Chahcha Land | Nikolai Schirmer gets the Georgia treatment

Georgia is not an easy place to ski. In fact, it’s not an easy place to do a lot of things that we take for granted in Western Europe. There is such a dichotomy there. On the one hand it’s very European: the young people speak many languages and almost everyone is incredibly friendly, interested and welcoming—especially if you get stuck into the chacha. But on the other hand, the hangover from the Soviet Union is still very present. The majority of buildings are half-finished or have fallen into disrepair, dogs—some less friendly than others—outnumber people on the streets and most main roads wouldn’t pass as 4×4 tracks in rural France. 

You might be forgiven in thinking that Nikolai was unlucky during this trip: blackouts, scary fights, impassable roads, freezing buildings and dog attacks. However, this is a fairly accurate representation of Georgia.

What is also represented fairly, as well as the majority friendly locals, is the scenery. As you look out along the Caucasus Range, your eyes are spoiled for choice. Behind each magnificent peak is another, just as big, with just as many dream lines covering its face. In terms of terrain, it really is a skiers paradise: like Alaska but in the slightly unkept backyard of Europe. Skiing in Georgia can be as good as anywhere in the world, if not better. But as Nikolai and the gang found out, it doesn’t come easy.

“Chacha” is a clear—often homemade—spirit that will rip your tits off. Drinking it with the locals is advised, but at your own risk.

From Youtube:

With nothing guiding them but a call from a mysterious lady of the mountains, Nikolai Schirmer, Lucas Wachs and Sam Favret set off to an abandoned town in the Caucasus ranges of Georgia. At the end of the road, winter begins.