Gudauri Guide — Georgia's Ski Resort

Gudauri is one of Georgia’s best ski resorts. Snow lasts until April, the slopes of the Greater Caucasus offer runs of every level, and prices are moderate compared with the Alps.

In short: a resort at about 2,200 m, 120 km from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road. Most runs suit recreational skiers, and there is great freeride terrain. The best time to go is January or March.

What to know about the resort

The easiest way to reach Gudauri is from Tbilisi — 120 km along the Georgian Military Road. Most runs are designed for recreational skiers, so the resort suits families teaching children to ski and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés, from Georgian cuisine to fast food.

Climate

Mountains shelter the resort from the wind, and most days are sunny. The snow base stays at 1–2 metres. January is the coldest month at around −5…−7 °C, while summer days reach about +17 °C. The season runs from December to April or May.

Slopes

There are more than 20 runs, from nursery slopes to difficult ones, and some are floodlit in the evening. The lowest lift starts at about 1,990 m and the highest reaches over 3,300 m. Gudauri’s main draw is off-piste skiing: from the lifts you can ride untouched snow in any direction. Mount Kudebi suits fast skiing, while Sadzele has tougher descents.

Nearby sights

Close by are the Cross (Jvari) Pass with a cross erected in 1824, and the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument with views over the mountains and the Aragvi gorge. Both are on the Georgian Military Road, so you pass them on the way to Kazbegi.

When to go

• Early December — few people and good discounts, though some places are still getting ready for the season.
• New Year holidays — peak time; busy slopes, but short lift queues.
• January — after the holidays the resort is half-empty and accommodation is discounted.
• February — the most popular month, crowded and lively.
• March – April — fewer tourists, lower prices, plenty of sun and snow.

Where to stay

The resort has three main areas:

• Upper Gudauri — a freerider’s paradise, first on the lifts; lots of hostels and hotels but little infrastructure.
• New Gudauri (about 2,100 m) — apartments, shops, restaurants and the lower gondola station close by.
• Lower Gudauri — the most comfortable area with all the infrastructure; hotels usually run shuttles to the lifts.

Rentals and food

There are large rental shops with ski service and many smaller ones: skis, snowboards and freeride gear. Be sure to try khachapuri, ojakhuri, mushrooms baked in a ketsi clay dish and khinkali. Bring good wine from Tbilisi or Kakheti — the choice at the resort is limited.