Winter Season in Georgia
By Mariam Chanishvili
Thursday, November 8
Gudauri is a ski resort located on the South-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia
It may seem early to be thinking about snow, winter and skiing, but many already wonder what is there to do during winter in Georgia.
Georgia is a new winter travel destination due to its popular ski resorts. Local people are lucky enough to say that they do not have to travel far away in order to get a chance to ski.
Georgia is rich with skiing resorts and untouched slopes. A total of 124 km of slopes are included in Georgia. The ski resorts reach up to 3279 m. in the country.
Some of the most popular skiing resorts include Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi, Betania, Goderdzi, and Mestia.
A Number of resorts have already announced their opening dates.
Gudauri, which is one of the most famous ski resorts in Georgia, is located in Stepantsminda District, Kazbegi, near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above the sea level.
Gudauri is a rapidly developing site which is experiencing a growing influx of hotels, guesthouses, sport centers, restaurants, lounges and bars.
Slopes in Gudauri are mostly above the tree line and are best for free-riders, considered to be avalanche-safe. The ski season lasts from December to April.
The official season opening will take place in Gudauri, on December 9.
It is worth mentioning that Georgia was chosen to host FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships 2023. About 25 medal events planned for next years in Gudauri and Bakuriani which needs investments and renovation of Georgia’s ski resorts infrastructure.
“2018 year is one of most remarkable years in terms of development for Gudauri ski resort. Resort is celebrating its 30 year anniversary. Government investments in ski resorts are taking country’s ski potential on higher positions,” reads the information on skigeorgia.ge.
Bakuriani is located 180 km from Tbilisi and just 30 km from Borjomi. It is perfect for a family holiday, since there are many slopes for beginners and children, as well as plenty of scenic places for walks and hikes. The resort itself is surrounded by woods and fresh mountain air, perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Bakuriani has not announced the opening date yet, but usually, the active season starts in mid-December.
Georgia’s Goderdzi ski-resort will meet its visitors this year with a new hotel, more developed internal roads, extended ski slopes and a new restaurant.
Goderdzi is located in a unique climate zone in the Adjara region, on the Goderdzi Pass just 100 kilometers from the Black Sea coast and 2000 meters above sea level. It is three times larger than Georgia’s other mountain resorts.
