Sign up for product news, stories and special invites.
By signing up for the Elevenate newsletter you agree to our Terms & Conditions and have read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2023 Elevenate AB.
How did you guys come up with the idea to travel to Georgia and shoot a skiing film?
Sebastian and I were in Georgia about two years back for the FWT Qualifier, and we were blown away by the scenery and snow. But, you know how it is when you're competing – not much time to just ski and take it all in. So, I made a mental note to come back and really explore Georgia properly. Sebastian's been back a few times since then, and his buddy and guide, Nick, floated this filming idea past us. Naturally, we were all in!
What were you anticipating for the trip?
Well, I had certain expectations, having seen the terrain previously, and it was phenomenal. Think the Alps, but twice as good. The major surprise, though, was the exceptional tree skiing with abundant snow – reminiscent of the conditions you find in Japan.
How was it to discover Georgia as a skiing destination? I believe few people think of skiing when they hear Georgia.
Well the infrastructure is really bad. Not like Europe. For example it is not common for Europeans to drive themselves. You gotta hire a chauffeur. Traffic’s a bit chaotic, roads aren’t great, and you might find cows and dogs wandering on the motorway.
You were at a place called Bakhmaro, tell us more about it.
Bakhmaro is a small village nestled in the mountains and typically attracts visitors mainly during the summer months, making it a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts. There’s really good tree skiing opportunities, we did a lot of cat skiing.
After being in Bakhmaro you travelled to Mestia, how was it to travel within the country?
Bakhmaro is a small village nestled in the mountains and typically attracts visitors mainly during the summer months, making it a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts. There’s really good tree skiing opportunities, we did a lot of cat skiing.
How was skiing in Mestia?
Mestia is a small mountain village with its own traditions and a slightly different culture. In Mestia, people are passionate about the mountains, they find joy in them and want to make something out of it. The village really exudes mountain culture. So if you’re going to ski in Georgia, then I think that’s the place to go.
What was your absolute highlight of the trip?
I had an amazing time with a fantastic group of people. Bakhmaro exceeded all expectations; we were taken aback by the abundance of snow and the fantastic conditions. It felt like discovering a piece of "Japan" just three hours away from Europe. The tree skiing there was incredibly enjoyable and stands out as one of the highlights of the trip. Witnessing such a contrasting side of the world was truly unforgettable and provided a fresh perspective on life. Skiing is often perceived as a common luxury sport, but this experience showed us otherwise. In Georgia, we were able to immerse ourselves in something entirely unique and authentic. It was a genuine taste of Georgian culture and an adventure unlike any other.
Words by Madeleine Kogler / Images Moritz Ablinger / 9 Min Read
Women's Archive
Men's Archive