Ski resorts in Georgia. Determine the best!

Georgia is an amazing country with a uniquely mild climate, making it an ideal destination for отдых at any time of the year. Thanks to its compact size, it offers many opportunities for diverse travel experiences. In summer, visitors are drawn to the beaches and the sea; year-round, sanatoriums and mineral water treatments are available; and winter is perfect for skiing and other kinds of active recreation in the mountains.

Georgia’s ski resorts are especially noteworthy, serving as an excellent alternative to popular European ski centers. There are 5 ski complexes in 4 mountain regions of Georgia, each differing in comfort level, slope quality, infrastructure, and the availability of additional entertainment. The most popular resorts are Bakuriani and Gudauri.

The ski slopes here are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. For lovers of extreme sports, the resorts offer activities such as heli-skiing, freeride, backcountry, ski touring, and snowbiking. The ski season lasts about half a year, usually from November to the end of April, with peak attendance from December to March. During this period, there is more snowfall, and the air temperature remains comfortable for skiing, ranging from -1 to 8°C.

Georgia, protected from winds and harsh weather by the Caucasus Mountains, attracts tourists from all over the world with its sunny ski slopes and a wide variety of winter recreation options. This article provides a brief overview of ski complexes to help tourists choose the best place for their rest

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GEORGIA’S RESORTS

There are only 5 ski resorts in Georgia, located in different parts of the country with varying weather conditions and national character. The resorts differ in popularity, equipment, and level of service, and accordingly in the cost of отдых.

Gudauri and Bakuriani are the closest to Tbilisi. By region, the resorts are distributed as follows:

• Bakuriani is located in the center;
• Gudauri is in the north of Georgia;
• Tetnuldi and Hatsvali are in mysterious Svaneti;
• Goderdzi is in Adjara, near the sea.

The ski season on the country’s mountain slopes begins in November and ends in April. However, this is a general description. The timing of comfortable skiing depends on the resort’s location and weather conditions.

The peak season is considered to be from December to March. There are especially many vacationers from Russia during the New Year holidays and on holiday weekends around February 23 and March 8.

On Georgia’s mountain slopes, you can ski, snowboard, and sled. Georgian ski slopes are already well known among lovers of active winter recreation.

The resorts are developing and expanding, and everything is being done to ensure the level of отдых is no lower than in Europe. After all, tourism in Georgia is one of the main sources of state budget revenue.

Payments are made in the national currency — lari (GEL). Sometimes private providers accept dollars: for accommodation, individual excursions, or taxi services.

You can track the current lari exchange rate against other currencies in Georgia on the website of the National Bank of Georgia. There is also a calculator that allows you to estimate how many lari you can get for a certain amount of rubles, dollars, etc.

BAKURIANI

Bakuriani, Georgia’s oldest and most famous ski resort, combines historical heritage with modern amenities, attracting tourists from all over the world. Located on the northern slopes of the Trialeti Range in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge, the resort is known for its beautiful nature and clean mountain air, which is beneficial for health.

The history of Bakuriani dates back to the 19th century, when members of the royal family appreciated the local mountains while отдыхing in Borjomi. The royal palace in Likani, preserved to this day, testifies to the resort’s long history. Bakuriani as a ski center itself was founded in the 1960s, and Soviet Olympic athletes trained at its ski base. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the resort temporarily declined, but its revival began in the early 21st century.

Today, Bakuriani offers four ski slopes of varying difficulty, ranging in length from 300 to 4,000 meters, with a maximum altitude of up to 2,850 meters, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced skiers. The ski season here lasts from late November to April, depending on weather conditions, and February is considered the best time to visit.

Modern accommodation and recreation facilities, including conditions designed for family holidays, make Bakuriani an attractive choice for winter sports enthusiasts.

Climate and winter weather

Bakuriani is surrounded by mountain ranges, so cyclones carrying strong winds usually do not reach this area. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below -8°C. Snow cover is about 60 cm on average. The number of cloudy and sunny days is approximately the same.

Accommodation conditions

There are many small hotels here, including a 4-star hotel of a fairly European standard. Meals are available: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests staying in the complex can use the library, tennis courts, and skating rinks. In the evening, after active recreation, you can relax in a café, explore the national cuisine, and enjoy Georgian wine.

Ski slopes and lifts

There are slopes of different difficulty levels, so everyone can find a suitable option—both beginners and experienced skiers.

For beginners: the “green” short “Plato” slopes with gentle descents, as well as the lower part of “Didveli.” Beginner snowboarders also practice here.

For experienced skiers: the “blue” and “red” runs—“Kokhta-1,” “Kokhta-2,” and the upper part of “Didveli” (lit until 22:00).

“Black” runs are for advanced experts. At the start of “Kokhta-1,” the gradient reaches 52°, and the length is 400 m. The recently opened “Mitabi” run includes challenging sections with elevation changes.

For those who like to “catch some air,” there are jumps of 45, 70, and 90 meters.

Equipment and ski-gear rental points operate on-site. Beginners can also train with a professional instructor.

Lifts

1. For children, surface lifts (tow ropes) are more convenient—there are 4 of them in Bakuriani.
2. The “Tatra” gondola lift is 1,600 m long.
3. There is also a two-seat chairlift.

Ski pass

Children under 6 use the lifts free of charge; ages 6 to 16 receive a discount.

You can buy a ticket for a single lift ride for 7 lari (2019–2020 season) or a day pass for 20–40 lari.

Prices change and increase during peak periods.

Activities outside the ski slopes

• Sledding runs;
• For cross-country skiing enthusiasts — a 1,350 m trail with an ascent to 2,780 m;
• Snowmobile and snow scooter rides;
• Paragliding, jeep tours;
• Horseback riding and hiking in summer.

Attractions

Bakuriani has many interesting places and historical landmarks. Here, it is easy to combine active recreation on mountain slopes with a cultural program. In Bakuriani, it is recommended to visit the Botanical Garden. Nearby is the town of Borjomi and its mineral springs. A narrow-gauge railway leads there, which is itself an attraction. The bridge for this railway was built by Gustave Eiffel. Tourists staying in Bakuriani also often visit the Timotesubani Monastery (11th century) and the cave city of Vardzia (12th century).

What to see near Bakuriani:

• Vardzia cave monastery;
• Timotesubani Temple;
• Tabatskuri — a lake among the mountains;
• Bakurianistskali Gorge;
• Borjomi and the narrow-gauge railway.

How to get here

Bakuriani is 180 km from Tbilisi. Transport connections are well developed: there are Tbilisi–Bakuriani trains, and buses, minibuses, and taxis depart from the Didube metro station in the capital.

You can first get to Borjomi, and then travel the remaining 16 km to Bakuriani by narrow-gauge railway, which is itself an attraction.

• Minibus — from Tbilisi to Bakuriani in 3 hours;
• Electric train — from Tbilisi to Borjomi (2 times a day), then by bus or taxi (26 km);
• Transfer or taxi.

Is it worth going to Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is the country’s oldest ski base, called the “Sunny Valley” by locals. It has 210 sunny days a year! The complex is located near the Borjomi mineral springs and 180 km from the capital of Georgia. You can get from Tbilisi to the resort by taxi, minibus, or regular bus.

The winter weather is simply magical: sunny, snowy, and calm. The air temperature usually does not drop below -6 to -8℃, and snow covers the slopes by about half a meter.

The slopes are mainly designed for amateurs. It is an ideal place for beginners to start skiing, but professionals will also find places to pick up speed. For complete beginners, there is a 300-meter slope with a gradient of only 12°, as well as a plateau area. All ski runs are lit in the evening.

The service in Bakuriani, as at all ski resorts in Georgia, is of a high standard. There are rental points for ski and snowboard equipment, snowmobiles, and ATVs. You can also hire a personal instructor for lessons. The village has a well-developed infrastructure: hotels with three meals a day, shops, various cafés and bars, and a pharmacy.

Several lifts operate for access to the slopes, including ones for children, as well as a cable car. A ticket for skiing can be purchased either for the whole day or for a single visit.

Active recreation can be complemented by visits to nearby excursion sites: mineral springs, a monastery complex, an ascent to Mount Kokhta, and others.

Main advantages

• Convenient location, just 180 km from Tbilisi (about 3 hours on the way). The infrastructure is well developed. Numerous hotels and guesthouses offer various accommodation options. Bakuriani has cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, and cinemas.
• If you are traveling with family and children and want a choice of accommodation and entertainment, come to Bakuriani.
• Experienced skiers will also find suitable slopes here.
• In addition to skiing, you can go ice skating, sledding, ride snowmobiles, take a horseback ride, or go hiking in the mountains (Sekvelomta and Kokhta), as well as visit Lake Tabatskuri.

Possible disadvantages

• A large number of vacationers and not very much snow. As a result, the quality of the ski slopes is not always the highest.
• There can be queues at the lifts.
• Prices may rise due to the influx of tourists.

Gudauri

Gudauri, the most popular and modern ski resort in Georgia, combines high-class equipment with a unique location on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range. Founded in the 1970s, this resort attracts a large number of tourists with its diverse infrastructure and excellent skiing conditions.

The main ski season in Gudauri lasts 4–5 months, starting in mid-November and ending in late April. Peak periods are the New Year holidays and the time from mid-February to March 10, although the best time to visit is considered to be December and January. The lifts operate year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and various summer activities such as mountain hiking, rock climbing, and rafting on mountain rivers.

Gudauri offers 22 slopes of varying difficulty with a total length of 75 km. The upper lift station is located at an altitude of 3,307 meters above sea level, which makes the resort especially attractive for experienced skiers. Nevertheless, there are also slopes for beginners, with the possibility of training with instructors.

The resort is especially popular among young people and lovers of extreme sports, offering conditions for freeride, backcountry, heli-skiing, snowbiking, and speedriding. Gudauri is often chosen for short trips from Tbilisi or Vladikavkaz to spend a few days enjoying skiing.

Slopes and lifts

The total length of 23 ski slopes is about 60 km. The mountain slopes are safe for athletes of different skill levels.

There are very comfortable conditions for beginners — convenient runs and instructors who speak Russian and English.

There are also “blue” and “red” slopes for more experienced skiers.

Rental points operate on-site, and equipment costs start from 25 lari per day.

The local slopes are attractive for extreme sports lovers:

• freeride — riding on untouched snow, and there is a freeride school;
• heli-skiing — skiers are taken to the summit by helicopter.

In Gudauri, you can also go paragliding and ride snowmobiles and snowboards.

Lifts

They were built by Austrians, who are considered top professionals in developing ski resorts, so there is no reason to doubt their safety.

The lower cable car station is located at 1,990 m, and the upper station at 3,258 m (Mount West Sadzele). In bad weather (clouds and fog), the upper stations do not operate.

Most lifts are chairlifts with 3–6 seats. There is also a gondola route, and one cabin accommodates 10 people. For children and beginner skiers, there are surface lifts and magic carpet lifts.

The cost of a 1-day ski pass starts from 30 lari; a simple ride up without skis or a snowboard costs 7–8 lari.

Accommodation and infrastructure

There is a wide choice of accommodation: guesthouses, private rentals, chalets, and hotels. Many of them are located near the lifts.

The village has a gas station, pharmacy, shops, restaurants and cafés, spa salons, saunas, bowling, and karaoke. For families with children, nanny services are available, and there is a kindergarten.

As for interesting attractions, Gudauri itself has very few. You can take a trip to Mtskheta or the Ananuri Fortress, but all of them are located at a considerable distance — 55–72 km.

How to get there

Gudauri is located on the Georgian Military Road, which creates certain difficulties — in bad weather, the road may be closed.

The distance to the country’s capital is 120 km. Minibuses run every 2 hours (from Didube metro station). You will arrive in about 2 hours, and the fare is 10 lari.

• Minibus from Tbilisi (1.5–2 hours);
• Bus from Tbilisi Airport to Gudauri (once a day);
• Transfer or taxi;
• From Vladikavkaz, you can get there by bus or car.

Is it worth going to Gudauri?

Gudauri has a very convenient location relative to the country’s capital: only 120 km away, so getting here is not difficult at all.

Visitors to the resort can test their skills on twenty-three slopes. About one-fifth of them are designed for professionals, while the rest are for beginners and amateur skiers. One of Gudauri’s main advantages is the opportunity for freeride skiing. Access to untouched slopes is available directly from the lifts.

There are four ski schools at the resort where you can rent the necessary equipment and also hire a personal instructor.

To access the slopes, there are chairlifts, surface lifts, and a cable car.

Gudauri is a ski resort with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. The resort center offers a wide variety of accommodation options: hotels, guesthouses, and rooms in the private sector. For recreation and meals, there are cafés and bars, as well as shops, a pharmacy, and even a small kindergarten where you can leave a child during sports activities.

The Gudauri ski resort is ideal for beginner athletes who want to improve their skills on gentle slopes with wide runs.

Snow on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Range is drier and looser than at other Georgian resorts, while the mountains are illuminated by bright sunshine almost every day. There is also high humidity due to the proximity of the Black Sea.

A good level of slope preparation and infrastructure upgrades in line with international standards make it possible to ski calmly and safely both during the day and in the evening. Thanks to the absence of trees on the slopes, visibility is good at any time of day.

Main advantages

• Located closer to Tbilisi than any other resort (135 km), so you can even come for just one day.
• Various accommodation options: from budget hostels to five-star hotels in the village and near the lifts.
• Frequent snowfall, which is good for the condition of the ski slopes.
• Many lifts, so there are almost no queues even during peak season.
• Excursions to Tbilisi, Mtskheta, the Georgian Military Road, and other places are organized for resort guests.

Possible disadvantages

• Gudauri is focused specifically on ski holidays.
• There is almost no other entertainment, but you still won’t be bored — hotels have restaurants, clubs, spa centers, baths, and saunas.
• There are a lot of skiers on the slopes.

Goderdzi

Goderdzi, a ski resort in Adjara opened in 2015–2016, is rapidly gaining popularity among lovers of active winter holidays. It is known as the snowiest resort in Georgia, attracting tourists with heavy snowfall that creates ideal conditions for skiing.

The Goderdzi resort differs from other Georgian resorts by being less crowded, offering a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. This makes it an excellent choice for family holidays, as well as for those who prefer to avoid large crowds. The ski season here lasts from mid-December to mid-April.

The resort offers 4 easy slopes with a total length of 13 km, two lifts, and a maximum point at 2,390 meters. The slopes, without major elevation changes or difficult turns, are ideal for beginner skiers, but they are also interesting for experienced skiers thanks to freeride and backcountry opportunities. Lovers of extreme riding will find wild slopes without cliffs, where snow-covered country houses can even serve as natural jumps.

A special feature of Goderdzi is its location: the road to Batumi passes through the Goderdzi Pass, allowing you to reach the capital of Adjara in just 3 hours. This creates a unique opportunity to combine a ski holiday with walks along the Black Sea coast and enjoyment of picturesque forest landscapes. In addition, unique ski tours across rough terrain on special skis are offered here. Snow cover in Goderdzi can reach up to 2 meters, making it an ideal place for winter sports enthusiasts.

Slopes and lifts

The total length of the slopes reaches 13 km, and the longest one is 7 km, in the “blue” difficulty category.

Vacationers are served by 1 cable car with a length of 4 km. One station is for amateurs, and the second is for more experienced riders.

There are all conditions here for extreme freeriders and lovers of free riding on untouched snow.

Accommodation and infrastructure

There is a hotel and 6 cottages near the lifts; meals are available for an additional fee. Residents of the village of Danisparauli, located 8 km from Goderdzi, offer accommodation in the private sector.

There are no shops at the resort yet, so food and supplies should be bought in nearby villages or towns, possibly on the way to Goderdzi.

Main advantages

• There is a hotel and several cottages near the lift. Prices are low due to the small number of vacationers.
• There are no lift queues, and the slopes are uncrowded.
• It is only 100 km to the sea (Batumi), and minibuses run regularly. You can combine mountain and seaside holidays.

Possible disadvantages

• Accommodation is offered in the village of Danisparauli, about 3 km from the resort.
• Après-ski, meaning entertainment after the lifts and slopes close, is extremely limited.

What to see nearby

Hiking trips to Green Lake (4 km) are organized from Danisparauli in both winter and summer.

How to get there

• Minibuses and buses do not run from the nearest city, Batumi, to Goderdzi. You can get to Khulo (about 2.5 hours by minibus), then take a taxi.
• Minibuses from Tbilisi also require a transfer in Akhaltsikhe.
• Transfer from Batumi or another city.
• Private or rented car. It is better to plan and study the route in advance.
• Travel time: about 7 hours from Tbilisi, 4 hours from Kutaisi, and 2 hours from Batumi.

UPPER SVANETI: TETNULDI AND HATSVALI

In picturesque Svaneti, located in northwestern Georgia, near the town of Mestia, there are two new ski resorts: Tetnuldi and Hatsvali. These resorts, actively developing and distinguished by the region’s pristine nature, are gradually attracting more and more attention.

The Hatsvali resort, opened in 2011, is still less developed but already popular. Tetnuldi, opened in 2016, is developing rapidly: 16 new runs and hotel construction are planned. Both resorts are expected to add new slopes, and there are also plans to connect them.

Svaneti, located on the southern side of the Greater Caucasus Range, is known for an earlier end to the ski season compared to other Georgian ski resorts—usually in mid-April. Heavy and frequent snowfall is common here, while rain on the slopes is practically absent. However, due to above-zero daytime temperatures, fresh snow quickly becomes compacted.

The best time to visit the resorts of Svaneti is from December to March. They attract tourists not only with beautiful landscapes and skiing opportunities, but also with a high level of service at relatively low prices. Local residents are known for their hospitality, which makes holidays here especially enjoyable.

TETNULDI

Tetnuldi is the newest ski resort in Georgia, opened relatively recently in 2016 and continuously expanding. The complex is located in picturesque Svaneti, near the town of Mestia. As of today, Tetnuldi is still not as popular among tourists as the well-known Bakuriani and Gudauri, but it is gradually gaining momentum thanks to its high level of equipment and fairly moderate service prices. It is also the second-largest ski resort in Georgia!

Every year, alpine skiing competitions are held in Svaneti on the majestic Mount Tetnuldi, located at an altitude of 4,852 meters above sea level. At the same time, visitors can enjoy views of the magnificent Ushba Twin Peaks on the opposite side, which rise to 4,710 meters above sea level.

Special attention should be given to Mount Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia at 5,201 meters above sea level. It is located in the central part of the Main Caucasus Range. The region is famous for sincere Georgian hospitality, as well as its unique language and culture.

Tourists should keep in mind that the ski center is located quite far from the capital of Georgia — 465 kilometers. You can get here by plane (there is a direct flight), private car, or rental car.

For now, the resort cannot boast a highly developed tourist infrastructure — simply because it is still young. There are no accommodation facilities directly in the resort area, so vacationers usually stay in the town of Mestia in cozy hotels and guesthouses, and travel to the ski slopes by private transport or using hotel transfer offers. There is a ski equipment rental point, but snowboarders will need to bring their own gear. After active skiing, you can have a snack in cozy cafés. In Mestia itself, there is a tourist information center, several shops, cafés, and a bank branch.

The resort’s slopes are suitable for both beginners and professionals. There are great opportunities for freeride and forest skiing. The total length of the ski runs is about 30 kilometers. You can reach the starting points by comfortable lifts.

Tetnuldi Resort is a great option for a calm and comfortable holiday without fuss, queues, and large crowds of tourists. In addition, skiing can be combined with wonderful sightseeing trips around Upper Svaneti, which is known for breathtaking landscapes and numerous architectural monuments.

Main advantages

• Due to the proximity of glaciers, conditions for ski slopes are favorable here: good snow and a long season — from November to May.
• There are still relatively few vacationers. No queues at the lifts and prices are low.
• A café and equipment rental point operate near the lifts.
• Mestia offers a wide choice of accommodation, many cafés, and restaurants. Tourists staying there can ski on any slopes of Tetnuldi or Hatsvali, choosing the option that suits them best.

Possible disadvantages

• There is only one small hotel (19 beds) at the resort itself and no entertainment other than the ski slopes.
• Vacationers usually stay in Mestia. The distance to the lifts is 15 km.
• All entertainment is also in Mestia.

Skiing conditions

Tetnuldi has slopes of 3 difficulty levels: for beginners, amateurs, and professionals, with an elevation difference of up to 900 m. There are 4 lifts in operation.

There are freeride areas, and many slopes are not groomed by snowcats, remaining untouched snow terrain.

Only skis are available for rent.

Accommodation and infrastructure

Vacationers stay in the town of Mestia. Here, guests can choose from hotels (from 30 lari), guesthouses, and private accommodation (10–30 lari). Breakfast is paid separately.

To get to the lifts, you can order a transfer; a car with a driver for the whole day costs about 95–100 lari.

What to see in Mestia

The Mestia Tourist Center welcomes visitors all year round. Many hiking routes into the mountains, to glaciers, and to mountain lakes begin in Mestia. You can also climb Mount Tetnuldi (4,869 m).

Tourists visit the Svaneti Museum, Svan towers, and the house-museum of the climber Mikhail Khergiani.

HATSVALI

Another ski resort in the Svaneti region, operating since 2011. There are 4 slopes of different difficulty levels here. Three lifts operate, and the upper station is at an altitude of 2,347 m. There are freeride zones as well. Local guides organize backcountry and ski tours to Mount Ushba, Shkhara, and Tetnuldi.

The ski slopes here are illuminated at night. They vary in difficulty:

• “green” — 300 meters long;
• “blue” — 2.5 km;
• “red” — 2,600 m.

There are still few vacationers, even during peak season.

The cost of a personal trainer (snowboard or alpine skiing) is 20 lari per hour.

Hatsvali has all the conditions for freeriders. Backcountry and ski touring are developing here — meaning hiking up to a summit and descending across rugged terrain with elevation changes.

There are 3 lifts in operation: one chairlift and two surface lifts. The ski pass costs from 20 lari. The cable car also serves tourists in summer and is used by mountain hiking enthusiasts.

Rental points provide alpine ski and snowboard equipment for hire.

Main advantages

• In Hatsvali, there is a small hotel, café, and rental point near the lift.
• Hatsvali Resort and the town of Mestia are connected by a cable car operating year-round.
• The resort is known for moderate prices and good-quality slopes.
• Children’s lessons are held at the Mestia ski school.

Possible disadvantages

• The main drawback of the ski resort is the slow cable car to Mount Zuruldi. The cabin has four seats, and the trip to the slope takes about 15 minutes. There is no protection for tourists from snow, rain, or wind.
• The choice of accommodation and entertainment is only in Mestia.

Accommodation

There is a cottage near the lift that can accommodate 16 people. Most vacationers stay in Mestia.

How to get here

The distance from Tbilisi to Mestia is 470 km. It can be covered in several ways.

1. Train to Zugdidi (overnight, about 8 hours), then a minibus to Mestia. Train fare — 9–30 lari. Minibus — 20–25 lari.
2. Minibus from Didube metro station takes 8–9 hours, fare — 40 lari per person.
3. A taxi costs 400–450 lari per car, travel time about 8 hours.
4. A plane from Tbilisi (Natakhtari) does not fly every day, so the schedule should be checked on the day of departure. The flight costs 90 lari and takes 45 minutes. Add to this the trip to Natakhtari and from Queen Tamar Airport to the center of Mestia, and the total travel time is about 3 hours
5. A rented car will cost about $90.

LET’S SUM UP

We tried to collect the most essential information about the resorts. To make your holiday enjoyable, study the details carefully and only then make your final choice of destination. Each of the listed mountain resorts in Georgia may turn out to be the best one for you. When choosing a place to stay, pay attention to accommodation and skiing conditions, infrastructure development, and additional options.

• Prices and weather conditions are changeable factors, so they should be checked before planning your trip.
• It is better to book accommodation in advance.
• At all ski resorts in Georgia, you can purchase a unified ski pass that allows you to use the lifts at any resort. The cost of the multipass depends on the number of days of use.
• Children under 6 go free, and children aged 6 to 16 pay a child fare.
• Only lari are accepted for payment. Card payments are not always available.
• Before traveling to any ski resort, you must arrange insurance!