“Georgia – a country of skiing”
Patrick Lang explores the full potential of Georgia’s ski resorts

A famous international sports journalist and recently elected vice president of the Georgian Ski Federation has spoken out about his ambitious way to utilise Georgia’s full potential as a winter resort.

Patrick Lang, who was elected to his vice presidency role three days ago, will team up with the Georgian Government to develop skiing in Georgia and foster tourism by marketing the potential of Georgia’s mountainous regions.

Lang sat down with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in Tbilisi yesterday and told him that he wished to implement a range of international projects in Georgia, including tournaments and ski races.

Lang promised he would share his vast experience and use his connections to promote Georgia’s ski resorts internationally.

Lang writes sports pieces on alpine skiing and has had pieces published online and in European, Japanese and North American magazines. He is the son of the founder of the International Ski Federation (FIS) alpine skiing World Cup Serge Lang. Lang is also an author of several books and other publications.

Patrick Lang met Georgia's Prime Minister and some Ministers yesterday. Photo by the PM's press office. 

At the meeting Kvirikashvili and Lang discussed the potential of Georgia’s mountainous resorts and ways to develop skiing as a sport in Georgia.

Currently I am the vice president of the Georgian Ski Federation. I am very happy, pleased and honoured also to be able to bring my experience to Georgia to help the country develop in the right way and utilise all the potential of its beautiful mountains,” said Lang.

I think the plan is to create a logo or slogan along the lines of Georgia – a country of skiing! because people do not understand the potential of [Georgia’s] mountains. We have four mountainous regions that are perfect for the winter sport. These are Bakuriani, Gudauri, Mestia and Goderdzi,” he added.

Engaging the country’s youth and raising awareness and interest in the sport was vital in developing the country’s ski resorts. This was the Federation’s ultimate goal, Lang said.

I would love to discuss the opportunities of popularising skiing and other types of winter sports among children, as well as educational ways of achieving this. Our goal is to engage youth as we explore the full potential of Georgia.”

Lang was appointed vice president of the Georgian Ski Federation three days ago.