Facts about
Winter sports in Georgia
Gudauri, Tetnuldi, Hatsvali, Bakuriani and Goderdzi
In Georgia many things are different than in the Alps: The ski resorts are smaller, touristically less developed and less famous. We think that exactly this provides an attraction.
Totally there are 5 noteworthy ski resorts in Georgia: Gudauri, Tetnuldi and Hatsvali are located in the north of the country (Greater Caucasus), Bakuriani and Goderdzi in the south (Lesser Caucasus).
Mainly the smaller ski resorts as Tetnuldi, Hatsvali and Goderdzi are very authentic. The accommodations are simple and the hosts affectionate. In any case, there is snow aplenty. And you have room on the pistes.
Georgia is especially popular with free-riders and heliskiers. Other than in the Alps, in Georgia, only a few of the mountains and hills are obstructed. Apart from some villages, in winter you will only see endless, snow-capped slopes and snowbound forests. A dream!
Gudauri
Georgia's biggest ski resort
+ Season: December to April + No. of ski lifts: 7 + No. of tracks: 15 + Runway length: 50 km (marked and serviced) + Lowest point: 1,990 m + Highest point: 3,007 m + Lift pass (1 day): 10 - 13 EUR + Lift pass (5 days): 45 - 60 EUR
Soliko, one of the pistes in Gudauri, starts at an altitude of 2,709 m and ends at 2,157 m.
Gudauri is the biggest and the most famous ski resort in Georgia. One cablecar, six chairlifts and a ski lift advance the skiers to an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level. In the ski resort's upper part there are two black and one red piste, in the lower part there are mainly blue pistes. This is why Gudauri is convenient for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Outside of the marked runs, Gudauri has to offer even more: Its slopes a paradise for free-riders. It is possible to book an experienced local guide. They offer guided tours for freeskiing as well as for ski tours.
Paragliding is another highlight. A tandem flight is available from 60 EUR.
Tetnuldi
Georgia's second-biggest ski resort
- Season: 17th December till the end of March
- No. of ski lifts: 5
- No. of tracks: 7
- Runway length: 25 km (marked and serviced)
- Lowest point: 1,600 m
- Highest point: 3,165m
- Lift pass (1 day): from 13 EUR
- Lift pass (5 days): from 58 EUR
The bigger of the two ski resorts in Svaneti, Tetnuldi, has opened in the season 2015/2016. It is situated 15 km outside of Mestia. By car, it takes you a bit less than half an hour to get there. If you want to stay closer to the ski resort, there are also accommodations in Majvdieri and Tsaldashi, two villages close to the valley station. There, life is more authentic than in Svaneti's main village Mestia. If you prefer some entertainment like «après-ski» in the evening, it makes more sense to stay in Mestia.
Tetnuldi is Georgia's second-biggest ski resort after Gudauri. It covers the slopes from 1,600 m up to 3,165 m. The Tetnuldi ski resort is very rich in snow. This is perfect for the free-skiers, who like the outstanding snow quality in the mountains of Svaneti.
Hatsvali
Europe's cheapest ski resort
- Season: Mid-December till mid-April
- No. of ski lifts: 3
- No. of tracks: 5
- Runway length: 6 km (marked and serviced)
- Lowest point: 1'865 m
- Highest point: 2'347 m
- Lift pass (1 day): from 6 EUR
Compared to Tetnuldi, the other ski resort in Svaneti, Hatsvali is smaller. But it is located closer to Mestia.
The ski resort starts approximately 8 km out of Mestia at an altitude of 1,865 meters above sea level. From the valley station, you can take a chairlift to Mount Zuruldi (2,347 m). From there the main track starts. You can choose between a blue piste that is 2.6 km long and a red piste (1.9 km). Close to the valley station, there are two small ski lifts for beginners, too.
Hatsavli is considered Europe's cheapest ski resort: You can buy a 1-day lift pass from 6 EUR (7 USD). At the valley station, it is possible to rent skis, snowboards and equipment.
For advanced skiers or snowboarders, there are various slopes that are perfect for free-skiing.
Bakuriani
The ski resort for families
- Season: 23th December till mid-April
- No. of ski lifts: 8
- No. of tracks: 23
- Runway length: 29.1 km (marked and serviced)
- Lowest point: 1,641 m
- Highest point: 2,702 m
- Lift pass (1 day): from 8 EUR
- Lift pass (5 days): from 37 EUR
The Bakuriani ski resort is located on three slopes Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi. The longest tracks you can find on Didveli: 8 pistes offer a runway length of 16 km.
The bucolic Bakuriani is the perfect ski resort for families. There are enough pistes which are suitable for beginners, a ski school and lots of attractions like the Didveli Park for kids.
Furthermore, in Bakuriani night-skiing is possible, too.
Goderdzi
Georgia's most remote ski resort
- Season: 15th December till 11th March
- No. of ski lifts: 2
- No. of tracks: x
- Runway length: 35 km
- Lowest point: 1'700 m
- Highest point: 2'390 m
- Lift pass (1 day): from 8 EUR
- Lift pass (5 days): from 29 EUR
The Goderdzi ski resort is located in the middle of nowhere of the Lesser Caucasus mountains, surrounded by endless, snow-covered mountains. In the small ski resort, there are one chairlift and one very modern cablecar.
For 8 EUR per day, it is possible to rent complete ski equipment. A lift pass for 1 day costs 8 EUR, too. The infrastructure is as simple as the few accommodations are.
In Goderdzi «cat-skiing» is possible: You can drive on top of a mountain by a snow groomer (snowcat) and have the powder ride of your lifetime.
One lift pass for all Georgian ski resorts
If you plan to visit more than one (or even all) of the ski resorts in Georgia, you can buy a multi-pass which is valid in Gudauri, Bakuriani, Goderdzi and Mestia (Tetnuldi and Hatsvali).
Price for 10 days in the season: 110 EUR (128 USD)
Price for the whole season: 160 EUR (185 USD)
Book your winter holidays in Georgia
We're glad to help you to book your winter holidays in Georgia:
+ Accommodations
+ Ski passes
+ Ski equipment
+ Transfers (airports, cities, ski resorts)
+ Rental cars
+ Local drivers
If you're interested, just send us an e-mail or use our request form.
How to get there
Gudauri
The trip from Tbilisi to Gudauri takes about 2 hours by car. We're glad to organize this trip for you.
Tetnuldi and Hatsvali
The journey from Tbilisi to Mestia, where those 2 ski resorts are located, may take up to 9 hours by car in winter. We're glad to book a flight for you from Natakhtari airfield near Tbilisi to Mestia.
Bakuriani
From Tbilisi, it takes 2.5 or 3 hours to Bakuriani. We're glad to organize your trip to Bakuriani.
Goderdzi
The trip to Goderzi takes about 5 hours from Tbilisi and 3.5 hours from Batumi. We're glad to book you a car and a driver from Tbilisi or Batumi.
