What ski resorts are there in Georgia, and how do they differ?
Five resorts: where they are and how they differ.
Short answer
Georgia has five main ski resorts, Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi, Hatsvali and Goderdzi, and they differ in region, size of the runs and style of skiing. Gudauri is the largest: 20 runs totalling 70 km. Bakuriani is the oldest and family-friendly, Tetnuldi suits freeride, Hatsvali is the only one with night skiing, and Goderdzi is the youngest.
Why
- Gudauri: southern face of the Caucasus, 2,200 m, season from late December to late April.
- Bakuriani: Borjomi Gorge, first ski base opened in 1932, 1,700 m.
- Tetnuldi and Hatsvali are in Svaneti (Hatsvali is 8 km from Mestia), Goderdzi is in highland Adjara: up to 2,364 m, 8 km of trails.
Details
Details. Gudauri: the lifts carry up to 11,000 skiers an hour. Bakuriani: three slopes, Kokhta-Mitarbi for advanced skiers and Didveli for beginners and families, plus a 960 m mountain toboggan coaster, and the resort also operates in summer. Tetnuldi: the longest trail in the South Caucasus at 9.5 km. Goderdzi: longest descent 4.5 km, six-seat chairlifts and eight-seat gondolas, and plenty of fresh snow because of the sea nearby.
For a general overview of resorts see What resorts are there in Georgia; for individual resorts see Where is Gudauri, and when is the season and Where is Bakuriani.
Tip
For families and beginners look at Bakuriani, for freeride at Tetnuldi, for the largest number of runs at Gudauri.
What may differ
The numbers of runs and lifts change over time, so check current figures before you go.
Common misconception
All Georgian ski resorts are close to Tbilisi.
What actually happens
Only Gudauri is about two hours' drive from Tbilisi. Tetnuldi and Hatsvali are in Svaneti, and Goderdzi is in highland Adjara.
People also ask
- Which ski resort in Georgia is best?
Sources
Season dates, lift operation and snow conditions change, so check them with the resort operator before you travel.
Ski resorts in GeorgiaRelated questions
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How much Borjomi can you drink a day, and can you drink it every day?
Borjomi is rich in sodium and bicarbonates, so drink it in moderation rather than by the litre instead of ordinary water.
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What is the Multicard at Georgian ski resorts, and how do you use it?
The Multicard is a physical reusable card from operator MTA that carries your ski pass and works at lift gates, and it can be topped up for any season.
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Which ski areas are covered by the Bakuriani ski pass?
A ski pass in Bakuriani gives access to all lifts and slopes in three ski areas run by the operator MTA: Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi.
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Where can you park for free in Gudauri?
Gudauri has free outdoor parking by several lifts and hotels, and the biggest area, with 500 spaces, is near Hotel Carpe Diem.