Top Ski Resorts in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Destinations

Ski resorts in Georgia attract winter sports enthusiasts with their affordable prices for ski lifts, accommodation, and food.

Multi-cards are valid at all ski resorts across the country. Additionally, rental equipment is improving in quality and becoming more affordable each year.

Food and drinks in mountain restaurants and cafes are priced almost similarly to those in the city, which is a rarity for ski resorts in Europe. Accommodation options cater to all budgets, ranging from hostels to four-star hotels.

Tourists can choose from various terrains at the  top ski resorts in Georgia, from the lowlands of the Lesser Caucasus with abundant rainfall to the famous Greater Caucasus Range, which serves as a natural border with Russia. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains, being closer to the sea, receive more precipitation (e.g., Goderdzi). In contrast, the high-mountain resorts of the Greater Caucasus offer more picturesque peaks and a longer ski season (e.g., Gudauri and Mestia).

Ski Pass Prices:

• Week: 370 GEL
• 10 Days: 460 GEL
• Whole Season: 650 GEL

• Easily Accessible (you can take a minibus, taxi, or private transfer from Tbilisi)
• Popular Among Foreign Tourists
• Suitable for Beginners
• Epic Mountain Scenery

Gudauri features trails for both children and adults of all skill levels. It is the most developed ski resort in the country, with new hotels, restaurants, and lifts being built continuously. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends all visit Gudauri. It is easy to reach from Tbilisi, taking about 2,5 hours by car, taxi, or minibus (which goes to Kazbegi).

Compared to other destinations, accommodation prices here are a bit higher. A night in a hostel during the season costs between 15-40 euros (which may include two meals).

In January, prices for double rooms in Gudauri hotels start at around 120 GEL per night (approximately $44), according to a popular accommodation Booking service. For travelers in groups, booking an apartment is more economical (the average rental cost for an apartment per day is $94 in January 2024).

The landscape of Gudauri offers several areas for beginners as well as narrow rocky slopes for experienced skiers, who often seek more extreme conditions on steep peaks. Typically, tourists spend about 4-7 days here, enjoying the diverse landscapes without getting bored.

Trails and Lifts

Gudauri has 14 lifts operated by the Austrian company Doppelmayr and the French company Poma. The longest lifts include:

• Shino: 2750 m (vertical rise of 500 m)
• Good Aura: 2380 m (vertical rise of 540 m)
• Soliko: 2310 m (vertical rise of 500 m)
• Kobi Pass: 1560 m (vertical rise of 300 m)
• Pirveli: 1010 m (vertical rise of 150 m)

Gudauri offers ski trails for all levels of difficulty, ranging from green to black. The longest trail stretches 7 km, and the total length of all trails is 57 km. The lowest point in Gudauri is at an altitude of 2000 m, where the green Pirveli trail (1053 m) begins. This trail is illuminated in the evenings and operates until 22:00 on weekends at no extra charge.

The highest points in Gudauri, which exceed 3000 m, are Kudebi and Sadzeli. Here, you’ll find freeride slopes as well as black and red skiing areas for more advanced skiers.

• Unique Culture
• Low Accommodation Prices
• Picturesque Mountains

Mestia is the capital of the Svaneti region, home to the Svans, a Georgian ethnic group with its language, traditional cuisine, and architecture. The Svan towers are a UNESCO World Heritage site and attract tourists from around the globe. Just a few kilometers from Mestia are the ski resorts of Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, which cater primarily to intermediate and advanced skiers, as there are not many trails for beginners.

You can reach Mestia by car, private transfer GoTrip, minibus from Tbilisi. Additionally, there are flights from Tbilisi and Kutaisi to Mestia Airport.

Tetnuldi is located 45 minutes (15 km) from Mestia. The road is challenging, with potholes that can only be navigated by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance.

Tetnuldi features four ski lifts that take visitors to steep slopes, ranging from 1600 m to 3165 m in elevation. The resort offers trails for all skill levels, but it’s especially known for having the longest run at 9500 m. The total length of the trails is 25 km, with a vertical drop of 800 m.

Hatsvali Ski Resort is located just 8 km from Mestia, easily accessible via a paved road. It is located on the Zuruldi ridge, with the lower lift station at an elevation of 1865 m and the highest point reaching 2347 m. There is a restaurant near the upper station for visitors to enjoy.

The resort features one ski lift and three trails of varying difficulty:

• Green Trail: For beginners, with a gentle slope of only 11 degrees.
• Red Trail: A moderate slope of 25 degrees.
• Blue Trail: A steeper slope of 40 degrees.

Hatsvali offers a range of affordable accommodations, starting from 33 GEL (about $12) per night in hotels and hostels. Restaurant prices are comparable to those in other areas; however, due to the region’s isolation, fruits and vegetables tend to be more expensive.

• Suitable for Children
• Affordable Prices
• Well-Developed Infrastructure

The drive from Tbilisi to Bakuriani takes about 3 hours (180 km). The ski season begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of March.

Tourists can enjoy the trails at Didveli, Crystal, Tatra, Mitarbi, and Kokhta, with a total length of approximately 20 km. The highest slope reaches an elevation of 2700 m.

At Didveli Mountain, there are three lifts and trails of varying difficulty levels: a black trail (for professionals), a red trail, and a green trail (which is nearly flat). The mid-station of the cable car features a café, a playground for children, and an attraction—tobogganing.

Kokhta Mountain has three designated ski trails:

• Kokhta-1: This trail is served by a 1500 m lift. The upper section is challenging due to a steep slope, featuring 600 m of black trail, while the lower section is easier and suitable for beginners.
• Kokhta-2 (or Tatra): A two-stage trail that spans 3000 m.
• Beginner Trail: A 300 m long trail with a slope of up to 12 degrees.

The town offers dozens of hotels and restaurants, as well as many apartment complexes that rent out accommodations to tourists. In January, hotel prices for a double room can start from 100 GEL (approximately $37).

You can also use the two new cable car stations near the Crystal Hotel.

• Less Crowded
• Plenty of Snow
• Suitable for Freeriders

Goderdzi has two ski lifts and is best suited for those who enjoy skiing through forested slopes. With its heavy snowfall and remote location, Goderdzi is a hidden gem that not many local skiers have had the chance to visit.

Typically, tourists come here from Batumi. The road has recently been repaired, but during winter, it’s advisable to travel only in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance.

In Goderdzi, you can expect a tranquil atmosphere without the crowds of tourists. There are several hotels and guesthouses available, with prices starting at 45 GEL (about $16) per night. You can bring your ski equipment or rent it in advance.

By Minibus

You can reach all the resorts except Goderdzi by minibus:

• Tbilisi to Kazbegi (via Gudauri): 7 GEL, 2-2.5 hours
• Tbilisi to Bakuriani: 12 GEL, 3-3.5 hours
• Tbilisi to Mestia: 35 GEL, 8-9 hours

By Plane

It is also possible to fly to Mestia on a small aircraft in about 1 hour for 90 GEL, but it’s essential to book tickets in advance on the Fly Vanilla website. Additionally, flights may be canceled at any time due to worsening weather conditions.

By Rental Car

Renting a car is one of the most convenient options since you won’t be tied to the minibus schedule. However, be prepared for the unique challenges of Georgian mountain roads, especially in winter, and the local driving style. You should also budget for at least one day of rental (starting from $40-50), fuel costs (from $20 for Gudauri and Bakuriani, and from $50 for Mestia), and a deposit. It is not recommended to drive to Goderdzi due to the condition of the local roads.

By Taxi

Taxi fares can be unpredictable, as drivers may adjust prices based on their workload and the perceived ability of the customer to pay. Additionally, many taxis in Georgia are equipped with gas tanks, which may prevent passengers from placing skis and luggage in the trunk. The technical condition of taxis and the driving style can also raise concerns.

Private Transfer GoTrip

You can use a private transfer service GoTrip. Simply select your destination on the website, for example, Tbilisi – Bakuriani, and find out the transfer cost. The site offers various types of vehicles with experienced local drivers who know how to reach the ski resorts and what attractions to see along the way. You will also have ample space in the trunk for your skis, snowboard, and personal belongings. And you can play your music for the entire journey! 🙂

This overview provides you with several transportation options to reach Georgia’s ski resorts, ensuring you can choose the best method based on your preferences and needs.