Georgians sometimes say: “If you smooth out the mountains with an iron, then the country will become 10 times larger.” Indeed, two-thirds of the area of Georgia is occupied by mountains. In the south – the ridges of the Lesser Caucasus (2000-3000 meters above sea level), in the north – the Greater (up to 5000 meters). With the onset of winter, Georgia can give many unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Among the main ones are a variety of snow tracks, convenient ski lifts, a safe and hospitable environment.
Climate and features of local mountains
The Caucasus Mountains have an alpine climate with heavy snowfalls in winter. Due to the fact that the Caucasus Range shields the country from the cold Arctic winds, there are almost no severe frosts here. The air temperature usually ranges from minus 3°C to minus 15°C, and this is ideal weather for skiing. The higher the mountains above sea level, the colder. So, above 3,500 meters, the kingdom of snow and ice begins, and it is cold there at any time of the year. The official opening of the ski season in Georgia begins in November and the season lasts until May in some regions. But the best snow is in December – March.
How to get there
There is no direct air communication between Russia and Georgia. It is most convenient to fly with transfers through Yerevan or Istanbul. To enter the Russians only need a passport, without a visa you can stay in the country for 365 days. Each of the resorts can be reached by public transport or rent a car and be more mobile in travel.
Gudauri
How to get there
First by plane to Tbilisi, and from there by public transport. Direct minibuses to the village of Gudauri depart daily from Didube bus station. You can get to the Didube station by metro, and check the timetable and buy a bus ticket at the ticket office of the station. Travel time will take 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also go by taxi or transfer, rent a car.
Gudauri is a resort with a well-developed infrastructure. It has everything for a full-fledged skiing sport: ski lifts, an extreme park, all types of slopes – from green for beginners to black for pros. The length of the tracks is 50 kilometers, and in total there are 22 kilometers. The resort has excellent viewing platforms with stunning panoramas of mountains and valleys — the views will delight fans of capturing a winter fairy tale on camera. From the unusual: you can admire the mountain peaks and gorges from a bird’s eye view. You are waiting for an unforgettable experience of flying on a paraglider – a paraglider in the form of a soft wing.
Where to stay
- Quadrum Ski & Yoga Resort (rating 8.1) – from ““$75 per night *.
- SkyTop Studios (rating 9.6) — from $90 per night*.
- Snow Rooms Hotel (rating 9.8) – from $95 per night *.
Bakuriani
How to get there
Fly to Tbilisi, and from there get to Bakuriani by minibus, train or taxi. You can take the bus from the Didube metro station or from the station square. The trip by minibus or car lasts about three hours. You can also go on a train journey with a change in Borjomi – the journey will take 8 hours. The distance from Tbilisi to Bakuriani is 180 kilometers.
The slopes of Bakuriani are more suitable for beginners. The total length of trails for beginners is about 20 kilometers, the highest slope reaches 2700 meters above sea level. On all slopes you can rent ski equipment, hire an instructor, stop at a cafe to refresh yourself or drink hot tea.
The resort has entertainment for both children and adults: there is a large selection of restaurants, an amusement park, an ice field, the opportunity to ride on sleds and snow scooters. Unforgettable emotions can be obtained by riding a toboggan. This is a trolley on rails, in which you can quickly or slowly move down the mountain. The speed can be adjusted independently using a special lever. There are supermarkets at all points in the city, which makes it easier to stay at the resort if you want to stay longer. Bakuriani is an ideal ski resort for families.
Where to stay
- Villa Mtashi (rating 9.1) – from $170 per night *.
- Villa Solnechnaya Dolina (grade 9) — from $240 per night*.
- Rooms Hotel Kokhta (rating 9) – from $110 per night *.
Tetnuldi
How to get there
Everything is the same: first by plane to Tbilisi, and from there by public transport or a rented car. The resort is located in Svaneti, one of the most remote regions of Georgia, so the road ahead is long. The nearest city to Tetnuldi is Mestia, it is located 475 kilometers from the capital and you will have to spend about 8 hours on the road. From the Didube metro station or from the train station, you can leave by mini-bus. The road from Mestia to the resort takes one hour, but care must be taken that the rented car has four-wheel drive. If you do not want to worry about the road, you can take a taxi in the center of Mestia. Drivers offer their services in the central square of the town.
Here is the longest ski season – it lasts from December to April. And also the most plump and fresh snow. All ski equipment can be rented. In Tetnuldi, you can try different styles of skiing: freeride, ski tour, heli-ski. In addition, activities such as paragliding and horseback riding tours. At the resort, you can stop for lunch at one of the fast food cafes or at the Tetnuldi restaurant. Now there is only one hotel in the resort, so tourists prefer to stay in Mestia, where there is more choice of hotels.
Where to stay in Mestia
- Paliani Hotel (rating 10) – from $100 per night *.
- Guesthouse Data (rating 9.7) — from %15 per night*.
- Sunset Terrace Mestia (rating 9.6) — from $85 rubles per night*.
Hatsvali
How to get there
Another resort in Svaneti. From Russia, it is most convenient to fly by plane to Tbilisi, and from there by mini-bus to Mestia. Khasvali skiing is located 8 kilometers from the city, and is connected to Mestia by an asphalt road, as well as a 6-seater cable car.
The place is suitable for those who are looking for unity with nature – there are few tourists here. At the resort you can rent any ski equipment and use the services of a guide. There are many opportunities for the backcountry. And the main feature of the resort is the night lights, so that ski lovers after sunset can fully enjoy the process.
Be sure to visit the Zuruldi cafe – the windows offer a picturesque view of the endless ridge of mountains. In good weather, you can even see the famous two-headed Ushba from here. The cafe is located at the highest point of the resort at the end of the cable car and is open all year round.
Where to stay in Mestia
- WinterFell Mestia (rating 9.7) — from $140 per night*.
- Cottage Dabderr Mestia (grade 10) – from $170 per night *.
- Hotel Posta (rating 8.4) – from $120 per night *.
Goderdzi
How to get there
It is more convenient to fly to Batumi, the resort is located in mountainous Adjara, 109 kilometers from the city. You can get to Goderdzi by rented car or taxi. But keep in mind that in winter you will need an SUV. The drive is approximately three hours, but keep in mind that the last section of the road from Batumi is in poor condition.
Due to the proximity to the Black Sea, there is a lot of precipitation in January-February, so skiers and snowboarders will be pleased with fresh, plump snowdrifts at this time. Trail routes run through coniferous forests and sometimes even pass through villages. The total length of the ski slopes is only 8 km, but this small figure is compensated by the height of the slope – 2364 meters above sea level. The resort offers medium and difficult pistes. All equipment can be rented. For beginners, there is a 150-meter training track and guide services are available.
Since Goderdzi is a relatively young resort (it has been operating since 2015), the infrastructure is not yet particularly developed. There are several fast food cafes and one restaurant on the territory. But locals like to come here for a weekend or one day to enjoy nature and return to comfortable conditions.
Where to stay in Batumi
- Diana – Castello Mare (rating 10) – from $190 per night *.
- Glamping Martini Kvariati (rating 10) — from $160 per night*.
- Tapis Rouge VIP Boutique Hotel 5* Batumi (rating 9.2) – from $120 per night*.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.