Chacha Land: The dream and the nightmare of skiing Georgia. Video

Mountainwatch | Video

In his first film for the 2025/2026 winter, Norwegian film maker and freeskier Nikolai Schirmer heads to Georgia with Sam Favret and Lucas Wachs for what he hopes will be be a fun, “easy”  trip with a few friends.  The goal is the big peaks of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, a spectacular range that marks the intersection of Europe and Asia and is home to Mt Elbrus which, at 5642 metres, is the highest peak in Europe.

However, Georgia is a country that can present you with plenty of hurdles, a place where you never really know what is around the next corner, especially in the mountains. The crew faced their share of hurdles on this trek, some natural, some placed by humans, but they also found friendly locals, incredible scenery and some insane tree skiing.

“They said it snowed more than Japan and the peak’s beyond rivaled both Alaska and Norway….. I don’t why I thought it’d be easy…..”

No, it wasn’t easy, but another great film from the prolific Schirmer and creative partner and cinematographer Joonas Mattila, the first of 10 films they will release over the next few months.

*Chacha is a very strong, clear Georgian pomace brandy, often called “Georgian vodka” or “grape vodka,” made from the residue left over after winemaking. It is a traditional national drink in Georgia, best enjoyed in moderation!

From the producers:

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.They said it snowed more than Japan and the peak’s beyond rivaled both Alaska and Norway

Nikolai Schirmer is a Norwegian freeskier and filmmaker whose films are renowned for their story telling, characters and self-deprecating humour. He is also a busy man and releases content  monthly this northern hemisphere winter – check them out on his You Tube channel