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Freeride
Catskiing - Catboarding
Catskiing is often viewed as heliskiing’s "little brother"—primarily because it is more budget-friendly. However, catskiing offers distinct advantages that helicopters simply cannot match. Most
crucial is its absolute weather independence. Snowcats can operate in virtually any conditions, meaning bad-weather "down days" are practically non-existent. When storms hit, we head straight
into the trees—and with the tree line at Project X reaching above 2,100 meters, the options are spectacular. During a whiteout, our drivers safely navigate via GPS tracks, while the trees provide
freeriders with the perfect contrast and contour for unforgettable powder runs.
Another major benefit is the relaxed, stress-free atmosphere compared to the intense logistics of a helicopter. There is no rush; the snowcat is at our disposal all day. Depending on the weather
and the group’s pace, we operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., consistently delivering an impressive number of runs.
Snowcats
In project X, we operate our own PB300W Polar/Kandahar snowcats for our groups, with dedicated backup machines always ready to deploy. Each snowcat features a custom-built,
heated cabin that comfortably accommodates up to 12 freeriders, engineered to meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Our local operators are professional operators with years of winter experience. Having grown up in these mountains, they possess an intimate knowledge of the terrain and all the summer tracks. To
master the snowcats, they received advanced training from Austrian experts.
While technical issues can occasionally arise in harsh backcountry conditions, our team of mechanics and drivers is fully equipped to handle them. Most maintenance can be managed directly on the
mountain.
Since we do not operate an on-site workshop here, unlike in Bakhmaro, and the challenging access limits our transport options, short-notice repairs can sometimes be difficult to carry out.
However, to guarantee uninterrupted operations, a dedicated replacement snowcat equipped with a passenger cabin is on standby in the event of a total breakdown of one cat, while a sixth machine
without a cabin is available to assist with support runs. For us, maximum fleet availability and client safety are the core priorities of our operations.
Guiding
Our groups are led by experienced local and international guides. Over the years, we have successfully built a dedicated pool of young, freeride-focused ski guides who speak fluent English.
Utilizing LoLa®, our guides compile their own daily avalanche reports. They possess an intimate knowledge of the local terrain, our specialized safety equipment, and strict operational standards.
In the rare event of an emergency, they can seamlessly coordinate with local rescue forces, backed by a dedicated support team stationed at our base. This integrated approach ensures the highest
level of safety, systematic planning, and deep local expertise.
Our guiding philosophy is built on treating experienced freeriders as true partners on the mountain. Beyond essential safety protocols, our goal is to score incredible lines while fostering a
strong group dynamic. Open communication is a fundamental cornerstone that we continuously refine each season.
Best time
Located in the Lesser Caucasus, project X is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, yet we are ultimately guests in nature and subject to her whims. Seasons vary heavily; sometimes dry spells
last for days, while other times historic storms dump so much snow that riding becomes temporarily impossible. Generally, prime snow conditions run from early December through mid-to-late March.
The winter begins in December with the early season, where the sun sits low, keeping temperatures cold, and the days are short with darkness falling by 5:00 p.m. While creek beds
and bushes are not yet fully covered, the valley is remarkably quiet with very few riders around. Even a light dusting of fresh snow delivers world-class riding for days, making it my personal
favorite month of the winter.
Moving into January, the snowpack builds rapidly and opens up a wider variety of lines, though the number of international freeriders increases significantly toward the end of
the month. Temperatures during this time fluctuate dramatically, ranging from unexpected thaws above freezing down to bone-chilling drops of -25°C.
By February, the peak season arrives, and Bakhmaro is buzzing with energy. The days grow much longer, and a powerful sun quickly impacts south-facing slopes within a single day
as the snowbase reaches its maximum seasonal depth.
Finally, March acts as a fantastic late-season wildcard. In recent years, it has frequently surprised us with massive storms, delivering perfect powder weeks right until the
end of the month. As the crowds thin out, our flexibility on the mountain increases. When the sun shines, it gets warm quickly, but this also opens up spectacular opportunities for classic
spring corn snow descents.
Local Impact
Our most valuable asset is our local team. From the very beginning, a core mission of our project has been to actively involve the local community and provide meaningful jobs for these incredible mountain people because we want to create a lasting, positive impact. We prioritize sourcing our food from local farmers, purchasing fresh trout from the local fish farm, cheese from local families, and getting honey directly from the village beekeeper.
To support our local staff, we pay into their pension funds and provide year-round health and accident insurance. Today, we are proud to be the largest employer in the village, providing a sustainable income for a dozen families. This deep mutual trust shows in our team's loyalty, as most of our employees who started with us on day one remain a vital part of our family to this day.
