Every year, Georgia solidifies its status as a premier destination for world-class ski resorts. This transformation is driven by substantial investments aimed at developing the northern regions, where new ski trails, mountain settlements, and essential infrastructure are being established.
Among the finest ski resorts in the country is Gudauri, located in the Kazbegi region, not far from the Cross Pass. The highest point of the Gudauri resort, Mount Sadzele, reaches an impressive elevation of 3,270 meters. On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek from its summit.
The distance from Tbilisi to Gudauri is approximately 130 kilometers, while Batumi is around 440 kilometers away. The settlement can be divided into three distinct areas:
This area is situated above the main buildings, ascending along the Georgian Military Road. It is arguably the most comfortable part of the resort. From numerous hotels, guests can reach the ski lifts within 2 to 10 minutes, as the distance varies from 50 to 900 meters. Traveling to the town center along the well-paved road takes about 15 minutes, while skiing down the slopes shortens this to just 8 minutes. Clear signage ensures that visitors won’t get lost. A significant advantage of Upper Gudauri is that guests can ski or snowboard directly from their hotels to the slopes. Returning is equally convenient, with options to traverse either untracked snow or groomed trails.
Considered the heart of the resort, Lower Gudauri hosts the local police station, a decent market, and a currency exchange bank. This area is home to several quality hotels. A cable car connects it to New Gudauri, and the ski lifts are approximately 500 to 600 meters away, easily accessible on foot within 10 to 15 minutes. Hotel owners offer daily transportation services to their guests. Staying in Lower Gudauri provides an excellent opportunity to admire the stunning panorama of the Aragvi Gorge and Mount Shere.
To the south of this part of the resort, a road winds steeply down to the village of Kumplisi. These two settlements are often considered a single entity, as Kumplisi boasts many hotels that cater to tourists’ comfort. The hotels are built along the main road (the Georgian Military Road). Heading west from this transportation artery reveals the dramatic cliffs of the Aragvi Gorge. To the east, a gentle ascent curves slightly northward, leading directly to Mount Sadzele.
Kumplisi features a tourist information center in the heart of the village, where visitors can inquire about their stay, the operation of the ski lifts, and the start of the ski season. This village also houses the lowest station of the ski lift and a rental service for skiing and snowboarding equipment.
Regarded as the heart of the entire resort due to its strategic location, New Gudauri is situated near the second ski lift. The hotels here are comfortable and represent the most upscale accommodations in Gudauri, offering the best experience in terms of proximity to the slopes and overall infrastructure, all while being distanced from the noise of “civilization.”
New Gudauri is actively developing, and already features a well-stocked supermarket with reasonable prices and its own bakery. The “Gudauri” restaurant offers spectacular views of the cable car station (with covered cabins), while the new café “Dizi” serves delicious meals and is located at the end of Novogudauri Street.
All ski lifts in Gudauri begin operation at the start of the season (around December 20). They open at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. In adverse weather conditions (fog or strong winds), the lifts may be temporarily shut down. In spring, the lifts operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends. Starting mid-July, the cable cars are available for tourists from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What makes Gudauri unique as a skiing paradise is that the season kicks off in late December, right after the first snowfall. This event coincides with the opening of all ski lifts. Typically, the first snow blankets Mount Sadzele around December 20-25, while precipitation at the “Vitamin” level usually arrives within 6-7 days.
Remarkably, Gudauri also offers excellent summer retreats amidst pristine nature. If the weather is clear and warm for a week, visitors can embark on a hike to the Hada Gorge, a stunning location lush with greenery. The hike is not particularly long (about 11 kilometers), with the Hada River flowing along its bottom. The main attraction here is the ancient towers that rise high on the slopes, resembling mythical guardians of the land. A spring with delicious mineral water and the intriguing Hada megaliths add to the allure. Be sure to visit the town of Stepantsminda (accessible even in winter). The main highlight of your trip will undoubtedly be the breathtaking views of the majestic Kazbek mountain. The town is rich in attractions, including museums, churches, and well-preserved ancient structures. During the summer, you can venture to the volcanoes, stroll through the Khevi Gorge, admire the Snovi River valley, and reach the base of Mount Chaukhi.
Traveling to the Gudauri resort from Tbilisi is quite convenient, with regular marshrutkas (shared minibuses) departing from the Didube bus station. If you’re coming from Batumi, you’ll first need to take a train to Tbilisi and then switch to a marshrutka for the remainder of your journey. The distance from Tbilisi to Gudauri is approximately 130 kilometers (so the ride would take less than 2 hours), while Batumi is around 440 kilometers away.