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Gudauri — Georgia's Premier Ski Resort
Set above the treeline on the Georgian Military Highway, Gudauri is Georgia's largest and highest ski resort — reliable powder, 17 modern lifts, and Mount Kazbek visible from the top of nearly every run.
Overview
Georgia's largest and highest ski resort sits on the Georgian Military Highway at 2,196 meters, making it one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe — and, thanks to its above-treeline slopes, one of the most reliably snowy.
Built up rapidly since its first lift opened in 1988, Gudauri now runs 17 lifts across roughly 80 km of marked terrain between 1,993 m and 3,276 m, with a mix of groomed pistes and some of the most accessible off-piste and heli-skiing terrain in the Caucasus.
Its location — 120 km north of Tbilisi on the same road that continues to Kazbegi — makes it easy to combine skiing with a visit to Mount Kazbek and the Gergeti Trinity Church, and close enough to the capital that a day on the slopes can end with dinner and sulfur baths back in Tbilisi.
The season runs roughly December through April, with a snow record consistent enough that Gudauri has become the default choice for both first-time skiers on Georgia's gentler lower slopes and experienced riders drawn by its heli-skiing and freeride reputation.
2,196 m Elevation
One of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe.
17 Lifts, 80 km of Terrain
Slopes ranging from 1,993 m to 3,276 m above sea level.
Top Freeride Destination
Some of the most accessible off-piste and heli-skiing in the Caucasus.
120 km from Tbilisi
Easily combined with Kazbegi on the same Military Highway.
Ski Area & Terrain
1,993–3,276 m
A vertical drop of 1,283 m, above the treeline for most of the resort.
~80 km of Runs
13% easy, 56% intermediate, 31% difficult, FIS-certified.
17 Lifts
Four gondolas, nine chairlifts, and four drag lifts.
Heli-Skiing
Available throughout the season for off-piste terrain.
Ski Season
December through April, with some slopes open into early May.
Night Skiing
Illuminated trails under the Pirveli lift on weekends.
Snowfall
Around 5 meters annually, among the highest in the region.
Kobi Connection
Runs extending toward Kobi near Kazbegi.
Sights & Summer Activities
Friendship Monument (Panorama)
A colorful mosaic viewpoint on the Military Highway, the main paragliding launch site.
Tandem Paragliding
20–25 minute flights over the Aragvi Gorge, best May–October.
Sadzele Ridge
A popular summer trail with sweeping views over the gorge.
Truso Valley
Colorful travertine mineral springs and abandoned villages, reached via the Kobi-Gudauri cable car.
Zakagori Fortress
Ruins reached on the Truso Valley trek.
Ananuri Fortress
A medieval complex over the Zhinvali Reservoir, en route from Tbilisi.
Chaukhi Massif Views
The jagged "Caucasian Dolomites," visible from resort viewpoints.
Mountain Biking
Growing trail networks around the resort in summer.
Average Temperatures & Seasons
Above the treeline at nearly 2,200 m, Gudauri stays cool even in summer — rarely exceeding 25°C — while winters are long, freezing, and reliably snowy.
Distance & Connectivity
Along the Georgian Military Highway. Marshrutka minibuses run from Tbilisi's Didube bus station; private transfers take 2–2.5 hours. Kazbegi is a further 35 km down the same road, easily combined in one trip.
Book Transfer with Legend TravelAccommodation
Ski-In Apart-Hotels
Direct lift access, mostly in the New Gudauri development.
International Hotel Chains
Full-service hotels with spas near the main lift stations.
Budget Guesthouses
Simpler lodgings a short shuttle ride from the slopes.
Book well ahead — rooms sell out fast during peak season (late December–mid January and mid February–March).
Book a Hotel with Legend TravelGastronomy & Local Cuisine
Après-ski in Gudauri centers on shared tables, hearty Georgian food, and chacha rather than glossy nightlife.
Khinkali
Hot dumplings sold at roadside stalls along the highway and in resort restaurants.
Kharcho
A spiced beef and walnut soup, warming after a day on the mountain.
Mulled Wine & Chacha
Standard après-ski drinks at slope-side bars.
Khachapuri
Cheese-filled bread served at every resort restaurant.
Alpine Honey
Local mountain honey, often tasted on Military Highway day tours.
Mtsvadi
Grilled meat skewers, a staple of mountain guesthouse menus.
Lobiani
Bean-filled bread, a warming option after skiing.
Kubdari
Spiced meat-filled bread from the neighboring Svaneti tradition.
Georgian Brandy
Served alongside toasts at resort restaurants and guesthouses.
Churchkhela
Nut-and-grape-must candy, sold at highway rest stops.
Useful Information & Travel Tips
Currency
Georgian Lari (₾); cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Language
Georgian; English spoken at hotels and ski schools.
Power Outlets
Type C and F (220V / 50Hz).
Emergency Number
112 for all emergency services.
Ski Season
December – April, peak season late Dec–mid Jan and mid Feb–March.
Altitude Note
Stay hydrated — the elevation can cause mild altitude effects.