Ski resort Gudauri, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia. Description, history, photos, prices, how to get there, pros and cons, reviews from tourists.
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Gudauri: a high mountain resort in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia. Find out how this place became popular and what factors make it unique. Planning a trip? We will tell you about prices, how to get there from Tbilisi and Batumi and share useful tips.
Rest in the Gudauri ski resort⬇️
At an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level, on the slope of the Greater Caucasus Range is a small village, which is home to a ski resort Gudauri.
History
The village is located near the Georgian military road. The distance from Gudauri to Tbilisi is about 120 kilometers. The first mention of this village appears in the documents of the XIII century. Previously this place was called Kudebi (Good Mountain), or more precisely, the mountain on which the village is located. The name Gudauri originates from 1824, after a memorial cross was erected here.
This place was often mentioned by poets and writers of past centuries, who spent time here. And only 150 years later, at the end of the last century, the Georgian government decided to settle here the ski resort. In 1982 the first hotels for tourists and pistes for skiers began to be built here. But after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the development of the ski resort was suspended, and only 6 years later, in 1997, work on the improvement resumed.
Features
Gudauri has a wide variety of ski slopes. If you are a beginner, you are sure to find gentle slopes, instructors and equipment. If you are a professional, there are many slopes of varying complexity.
Tourists are surrounded here by incredible views and landscapes, clean mountain air, hospitable Georgians, excellent wine and delicious national cuisine. It is also worth noting the reasonable prices for everything, the availability of rental equipment, cafes, restaurants and much more.
Of the drawbacks can be noted only shortcomings in some organizational moments and sometimes unforeseen weather conditions.
Skiing season lasts from late December to April. This is the most favorable time. Skiing, regular sledging or snowboarding - everyone can choose something for themselves. A special place is freeride (downhill skiing without a ski slope). If you are a beginner, it is better to contact a specialist and take some training lessons.
Variety of trails
The resort has a total of 22 ski slopes. Most of them are designed for amateurs, not professionals. The longest slope is 7 kilometers with an elevation difference of about 1200 meters. But for true extreme climbers, there is a Snow Park track, which is situated 1 kilometer away from the village and can be appreciated by everyone.
The main lift systems (Gudauri, Pirveli, Soliko) operate regularly in order to quickly take holidaymakers to the lower or upper stations.
Resort leisure
In addition to snowboarding, skiing, etc., there are other attractions in Gudauri, which are most often in demand in the evenings or in bad weather. Visiting a bathhouse, sauna, cafe or restaurant, as well as bowling or a nightclub will diversify any tourist's vacation.
Activities and entertainment here for all tastes. And if you want, you can go privately to your room and taste several varieties of Georgian wine.
Infrastructure
Despite the fact that the village is small, it has everything you need. Here you will find a supermarket with currency exchange and ATM, a gas station next to it, a church, many restaurants and cafes. Locals offer tourists wine, churchella and souvenirs.
Hotels and Inns
There is an incredible number of hotels and hotels of different levels of comfort and at different costs. During the holiday season, hotel prices double. A regular room will cost about 20-30 dollars, a large and more comfortable - 50-60 dollars.
If you want to save money, you can use the advice of some experienced travelers, who recommend to stay not in Gudauri itself, and in Stepantsminda, but with the condition that you have a car, as it is located 33 kilometers from the resort. Here you can find cheaper accommodation.
Equipment rental and insurance
There are equipment drop-off centers almost everywhere. You won't have any problems with it. But if you come here for a few days, it will be better to buy the necessary equipment in advance or rent it in Tbilisi, because the rent is much lower than in Gudauri.
Experienced travelers recommend taking out medical insurance. If you have an accident, the insurance company will take care of most issues and will be responsible for your health. The insurance is issued separately from the ski pass - pass card.
Summer visit
In addition to winter skiing, you can have a great time in the summertime as well. From all kinds of entertainment you can highlight horseback riding, downhill biking, paragliding, relaxing in the bath or sauna, wine tasting.
Some hotels offer subscriptions to the spa, where you can relax and unwind. Visiting Gudauri in summer, everyone will get a lot of unforgettable impressions of nature and stunning views around.
How to get there
From Tbilisi, Vladikavkaz, and Kutaisi you can get here by land transport. From Tbilisi you can take a cab or a shuttle bus. From Kutaisi there are also direct shuttles to Gudauri, but not very often. It is more convenient to go from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, and from there straight to the resort.
If you are travelling from Moscow, the most convenient way is to fly to Vladikavkaz, and from there take a bus to Gudauri (around 70 kilometres).
Those who visit Gudauri in winter, ski and snowboard, enjoy the pure mountain air and admire the beauty all around will forever remember this place, and keep the beautiful memories in their hearts.
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