Gudauri

Planning a winter vacation in Georgia? Then you definitely need our Gudauri guide!

We've compiled everything you need to know about the resort for 2025: from ski pass prices and freeride to the best hotels, restaurants, kid-friendly spots, and weekend itineraries. No fluff—just proven tips, handy tables, a dedicated piste map, and even life hacks for saving money 💸.

Read to the end—there's a bonus at the bottom!🎁

🗻 Why choose Gudauri?

If you're still unsure where to go skiing, forget everything you've heard about other resorts. Gudauri isn't just skiing. It's freedom, space, pristine air, breathtaking views, and the feeling of being on top of the world. Literally.

📍The resort is located 120 km from Tbilisi, along the famous Georgian Military Highway, at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters. The season lasts from December to April, and the snow here is stable and powdery. Yes, the kind every rider dreams of.

Gudauri is:

• 80 km of pistes for all levels
• Official freeride routes
• 14 modern lifts
• Infrastructure that expands every year
• Affordable ski passes and accommodation
• Incredible cuisine and hospitality

There are no 40-minute queues here like at European resorts. And if you want to try real freeriding, but without the crowds and at a reasonable price, this is the place for you.

A little history: how Gudauri came to be

Gudauri was once just a post station on the Georgian Military Highway. The first mentions of the village date back to the 18th century—merchants, travelers, and soldiers stayed there.

Everything changed in the 1980s, when Georgia decided to create a next-generation ski resort. Initially, cable cars were built in neighboring Kumlistsikhe, but the project was soon moved to Gudauri—closer to the pass, with higher snow and better views.

🎿 In 1988, Gudauri officially became a resort. It was developed with the support of Austrian investors, building modern slopes, schools, hotels, and infrastructure.

Today, Gudauri is more than just mountains—it's a symbol of winter recreation in Georgia, combining freedom, drive, culture, and Caucasian hospitality.

📅 Skiing season: when to go and what to consider

Winter in Gudauri begins not by the calendar, but by the snow—the slopes typically open in early December and close in mid-April. But the best time is mid-January to early March. This time offers stable snow cover, excellent visibility, less wind, and plenty of sunshine.

🎯 If you want:

• 💰 Save money – come in December before New Year's or at the end of March
• ❄️ Maximum snow – catch January and February
• ☀️ Lots of sun and beautiful photos – March is perfect!
• 🧘 Empty slopes – weekdays outside of holidays, especially after school break

And also... there's night skiing! Yes, the PIRVELI slope is flooded with light in the evenings, turning into a whole new adventure. Perfect for romantics and those who haven't had enough skiing during the day 🎿

📌 Tip: Check the weather 2-3 days before your trip. Avalanches can sometimes block the road from Tbilisi, especially near the Cross Pass. However, this is rare, and the road is quickly cleared.

🎿 Updated trail map and zones for all levels

Gudauri boasts one of the most sophisticated trail systems in the Caucasus. The resort is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. All trails are located on south-facing slopes, providing maximum sun and views, and making skiing comfortable even in freezing temperatures.

📍 The total trail mileage is over 80 km!

Standard markings:

🔵 Blue — Easy

🔴 Red — Medium

⚫ Black — Difficult

🟡 Freeride zones — not marked, but accessible from the lifts

🗺️ Trail map: where to ski

🔸 Beginners will start with the slopes near PIRVELI—wide, gentle, with comfortable chairlifts and schools nearby.

🔸 Advanced skiers will appreciate SOLIKO and SHINO—they offer dynamic action and a good length. They also offer excellent views and a pleasant slope.

🔸 Advanced skiers and freeriders should choose SADZELE and the upper part of KUDEBI. They offer steep drops, access to virgin snow, and heliskiing areas. Be sure to bring avalanche gear and ski with a guide.

🧭 We've included a trail map in this article. Save it or print it out—it'll come in handy!

📌 Tip: Try to ski in the first half of the day - by 3:00 pm the slopes may be groomed and a little icy.

🚠 Lifts: convenient, fast, no queues

14 ski lifts—and not a single long line. Gudauri has a well-thought-out system for transporting riders to the peaks: chairlifts, gondolas, T-bar lifts, and even "magic carpets" for the little ones. Everything works reliably, and the views during the ascent are picture-perfect.

📍 Here's what you need to know:

• PIRVELI (Lift 1) — ideal for beginners, ascending gentle slopes
• SOLIKO and SHINO — fast six-seater chairlifts with shelter
• SADZELE — the highest lift, providing access to black runs and freeriding
• KOBI-1 and KOBI-2 — gondolas with fantastic views, connecting Gudauri and Kobi
• GOOD AURA — a modern 10-person gondola, fast and comfortable

🎿 Night skiing? Yes! Every evening, the slope under PIRVELI is illuminated, so you can enjoy skiing under the stars ✨

🛑 Tip: If you want to be the first on the fresh powder, wake up early and get on the lift just before it opens. And if you're with an instructor, you'll skip the line.

💳 Ski pass prices and how to save

Gudauri ski passes are among the most affordable in Europe, especially compared to the Alps. Moreover, the quality of the slopes and lifts is just as good—in some places, even superior.

🎟️ Here are the current prices for lifts:

Price information taken from gudauri.com

🟢 Discounts and perks:

• 👶 Children under 6 are free
• 🎓 Students and schoolchildren receive a 50% discount
• 🇬🇪 Georgian citizens receive their first day free

💳 The card is reusable and works at other resorts (with a chip)

🛍️ Where to buy?

You can buy it right on site at the ticket office, or online in advance through the official website to avoid waiting in line. Wi-Fi, payment terminals, and card payments are available.

📌 Lifehack: Buy a multi-day pass—it's cheaper. For example, three individual days cost 180 GEL, while a three-day package costs 150 GEL.

🛷 Gear Rental: Travel Light

Arrived without gear? No problem! Gudauri has dozens of rental shops where you can find everything you need—from skis and snowboards to jackets and gloves. The quality of the equipment is pleasantly surprising, and the prices are reasonable.

🎿 What you can rent:

• alpine skis and poles
• snowboards
• boots of any size
• helmets, goggles, masks
• ski suits
• protection (turtles, knee pads)
• children's kits

📍 Popular rentals:

• Aviator Ski Rental
• Gudauri Ski Rent
• Ski Rent Dagi
• Burusport
• adari (over 500 sets to choose from!)

💰 Prices start at 25–30 GEL per day for a full set. Discounts are available for multi-day rentals. Some places even offer free boot replacements if something doesn't fit.

📌 Tip: If you've been skiing for a while, be sure to check when the edges and wax were changed. And don't forget to test your bindings before you go skiing.

👨‍🏫 Instructors and freeride guides: with them you'll have twice the fun

If you're new to skiing, don't risk it! Even 2-3 lessons with an instructor will save you a ton of time, energy, and... your knees 😅

And if you're experienced, hire a freeride or ski tour guide. They know where the fresh snow is, the safest runs, and the best way to enjoy the snow without the crowds.

🟢 Instructors come in three categories:

• C — Beginner level, teaches the basics
• B — Works with confident skiers and corrects mistakes
• A — Pros, can lead freeride, ski touring, and complex terrain

📍 The average price of a lesson is 100 to 200 GEL per hour, depending on the level and season. Group lessons are cheaper.

🎯 Certified freeride guides in Gudauri:

• They guide you along proven and safe routes
• select descent lines according to your skill level
• monitor the weather and avalanche conditions
• help with avalanche equipment and radio communications

🚨 Important: If you're going freeriding, a beeper, probe, and shovel are a must! Without them, you won't be allowed on the lift during avalanche periods.

📌 Tip: Find guides and instructors through trusted services or recommendations—not only your progress but also your safety depends on them.

⚠️ Slope safety: don't be a hero, use your head

Gudauri is a resort for fun, but the mountains don't forgive frivolity. Especially if you're freeriding or heading into the backcountry. It's not just skill that matters here, but also gear, communication, and common sense.

🧭 If something happens, call 112 immediately.

Rescuers work quickly and are available 24/7. Their coverage area covers the entire resort, including remote slopes and gorges.

📡 What the rescuers use:

• VHF radios (134–174 MHz)
• Power up to 5 W
• Two channels (direct and via repeater)
• Channel access code (available from instructors)

🚁 Freeride and Avalanches: Snow avalanches are rare, but they do happen. Especially in the SADZELE areas and off-piste. All lifts in avalanche-prone areas are only accessible with a beeper.

🎒 What's essential for off-piste skiing:

• Beeper (emergency beacon)
• Probe (scans under snow)
• Shovel (digs quickly and efficiently)
• Backpack with ABS (optional)

📌 Medical insurance is a must-have!

Medical care in Georgia is paid for. In Gudauri, it only covers first aid. Everything else—hospital expenses, transportation to Tbilisi, tests, and procedures—is at your own expense if you don't have insurance. It's best to get insurance that covers active sports.

📝 Tip: If you're planning a freeride, at least attend a free avalanche safety lecture. It's 40 minutes that could save your life.

🏨 Where to stay in Gudauri — cozy, convenient, and business-like

Choosing accommodation in Gudauri is no easy task. There are hotels, apartments, chalets, hostels, and even entire cottages with mountain views. But don't panic—we've got you covered 👇

📍 Gudauri Neighborhoods:

• New Gudauri is the center of parties, restaurants, and the gondola. Everything is within walking distance. Ideal for those who want to ski during the day and relax in the evening. 🍷
• Upper Gudauri is quieter and more peaceful, with plenty of chalets and cozy apartments. Great for families and those who appreciate the view.
• Lower Gudauri is a budget option. You'll have to walk a bit to the ski lifts, but the prices are reasonable.

🛏️ Best accommodation options:

Monte Hotel — secluded, with mountain views. There's a terrace, sauna, and shuttle service.

Best Western Gudauri — right on the slopes. Ski in and ski out for breakfast!

Good Inn Hotel — next to the cable car. Clean, warm, and quiet.

Hotel GoodAura — cozy, home-cooked meals, and a pub serving authentic Georgian fare.

💡 Some hotels offer accommodations including:

• Discounted ski pass
• Transfer to the ski lifts
• Free sauna
• Equipment rental
• Breakfast and dinner

📌 Tip: Book in advance, especially if you're traveling in January or during the holidays. And if you want peace and quiet, choose a hotel 5-10 minutes from the highway but with a shuttle service.

🍲 Where to eat and relax after skiing

After a day on the slopes, all you want is a delicious meal, warm up, and disconnect from the world. Gudauri has it all: traditional cuisine, cozy rooms, a homey atmosphere, live music, and mountains outside.

🍛 What you must try:

• Khinkali is especially juicy in Gudauri
• Kubdari is a meat pie from Svaneti, hearty and full of flavor
• Chashushuli and kharcho will warm you up better than any mulled wine
• Sulguni on ketsi is a stretchy cheese with a crust
• Tarragon, wine, and chacha are best enjoyed with sunset and stories

🍽️ The resort's best establishments:

🍷 Ati Ambavi is a cozy hotel restaurant. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy evening with friends. Live fire, delicious khinkali, and wine straight from Kakheti.

🍖 Gamarjoba is a Georgian classic. Just like Tbilisi, only in the mountains. Recommended for first-timers in Georgia—an immersion in gastronomy is guaranteed.

🍺 Bar Snow Time is for those who haven't skied enough. Beer, music, snacks, board games, and aperitifs after the slopes. The unofficial center of the aper-ski life. 😎

🍽️ Monte Gudauri and Club-2100 are hotel restaurants with excellent cuisine, where you can not only dine but also stay for a banya or sauna.

📌 Tip: Try khinkali with veal or mushrooms—not just meat. And be sure to say "no" to the fork—eat with your hands, like the locals. It's tastier that way.

🎢 Off-piste activities and recreation in Gudauri

Skiing is all well and good, but Gudauri isn't just about skiing and snowboarding. There's plenty to do here, even if you're not planning on getting on a board. Or if you're looking for a new experience. Ready? Let's go ⬇️

✨ TOP activities besides the slopes:

🪂 Paragliding.

Yes, you're literally soaring over the mountains! Flights with an instructor are available almost every day. Safe, exciting, and unforgettable. Take off from the upper lift stations and land below by the road.

🚁 Heli-skiing and freeriding.

This is when you're dropped off by helicopter in virgin snow, and you descend, leaving your first footprints. For those for whom adrenaline is their middle name. Only with an experienced guide!

❄️ Snowmobiles and snowbikes.

A powerful engine, the roar of the motor, and the white expanses of snow. Whether you want to go for a ride with friends or watch the mountains at sunset, this is a must-try.

🧖‍♂️ Baths and saunas.

A sauna after the slopes is like dessert after dinner. Hot steam, fragrant baths, herbal tea, or a glass of wine... you've earned it!

🎮 Snowpark and tubing for kids (and adults!).

If you're with family, the kids will love it. Mountains + tubing = pure joy. Lifts are open, the slopes are safe, and there are slopes with escalators.

🚵‍♂️ Summer activities (if you're off-season):

Bike trails, ATVs, horseback riding, trekking, motorcycling, and even festivals—in summer, Gudauri turns into a mountain adventure camp.

📌 Tip: It's best to book a paragliding trip in advance. But book a sauna right after skiing. The line there is like a restaurant on Friday.

🧒 Gudauri with children – skiing, playing, relaxing with the whole family

Planning a trip to Gudauri with kids? Great idea! The resort is family-friendly, safe, clean, fun, and plenty of opportunities to keep even the most restless little ones occupied.

👶 What's here for kids:

🎿 Free ski lifts for toddlers.

Children under 6-7 can ride free on almost all lifts.

🏂 Ski schools and mini-instructors.

There are schools that accept children as young as 5. Experienced instructors will teach skiing from scratch. They play, teach through movement, and help adapt without pressure.

🏰 Children's rooms and playgrounds.

Hotels like Monte Gudauri, Club-2100, and Magi Style offer play areas, rooms with babysitting, and even outdoor playgrounds (snow forts in winter, trampolines and swings in summer).

🛷 Tubing and mini-snowmobiles.

A children's tubing track operates near the Gondola. An escalator takes you up, and then down, steeply! It's safe, fun, and even adults will find it hard to resist.

📌 Tips for parents:

• Dress in two layers: thermal underwear and a waterproof jacket. The weather can change in 10 minutes.
• Sunscreen is a must, even in January. High altitude = UV rays.
• Bring snacks, water, and a thermos of tea. Walks can be long!
• Book hotels with a playgroup or nanny—you need a rest too.

Everything is designed to make your vacation with children easy, fun, and comfortable. Both you and your child will want to come back again.

🚗 How to get to Gudauri – quickly, conveniently, without unnecessary stress

No matter where you're coming from, Gudauri is easy to get to, and there are plenty of options. Choose one to suit your style and budget, from a comfortable transfer to a budget minibus.

✈️ From other countries:

Fly to Tbilisi

Fly into Tbilisi Airport (TBS), and then 120 km to the mountains! Travel time is about 2 hours.

🟡 There are no direct flights to Gudauri—only to Tbilisi or Batumi.

🟢 There are convenient connections via Minsk, Yerevan, Istanbul, Dubai, and other cities.

🚗 From Tbilisi to Gudauri:

🚖 Taxis and transfers

• Fast, warm, nonstop
• Price: 150–250 GEL
• Suitable for families or groups with luggage
• Can be booked in advance (Maxim, Bolt, private drivers)

🚐 Minibuses from Didube Station

• The most affordable option (20–30 GEL per person)
• Runs daily
• Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
• Cons: Limited comfort and schedule

🚙 Car rental

• Ideal if you're planning a trip around Georgia.
• The road is picturesque: Ananuri Fortress, Zhinvali Reservoir, and the pass.
• Be sure to have winter tires!

📌 Important to know: The road runs along the Georgian Military Highway through the Cross Pass. In winter, it may be closed for several hours due to snowfall. Always check the forecast and road conditions!

📝 Lifehack: If you want beauty, choose a car. If you want peace and quiet, choose a transfer. If you're looking to save money, take a minibus. And if you don't want to think about it, book a transfer with a driver who will monitor the weather and adapt to your needs.

🏞️ What to see near Gudauri - beauty you can't miss

Gudauri isn't just a ski resort. It's part of the legendary Georgian Military Highway, which is a journey in itself! Everything is close by: ancient fortresses, natural wonders, and historical sites. It's perfect for short half-day or full-day excursions.

📍 Top places near the resort:

🏰 Ananuri Fortress.

17th century, at the confluence of two rivers. A majestic citadel with towers, churches, and a view of the Zhinvali Reservoir. A must-see photo and a hot lobio at the roadside cafe.

🌉 Friendship of Peoples Arch.

A 360° panoramic observation deck right in the mountains. Mosaics, freedom, and wind! You can approach on foot or by snowmobile, and in the summer, you can even have a picnic with a view.

🌋 Trusovskoye Gorge.

Mysterious and atmospheric. Ancient towers, sulfur springs, "weeping rocks," and shepherd villages. The best location for hiking or ATV tours.

⛰️ Sno Village and Khada Gorge.

Here, stone towers are centuries old. Perfect for trekking, photography, and "disconnecting from civilization." A truly wild Georgia without the tourists.

⛪ Lomisi Temple.

You have to hike up to it, but the atmosphere and view are worth every drop of sweat. Here you can feel the magic of the Caucasus and the strength of Georgian traditions.

📌 Tip: You can book excursions on site—at your hotel, from your driver, or online in advance. But if you want peace and quiet and unique photos, get up early and go yourself.

📡 Internet, communications, and useful life hacks in Gudauri

To make your vacation truly comfortable, it's important to stay connected, have internet access, and understand where to exchange money profitably. It's all easy if you know the nuances ⬇️

📲 Mobile communications and internet:

All Georgian operators work in Gudauri:

• Magti — best signal in the mountains
• Geocell — good in cities, but slightly weaker in Gudauri

💡 You can buy a SIM card in Tbilisi, Batumi, or even at the airport. You'll need a passport.

Rates range from 5 to 10 GEL for 5–15 GB. This is enough for making stories, chatting, and viewing maps.

⚠️ In Gudauri, there's Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and even on some ski lifts. But bringing your own SIM card is more reliable.

💶 Where to exchange money:

• The best exchange rate is in Tbilisi.
• In Gudauri, the rate is often worse, especially at hotels and reception desks.
• Exchange dollars or euros. Rubles are accepted, but at an unfavorable rate.
• ATMs: Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank, Liberty — located in the resort center.

📝 Tip: Exchange the required amount immediately—ATMs and currency exchange offices may be closed in the evenings or during bad weather.

🎒 5 life hacks that will make your vacation better:

1. Buy a phone case with a carabiner. So you don't lose it on the ski lift.
2. Bring cash! Cards don't work in villages and on minibuses.
3. Check the road at Krestovy Pass. Sometimes it's closed—there are Telegram channels with updates.
4. Bring a power bank. Mountains drain gadgets quickly.
5. Always carry a thermos of tea. Trust me, it'll come in handy!

🏁 Final words and a gift at the end of the article 🎁

Now you know everything about Gudauri—where to ski, how to save money, what to eat, where to stay, and how to create your own winter wonderland at an altitude of 2,200 meters.

We hope this guide was helpful—save it so you don't lose it! And when you return from the mountains, be sure to leave your comment below:

• What I liked
• Where I was
• What tips would I add
• And most importantly, where was the best khinkali in Gudauri?

🎁 Gift at the end:

Top 5 secret life hacks from experienced riders:

1. Always bring a mask with a photochromic lens. Gudauri's weather is changeable—you'll thank it!
2. Skiing in March is a dream: sunshine, few people, good prices.
3. Freeride in the morning—before the powder gets packed.
4. Warming cream and a second layer of gloves are a must-have.
5. Want a photo without the crowds? Be the first one up on the lift!

📢 The floor is yours!

Comment below:

• 👉 Which locations and trails did you like the most?
• 👉 Where is the best wine and food?
• 👉 Or just leave a lifehack for future resort guests.

Inspire others and help us make this guide even better!