 – meeting in Tbilisi or directly in Gudauri (depending on the group)
Checking and issuing avalanche equipment (beeper, probe, shovel, radio)
10:00–13:00 – theoretical and practical course on avalanche safety on the training slope at the lower station
13:30–16:30 – First off-piste runs: short lines next to the second and third stage pistes, with a vertical drop of 250–400 m
Evening: video review, dinner, briefing for tomorrow

Day 2. Kudebi – the main training area

08:30 – ascent to the third stage
2 warm-up descents on the slopes
4–6 runs along the western and central parts of Kudebi: – soft fields 25–30° – “pillow” lines along the edges – short couloirs in the upper part
Total elevation change per day is 2500–3500 m
Beginners remain in the safe zone, while experienced climbers head to the eastern couloirs of Kudebi.
In the evening – analysis of errors and review of the avalanche bulletin

Day 3. Sadzele – a day for intermediate and advanced levels

08:30 – ascent to the fifth stage (gondola + chairlift)
Warm-up runs on black slopes
4-5 long lines along the western Sadzele (elevation difference 800-1000 m)
If the avalanche conditions are good, head to the eastern part (35–40°, narrow couloirs)
Optional: 15-25 minute traverse to hidden lines
Total difference in altitude is 3500–4500 m
Beginners ski Kudebi with a separate guide on this day.

Day 4. Big gorges: Kobi or Milioni (day of maximum elevation gain)

08:00 – early start
Transfer by car to the top of Kobi (or transfer to the start of Milioni)
1-2 giant descents: – Kobi: 1100-1200 m vertical drop, 6-8 km long to the Georgian Military Highway – Milioni: 1000-1100 m to the river
Return to the top by taxi/transfer
The second descent is shorter, if time and energy allow.
In the evening, a sauna and viewing of the day's photos

Day 5. Ski touring day or "dessert" + departure

Option A (for anyone who wants to try ski touring)

Ascent on skins to the Lomisi Monastery (2–2,5 hours, elevation gain 650 m)
Descent 750–850 m along the northern slope
Return to Gudauri by 14:00–15:00

Option B (for those who want to ski even more)

Half a day of the best remaining lines of Kudebi or Sadzele
By 15:00, descend, pack your things, and leave for Tbilisi (arrival ~17:00–17:30)

Summary for 5 days:

Beginners take their first confident off-piste descents and receive a full safety course.
The intermediate level explores Sadzele and the large gorges
Experienced riders gain 15,000–22,000 vertical meters per tour

The freeride program in Gudauri is flexible: each day the group is divided into 2-3 subgroups based on skill level, so no one gets bored and no one takes excessive risks.

PVD Club Ski Touring Programs

Separate ski tours are available in all four locations.

Gudauri - routes to the Kudebi and Dedaena mountains
Svaneti – multi-day excursions from Mestia and Ushguli
Goderdzi - a combination of ski touring and snowcat
Bakhmaro offers ideal conditions for pure ski touring without mechanical transport.

Each program includes avalanche safety training, route selection for the group, and support from certified guides.

PVD Club offers a full range of services, from single-day trips to multi-day tours with transfers, accommodation, and meals. All freeride and ski touring programs are conducted with mandatory avalanche monitoring and the use of professional equipment.

Ready to discover true freeriding and ski touring in Georgia? Submit a request on the PVD Club website or message us via messaging app—spaces are limited for upcoming dates.

Freeride and ski touring in Georgia: Gudauri, Goderdzi, Bakhmaro and Svaneti