CAT SKIING BOOKING POLICIES & PAYMENT
Bookings are confirmed after receiving a 30% deposit of the total price or full payment. We also need details for everyone in your group. The remainder must be paid 60 days before the start of the trip. If your trip starts within 60 days, we require full payment at the time of booking. If we do not receive the balance or full payment, your booking could be cancelled. In this case, in line with our cat skiing booking policies, your deposits will not be refunded.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit card or cash.
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS AND INSURANCE
Our cat skiing booking policies take into account the complex logistics of operating in a remote mountain environment, with limited access, short seasonal windows, and significant advance commitments. For this reason, our cancellation and refund policy is strict and based on the timelines below.
Deposits
- The 30% deposit is non-refundable: This is because deposits are immediately invested in preparing for your trip, including securing guides, accommodation, vehicles, food, equipment, and seasonal infrastructure.
- If you can longer attend:
- You may transfer your place to another guest you nominate. In that case, any refund of the deposit should be arranged directly between you and the replacement guest.
- If we are able to fill your place from our waiting list, we will refund your deposit.
Cancellation by the guest
- Less than 60 days before the trip: Payments are 100% non-refundable under any circumstances. Guests are expected to rely on their own travel insurance to recover costs.
- Substitutions: Guests may nominate a replacement participant in writing. Once both parties confirm, we will transfer the booking at no extra charge.
- Future credit: At our sole discretion, we may offer to transfer your booking to another date or season. This is a goodwill option and not a guarantee.
Cancellation by Catskiing Georgia
- If we cancel due to reasons within our control (for example, operational or maintenance failures, overbooking, insufficient staffing, or failure to hold required permits), we will provide a full refund of all payments received. Refunds will be made within 14 days in the original currency of payment.
- If we cancel due to reasons outside our control (force majeure), including but not limited to severe weather, unstable snowpack, avalanches, storms, natural disasters, government restrictions, border closures, or political unrest, no refunds will be given. In these cases, guests must rely on their own insurance to recover costs. Where possible, we may offer to transfer your booking to an alternative date or season at our discretion.
- If a trip is partially disrupted after it has started (for example, storms or avalanche risk prevent skiing on some days), no partial refunds or discounts will be offered. The trip fee covers the overall package of guiding, accommodation, meals, and logistics, not a guaranteed number of ski days. Where feasible, alternative activities may be arranged.
Force Majeure | No refunds
Within 60 days of the trip start date, no refunds are available for any circumstances outside our control, including but not limited to:
- Weather and snow conditions
- Inability to ski or ride our terrain
- Injuries and health issues
- Family or work circumstances
- Border crossing problems
- Government legislation changes
- States of emergency
- Force majeure (act of God)
Guests must rely on their own insurance cover to recover costs in these situations.
INSURANCE
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests.
Your policy must include cover for:
- Cat skiing and other winter sports / off-piste activities
- Emergency medical treatment
- Evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter if required)
We recommend you have cover for:
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Travel disruption (flight delays, missed connections, etc.)
Important:
- Your insurance must cover Georgia as a destination, the activities you will be undertaking, and the full cost of your trip.
- Refunds cannot be given within 60 days of the trip under any circumstances, including force majeure events. You will need to recover such costs through your insurer.
- It is your responsibility to check your policy carefully and ensure you are adequately covered.
We strongly recommend arranging your cover at the time of booking, so you are protected immediately against unforeseen changes in your plans.
TRIP ITINERARY
Our mountain guides maintain a flexible itinerary for every trip to allow for changing weather and snow conditions and the ability level of the group. The itinerary and daily programme are examples only and do not form part of the contract.
We are able to ski in almost all weather conditions (sunshine or storm) thanks to the snowcat and favourable terrain options at Bakhmaro. However, in the event of extreme circumstances (e.g. a lack of snowfall or unexpected high temperatures), we may adapt the programme to training activities if we believe the skiing conditions are unsafe for our guests.
TRANSFERS & LOGISTICS
Transfers to Bakhmaro can be affected by heavy snowfall and local road conditions. In some cases, it may be necessary to change vehicles during the journey — for example, transferring from a larger minibus to smaller 4×4 vehicles better suited to deep snow.
Guests may arrive from different airports or regions (such as Batumi or Tbilisi) and not always at the same time. This may occasionally require waiting before continuing the transfer together.
If a guest requests an early departure or a private/separate transfer, additional costs will apply.
We always do our utmost to minimise delays and ensure a smooth journey. However, guests should understand that weather and logistical factors may affect travel times and transfers are part of the overall adventure.
SAFETY
Our guests must comply with our safety procedures. We may exclude guests who are not fit enough or appropriately equipped for a cat skiing trip. We will exclude any guest who puts anyone at risk. There will not be any refund given in these cases.
Please contact us if you have any concerns about fitness, ability or preparation before a trip and we will be happy to help answer them.
DAMAGES
You are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of rental equipment that you damage or lose. Please check the cover on your insurance policy for rental damages.
Examples of non-repairable damage include:
- Excessive base damage
- Snapped ski, snowboard, or pole
- Cracked top sheet
- Airbag cartridges (damage or unnecessary use)
You will not be charged for normal wear and tear, safety usage, or for product faults.
COMPLAINTS
Please get in touch with Catskiing Georgia staff or guides if you have a complaint. Do let us know as soon as possible so that we are able to handle it at the first possible opportunity.
CATSKIING GEORGIA APPROACH
Our cat skiing booking policies have to account for the level of pre-planning, commitment & complex logistics for a remote area. We always try to be flexible to run trips smoothly for everyone.