Gudauri is Georgia's most popular ski resort and one of the best in the Caucasus. It sits on the Georgian Military Road about two hours from Tbilisi, at over 2,000 m. Wide slopes above the tree line, lots of sun, dry snow and great freeride make it a favourite across the region — and in summer it becomes one of the best places to paraglide.
Key facts
- Village altitude: about 2,000–2,200 m.
- Top of the lifts: over 3,000 m.
- Runs: several dozen kilometres for all levels, from green to black.
- Lifts: modern chairlifts and gondolas linking the resort's sectors.
- Season: usually mid-December to mid-April.
Most skiing is above the tree line, so the slopes are open, wide and sunny — great for beginners and carvers, though visibility can be poor in bad weather.
Who it suits
- Beginners — gentle learning slopes, ski schools and instructors speaking English and Russian.
- Intermediates — long red runs with beautiful views.
- Experts and freeriders — huge open off-piste fields, couloirs and heli-skiing.
Freeride and heli-skiing
Gudauri is famous for freeride: broad treeless slopes, plenty of fresh snow after storms and relatively affordable prices. Operators offer heli-skiing to untouched Caucasus slopes.
Important: off-piste skiing carries avalanche risk. Go only with an experienced guide and avalanche gear (transceiver, shovel, probe), and follow the forecast. Accidents happen every season.
Prices
Gudauri is much cheaper than the Alps. Roughly:
- lift pass — 50–80 lari a day depending on the season;
- ski or snowboard rental — 40–80 lari a day;
- instructor — 80–150 lari an hour;
- accommodation — from budget guesthouses to ski-in/ski-out hotels.
Prices change, and the New Year holidays are much more expensive; book early for that period.
Where to stay
- Lower Gudauri — the main village with hotels, apartments, restaurants and rental shops.
- New Gudauri — an apartment complex higher up, handy for skiing straight onto the slopes.
- Pasanauri and Kazbegi — some stay lower or higher on the road for quiet, but it means daily drives.
Getting there
- From Tbilisi — 2–2.5 hours on the Georgian Military Road; Kazbegi minibuses pass through Gudauri, and there are transfers and taxis.
- From Tbilisi airport — book a direct transfer.
- In winter the road can close due to snow and avalanche risk, especially beyond Gudauri towards the Jvari Pass. Follow updates and don't schedule a flight right after skiing without a buffer.
- By car — winter tyres are needed, sometimes chains.
Weather
There are many sunny days, but mountain weather changes fast. Strong winds can stop the upper lifts, and blizzards bring poor visibility. Pack low-light goggles, a warm layer and a face mask.
More winter activities
- Snowmobiles and sleigh rides.
- A trip to Kazbegi — Mount Kazbek and Gergeti in the snow.
- Khinkali in Pasanauri on the way.
- Spas and pools in some hotels.
Gudauri in summer
In summer Gudauri is a different place:
- Paragliding. One of the best spots in the Caucasus: tandem flights with an instructor over green valleys and mountains, lasting 10–30 minutes and unforgettable.
- Hiking to mountain lakes and nearby peaks.
- The Friendship Monument viewpoint above the Aragvi gorge on the way to Kazbegi.
- Horse riding and quad bikes.
Accommodation is cheaper and crowds smaller than in winter.
Tips
- Buy a multi-day pass — it's cheaper.
- Never go off-piste without a guide and avalanche gear.
- The high-altitude sun is fierce — use high-SPF sunscreen even when it's cloudy.
- Keep a spare day in case the road closes.
Après-ski
Gudauri isn't a party resort, but hotel bars, a few pubs and restaurants serving khinkali and mulled wine keep evenings cosy.
In short
Gudauri means wide sunny slopes, excellent freeride and prices below the Alps, just two hours from Tbilisi. Ski or board in winter, paraglide and hike in summer. Watch the weather and the road, ride wisely, and the Caucasus won't disappoint.
