Georgia. Gudauri is one of the most famous among Bakuriani, Tetnudli, Khatsvali, Goderdzi. The Gudauri ski resort is considered the highest in Georgia. Height: 2196 m. Location: 50 km from the Russian-Georgian border and 120 km from Tbilisi.

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Brief information about Gudauri

Gudauri offers a complete range of amazing recreation: skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling. At the same time, you can stay in hotels and cottages right on the territory of Gudauri. Going to the site for booking hotels and cottages in Gudauri, you can notice great deals and prices. Gudauri hotels also contain entertainment programs: karaoke, bowling, cafes. The cottages have saunas and baths.

Official site: http://www.gudauri.ru/, which also involves booking hotels, houses to stay, viewing prices for entertainment and customer reviews. Also on the official website of Gudauri you can find photos that also show users the beauty of the resort.

Reviews of tourists

The determining link in a trip to Gudauri is reviews from those who have already traveled.

This ski resort does not have snow cannons, which is a disadvantage. But in general, the resort is excellent: beautiful landscapes, hospitality of Georgians, a good choice of hotels, delicious food.

amateur skier

One of the users was in Gudauri several times: the first time in 2015, the second - at the beginning of 2018. On the positive side, it has a new ski lift, wide pistes, a great selection of hotels, and a great place to learn how to ski. But he was not satisfied with the way the resort's viable infrastructure was organized. Different hotels offer different services. Also, the inconvenience of moving from the hotel to the ski slopes, because there are snowdrifts everywhere, the absence of sidewalks, movement is possible only by taxi.

There is only one full-fledged store, in which the sellers speak Russian very poorly, which often causes discomfort. As for the organization of recreation for children, he did not like it at all, since there are only 2 children's slides in the entire Gudauri resort. Therefore, families with children will have a hard time here. About the cafe, the tourist notes that they are located at the lift stations and usually work until 5 pm. The prices are reasonable for various drinks and chocolates, the only thing that is not encouraging is that they close so quickly and you have to be content only with what is available in hotels. But in general, a vacation there is much cheaper than, for example, in Sochi or at a resort. Georgia is the place where you can spend a great vacation.

Frequent visitor to Gudauri

An unexpected turn when we arrived in Gudauri for the New Year, but there was no snow there. Skiing is not possible due to insufficient snow. But the owners of the hotel arranged a tour of Tbilisi and Mtskheta. Yet Georgia is a hospitable country.

The way from Moscow to the Gudauri resort

Distance from Moscow to the resort is about 1850 km. It is known that Gudauri can be reached from Moscow by various means of transport:

• by plane;
• with your car;
• by train;
• fixed-route taxi.

From Moscow to Gudauri by plane

The fastest, but one of the riskiest ways to get to the ski resort is by plane. As you know, there is no direct flight to Gudauri, but flights from Moscow are sent to, and from Tbilisi to Gudauri can be reached by taxi. Travel time in total is 4 hours. Approximate cost with all expenses (for food, there and back) for 1 person - 20 thousand rubles.

From Moscow to the resort on your own transport

Many sites describe the most optimal route from Moscow to Gudauri - a kind of route map. In 22 hours you can get by car to Gudauri from Moscow. This path is conditionally divided into 2 parts: Moscow-Vladikavkaz, Vladikavkaz-Gudauri.

There are paid sections on the Moscow-Don highway, which vary in price from 10 to 120 rubles. Therefore, it is best to look for detours that will not force you to spend money on travel. It is best to refuel with gasoline in Vladikavkaz, since in Georgia fuel will cost 1.5-2 times more than in Georgia. 15 thousand rubles, no matter how many people are in the car.

Train ride

The surest way to spend the minimum amount of money on the road is to take the train. From Moscow, trains go to Beslan and to. There 1 ticket can be purchased at a price 3900 rubles. You can buy a ticket back at the same price, and if the train is branded, then, accordingly, the ticket will cost a little more ~ 5720 r. The disadvantage of choosing a train as a means of transport is that the duration of the journey from Moscow to Gudauri and back is approximately 1 day 17 hours.

Best hotels of Gudauri

• Monte Hotel- is in the first place of the well-known hotel search site. Users note the high quality of service and convenient location within the resort.
• Gudauri Chalet-Apartment- luxurious apartments, a beautiful view from the window, "there is enough space for everyone", since one room involves a two-story "house". That is why many visitors choose this hotel as their accommodation due to its affordable price and large rooms.
• Hotel GoodAura– the hotel is located in a mountainous area, which is why the majestic landscapes of the resort open up there. Rooms in a classic style, suitable for any family, affordable prices for booking. The hotel has its own restaurant, spa, steam bath.

Choosing a hotel or cottage, as well as getting to the ski resort is everyone's business. But if the budget is not too large, you can spend minimal money on the road, but relax to the maximum in the ski resort of Georgia - Gudauri. It's worth it to visit this unique and beautiful place.

Are you allowed to ski only on prepared slopes? To be afraid of avalanches and sharp stones on the way? Wait until mid-January for the start of the season? Gudauri is a ski resort that lives its own life, giving you complete freedom! Immense snow-white expanses, exceptionally beautiful reliefs of the mighty Caucasus Mountains, modern trails and a vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime. You are welcomed by a young promising resort offering a lot of entertainment for every taste.

The best ski resort in Georgia– Gudauri

This is a truly unique place that is steadily gaining popularity all over the world. The Caucasus Mountains conquer with their height (the highest in Europe), amazing panoramas open from here. Even the weather in Gudauri is formed in a special way for mountain ranges. The arctic wind does not overcome the heights of the mountains, warm sea air “gets” from the south, and snow falls almost every night. The snow cover in the resort is distinguished by its depth (usually up to 2 meters) and stability. There are no frosts here, the temperature is always comfortable for skiing and hiking in the mountains. Strong cold winds are rare. The sun practically rests on the untouched "virgin lands" of the slopes, making the snow sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow. The average indicators in January-February do not exceed the mark of - 7-12C.

And how do you like the opportunity to make a dizzying descent not along the route that exists, but along the one that you have always dreamed of? It is possible in Gudauri! Such "freedom" you will not be allowed anywhere else in Europe.

The absence of sharp stones on the "virgin lands" and trails turned this resort into a "Mecca" for freeride. Nature itself took care of this, creating the best conditions for off-piste skiing in Gudauri. The cost of freeride programs for 1 person starts from 120 GEL ($ 44.4).

Excellently prepared slopes, slopes for both beginners and professionals, a modern snow park for skiers and snowboarders - the resort of Gudauri has become a real "star" of winter holidays in Georgia.

Only here you will see prepared tracks up to 200m wide, which are equalized twice a day by snow groomers. And the width of the slopes reaches 5 km. These vast expanses are ready to receive tourists from mid-December, providing a stable snow cover. Another feature of this resort is avalanche stability due to the unique relief. So you can safely ride without fear for your life and expensive equipment. Of particular note is the variety of cable lifts, here you can get to the desired height in closed and open boxes.

Active recreation, stunning nature and freedom of choice attract you - Gudauri ski resort is ideal for you!

Everything for the demanding tourist!

Why do extreme people love this resort, refusing from the "conservative" Europe? The secret is simple - backcountry and heli-skiing are flourishing in the vicinity of Gudauri. This is a unique opportunity to descend from a great height on unprepared slopes. The backcountry assumes that you will get to the place of descent on your own without lifts, conquering the chosen slope. Well, here a lot of opportunities open up - unique landscapes, exciting adventures, traveling with the whole company and, of course, an independent choice of slope.
No desire to climb yourself? Heli-skiing is at your service - lifting a skier to the starting point by helicopter, which will allow you to conquer any peak that is inaccessible to other snowboarders and skiers. It is this service that gives tourists the opportunity to ride through the magnificent snow-covered fields of the Cross Pass. In Gudauri it all becomes a reality.

The cost of heli-skiing varies depending on the selected mountain, flight time and number of hours. Tours are organized in Gudauri by two companies Wucher and Heliksir. The cost of a one-day program starts from 2027 GEL ($750). This includes descents, necessary equipment, a professional instructor, 2 guides, a helicopter flight to the descent site. Multi-day tours are possible for a group of tourists - the cost of 3 days, for example, taking into account the accompaniment of professional guides, the provision of equipment, etc. will be about 9459 lari ($3500).

Helicopter "walk" lasting 10 minutes for 5 people in the most beautiful places - about 1757 lari ($ 650). You can choose any date, book a flight in advance. The main thing is that the weather in Gudauri remains clear for 10 days, then nothing will interfere with your adventures.

If you want to see stunning panoramas of the mountains, you can make a dizzying paragliding flight. It is possible to fly with an instructor from Mount Kudebi for 200 lari ($74). This is 15 minutes of unforgettable impressions and a powerful adrenaline rush! For only 350 lari ($129.5) you can make a paragliding trip to the picturesque Aragvi gorge, it will take about 25 minutes.

22 certified slopes, a separate snowmobile area, exciting tubing (inflatable sleds are absolutely free throughout the resort) and almost 400 m tow ropes for them - no one will be bored here!

What you can see near the resort:

Gudauri - description of the resort

The resort itself is a small settlement in the Kazbek region. It arose on the slopes of the Caucasus Range (south) at an altitude of about 2000m above the sea. The distance from Tbilisi to Gudauri is about 130 km, to Batumi - 440 km. The settlement can be divided into 3 parts:

Upper Gudauri

This area stretches above the main buildings, rushes up the road (Georgian military). Perhaps the most comfortable part of the resort. From numerous hotels you can get to the ski lifts (distance from 50m to 900m) in 2-10 minutes. The road to the center of the settlement on an excellent asphalt track will take 15 minutes, and if you move along the ski track - only 8 minutes. There are signs everywhere so you can't get lost. If you wish, you can call a taxi - from 3 lari ($ 1.11). There is a huge advantage in Upper Gudauri - from almost every hotel you can go down to the slopes on a snowboard or ski on your own. It is also convenient to return - you can go through virgin lands or along a prepared track. Well, the views that open from here are hard to put into words!

Lower Gudauri

This area is considered the center of the resort. There is a police department, a decent market, a bank with a currency exchange. In this place . The largest is Marco Polo. From it there is a cable car to New Gudauri (the webcam will allow you to view this area of ​​​​the resort). The distance to the ski lifts is about 500-600 m, can be reached on foot (10-15 minutes). Hotel owners offer transport to their customers on a daily basis. Living in Lower Gudauri, you have a great opportunity to admire the stunning panorama of the Aragvi Gorge and Mount Shele.

To the south of this part of the resort there is a road that runs in a steep serpentine down to the village of Kumplistsikhe. These two villages are often considered a single whole, because there are many hotels in Kumplistsikhe for comfortable accommodation of tourists. Hotels were built along the main highway (Georgian military road). If you move west from this transport artery, you will see the Aragva Gorge, its steep cliffs. There is a gentle slope on the east side of the road, it curves slightly to the north and leads straight to Mount Sadzele.

In Kumplistsikhe there is a tourist information center (in the very center), where you can clarify the information of interest about the rest, the work of the lifts. Find out when the season starts in Gudauri. In this village there is the lowest lift station, equipment rental service (skis and snowboards).

Akhali Gudauri (New)

This area is considered the heart of the entire resort due to its favorable location. It is located near the second lift. and the most expensive housing in Gudauri, but living here is the most comfortable in terms of location to the highways and infrastructure and distance from the road (no noise of “civilization” is heard).

The new Gudauri is being actively built, but today there is a decent supermarket with reasonable prices and its own bakery. The restaurant "Gudauri" is also located here, it overlooks the cable car station (covered cabins). You can have a very tasty meal in the new Dizi cafe. Here is an excellent menu and affordable prices, you can drink excellent coffee (Turkish) for only 2 lari ($ 0.74). The facility is located on St. Novogudaurskaya at the very end of the avenue.

Getting to know lifts and cable cars

Do you still have doubts whether to go to this amazing resort? Appreciate the beauty yourself - in Gudauri, the online webcam gives such an opportunity at any time of the day. After admiring the amazing mountains and choosing the right hotel, it's time to get acquainted with the cable cars of the resort:

Cable car №1– the length is 1010m, it is three-seat. It starts from the Marco Polo Hotel (lower part of the resort) and takes tourists to the transfer station in New Gudauri. The cable car serves only one ski run, which bears the same name "first".

Cable car №2– length 2310m, it is the longest in the resort. It starts in New Gudauri and takes you to a dizzying height of 2700m. It is here that a strategically important object is located - a small platform on the mountainside. Two more cable cars branch off from here. Here is located the well-known in the district and throughout Georgia cafe "Vitamin". Tourists love this place for delicious cuisine and amazing mountain panorama. The facade of the cafe is glazed, so you can comfortably sit on the sofas and enjoy the beauties of the Caucasus Mountains! A gondola cable car also leads to this area near the cafe.

Gondola (cabin) cable car– these are comfortable "boxes", fully glazed. It starts from the center of the new Gudauri (near the Gudauri Palace). She will take you to the upper station (Cafe "Vitamin"). Climbing this road is a very pleasant pastime, even if you do not plan to ski down. It is warm inside the cabin, there is no wind, you can admire the snow-capped peaks of the mountains for a long time, survey the entire resort. The gondola road intersects with road number 2, that is, it will take you along the same route, but more comfortably. Another road starts on the slope, leading towards Mount Sadzele. There is a desire to have a bite - a small cafe "Megobari" is at your service. Its peculiarity is that tables are placed directly on the street, so you can bask under the warm sun.

The cabin road also functions in summer, allowing you to admire the riot of greenery and the splendor of the mountain ranges.

The upper station is a kind of "square" that is hugged by the slopes of three mountains: Udebi, Sadzele, Bidara, there are no lifts here. But it is from two cafes that additional cable cars are provided:

Cable car №3– it is called the Kuleb lift. The structure is three-seat, its length is 1060m. The road starts from the "Vitamin" and takes you to Mount Kulebi. Trails for professionals begin here, amazing views open up, elevation changes on the slopes are clearly visible. Having reached Kudebi, tourists will be able to go to the mountain range itself, and freeriders simply adore its slopes for the opportunity to lay a new track on untouched snow.

Cableway No. 4 and No. 5. The fourth road starts from the gondola station at the top and goes to Mount Sadzele, to the very foot. It is here that the easiest track for beginners is laid. The fifth road starts at the top station of the fourth and takes you to the last cable car in the resort (Sadzele peak). Well, here is a real paradise for first-class professionals - two super-difficult downhill slopes (“black” slopes).

Rope ropeway– this is a ski lift for beginners, the length is short. The lower station is located in Akhali Gudauri right between the stations of the cable car No. 2 and the cabin lift. The peculiarity of this road is that it is located at a distance from the main slopes and lifts, so for beginners the best conditions for learning and the first skiing experience are created.

Important information about lifts

All cable cars in Gudauri start their work at the very beginning of the season (from about the 20th of December). They turn on at 10.00 and turn off at 17.00. In case of bad weather conditions (fog or strong wind) the lifts can be switched off. In the spring, the lifts start working (April - March) from 9.00 to 15.00 (this is on weekdays). On weekends - from 9.00 to 16.00. Starting from mid-July, cable cars are at the service of tourists from 10.00 to 16.00.

Remember, in order to use all the cable cars, you need to purchase a skypass. You can do this at the lower station of the gondola cable car at a specialized ticket office. A one-time "pass" will cost 5 lari ($1.85). True, such a pass will allow you to go up to the Vitamin, and then no more.
To climb other ropeways to the top, purchase a 3-time skypass, it costs 15 GEL ($5.55). But the most profitable option is the so-called unlimited for the whole day of your stay at the resort. "Ticket" will give you the opportunity to ride without any restrictions on any cable car. Skype costs 30 lari ($11.1).
Coming to the resort for a long time, you should think about purchasing a more profitable option of "travel cards". For example, unlimited for 3 days will cost 84 GEL ($31.08), and not 90 GEL ($33.3). For 4 days they offer Skype from 112 GEL ($41.44). Children under 6 years old can ride all lifts for free.

Sadzele - you inspire!

This peak in Gudauri is the highest point that can be reached by lifts. Conquering heights is already an unforgettable adventure, even without skis. At an altitude of 3268m, you can feel like a real ruler of the Caucasus - you have conquered its main Range. A dizzying picture appears before your eyes. Immense distances, blue horizon and stunning mountains, beckoning with their pristine beauty. Looking west, you will see the picturesque canoe valley and the main road descending in bends. And behind the road you can already see the Kelskoye plateau with its dormant peaks of Harisar and Sherkhot. The eastern side of the mountain offers a panorama of the Khada gorge with the legendary Mtiul towers. If you conquer Sadzele from the south side, you can see the Trussovskoye gorge, as well as the Terek valley.

Mountains at your feet

Gudauri is not just modern slopes and extreme freeride. These are mountains of amazing beauty, falling in love and bewitching every person. These beauties can be contemplated while riding or just walking around the resort. If you drive along the highway or relax in the Migabori cafe, the most beautiful Lomissky Range and the tops of volcanoes constantly appear in front of you. The closest peak to you is Bidara. Hiding behind the mountain, resembling a pyramid (pointed) of Deda En (its height is about 3500m). Immediately behind the slope is the peak of Sherkhota (it is gentle), a little to the left there are several not very high peaks. Behind them begins a gorge with huge cliffs, a little to the left of it you can see the peak of Muketi (height 2937 m). To the left of the mountain, almost a ridge runs away, one peak of which is Mount Lomisi (height 2452 m).

Other ski resorts in Georgia:

Trail map in Gudauri

All trails in the resort are divided depending on the complexity of their passage. This is important to remember, especially for beginner skiers.

Green (or blue) slopes- they are quite wide and almost gentle. There are no sharp changes in heights, hillocks and curved turns. True, with the proper level of skill, you can accelerate decently. These "paths" are constantly processed, leveled, they are great for beginner skiers. To go down the green trails, you need to get to the "Vitamin". Here they start and wind around a huge slope almost to New Gudauri. There is also a green track near the cable cars No. 4 and No. 5, it is quite long and safe.

Red slopes- trails for steep turns and downhill. Suitable for professionals who are ready for difficult sections, bumps and sharp elevation changes. Two such routes (called "Kudebi" No. 2 and No. 3) from Mount Kudebi, which can be reached on the "Kuleb lift".
black slopes This is for the pros only! The tracks are very difficult, athletes with great experience ride here. For beginners, the entrance is closed here - the likelihood of injury is high. Two black trails start from the top of Mount Sadzele.
The longest descent in Gudauri lasts about 7 km. And slalom lovers will appreciate the mountains for the height difference during the descent to 1000m.
The resort is equipped with practice track- a great opportunity for beginners. Its length is about 350 m, and an “escalator” was built parallel to it, the tape allows you to quickly climb to the starting point, admission is free.

Gudauri Hotels

The peculiarity of this resort is a huge selection of accommodation for every taste. In addition, hotels in terms of service level are practically not inferior to European "star" brothers.


If you plan to live in Lower Gudauri - luxury complex is "Marco Polo" . It has everything you need for a status holiday: a swimming pool, bars and restaurants, a sauna, beauty salons, a solarium, billiards and much more. The average price per room is 490 lari ($180). It also attracts due to its good location, almost near its entrance (Gudauri Square) a huge track with a length of about 60 km begins, and you need to walk only 500m to the ski lift.

Nearby there is excellent Truso hotel - the atmosphere of a hospitable house reigns here, very cozy and comfortable. The peculiarity of the institution is the amazing Georgian cuisine with all its diversity. The restaurant is open around the clock, you can treat yourself to a massage, go to the Finnish sauna, visit an excellent grill bar. It is literally 350 m to the cable car (first stage). A single room costs about 365 GEL ($ 135).

From of Carpe Diem offers a magnificent panorama of the mountains, it is known for its level of service and friendly staff who speak excellent Russian (in other hotels this is also not a problem). Excellent hotel of the European level, offers a lot of additional options for tourists. The cost per room starts from 370 GEL ($100). It is located near the second stage of the cable car. The distance to it is about 400m. How the hotels look can be seen in Gudauri (online camera) in real time.

In Upper Gudauri, guests are also welcomed by numerous hotels and guest houses.
Abu Hotel- a great place to stay. Practically from its doors to the track 200 m, you can go down to the second lift on skis. A double room will cost 324 lari ($120).

Edelweiss Hotel- excellent hotel and reasonable prices. For a single room, they ask for only 189 GEL ($ 70). Yes, you need to walk the slopes in just 10-12 minutes, and magnificent landscapes of snow-capped peaks open from the windows of this hotel. Feature - there is an excellent restaurant with panoramic windows, so you can combine eating and enjoying the views.

Apartments in Gudauri, as well as guest houses, are also presented for every taste. Prices start from 162 lari ($60) on average. Pleased with the availability of inexpensive hostels. One of them "White Shino" , located in Upper Gudauri right next to the ski run, you can ski down to the second ski lift. There are rooms for 2 to 10 people. Price per seat from 40 GEL (15 $).

Gudauri - ski paradise with all "amenities"

Even if you do not have special equipment for outdoor activities, this is not a problem. The resort has an excellent rental service for everything you need. It is located in the center of the resort, a little to the right of the Kudebi store, near the lower station (the first line of lifts). If you are moving from the Smart market, you only need to walk 2 minutes (there is a sign). Prices are quite affordable. For the "necessary" set of boots, skis and poles, they ask for only 30 lari ($ 11.1), the same prices for boots and a snowboard. Hire of speed skis or freeride skis will cost 50 GEL ($18.5). For only 10 lari ($ 3.7) you can take glasses or gloves, a helmet. Prices are for the use of equipment for one day. Renting other things: snowshoes from 20 GEL ($7.4), splitboards from 55 GEL ($20.35), beeper from 45 GEL ($16.65).

Address: Gudauri

Gudauri, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia

Located in the North of the country, which will please any tourist, began to develop actively. Today it is recognized as one of the best ski resorts in the Caucasus. This area has attracted investors with its unique topography and climate, which provide great opportunities for the development of outdoor activities and sports in the mountains.

Location

Gudauri is located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in the Kazbegi municipality. The resort is located on a plateau near the Cross Pass at an altitude of 2196 m above sea level. Along it lies the Guzinsky Military Road, which connects Russia and Georgia.

Gudauri is located 120 kilometers from Tbilisi - the journey takes about 2 hours by car, and the distance from Gudauri to Mount Kazbek and the city of Stepantsminda is 43 km, to Vladikavkaz - 79 km.

Gudauri on the map of Georgia

Climate

Gudauri is characterized by a mild mountainous climate and high long slopes covered with snow. The average snow thickness in winter is 1.5 meters.

The ski season lasts from December to April. The snow cover at this time is stable and deep, and the weather is usually warm and sunny without strong winds. If the year is characterized by high snowfall, then the season opens in November and ends in May, and trails are open for skiing in the high parts of the resort.

In winter, the temperature is from -5 to -7 degrees below zero, in summer the air warms up to 20 degrees Celsius, and almost all the snow melts.

There is no vegetation on the mountain slopes of Gudauri. It is this feature of the resort that attracts lovers of freeride - downhill on the virgin lands.

Infrastructure Gudauri

The infrastructure of Gudauri is well developed: there are a large number of hotels and hotels, guest houses, cafes, restaurants and other facilities.

The settlement of Gudauri can be conditionally divided into 4 districts: Center, New Gudauri, Upper and Lower Gudauri.

The central part of this town has a very convenient location - close to all the necessary infrastructure. In this part of the city you will find hotels, shops, gas stations, ATMs, currency exchange, police and other establishments.

Residential buildings in the new district of Gudauri

New Gudauri is a new area located far from the Georgian Military Highway, its development began in 2011. There are several multi-storey residential buildings here.

The infrastructure of this part of the city is still poorly developed, but in the future it is planned to open bars, restaurants, a gym, etc.

Upper Gudauri is located above the main part of the city, up the Georgian Military Highway. You can get to the center on foot in 15-20 minutes, along the ski slope in about 10 minutes or by taxi.

There are about 10 hotels here. This part of the city offers a very picturesque view of the mountains.

Lower Gudauri is a part of the city, which is located below the central part along the Georgian Military Highway. Walk 10 minutes to the center. There are two hotels and several guest houses here.

Resort device

Gudauri is a universal resort, it is suitable for both beginners and skiing professionals. Its foundation began in the 1980s by the Austrians, when the first hotels and ski lifts were built here.

There are only 22 tracks in modern Gudauri: there are ordinary tracks for beginners and amateurs and several extreme tracks for professionals. Their total length is 57 km. The length of the longest descent is 7 km.

The trails are equipped with five lifts. The lower lift station is located at an altitude of 1990 m, and the upper station is at an altitude of 3307 m. In addition to chair lifts, there is a gondola lift and a training slope with a ski lift. At the same time, the ski lifts of the resort can serve up to 4,000 people.

In the summer of 2018, the oldest and longest rope lift was overhauled and the rolling stock was replaced.

Lifts to the slopes of the Gudauri resort

The main attraction of this resort are freeride slopes up to 5 kilometers wide. There are also off-piste slopes for backcountry and heli-skiing.

On the territory of the resort, tourists are provided with school services, skiing and snowboarding training programs and instructors.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are such activities:

• freeride school;
• speedriding school - an extreme sport that combines skiing and paragliding, that is, skiing with a wing over your head;
• ski touring - passing the route on special skis to the top and descending from it;
• snowkiting - skiing, snowboarding, skating using kiting traction (kite);
• helicopter riding - heli-skiing;
• mountaineering.

Heli-skiing - skiing on virgin lands with ascent to the top by helicopter

For tourists, the hotels have swimming pools, saunas, baths, tennis courts and bowling. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Transport

The most convenient way to get to Gudauri is to fly to Tbilisi or Kutaisi by plane, and then transfer from the airport to your destination. You can also save money and use public transport.

You can get from Tbilisi by minibus, which depart from the Didube station. To get to the resort, minibuses to the settlements of Kazbegi or Kobi are suitable for you. The fare will be approximately 7 GEL. There is no clear timetable for the departure of the minibus.

All inscriptions in minibuses are in Georgian, so you need to prepare in advance and learn the names of the necessary settlements. Or ask a passerby - in Georgia, any person will be happy to help you.

It will be expensive to get from Tbilisi to Gudauri by taxi, but if this option suits you, then it is better to take a taxi not from Tbilisi airport, but from Didube station, so the fare will be cheaper.

It is also possible to book a private transfer when booking a hotel room, which will provide transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

The cost of the transfer will be from 70 to 350 dollars, depending on the capacity of the car. The only local transport is a taxi.

Where to stay in Gudauri

The resort has a variety of budget places to stay:

• hotels and hotels of different levels of service;
• guest houses;
• hostels;
• apartment rent.

The most luxurious hotel in the resort is Gudauri Marco Polo, the level of service is 4 stars. Located in the heart of the resort next to the ski lift. In winter, the cost of a double standard room is $180, and a quadruple deluxe room is $740.

On the territory of the resort there are a large number of small cozy hotels, the cost per room in them ranges from 45 to 80 dollars.

Guest houses cost an average of $40 per person. They are located mainly in the Lower City. A good example is the Sun House guest house.

The cost of the hostel is 30-35 dollars per person, depending on the location (the closer to the ski lift, the more expensive) and living conditions. It is rightfully considered the best.

You can also rent apartments for a holiday in the resort, the price will depend on the level of comfort of the apartment and on its location - Upper or Lower Gudauri.

Want to save money while traveling? Write to us! The Viva-Georgia project was created in order to make holidays in Georgia popular and affordable, so we provide discounts from 5 to 25% on and help to rent the best ones.

Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel

Gudauri is a young resort. Nevertheless, it is already quite popular due to the uniqueness of the relief and the good quality of the service.

Do you want to come here? The Viva-Georgia team will organize an excursion or tour for you, draw up the best travel route and provide any other assistance during the trip.

In any mountainous country, there must be ski resorts. In Georgia, this is Gudauri. These places were mentioned by Mikhail Lermontov and Alexandre Dumas. True, in those days skiing was not yet possible here.

Photo: Gudauri ski resort

On the ancient path

The Kazbegi municipality of Georgia is located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range. The Georgian military road passes here through the Cross Pass. It is here, at an altitude of 2196 m, that the tiny village of Gudauri is located. It is the highest settlement along the route. A ski center was created on its basis. This was facilitated by the high altitude, which guarantees the presence of snow, as well as the short distance from Tbilisi - only 120 km.

The path connecting the North Caucasus with the Transcaucasus has existed since ancient times. It turned into a full-fledged highway at the end of the 18th century, when it was called the Georgian Military Highway. A postal station Gudaur was then opened in the roadside village. Lermontov, driving along the road, sketched the ruins of the fortress, which was located on the opposite side of the gorge. "The ruins on the banks of the Aragva", - so he called his work. And Alexandre Dumas described the local Mljetsky serpentine in his travel notes.

Georgian freeride capital

The ski center in Gudauri appeared in 1975. There were all necessary conditions for its development. Snow in the mountains falls in early December and lasts until April. The thickness of the snow at the height of winter reaches one and a half meters. In years rich in snowfalls, skiing is possible from late November to early May. To increase the skiing season, snow cannons have been installed on some slopes.

The first tracks in Gudauri were equipped in the period from 1975 to 1985. The lower station was built at an altitude of 1990 m, the upper one - at around 3307 m. The highest points were the peaks of the Kudebi and Sadzele mountains. The expansion of the ski center is ongoing. Now it is equipped with the most modern equipment. The Austrians took an active part in the construction, and they know a lot about skiing!

The hallmark of Gudauri is freeride - skiing down the virgin lands. This is facilitated by the great depth of snow, the absence of avalanches and large stones. On the slopes there are a large number of off-piste slopes for heli-skiing. The backcountry is also popular - hiking to the peaks without the help of lifts, followed by skiing or snowboarding down unprepared slopes. The slalom, giant slalom and downhill courses are designed for experienced athletes.

The total length of the trails reaches 50 km. There are 22 tracks in total, among which 20% have a high level of difficulty and are intended for professionals, and 80% are used by amateurs. Trails are prepared at night with the help of snowcats. The cable cars work quickly - the rise from the lower to the upper ski points takes a total of 30 minutes.

Photo: The resort is suitable for both experienced skiers and children

There are four ski schools in Gudauri, where you can also rent the necessary equipment. Do not think that only children study in them. Training is conducted depending on the initial technical level - from beginners to advanced riders. There are six-day training programs, and there are classes lasting from half a day to one day. The instructors speak Georgian, Russian, English, Italian, Polish.

Trails and cable cars

The "Green" highway "Pirveli" is on the first stage. Its length is 1053 m. It is great for beginner skiers. In the evening the track is illuminated. On Saturday night skiing under the stars is organized. The lift is open until 22:00. Since the skiing height is small, here, just in case, snow cannons are installed. There are several equipment rental shops in the vicinity of the station. There is a tubing track with a running track 300 m long.

Photo: The slopes are served by about a dozen lifts

Above is the second line. This is the main ski area. The blue slopes "Soliko", "Tatra", "Gudauria", "Sportuli" serve several lifts at once. One of them is the Soliko high-speed four-seater chair lift (2295 m). In parallel, there is a six-seater chairlift "Shino" with a length of 2800 m. It was opened recently - in December 2016. The gondola cable car "Gudaura" delivers skiers to the same point. Cabins can accommodate up to 10 people. Its length is 2800 m.

At the same elevation, there is a small ski lift "Alpina". There is also a 600 m long Zuma ski lift. It serves the training slope of the same name, where children and beginner adult skiers train. For young skiers there are two belt lifts of the “Magic carpet” system. Free Wi-Fi is available along the slopes. This height can be reached by car along a mountain serpentine. Actually, the resort itself is located here with hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Above there is a snow park, which is served by the three-seater chair lift "Snow Park" with a length of 1104 m. There are two children's short runs "Baby" and "Bombora" with drag lifts. Even higher, up to a mark of 3006 m, you can climb to the top of Kudebi on a four-seater chair lift "Kudebi" with a length of 1063 m. Here, mainly, there is a territory of "red" slopes.

And, finally, the apogee is Sadzele peak. At a point with an altitude of 3276 m, skiers are delivered by the four-seater chairlift of the same name. The length of the ascent is 1504 m. Experienced skiers climb here, since only “red” and “black” slopes are equipped on the slopes. There are also six freeride zones.

Photo: Quadruple chairlift

Freeride is also practiced on the slopes of the neighboring mountain Bidara (3174 m), but access to them is possible only by helicopter. This is the so-called heli-ski zone. The helicopter takes on board groups of 4-8 people. The cost of one flight is 510 lari (12,000 rubles) per person, three flights - 1,200 lari (29,000 rubles). The price includes transfer, avalanche equipment, helicopter flight and guides.

When and how much?

When planning a vacation in Gudauri, one should take into account the seasonal features of the weather in this region. The coldest time in the mountains is in December and January. But this is the sunniest period. Heavy snowfalls occur no more than four times a month. The peak of vacationers falls on the New Year holidays. But from January 10 to 25, the tracks are quite deserted.

Photo: The season lasts from December to the end of April

The high season also falls on the dates from February 10 to March 10. At this time it is no longer cold. Snowfalls are more frequent than in January. The snow depth is maximum, which is especially important for freeride fans. The sun in spring is often hidden by clouds. But there is almost no wind. April is considered the warmest and sunniest. However, there are already few skiers on the slopes.

In winter, the lifts are on from 10:00 to 17:00. From the end of March to April, the opening hours change: Mon.-Fri. from 9 to 15, Sat-Sun. from 9 am to 4 pm. From mid-July, the cable cars are open from 10 am to 4 pm. What to do in Gudari in summer? Go hiking and enjoy the mountain panoramas. You can ride a mountain bike or take a hang-gliding flight in tandem with an instructor.

The cost of one lift for adults and children is the same - 10 GEL (238 rubles). A child ski pass can be purchased for a child between the ages of 6 and 16. A weekly ski pass for an adult costs 174 GEL (4134 rubles), for a child 116 GEL (2756 rubles). Five-day ski passes are popular: respectively, 143 lari (3398 rubles) and 98 lari (2328 rubles). Night skiing will cost 10 lari (238 rubles). Riding on cheesecakes is completely free. Lifts for children under 6 years old are also free.

Photo: Both adults and children can ride snowmobiles

Russians do not need a visa to travel to Georgia, but health insurance must be purchased. Skiing is one of the active types of recreation with an increased risk to health. Medical ski insurance is more expensive than usual, but in this case it is not advisable to save. Usually, insurance, in addition to calling a doctor, includes the cost of transportation from difficult mountainous areas, inpatient treatment, as well as transportation home from abroad.

Roof over your head and après ski

There are many hotels and apartments in the resort, however, during the high season, places must be booked in advance. As you know, the closer the hotel is to the lift station, the more convenient, but more expensive. True, if you have your own car or a transfer service to the ski lift (if the hotel provides one), this pattern does not matter.

In total, there are more than five dozen hotels and cottages in Gudauri for every taste and budget. Prices start from $25 per seat per person. Often the price includes half board. Some hotels offer house wine free of charge. The list of services may include Wi-Fi, use of the library, secure parking, billiards, sauna. For those who wish, they conduct master classes on cooking khachapuri, khinkali and chacha.

In addition, it is possible to rent an apartment. These, for example, include the large New Gudauri complex, located right next to the gondola lift station. The complex includes cafes, bars and a grocery store. The choice of apartments is quite large. The apartments and rooms can accommodate up to eight people.

Photo: Real Adjarian khachapuri

For skiers, not only the slopes are of interest, but also “apres-ski” - a pastime after skiing. Of course, first of all, you should visit bars and restaurants in order to fully appreciate the local wine and Georgian cuisine. There are plenty of such establishments in the resort. The prices are quite humane.

For those who wish, excursions lasting from 4 to 12 hours are organized. The choice is quite large: the Georgian Military Road, Tbilisi, the cave city of Uplistsikhe, the Cross Pass, Mount Kazbek and much more. Estimated price - from 243 to 660 lari (6-16 thousand rubles) for a group of four people.

Photo: Famous natural Georgian lemonade

How to get there

Minibuses run regularly from Tbilisi airport to Gudauri. Some transport companies, when ordering a round trip, give passengers homemade wine - 2-4 bottles per person! Regular buses also run to the resort from the airport. The cost of a round-trip ticket is 70 lari (1700 rubles). Taxi from the airport is not cheap.

Photo: From Tbilisi and the airport to Gidauri can be reached by minibus

Minibuses also go to the resort from Tbilisi, from the bus station near the Didube metro station. All minibuses coming to Gudauri, Kobi and Kazbegi are suitable. Travel time is about 3 hours. They don't have an exact departure time. The fare to Gudauri is 7-10 lari (170-240 rubles). You can also take a taxi from the metro. It's cheaper here than at the airport.

Russians get to the resort by car from Vladikavkaz through the Upper Lars-Kazbegi border crossing. You should first find out if the Georgian Military Highway is closed to traffic. This happens during heavy snowfalls. Another option is to fly to Tbilisi by plane and rent a car. The average rental price is about 120 lari (3,000 rubles) per day.

Our tourist club offers the following hiking programs:

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Updated 05/07/2019

The Gudauri ski resort is located in the northern part of Georgia near the border with Russia. The small village attracts tourists with smooth slopes without obstacles and long snowy winters. Gudauri stands on the slope of the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2196 meters. You can get here along the Georgian Military Highway directly from the capital, along the Gudauri-Tbilisi route, the distance is 135 kilometers.

Tourists go to Georgian Gudauri, first of all, for freeride and heli-skiing. But there are enough equipped tracks here, and 80% of them are blue and red. Add to this special green trails for beginners, training tracks, instructors and a snow park. Everything is modern and safe. It turns out that Gudauri (Georgia) is one of the best resorts in the country.

Let's see if this is the case. I'll tell you about the history and current state of the resort, slopes and lifts, interesting places and après-ski, weather and transport. I will not forget about the comparison of Gudauri or. What's better? You can decide for yourself after reading.

When planning a trip, remember that you can buy and not think about anything.

History of Gudauri resort

For the first time, a settlement called Gudauri was mentioned in the 18th century in the context of the Cross Pass. However, the area with the road through the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains got its name in 1824, when a memorial cross was erected here. Pushkin, and Lermontov, and Griboedov, known for their love for the Caucasus, saw him. People continued talking about Gudauri (Georgia) in the 19th century, already as a separate village.

Many scientists, writers and travelers spoke about Gudauri as a settlement on one of the most important roads in the region. Alexander Dumas told in his memoirs about the Mljetsky serpentine, and Mikhail Lermontov sketched the ruins on the other side of the gorge near Gudauri. The well-known ethnographer Nikolai Nefediev also wrote about the village. Before the opening of the resort, there were still 150 years left.

Skiing in Gudauri appeared only in the 1970s. Until that moment, the village, along with its neighbors, was unremarkable - another transit point on the way from Russia to the south. But the Soviet authorities decided to open the first modern resort in Georgia, their choice fell on Gudauri.

Interestingly, the first slopes and cable cars were built in the neighboring village of Kumlistsikhe, but now no one uses them. The center has shifted to Gudauri.

Hotels began to be built on the site of the modern resort. In 1982, work on the first modern hotel was headed by Soliko Khabeishvili, head of the Georgian Central Committee. Now the hotel in Gudauri (Georgia) still stands and is known as part of the Marco Polo chain. The tracks were opened until the collapse of the USSR, followed by an unstable period. But since 1997, hotels, lifts and slopes have been built in Gudauri again.

Gudauri in our time

The Gudauri ski resort is considered by tourists to be the most modern and youthful in the country. The infrastructure is constantly updated here, the tracks are maintained at the proper level. There are not so many entertainments and après-ski in Gudauri as, for example, in Bakuriani. But people don't come here for that. People come here to ride, and nothing more.

Today Gudauri has grown to one of the largest resorts in Georgia. Now there are 22 tracks with a total length of 75 kilometers. The total elevation difference between the lower and upper points is 1258 meters.

The longest continuous slope is 7.5 kilometers! It makes no sense to describe all the tracks of Gudauri separately - they are nearby and are served by the same lifts.

The lowest station is located between Gudauri and Kumlistsikhe at an altitude of 1990 meters, and the highest one is on Mount Sadzele Western at an altitude of 3258 meters. Every day the Gudauri tracks are processed by snow groomers. Some have machines with artificial snow.

Rope lifts in Gudauri

For convenience, I’ll tell you about the sections of the tracks by difficulty levels and the lifts that work on them:

1. Pirveli. Cable car for 3 chairs. Raises up to from 2000 to 2150 meters, serves the lowest green track with night lighting and snow cannons.
2. Soliko. Cable car for 4 chairs. Elevates from 2150 to 2670 meters, serving a range of blue pistes with gentle slopes for beginners and skiers.
3. Gudaura. Gondola for 10 people. Raises from 2160 to 2700 meters, serves the same blue lines as Soliko, but leads to a different upper station.
4. Shino. Cable car for 6 chairs. Lifts from 2150 to 2700 meters, serves the same area as the previous lifts. The newest cable car in the resort.
5. Snow Park. Cable car for 3 chairs. Raises from 2700 to 2820 meters, serves as a snow park for lovers of extreme skiing and tricks.
6. Kudebi. Cable car for 3 chairs. Raises from 2670 meters to 2960 meters to the top of Mount Kudebi, serves red runs and freeride slopes.
7. Sadzele. Cable car for 4 chairs. Raises from 2770 meters to 3258 meters to the top of Sadzele Western mountain, serves red and black slopes.

Ski lifts Gudauri

Also, the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia is served by short drag lifts. Bombora and Baby lift skiers from the upper stations of the Soliko, Gudaura and Shino lifts, and serve special green areas for beginner skiers. Alpina tow bar works with a blue track outside the village - especially for lovers of solitary skiing.

Separately, I will tell you about the Zuma yoke and the ski area around it. This includes the green slopes of Gudauri, created especially for children and those who are skiing for the first time. A training yoke, very close to New Gudauri between the upper station of Pirveli and the lower station of Gudaura. If you are not yet confident in your abilities, then start riding from here, and then go up to the blue slopes.

Children will definitely enjoy the tubing track with a 300-meter moving walkway. This entertainment is located near the Zuma drag and is completely free.

The Gudauri ski resort is otherwise suitable for families with children. There are private nannies, children's corners in restaurants and hotels, playgrounds in New Gudauri. The resort has children's instructors, and ski lifts up to 6 years old are free.

Schedule of lifts and ticket offices

If you are going on vacation in Gudauri (Georgia), then the schedule of the lifts and ticket offices will come in handy:

• From October to March - 10:00 - 17:00.
• From April to June - 9:00 - 15:00 on weekdays, 9:00 - 16:00 on weekends.
• From July to September - 10:00 - 16:00.
• Ticket offices: in winter from 10:00 to 16:00, the rest of the time and on weekends from 9:00 to 17:00.

Ski passes are valid for 1 or 3 lifts, as well as for a period of 1 to 10 days. There is an option without days off - 5 days a week. The resort has rental centers. I advise you to take proven skiing in Georgian Gudauri, the prices for which may not be the lowest. But this way you will be sure of the quality. The points Mogzauri and WildGuru proved to be the best.

Gudauri ski lift prices in 2019

Ski pass prices 2019 Gudauri for April 2019 are as follows (I give all prices for adults):

• 1 time - 7 GEL.
• 3 times - 18 GEL.
• 1 day - 30 GEL.
• 2 days - 60 GEL.
• 3 days - 84 GEL.

There are also ski passes for 4,5,6,7,8, 9 and 10 days. Naturally, the more days a ski pass is taken, the more profitable it is.

Prices change depending on the season. In winter they are alone, in early spring they drop, and in April they become even lower. Prices for the 2019-2020 season will be published closer to its start.

If you like unequipped slopes, then the Georgian resort of Gudauri is the best choice. This is a real treasure for freeride and heli-ski lovers. There are wild slopes right at the resort - you can climb them on ordinary cable cars or ski lifts. If you are not yet a freeride master, then I advise you to take an instructor. Heli-skiing is organized by companies in Gudauri, the helicopter throws on relatively remote slopes. For those who wish, they also conduct backcountry tours with climbing to the peaks.

In general, you should know the following about the Gudauri ski resort:

• The dry climate and sufficient altitude ensure a long skiing season.
• Wild slopes without obstacles are ideal for freeride and heli-skiing.
• The high capacity of the lifts eliminates queues.
• There are hotels in neighboring villages and right in the resort near the ski lifts.
• In the high season, finding accommodation on the spot is almost impossible.

Sights of Gudauri and surroundings

The main attraction of any mountain resort is its slopes and entertainment in the village below them. I'll tell you a little about après-ski, freeride and heli-ski, extreme rest and excursions. Do not forget that the prices for skiing in Gudauri (Georgia) depend on the season. This is true for both housing and excursions.

Most of the buildings in the village are hotels. In them you will find restaurants, and clubs, and saunas with baths or SPA centers. There are no problems with relaxing in a hotel where you do not live - this is a normal practice. But often hotels offer discounts to their guests, including skiing in Georgian Gudauri, prices may be lower for specific hotels. In terms of the amount of entertainment, the resort is seriously inferior to Bakuriani, but you will not be completely bored.

Extreme recreation is also a kind of entertainment. Gudauri offers:

• Freeride on near and far slopes.
• Heli-skiing from 1 to 6 days with full helicopter rental.
• Backcountry with walking up the mountain.
• Snowbiking and snowmobiling.
• Paragliding and speedriding - downhill skiing

Georgia, Gudauri and other resorts offer regular skiing all the time. But you can come here in summer too. The lifts are open all year round - interesting views of the Caucasus Mountains open from the peaks. Travel agencies in Gudauri conduct mountain hikes, teach mountaineering and rock climbing, organize rafting and kayaking on mountain rivers.

Excursions from Gudauri

Tours are also offered throughout the year. If you have time, then choose:

1. Trip to . A classic excursion with a visit to the Georgian capital during the day or at night. I strongly advise everyone who has not seen Tbilisi.
2. Excursion along the Georgian Military Highway. Travel along the main road towards Russia. Beautiful landscapes and an interesting village of Stepantsminda.
3. Tour Heart of Georgia. Excursion to the central part of Georgia, from where the country began. Tourists especially like Gori and Mtskheta.
4. Culinary tour. A walk through the Tbilisi market and a master class on cooking khinkali and khachapuri. Suitable for anyone who wants to learn something new.

Weather in Gudauri

The weather in Gudauri is perfect for a ski resort. The region is located far from the sea, inside the Caucasus Mountains at a decent height. As a result, a cold dry climate with abundant snow is formed here. The season here lasts from mid-November to the end of April. The traditional peaks of the influx of tourists are the New Year holidays and the period from February 10 to March 10.

At the end of November, December and January, the main snow layer forms. The first months of winter are the coldest, but there is more sunshine at this time. If you want to take a break from the crowds of tourists, then come to the Gudauri ski resort from January 10 to 25 - just many are leaving. Sometimes heavy snowfalls occur in December-January.

In February and March, the weather in Gudauri is less sunny, but more snowy. There are also much more tourists than in January. This is the traditional high season, when the snow layer is the largest and most comfortable. February and March are the best months for freeriding. But in April it already becomes warm and sunny, the tourists leave, and the snow supports the cars on the tracks. The trails are open until the end of April.

Read a brief overview of all ski reviews in Georgia.

Reviews of tourists and skiers about Gudauri

Tourists from Georgia, Russia and Europe rest at the resort, so Gudauri receives reviews regularly. Tourists agree that the mountains here are excellent and the slopes are well suited for independent descents. Equipped trails are also good, the lifts work properly and without queues. But only until 16:00 or 17:00, and then there is only one green track with night lighting.

There are also negative reviews. Gudauri is still completely focused on skiing, so there is actually no après-ski here. Several restaurants and bathhouses in hotels, a couple of shops and cafes on the slopes, that's all. After skiing, almost everyone sits in their rooms and relax. There is nowhere to walk here either - except perhaps up or down the Georgian Military Highway. Excursions can be taken, but they take at least a whole day.

When planning a trip to any ski resort in Georgia, do not forget to take out insurance! I wrote more about all insurances in, you can read about the nuances and prices there. Here I want to draw attention to the Allianz insurance company, one of the most reliable and stable. Who wants to choose and find the best price, .

Which is better - Gudauri or Bakuriani

The most famous ski resorts in Georgia often argue among themselves for the right to be called the best. Asking the question "Gudauri or Bakuriani - which is better?" think about what you really need.

In Gudauri, as I already wrote, everything is done for skiing. There are many slopes and lifts, snow groomers, snow cannons, freeride, heli-skiing, backcountry skiing for every taste. Skating is also suitable for children. But there is practically no entertainment in the village itself, it is very boring here in the evenings. The Georgian Military Highway is also sometimes blocked.

In Bakuriani (more about the sights of this resort and its environs), the situation is slightly different. Here, too, much has been done for skiing, but there is also a lot of entertainment. Bakuriani is a large village where you can take a walk, sit in a restaurant, relax, go to Borjomi on a narrow gauge railway, which is an attraction in itself. I advise this resort for families and companies where not everyone skis. There are more housing here too.

Accommodation in Gudauri: hotel or apartment

There are 250 different accommodation options in Gudauri: hotels, guest houses, hostels and apartments. I recommend looking for the latter on Airbnb. Use the link to get a discount on your first booking (provided that you have not previously registered with the service).

It is most convenient to look for hotels and guesthouses in Booking. Here are some highly rated accommodation options in Gudauri.

Hotels in Gudauri near the ski lift

The cost of a transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri starts at $43. Select vehicle ==>

I talked about the service in more detail.

If you arrived at Kutaisi Airport, then ordering a transfer is also possible.

In Gudauri by rented car

Many local companies offer car rental for tourists. It is better to specify the conditions in advance so as not to be left without transport. There are rental points in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. When returning along the route Gudauri - Tbilisi, you can return the car at the same place where you took it. In the season, cars are dismantled quickly, so I advise you to book it in advance. A detailed article comparing international and Georgian rental offices, provides information on Georgian roads, traffic rules and fines,.

To Gudauri from Moscow with an organized tour

For lovers of comfort and connoisseurs of time, an ideal travel option: tours to Gudauri from Moscow. Do you need to decide on the hotel, type of food and other nuances. The tour operator will do the rest for you. And he will deliver to Tbilisi, and take him to the hotel in Gudari, and he will even purchase insurance for you.

You can pick up a tour to Gudari from Moscow online. The service works with such mastodons of the tourism industry as Biblio Globus, Anex Tour and Tez Tour. The service provides its customers with round-the-clock support and free courier delivery in Moscow. Please note that fuel surcharges and other surcharges are already included in the price of the tour.

To Gudauri from Vladikavkaz

One road leads from Vladikavkaz to Georgia, which at the border crossing Upper Lars turns into the Georgian Military Road. It is forbidden to cross the border on foot, only by car or, for example, by bicycle. You will need a driver's license and a car license to get from Moscow to Gudauri.

Planes fly to Vladikavkaz () from different cities of Russia, there are trains. Buses and minibuses go to the territory of Georgia or Vladikavkaz. The risk is that the only checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border may be closed due to an avalanche or the threat of an avalanche. In winter, this happens all the time, but if you want to get to Gudauri on a budget, you have to take risks.

If you want to drive your car all the time, then take care of an overnight stay along the way, plan your gas consumption - there are few gas stations in Georgia and there is no winter diesel. Check the state of the Georgian Military Highway in advance so that it is not closed at the most inopportune moment. This is the most important information on how to get to Gudauri.

I am waiting for your feedback and comments about the rest in Gudauri: what you liked, what you didn’t, what pros and cons you identified for yourself while visiting the ski resort.

See the link above for a brief overview of other ski resorts in Georgia. Powder to you on all tracks!

In love with Georgia, Igor OZIN.

Skiing in Gudauri: how to get there, routes, where to live

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