What to do in Gudauri in Winter

Do you plan to spend some time in Gudauri in winter?  First of all, lucky you. Gudauri in the winter is so rich in beautiful and stunning places – soaring Caucasus Mountains, plenty of snow, good food, and windless and sunny weather makes this place one of the best places to visit!  If you are coming skiing, you are a lucky one, however not all people are skiing enthusiast, or prefer to do other activities as well. If you are wondering about the best things to do in the winter, then this post is for you. Find out about fun Gudauri winter activities and what to do in Gudauri aside from skiing in winter.

01  Visiting Gudauri Panoramic Viewpoint

Located near Gudauri, this panoramic viewpoint is an ideal place to enjoy with the best ever possibly views over the mountains while being accessible by car. Gudauri panoramic viewpoint, so called Georgian-Russian “Friendship” monument was built in 1970^th and has interesting soviet mosaics.   This is a good place for a photo session, walking in the snow, and building your snowman.

02 Visiting Gergeti Trinity Church-Kazbegi

If you are looking for half-day or one day trip from Gudauri, then visiting Gergeti Trinity Church and spending time in Kazbegi town is an ideal option. Kazbegi is located in just 40 minutes of drive from Gudauri.  From Kazbegi, you can either hike to Gergeti Trinity Church or take a 4X4 car to the place. The road to the church is extremely icy and it is recommended only for 4X4 car with good winter tires, and experienced drivers. To avoid many hassles, you can rent a 4X4 car with a driver from Kazbegi only for $25. If you want some hiking activities, you can travel to Dariali gorge, and hike to Gveleti Waterfalls. The waterfalls could be frozen, and this is what gives an additional charm to this place.  After the outdoor activites, you can relax and enjoy hot wines in nearby cafes, or at the terrace of Rooms Hotel Kazbegi.

03 Winter Hike and Snowshoeing near Gudauri & Kazbegi 

Hiking isn’t just for summer. If you prefer to be on your feet rather than skis, consider a winter hike and snowshoeing. This is a great way to experience Gudauri in December, January, February,  March or even in early April. 

The options of snowshoe hiking in and around Gudauri are endless. Your winter hike will give you a chance to really explore the natural beauty of the area. You can hike with snowshoes in Khada gorge. The area is located just next to Gudauri.

Another great winter hike near Gudauri is Truso valley. Truso valley is just 10 km from Gudauri, and starts at Kobi lower ski station. However, if you have a 4X4 car, you can drive further 5 km into the valley, and start hiking from there.   You can hike around 15-20 km as the terrain is not much difficult. However, you have to go through canyon, and this place loves avalanches especially in February, March, so be careful there.

Other snowshoeing destination near Gudauri is Gergeti Trinity Church and nearby Sabertse Pass. You can hike to Gergeti Trinity church from Kazbegi. When you reach the church, you either can return from there, or continue snowshoeing towards Gergeti Glacier. We recommend to reach Sabertse Pass place and return from there as after this place, the area too much avalanche prone. However, before it, there is no avalanche danger, you just need to follow the main ridge.

You can hike by yourself to these places, or book guided winter hikes with us. We organize snowshoeing tours and winter hikes from Gudauri and Tbilisi.  

04 Quadro/Bug Riding & Paragliding

Other outdoor activities that you can enjoy in Gudauri are definitely Quadro/bug rides. You can do quadro bikes in Gudauri, or take a 1 hour, half-day trips from Gudauri to nearby gorges and valleys. You will enjoy fresh, powder snow, and explore the true winter wonderland of Caucasus Mountains.  The prices for quadro bikes depends on the duration and the place of the activity. The price starts from $50 and goes to even $150.

Paragliding is another outdoor activity that is a must-do thing if you are in Gudauri. Fly over the ski resort, valleys and gorges, and enjoy the best landscape views over the Caucasus Mountains.  The average price for tandem paragliding in Gudauri is $100 and includes photos/videos.