Georgia is appearing on more skiers' and snowboarders' maps, and for good reason. The Caucasus delivers altitude and plenty of snow, resorts are modernising, and prices stay below the Alps. Yet the resorts are very different — from sunny open slopes to family forest runs and wild freeride fields. Here's which one suits you.
The basics
- Season: usually mid-December to late March, until mid-April at high resorts.
- Best snow: January–February.
- Prices: lift passes, rentals and instructors are much cheaper than in the Alps.
- Holidays: over New Year and Orthodox Christmas (7 January) every resort is packed and pricier.
Gudauri
For: all levels, especially fans of wide open slopes and freeride.
- The country's largest and most popular resort, on the Georgian Military Road about 2 hours from Tbilisi.
- Skiing is mostly above the tree line: sunny, wide and spacious.
- Excellent freeride and heli-skiing.
- Downsides: visibility drops in bad weather, wind can stop the top lifts, and the road sometimes closes after heavy snow.
Bakuriani
For: families with children, beginners and anyone wanting a relaxed holiday.
- Georgia's oldest ski resort, in the Borjomi gorge at about 1,700 m.
- Runs cut through pine forest, sheltering you from wind and improving visibility.
- Gentle learning slopes, kids' ski schools, sledging and walks.
- A cosy mountain village feel with wooden chalets.
- Reachable by the narrow-gauge "Kukushka" train from Borjomi — a scenic ride, especially for kids.
- It's lower than Gudauri, so snow is less reliable in warm winters.
Tetnuldi (Svaneti)
For: experienced skiers and those after long runs and wild views.
- A resort near Mestia with a top station above 3,000 m.
- Long runs with big vertical and panoramas of the Svan peaks.
- Good snow thanks to altitude and north-facing slopes.
- Fewer people than Gudauri.
- In the evening, Mestia's medieval towers and Svan cooking.
Hatsvali (Svaneti)
For: beginners and families staying in Mestia.
- A small resort just above Mestia, reached by cable car from town.
- Few runs, but good for learning.
- Combines well with Tetnuldi: one day on each.
Goderdzi (Adjara)
For: freeriders and powder lovers.
- On the Goderdzi Pass in mountain Adjara, a few hours from Batumi.
- Proximity to the sea brings huge amounts of snow — one of the snowiest resorts in the region.
- Great for freeride and ski touring.
- Younger and smaller than the others, with infrastructure still developing.
- Combine mountain skiing with a walk by the sea in Batumi.
At a glance
| Resort | Level | Highlight | From Tbilisi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudauri | all | open slopes, freeride | ~2 h |
| Bakuriani | beginners, families | forest, cosy | ~3 h |
| Tetnuldi | intermediate, expert | long runs, views | flight or ~9 h |
| Hatsvali | beginners | by Mestia | flight or ~9 h |
| Goderdzi | freeride | deep snow | via Batumi |
Getting there
- Gudauri — minibuses, transfers and taxis from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Road.
- Bakuriani — by car or minibus from Tbilisi via Borjomi; from Borjomi, the Kukushka train.
- Mestia (Tetnuldi, Hatsvali) — small planes from Tbilisi or Kutaisi (weather-dependent) or a long drive via Zugdidi.
- Goderdzi — by car from Batumi through mountain Adjara.
Important: mountain roads can close in winter due to snow and avalanches. Keep a spare day before your flight home.
Rentals and instructors
All resorts have ski and snowboard rental shops and schools with English- and Russian-speaking instructors; book instructors early for the holidays. For freeride and heli-skiing, go only with a certified guide and avalanche gear.
Tips for beginners
- Start in Bakuriani or Gudauri's learning area.
- Take a few lessons — faster and safer.
- Use sunscreen and goggles; mountain sun burns even in winter.
- Buy a multi-day pass — it's cheaper.
- Dress in layers; the weather changes quickly.
More winter fun
- Snowmobiles and sledges at every resort.
- Thermal springs and pools in Borjomi and Bakuriani.
- Food — khinkali in Pasanauri, kubdari in Mestia, Adjarian khachapuri at Goderdzi.
- A Georgian New Year — gozinaki, feasts and fireworks.
In short
Gudauri for everyone and freeride, Bakuriani for families and beginners, Tetnuldi and Hatsvali for long runs and Svan atmosphere, Goderdzi for deep powder. Choose your resort, keep a day spare for closed roads, and welcome winter in the Caucasus.
