Skiing and Snowboarding at Gudauri

Gudauri is Georgia's largest ski resort, set on the Georgian Military Road in the Greater Caucasus about 120 km north of Tbilisi, a drive of roughly 2.5 hours. The village lies at around 2,200 m and lifts climb well above 3,000 m, serving a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs plus extensive off-piste terrain. The resort is operated by the Gudauri Ski Resort lift company, while ski schools and rental shops in the village provide instruction and equipment. Skiing and snowboarding require basic fitness and comfort at altitude. Beginners can take lessons on the gentle lower slopes, while the upper bowls suit confident intermediates and experts. Children can learn in group or private lessons, and minimum ages for lessons are set by each school. Day lift passes cost about 120-180 GEL (46-69 USD) and full rental packages about 60-100 GEL (23-38 USD). Visitors usually bring their own jacket, trousers, gloves, goggles, helmet and thermal layers, although rental shops can often supply helmets. A passport copy may be requested as a rental deposit. Reputable rental shops and schools use certified instructors, and the resort runs a ski patrol that marks hazards, closes runs in poor conditions and carries out rescues by sled and, in serious cases, helicopter evacuation. Visitors who leave the groomed runs should hire a certified guide, carry avalanche equipment and hold travel insurance that covers off-piste skiing. The season runs from December to April, with January to March offering the most reliable snow. Conditions to avoid include whiteout days with heavy wind, when upper lifts may close, and high avalanche danger periods after fresh snowfall, when off-piste terrain is unsafe. Because the Military Road can be slow or temporarily closed after heavy snow, a mid-week visit and an early start reduce queues on the road and at the lifts. Many visitors stay overnight in the village rather than commute from Tbilisi.