Ski resorts in georgia

Do you plan to spend your winter holiday in Georgia, and wondering which ski resort should you choose?   First of all, lucky you.  Georgia has 4 major ski resorts, and all different types and various ski options. Find out basic information about ski resorts in Georgia below. 

01  Gudauri – The most famous and Popular Ski Resort in Georgia

Positive side:

• Close to the capital of Georgia  – 2 hours driving from Tbilisi
• Good Ski Trails (13 ski lifts)
• Good for either beginners and expert skiers
• Various accommodation options (hostel, 3, 4-star hotels)
• Many options for freeriding

• Many Skiers on Weekends and holidays
• Crowded Restaurants and bars on Weekends
• Not enough parking lot near the ski stations

Stats:

• One-day lift ticket costs  $25, 3-day lift tickets $75, and 7-day lift tickets $170

The oldest winter holiday resort in Georgia is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. Gudauri is blessed at nearly 2000m above sea level where the sun shines 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air, and windless slopes.   Gudauri is surrounded by one of the tallest Caucasus peaks, because of its high location, the ski season lasts until mid-April.  

Where to stay in Gudauri : The ski resorts offers plenty options of the accommodation.  You can stay at 4-star hotels such as Marco Polo, Gudauri Loft, or rent an apartment or a bed in hostel.  The shops and restaurants are open for 24/7.

02  Bakuriani – Family-friendly Ski resort with many different Winter activities in Georgia

Positive Side:

• Easy access, close the capital of Georgia – 2,5 hours driving from Tbilisi
• Family-friendly
• Good accommodation Options
• Many winter activities are available

Negative Side:

• Few options for advanced/expert skiers
• Typically less snow compared to other ski resorts

Stats:

• One-day lift ticket costs $21, 3-day lift tickets $60, and 7-day lift tickets $115

Combining the challenges of terrain best suited to experts, intermediates and beginners, Bakuriani Courmayeur is the place to be seen as the best destination for families and large groups. Many Bakuraini slopes are suitable for beginners, and the resort offers couple of learning parks for skiers.   Kids have many options and opportunities to learn skiing, while their parents can enjoy the challenging slopes of Didveli and Kokhta trails (medium to expert level). Bakuriani is surrounded by mountains, pine forest and lakes. Aside skiing, you can enjoy horse riding,  walking or hiking in the pine forest, or you can take one day quadro biking tours  to nearby mountains, or to Tabatskuri lake.

Where to stay in Bakuriani : The ski resorts offers  a very good accommodation options with very cheap prices. You can stay at 4-star hotels such as Rooms Kokhta Hotel, Crystal Hotel, or rent an apartment or a bed in hostel.  The shops and restaurants are open for 24/7.

03 Svaneti – Hatsvali and Tetnuldi Ski Resorts – Largest, less touristy and most snowy ski resorts in Georgia

Positive Side:

• Extended Skiing Season with powder snow all winter around
• Less crowded lifts and trails
• The best landscape views
• Unlimited Freeriding possibilities

Negative Side:

• Big distance from the capital, or other large towns
• Tetnuldi Ski resort is accessible by driving only
• Few options of accommodation and restaurants

Stats:

• One-day lift ticket costs $21, 3-day lift tickets $60, and 7-day lift tickets $115

Sharing a high valley surrounded by 5,000-meter peaks,  isolated region with centuries old towers, and medieval type villages offer skiers an unforgettable skiing holiday. Svaneti has two ski resorts.  Hatsvali is closer to the main town, and its ski lifts start directly in Mestia. It is rather short but quite challenging ski resort with many attractions, and possibility to ski in forest.  The second Tetnuldi resort is bigger, and offers more options for skiers. You can start skiing over 3300 meter, and go down to 2000m.  Here good conditions of skiing remains until mid-April.  If you love freeriding, then Svaneti can offer you more than any skier can digest. Soaring peaks, untouched valleys and slopes are always waiting for ski lovers.

Where to stay in Mestia, Svaneti : The best option while you are visiting  Hatsvali and Tetnuldi is to stay in Mestia town.  You can stay at Posta Hotel, Gistola Hotel, Banguriani Hotel, or you can rent a room at one of the local guesthouses. The shops and restaurants are open for 24/7.

04 Goderdzi – A true Paradise for free riders

Positive Side:

• Most powder snow in all months of winter
• Less crowded lifts and trails
• The best landscape views
• Unlimited Freeriding possibilities

Negative Side:

• Big distance from the capital, or other large towns
• Bad road to the ski resort
• Few options of accommodation and restaurants

Stats:

• One-day lift ticket costs $21, 3-day lift tickets $60, and 7-day lift tickets $115

Goderdzi Ski resort is isolated, far-way from civilization, unexplored, and its powder and lines are truly incredible. The place itself is tucked away and only dedicated, avid skiers make the journey. Those who do are richly rewarded.

The skiing area is vast and untamed, and, thankfully, never crowded. signage on the runs is as existent as avalanche control is on the mountain. But, hey, if you’re going there, you probably know all this and can’t wait to ski in a truly one-of-a-kind place. Perhaps here, more than anywhere else, get a guide and make your first earned turns safe and sound. You can ski on alpine zone above tree line, or dive into the forest, and make your skiing more challenging. You can try snowshoeing from a village to a village, while meeting almost no one except couple of skiers and adventure lovers. Your thoughts on skiing the backcountry won’t ever be the same after you’ve skied here.

Where to stay in Goderdzi: The best available accommodation in the area is Ambassadori Goderdzi Hotel, Hotel Chateau Iveri, or other small guesthouse-type places.