🗺️ How to choose a ski resort in Georgia in winter

In winter, many people take time off not for the sea, but for snow. Georgia rarely makes it onto such plans, even though it has five ski resorts spread across different regions of the country.

From Tbilisi you can reach the first slope in a couple of hours, and the runs themselves are marked by difficulty level. We rounded up five resorts, compared their slopes, and added practical details: when to go, how to get there, and what to look for when choosing a hotel.

Important: the best snow at Georgia's resorts is from mid-December to late March, and the mild weather in March appeals to families with children.

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Gudauri: a resort on the Georgian Military Road

💡 In short:

Gudauri and Bakuriani offer the best infrastructure, Tetnuldi and Khatsvali win you over with nature and a long season.
Skiing suits both beginners and experienced skiers: slopes are marked by level, and instructors are available.
Season, ski passes, and lifts: 09/2026, verified on the official tourism portal of Georgia.

Gudauri sits right on the Georgian Military Road, on a slope of the Greater Caucasus range. It takes about two hours to get there from Tbilisi, which makes it the most accessible option for a short trip. The runs climb across several ridges, and the longest one is close to seven kilometers.

Hotels and Gudauri ski slope with mountains in the background

The upper lift stations rise above three thousand meters, while the lower ones sit at around two thousand. So you'll find both wide beginner slopes and steep off-piste sections for experienced skiers. Lifts start running in the morning, around ten o'clock, and operate until four in the afternoon. On weekends the cable car closes later.

Gudauri is also known for paragliding: a tandem flight with an instructor gives you a view of the entire valley from above. Freeride enthusiasts should hire a guide, because avalanche conditions in these mountains change quickly.

How to get there: about two hours from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road.
Who it's for / Not for: for skiers of any level and for those who want to add scenery to their skiing; not for those looking for nightlife right by the lift.

Bakuriani: year-round and gentle slopes

Bakuriani operates year-round. In summer people ride bikes here and descend the rails in a special cart; in winter the ski season opens. The level of service at local hotels is noticeably higher than at the country's newer resorts.

Bakuriani has three main skiing areas, with children's slopes nearby. The runs are short and gentle, so you can comfortably put a child on skis. A beginner needs just one morning to confidently come down the lower sections.

The resort's viewing platforms offer views of snow-covered ridges, and it's worth going up even without skis. There's almost never a lift line, because most guests ski in two or three nearby areas.

Who it's for / Not for: for beginners and families with children, because the slopes are short and gentle; not for those who want long descents of several kilometers.
Where to stay: Hotels in Bakuriani on Trip.com

Tetnuldi: Svaneti and the longest season

Tetnuldi got its name from a mountain in Svaneti, and the word itself translates as "white mountain." The resort operates year-round: in summer people come here for hiking, in winter skiers arrive.

Snow-covered Tetnuldi peak above the Svaneti valley

The runs are laid out on the slopes of the mountain, with the highest point just above three thousand meters. The lift was built with the help of French specialists, and it carries skiers to a descent about three and a half kilometers long. The proximity to glaciers extends the season: snow stays here longer than at other resorts in the country.

The plan is for Tetnuldi to eventually have the longest runs in Georgia. For now, the infrastructure is more modest than in Gudauri, but it's enough for relaxed skiing. You should set aside an extra day here: Svaneti itself is worth a separate trip.

Who it's for / Not for: for those who value nature and don't want to stand in lines; not for those who need a wide choice of hotels and restaurants.
Where to stay: Hotels in Svaneti on Trip.com

Goderdzi: sea and mountains in one trip

Goderdzi is located in Adjara, and that's its main advantage: you relax on the Black Sea coast, and a couple of hours later you're on skis. People loved this area long before the resort appeared, thanks to its mild climate.

Goderdzi Pass with green slopes and a village

The proximity to the sea brings a lot of precipitation, so snow is never a problem. The cable car has two levels: cabins on the first, chairs on the second. Skis and sleds can be rented, and beginners should book a lesson with an instructor.

There are almost no shops at the resort, so buy the small essentials you need on the way. The runs suit both beginners and experienced skiers, and during the descent you get panoramic views of Adjara.

Who it's for / Not for: for those who want to combine sea and snow; not for those planning to shop at the resort.
The catch: the infrastructure is more modest than in Gudauri.
Where to stay: Hotels in Adjara on Trip.com

Hatsvali: four peaks of the Caucasus

The road to Hatsvali is already part of the experience. There are two options: drive along the mountain road or rent a light aircraft in Tbilisi. On the approach, you see four of the highest peaks of the Caucasus at once.

snow-covered Caucasus mountain peaks in winter

The resort has three main runs: green, blue, and red. The highest point is around two thousand three hundred meters. Lifts run until four in the afternoon in winter and until six in March.

Services here are only gaining momentum. For overnight stays there are hotels and several guesthouses, most offering two or three meals a day. The local cuisine and hospitality often become the main highlight of the trip.

Who it's for / Not for: for skiers who care more about views and quiet than developed infrastructure; not for those coming for bars and clubs.
The catch: the choice of hotels is small, so book in advance.
Where to stay: Hotels in Hatsvali on Trip.com

Comparing Georgia's ski resorts

Resort	Region	Slopes	Who it's for
Gudauri	Greater Caucasus	long, all levels	experienced skiers and those coming for a couple of days
Bakuriani	Samtskhe-Javakheti	short and gentle	beginners, families with children
Tetnuldi	Svaneti	about three and a half kilometers long	relaxed skiing and nature
Goderdzi	Adjara	medium, with reliable snow	sea and snow in one trip
Hatsvali	Svaneti	three marked runs	views of the Caucasus peaks

The resorts differ not only in elevation and run length, but also in logistics. The closer to Tbilisi, the shorter the drive, and the more people on the slopes on weekends.

When the ski season starts in Georgia

Officially, the season starts in the second half of December and ends in late March (according to the Georgia tourism office, 09/2026). In practice, there has been so much snow in recent years that a stable base forms as early as November.

The first skiers arrive from early December. There's almost no entertainment at that time: you ski, take a lesson with an instructor, and walk around the area. Mountain life wakes up before New Year's, and the main program runs until late February.

February brings more young people to the resorts because student holidays fall in that month. In March, the crowds thin out while the weather stays mild: there's still plenty of snow and less bustle. For a family trip, March is the month to choose. In April, the season closes and the villages go quiet until December.

How to get to Georgia's ski resorts

Georgia's resorts are scattered across the country, and that shapes the logistics. Gudauri is easiest to reach from Tbilisi: the road follows the Georgian Military Highway. Hatsvali lies in Svaneti, near Mestia. Besides driving, you can get there by light aircraft from Tbilisi.

Goderdzi is in Adjara, so it makes sense to add it to a trip to the Black Sea coast: from the sea to the slopes is a couple of hours. Tetnuldi awaits you in Svaneti, and that's a separate destination people visit for Svaneti itself.

Book your airport transfer in advance, especially in high season.

Tours and tickets in Gudauri

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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What to know before your trip

A warm room matters more than a view. It gets chilly in the mountains in winter, and you'll appreciate an extra heater in the evening. Before booking, check whether there's a place to dry your gear: wet gloves and a helmet take a long time to dry.

Book a lesson with an instructor from day one. That way you get your technique right from the start, tire less, and feel more confident on harder sections.

About the service: there are almost no clubs and bars in the Georgian mountains, but there are big portions and Georgian cuisine. Lunch at a cafe at the resort takes longer than you planned, so leave some buffer for the evening.

Georgia's ski resorts on the map

All five of the country's resorts are marked on the map below. Before your trip, check how far the village is from the bottom station of the lift: with skis, that distance takes a while to cover.

Ski resorts of Georgia

Places on the map

Gudauri Resort on the Georgian Military Highway, runs up to seven km, paragliding
Bakuriani Short gentle slopes for beginners and families, open year-round
Tetnuldi Svaneti, a run of about 3.5 km near glaciers, the longest snow season
Goderdzi Adjara, sea and snow in one trip, two-level cable car
Khatsvali Kazbegi, three runs and views of four Caucasus peaks

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does ski season start in Georgia?

The season opens in the second half of December and runs until the end of March. In recent years, reliable snow has been falling as early as November, and the first skiers arrive in early December. The main entertainment program runs from late December to late February (according to the Georgian tourism office, 09/2026).

How much do ski passes cost in Gudauri?

Gudauri ski passes are considered among the most affordable in Europe, and you can check current prices in lari on the resort's portal before your trip. Payment is usually made on site.

Where should a beginner ski?

In Bakuriani and Goderdzi: they have short, gentle slopes and kids' zones. Bakuriani is safe even with small children, and Goderdzi always has plenty of snow because of its proximity to the sea. Gudauri also has learning slopes, but there are more experienced skiers going fast.

Do I need a transfer from Tbilisi airport?

Yes, in winter public transport to the resorts runs inconveniently, especially with skis and suitcases. Book your transfer in advance: during high season, cars get taken days ahead. The drive to Gudauri along the Georgian Military Road takes about two hours.

What should I take to the mountains?

Warm clothes for the evening, spare gloves, and a thermos. Before booking your room, check whether there's a place to dry your gear, otherwise wet items won't dry by morning. Cash in lari comes in handy at small cafes and guesthouses in Svaneti.

In short: what to book

If you need infrastructure and a short drive from Tbilisi: go with Gudauri. If you're traveling with kids: Bakuriani. If nature and a long season matter more: Tetnuldi. If you want to combine sea and snow: Goderdzi. If you want views of four Caucasus peaks: Hatsvali.

Choose a hotel near the bottom station of the lift, and book your airport transfer in advance. Compare options on Trip.com and check out car rental options for getting between resorts.

Skiing in Georgia: five resorts and when they have the best snow