Goderdzi Catski: What it is and why it's the best freeride spot in Georgia
If you follow the freeride community even slightly, the word "cat-ski" has been increasingly mentioned in connection with Goderdzi in the last year. The resort is young, uncrowded, and has suddenly become one of the most exciting off-piste destinations in Georgia. We explore what this format is, where all the excitement is coming from, and why Goderdzi has become a magnet for those tired of the crowds on the lifts.
What is catski anyway?
Cat skiing is a skiing experience where, instead of a ski lift, the group is transported by a snowcat—the same snowcat used to groom the slopes. Instead of a cable car line, there's a warm cabin; instead of a groomed slope, there are fresh forest lines and open fields where a regular ski lift simply can't reach.
The format is convenient for several reasons at once:
- the snowcat goes where there is no infrastructure and opens up areas that are inaccessible from regular trails;
- the group is always small, which means there is more attention from the guide and more snow for each person;
- it is possible to complete several full descents in a day, rather than just one at the cost of a long walk;
- There is no need to study the terrain and avalanche conditions yourself – that is the guide’s job.
You can read more about how the Goderdzi cat-ski format works on the page Freeriding with a snowcat in Goderdzi.
Why Goderdzi?
Goderdzi is located in Adjara, in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and by Georgian standards, it's a relatively new resort—still largely undiscovered by the general public. This is precisely its strength. While Gudauri is thronged by crowds, it's easy to find the slopes here practically alone.
Local riders shamelessly compare the snow at Goderdzi to Japanese powder. The resort's location traps moist air masses coming from the Black Sea, resulting in abundant snow, which often remains light and powdery for several days at a time. The season typically runs from December to April, and forested areas interspersed with open couloirs offer a rare variety of terrain in just one place.
A full list of skiing options at the resort is available on the "All Tours and Programs in Goderdzi" page , and a brief introduction to the destination itself is available on the resort's page.
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How a typical week is structured
PVD Club's Goderdzi cat-ski tour program typically lasts seven days and is designed to allow the group to gradually get into the swing of things, rather than being thrown head-on into unfamiliar terrain.
The first day is arrival and introduction: transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi, check-in, and an evening briefing with the guides. On the second day, the guides assess each participant's skill level—how they handle powder, how confident they are in working in a group—and then divide the group into subgroups based on their pace and skill level.
Then come the full days of skiing, and what's especially interesting is that the slope's exposure changes every day. The northern slopes hold the light, airy snow longer, the southern slopes offer a different light and texture, and the eastern slopes often become the emotional highlight of the week. This rotation allows you to experience the resort from a comprehensive perspective, rather than skiing the same couloir seven days in a row. On average, four to six runs are made per day, and on the busiest days, up to eight.
A flexible midweek day is available: you can continue skiing at your own pace or take a full rest. The decision is usually made together with the guides, based on the weather and the group's condition—a recovery day before the final push is often just as valuable as the descents themselves.
If you're looking for a longer format with a focus on maximum forest powder without crowds, consider the Goderdzi Powder Forest program—cat-skiing without the crowds . Those who aren't yet confident in their off-piste skills might want to start with a more relaxed option—for example, the Goderdzi Freeride Tour with Instruction , which focuses more on the skiing base and avalanche safety.
What's included in the package and how much does it cost?
The price of a week-long package tour is $1850 per person, and the group size is small, with a maximum of eight participants. The price already includes everything that would typically be a hassle if you were planning it yourself:
- freeride guide for the entire period;
- snow groomer according to the daily program;
- breakfasts and dinners, sweet snacks, tea and coffee;
- well-developed and tested routes;
- transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi and back;
- accommodation in a hotel at a resort;
- one visit to a sauna or bathhouse.
Essentially, it's the difference between "skiing and a bed" and a fully packaged trip, where you don't have to find a separate snowcat, negotiate with a driver, or decide where to dine after a day on the slopes. The real savings here aren't so much in money as in time and stress—especially if your vacation is limited and every day counts.
Who is this format suitable for?
The program is designed for riders with solid off-piste experience. If you're comfortable in deep snow and know how to work in a group, keeping up and not creating risks for others, this is a great format. Freeride beginners might want to start with a gentler session focusing on technique and avalanche awareness.
Avalanche kit—a beeper, probe, and shovel—is mandatory for all participants. If you don't have your own gear, you can usually rent it on site, but it's best to check this in advance rather than on the day of your trip.
You can browse the general catalog of ski destinations and compare Goderdzi with other Georgian resorts on the ski tours page.
