Gudauri
გუდაური
Georgia's largest ski resort, at 2,200 m on the Georgian Military Road, known for powder snow, wide above-treeline runs and low prices. In summer it becomes a paragliding and viewpoint hotspot.
Gudauri sits on the Georgian Military Road, 120 km north of Tbilisi and just south of Jvari Pass, at an altitude of 2,200 m. It is Georgia's largest ski resort and the most modern in the Caucasus. Its runs total over 70 km, the highest point is 3,279 m (Sadzele), and the vertical drop exceeds 1,000 m. All the runs are above the treeline, with open views and plenty of powder, suiting intermediate skiers and beginners alike. It is also popular for off-piste skiing, heli-skiing and ski touring. The season runs from mid-December to early April. A day lift pass costs about 70–90 lari, far cheaper than the Alps. Equipment rental runs about 40–60 lari per day, and a 2-hour lesson about 100–150 lari, with Russian- and English-speaking instructors. Newer chairlifts and gondolas have been replacing older ones since 2018. New Gudauri is the hub for hotels and apartments, and dining is affordable. In summer (June–September), Gudauri is the base for paragliding (about 250–300 lari per flight, launching from Jvari Pass with views of the Military Road and snow peaks), mountain biking and hiking. Nearby, the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument and Jvari Pass are must-stops on the Military Road. The monument is a semicircular mosaic viewing terrace that the Soviet Union built in 1983 to mark 200 years since Georgia's incorporation into Russia, and it overlooks the Devil's Gorge. Getting there: a minibus from Tbilisi's Didube station takes about 2 hours (buses to Kazbegi pass through), and ski buses run in winter. The pass is occasionally closed by avalanches in winter and spring, so allow extra time. Plan 2–3 nights during ski season, or stop here on the way to Kazbegi.
Opening hours
Ski season mid-December–early April, cable car about 10:00 am–4:00 pm; summer June–September, cable car runs on weekends
Nearby sights
- Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
- Jvari Pass
- Truso Valley
- Sioni Church (Kazbegi)
- Sno Village & Stone Heads
- Gergeti Glacier & Mount Kazbek
- Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbegi
- Stepantsminda Town & Kazbegi Museum