Gudauri is Georgia’s largest and most famous ski resort, located about 2-hour drive from the state capital, Tbilisi. Skiing in Georgia is affordable if you compare it to western Europe, though you shouldn’t expect western European standards. The infrastructure is new and offers great value for money. While blue pistes dominate official resort map, I would say that Gudauri is more suitable for intermediate skiers than for beginners. The resort offers numerous opportunities for off-piste skiing. The food and culture are interesting and something you are not going to find on your typical holiday in France or Austria. It is well worth spending a day or two in Tbilisi. Everything about Gudauri seems wonderful, yet in practice it never quite lives up to the promise. Read the rest of Gudauri Review to find out all the details.

PROS: affordable ski pass, modern infrastructure, easily accessible back country for off-piste skiing, great food and wine (oldest wine residues in the world were found in Georgia).

CONS: slopes are south facing which may lead to low quality of snow, lack of black runs, can get crowded with chaotic queues, quiet evenings.

Gudauri Slopes

While Gudauri has 14 lifts it is very hard to find accurate facts about ski piste length. The resort is generally described as offering roughly 80 km of groomed slopes. Blue runs officially dominate but in reality, I would categorize major part of them as red. There are only several suitable pistes for absolute beginners (Pirveli, slopes around New Goodaura lift, Tatra 1 and Firni). Gudauri has several ski schools, lessons are cheaper compared to resorts in western Europe. Instructors usually speak: Georgian, English, and Russian.

Skiing is above tree line, highest point of the resort is located at 3,276 m, but (we will use the conjunction often in this Gudauri Review) the lift called Sadzele leading to it is not working since the infamous accident in 2018 which left several people injured. You probably remember viral video in which lift suddenly started moving in reverse at high-speed, tossing skiers around as the chairs slammed into each other. As a result of that actual highest point of the resort is situated at more than respectful 3,006 m.

The lifts are new and modern. Ski pass for six days costs around 110 EUR. It is unbelievable price compared to European counterparts, making it exceptional value for money. Slope grooming does not match western standards. Snow reliability is good as a result of high elevation and snow making machines, but the snow quality can be questionable due to southern orientation of the slopes.

Best time to visit Gudauri is from January to March. The resort can get really crowded during mid-February. Throughout peak week queues are chaotic, I even witnessed a fist fight because a guy tried to skip the line and people waiting didn’t like the idea. Another unusual thing is the fact that lifts open at 10 am. I had read that packs of snowmobiles race wildly around the resort, but I didn’t find that to be entirely true. In 2026 there were designated areas for them.

Gudauri Freeride and Fun Parks

Georgia has steadily carved out a reputation as a freeride paradise. Even the Freeride World Tour hosts one of its competition stops in the country. Gudauri provides outstanding conditions: vast open terrain, abundant snowfall, high altitude above the tree line, and wide slopes that cater to every skill level. The best part is that reaching excellent runs requires very little or no hiking at all.

On the left side of the trail map, you can find gentler runs suitable for beginners and warm up, while steeper terrain is located around the Kikilo and Kudebi lifts on the right side. If you don’t mind a short hike, you can climb to the slope on the far-right side of the ski resort (there is huge cross on the ridge), where you’ll find countless lines that eventually lead down to the gondola base station.

It sounds almost perfect, doesn’t it? But (here we go with but again) reality is not as good as it sounds. There are lot of people who love off piste skiing and whole resort gets tracked out in a day. Another problem is the southern orientation of the slopes and the sun, which turns the powder into heavy, sticky snow after some time.

There is a snow park next to the Sadzele chairlift, but it was shut down in the 2025/26 season due to aging facilities.

How to get to Gudauri

The closest airport to the resort is in Tbilisi. From there, you can arrange a private transfer, which costs from around 60 EUR. We used gotrip.ge and were satisfied with the service. The ride usually takes a little over two hours.  

Gear rental in Gudauri is reasonably priced, starting at about 15 EUR per day for a full set (boots, skis, and poles). Renting equipment locally is often cheaper than paying airline fees for sports gear. Rental shops are easy to find, with many hotels across the resort offering them.

In order to save money, you can use public transport, but first you must get from the airport to the bus station. From there, look for a minibus called a marshrutka, which will take you to Gudauri. Keep in mind that marshrutka has limited space for ski equipment. If you are not solo travelling the effort involved outweighs the money saved.

Renting a car is also an option, though it tends to be the most expensive way to reach Gudauri. Prices start at around 30 EUR per day. Choosing a car here is not just about comfort, chances are high you’ll be driving on snow‑covered mountain roads, so proper winter tires and chains are a must. The road conditions make it feel more like a mountain expedition than a simple transfer.

Where to stay in Gudauri

Choice of accommodation can influence holiday experience in huge way. It is crucial to stay close to a lift since there is no public transport and taxis are expensive. The resort has 2 major zones Old and New Gudauri.

Old Gudauri occupies lower part of the area and represents the original village. It is more traditional and quieter, but it will be harder for you to get to the rest of the slopes. Pirveli lift connects it to the New Gudauri and from there you can take Soliko which will get you to the upper part of the resort. From there you can choose where to go.

Hotel Marco Polo is situated just by the bottom station of Pirveli lift, making it the best place where you can stay in Old Gudauri. If you find accommodation elsewhere you will probably save some money, but you will have to walk or take a taxi in order to reach the slopes.

Unlike its older counterpart, New Gudauri boasts a contemporary atmosphere with a variety of stylish hotels, apartments, and chalets. Many of these accommodations are ski-in/ski-out, providing seamless access to the slopes. You’ll also find a wider selection of restaurants, bars, and shops in this area. If you enjoy nightlife, New Gudauri is definitely the place to stay.

What to Do after a Day on Snow in Gudauri

During a day, you can take a break at one of the many huts located all around the ski resort. Almost all of them have a great atmosphere and cool music. Prices are reasonable.

Our favourite was Soliko on the Sportuli slope. There you’ll find a stunning view of New Gudauri along with nice food. Another great stop is Kobi Pass Café, well-known for its traditional chicken soup and hearty Georgian dishes that give you the strength to keep skiing through the day. Beyond the food, the café offers a spectacular view of Mount Kazbek, one of the most iconic peaks in the Caucasus.

The best après-ski spots can be found around the base of the lifts in New Gudauri. If you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s worth trying Hotel Loft, located right on the slope between New and Old Gudauri. The hotel features a rooftop with a fantastic atmosphere and lively parties. You should also try the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a creative mix of modern cuisine and traditional Georgian dishes.

Georgian cuisine and wine are internationally renowned. A must-try dish is khachapuri, the famous cheese-filled bread. Almost every place has its own recipe, but the taste is consistently delightful. Another essential dish is khinkali, large dumplings filled with various savoury fillings — from meat to mushrooms — that are both hearty and delicious.

As mentioned earlier in this Gudauri review, Georgian wine is perhaps the country’s most celebrated product, with a winemaking tradition that stretches back thousands of years. But when it comes to stronger spirits, you cannot leave without trying chacha. Often referred to as “Georgian grappa,” chacha is a strong brandy distilled from grape pomace. Locals drink it both as a celebratory toast and as a warming shot after a day on the slopes.

Since you’re already in Georgia, you should definitely visit its capital, Tbilisi. Two days are enough to explore the city. Tbilisi is an authentic blend of historic architecture, Soviet brutalism, and modern design, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the country’s diverse past and vibrant present. Describing accommodation as cheap is an understatement.

Use your time to stroll through the Old City, wandering its cobblestone streets lined with colorful balconies and hidden courtyards. Hike up to Narikala Fortress and admire the sweeping panorama of Tbilisi from above. Then cross the Bridge of Peace, a striking glass-and-steel landmark that symbolizes modern Georgia. For a perfect finish, enjoy an end of the day at Mtatsminda Park, reached by funicular, when the city lights begin to sparkle below.