Gudauri when the season opens. Alpine skiing in Georgia – which resort to choose

Updated 05/07/2019

The ski resort of Gudauri is located in the northern part of Georgia near the border with Russia. The small village attracts tourists with smooth slopes without obstacles and long snowy winters. Gudauri stands on the slope of the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2196 meters. You can get here along the Georgian Military Road directly from the capital; along the Gudauri-Tbilisi route, the distance is 135 kilometers.

Tourists come to Georgian Gudauri primarily for freeride and heli-skiing. But there are also enough equipped trails here, and 80% of them are blue and red. Add to this special green trails for beginners, training tracks, instructors and a snow park. Everything is modern and safe. It turns out that Gudauri (Georgia) is one of best resorts in the country.

Let's see if this is true. I'll tell you about the story and current state resorts, slopes and ski lifts, interesting places and après ski, weather and transport. I won’t forget about the comparison of Gudauri or. What's better? You can decide for yourself after reading.

When planning a trip, remember what you can buy and not think about anything.

History of the Gudauri resort

The village called Gudauri was first mentioned in the 18th century in the context of the Cross Pass. However, the area with a road through the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains received its name in 1824, when a memorial cross was erected here. Pushkin, Lermontov, and Griboyedov, known for their love for the Caucasus, saw it. They continued to talk about Gudauri (Georgia) in the 19th century, already as a separate village.

Many scientists, writers and travelers spoke about Gudauri as a settlement on one of the most important roads in the region. Alexandre Dumas spoke in his memoirs about the Mljet serpentine, and Mikhail Lermontov sketched the ruins on the other side of the gorge near Gudauri. The famous ethnographer Nikolai Nefediev also wrote about the village. There were still 150 years left before the resort opened.

Skiing in Gudauri appeared only in the 1970s. Until this moment, the village and its neighbors were unremarkable - just another transit point on the way from Russia to the south. But the Soviet authorities decided to open the first modern resort in Georgia; their choice fell on Gudauri.

Interestingly, the first slopes and cable cars were built in the neighboring village of Kumlistsikhe, but now no one uses them. The center has shifted to Gudauri.

Hotels began to be built on the site of the modern resort. In 1982, work on the first modern hotel was led by Soliko Khabeishvili, head of the Georgian Central Committee. Now the hotel in Gudauri (Georgia) still stands and is known as part of the Marco Polo chain. The routes were opened until the collapse of the USSR, which was followed by an unstable period. But since 1997, hotels, ski lifts and slopes began to be built in Gudauri again.

Gudauri in our time

Tourists consider the Gudauri ski resort to be the most modern and youthful in the country. The infrastructure here is constantly updated and the roads are maintained at the proper level. There is not as much entertainment and après ski in Gudauri as, for example, in Bakuriani. But that's not why people come here. People come here to ride, and that’s all.

Nowadays, Gudauri has grown to one of largest resorts Georgia. Now there are 22 routes with a total length of 75 kilometers. The total elevation difference between the lower and upper points is 1258 meters.

The longest continuous slope is 7.5 kilometers! There is no point in describing all the slopes of Gudauri separately - they are located nearby and are served by the same ski lifts.

The lowest station is located between Gudauri and Kumlistsikhe at an altitude of 1990 meters, and the highest is on Mount Sadzele West at an altitude of 3258 meters. Every day, the Gudauri trails are processed by snowcats. Some have machines with artificial snow.

Cable lifts in Gudauri

For convenience, I will tell you about the sections of the trails by difficulty level and the lifts that operate on them:

1. Pirveli. Cable car with 3 chairs. Raises from 2000 to 2150 meters, serves the lowest green piste with night lighting and snow cannons.
2. Soliko. Cable car with 4 chairs. It rises from 2150 to 2670 meters, serving a number of blue slopes with gentle slopes for beginners and ski enthusiasts.
3. Gudaura. Gondola for 10 people. It rises from 2160 to 2700 meters, serves the same blue slopes as Soliko, but leads to a different upper station.
4. Shino. Cable car with 6 seats. Lifts from 2150 to 2700 meters, serving the same area as the previous lifts. The newest cable car at the resort.
5. Snow Park. Cable car with 3 chairs. It rises from 2700 to 2820 meters, serving a snow park for fans of extreme skiing and tricks.
6. Kudebi. Cable car with 3 chairs. It lifts from 2670 meters to 2960 meters to the top of Mount Kudebi, serving red trails and freeride slopes.
7. Sadzele. Cable car with 4 chairs. It lifts from 2770 meters to 3258 meters to the top of Mount Sadzele West, serving red and black trails.

T-bar lifts Gudauri

Also ski resort Gudauri in Georgia is served by short rope tows. Bombora and Baby lift skiers from the upper stations of the Soliko, Gudaura and Shino lifts, and serve special green areas for beginner skiers. The Alpina ski lift operates with a blue track outside the village - especially for lovers of secluded skiing.

I’ll tell you separately about the Zuma rope tow and the ski area around it. This includes the green slopes of Gudauri, created especially for children and those who are skiing for the first time. The yoke is educational, very close to New Gudauri between the upper station of Pirveli and the lower station of Gudaur. If you are not yet confident in your abilities, then start skiing from here, and then go up to the blue slopes.

Children will definitely enjoy the tubing track with its 300-meter-long moving path. This entertainment is located near the Zuma ski lift and is completely free.

The Gudauri ski resort is otherwise suitable for families with children. There are private nannies, children's corners in restaurants and hotels, and playgrounds in New Gudauri. The resort has children's instructors, and lifts for children under 6 years of age are free.

Lift and ticket office schedule

If you are going on vacation to Gudauri (Georgia), then the operating schedule of lifts and ticket offices will be useful:

• From October to March – 10:00 – 17:00.
• From April to June – 9:00 – 15:00 on weekdays, 9:00 – 16:00 on weekends.
• From July to September – 10:00 – 16:00.
• Ticket offices: in winter from 10:00 to 16:00, at other times and on weekends from 9:00 to 17:00.

Ski passes are valid for 1 or 3 lifts, as well as for a period of 1 to 10 days. There is an option without days off - 5 days a week. There are rental centers at the resort. I advise you to buy proven alpine skis in Georgian Gudauri, the prices for which may not be the lowest. But this way you will be sure of the quality. The points that have proven themselves best are Mogzauri and WildGuru.

Prices for Gudauri ski lifts in 2019

Prices for the 2019 Gudauri ski pass for April 2019 are as follows (I list all prices for adults):

• 1 time - 7 GEL.
• 3 times - 18 GEL.
• 1 day - 30 GEL.
• 2 days - 60 GEL.
• 3 days - 84 GEL.

There are also ski passes for 4,5,6,7,8, 9 and 10 days. Naturally, the more days the ski pass is taken, the more profitable it is.

Prices vary depending on the season. In winter they are alone, in early spring they go down, and in April they get even lower. I will publish prices for the 2019-2020 season closer to its start.

If you like unequipped slopes, then the Georgian resort of Gudauri is the best choice. This is a real treasure for freeride and heli-ski lovers. There are wild slopes right at the resort - you can climb to them using regular cable cars or rope tows. If you are not a freeride master yet, I advise you to take an instructor. Heli-skiing is organized by companies in Gudauri, and a helicopter takes you to relatively remote slopes. Backcountry tours with climbing to the peaks are also available for those interested.

In general, you should know the following about the Gudauri ski resort:

• The dry climate and sufficient altitude ensure a long ski season.
• Wild slopes without obstacles are ideal for freeride and heli-skiing.
• The high capacity of the lifts eliminates queues.
• There are hotels in neighboring villages and right at the resort near the ski lifts.
• During the high season, it is almost impossible to find accommodation locally.

Sights of Gudauri and surrounding areas

The main attraction of any mountain resort is its slopes and the entertainment in the village below them. I'll tell you a little about après ski, freeride and heli-skiing, extreme holiday and excursions. Do not forget that prices for alpine skiing in Gudauri (Georgia) depend on the season. This is true for both accommodation and excursions.

In the village, the main part of the buildings are hotels. In them you will find restaurants, clubs, saunas with baths or spa centers. There are no problems with relaxing in a hotel where you do not live - this is normal practice. But hotels often offer discounts to their guests, including for skiing in Georgian Gudauri, prices may be lower for specific hotels. In terms of entertainment, the resort is seriously inferior to Bakuriani, but you won’t be completely bored.

Extreme recreation is also a kind of entertainment. Gudauri offers:

• Freeride on near and far slopes.
• Heli-skiing from 1 to 6 days with full helicopter rental.
• Backcountry with climbing the mountain on foot.
• Snowbiking and snowmobiling.
• Paragliding and speedriding – downhill skiing

Georgia, Gudauri and other resorts offer regular alpine skiing all the time. But you can come here in summer too. The lifts are working all year round– from the peaks there are interesting views of the Caucasus Mountains. Travel agencies in Gudauri conduct mountain hikes, teach mountaineering and rock climbing, and organize rafting and kayaking on mountain rivers.

Excursions from Gudauri

Tours are also available all year round. If you have time, choose:

1. Trip to . A classic excursion with a visit to the Georgian capital during the day or at night. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not seen Tbilisi.
2. Excursion along the Georgian Military Road. Traveling along the main road towards Russia. Beautiful scenery and interesting village Stepantsminda.
3. Tour Heart of Georgia. Excursion to the central part of Georgia, where the country began. Tourists especially like Gori and Mtskheta.
4. Culinary tour. A walk through the Tbilisi market and a master class on cooking khinkali and khachapuri. Suitable for anyone who wants to learn something new.

Weather in Gudauri

The weather in Gudauri is ideal for a ski resort. The region is located far from the sea, inside the Caucasus Mountains at a decent altitude. As a result, a cold, dry climate with abundant snow is formed here. The season here lasts from mid-November to the end of April. Traditional peaks of the influx of tourists – new year holidays and the period from February 10 to March 10.

At the end of November, December and January the main snow layer is formed. The first months of winter are the coldest, but there is also more sunlight during this time. If you want to take a break from the crowds of tourists, then come to the Gudauri ski resort from January 10 to 25 - this is when many people leave. Sometimes there are heavy snowfalls in December-January.

In February and March the weather in Gudauri is less sunny, but more snowy. There are also many more tourists than in January. This is the traditional high season, when the snow layer is the largest and most comfortable. February and March are the best months for freeride. But in April it already becomes warm and sunny, tourists are leaving, and snow keeps cars on the roads. The trails are open until the end of April.

Read a brief overview of all ski reviews in Georgia.

Reviews from tourists and skiers about Gudauri

Tourists from Georgia, Russia and Europe relax at the resort, so Gudauri regularly receives reviews. Tourists agree that the mountains here are excellent and the slopes are well suited for independent descents. The equipped slopes are also quite good, the lifts work properly and without queues. But it's only until 16:00 or 17:00, and then there is only one green track with night lighting.

There are also negative reviews. Gudauri is still completely focused on skiing, so there is virtually no après ski here. A few restaurants and baths in hotels, a couple of shops and cafes on the slopes, that's all. After skiing, almost everyone sits in their rooms and relaxes. There is also nowhere to walk here - except up or down the Georgian Military Road. Excursions can be taken, but they take at least a whole day.

When planning a trip to any ski resort in Georgia, do not forget to take out insurance! I wrote more about all insurances in, you can read about the nuances and prices there. Here I would like to draw attention to the Allianz insurance company, one of the most reliable and stable. Who wants to choose and find best price, .

Which is better - Gudauri or Bakuriani

The most famous ski resorts in Georgia often argue among themselves for the right to be called the best. Asking the question “Gudauri or Bakuriani – which is better?” think about what you really need.

In Gudauri, as I already wrote, everything is made for skiing. There are many slopes and lifts, snowcats, snow cannons, freeride, heli-skiing, backcountry - alpine skiing for every taste. Skating is also suitable for children. But there is practically no entertainment in the village itself; it is very boring here in the evenings. The Georgian Military Road is also sometimes blocked.

In Bakuriani (read more about the attractions of this resort and its surroundings) the situation is a little different. There is also a lot done here for skiing, but there is also a lot of entertainment. Bakuriani is a large village where you can take a walk, sit in a restaurant, relax, or go to Borjomi on a narrow-gauge railway, which is an attraction in itself. I recommend this resort for family vacation and companies where not everyone rides. There is also more housing here.

Accommodation in Gudauri: hotel or apartments

There are 250 different accommodation options in Gudauri: hotels, guest houses, hostels and apartments. I recommend looking for the latter on Airbnb. Using the link, you will receive a discount on your first booking (provided that you have not previously registered with the service).

The most convenient place to find hotels and guesthouses is Booking. Here are some accommodation options in Gudauri with high ratings from guests.

Hotels in Gudauri near the ski lift

The cost of a transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri starts at $43. Select car ==>

I told you more about the service.

If you arrived at Kutaisi airport, then ordering a transfer is also possible.

In Gudauri with a rented car

Many local companies offer car rental for tourists. It is better to clarify the conditions in advance so as not to be left without transport. There are rental points in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. When returning along the route Gudauri - Tbilisi, you can return the car in the same place where you picked it up. During the season, cars are sold out quickly, so I advise you to book in advance. A detailed article comparing international and Georgian rental companies, provides information about Georgian roads, traffic rules and fines.

To Gudauri from Moscow on an organized tour

For lovers of comfort and connoisseurs of time, an ideal travel option: tours to Gudauri from Moscow. Do you need to decide on a hotel, type of food and other nuances? The tour operator will do the rest for you. And he will deliver you to Tbilisi, and take you to your hotel in Gudari, and he will even purchase insurance for you.

You can choose a tour to Gudari from Moscow online. The service works with such mastodons of the tourism industry as Biblio Globus, Anex Tour And Tez Tour. The service provides its customers with 24-hour support and free courier delivery throughout Moscow. Please note that fuel surcharges and other surcharges are already included in the tour price.

To Gudauri from Vladikavkaz

There is one road leading from Vladikavkaz to Georgia, which is border crossing Upper Lars turns into the Georgian Military. Crossing the border on foot is prohibited, only by car or, for example, by bicycle. You will need a driver's license and a car certificate to get from Moscow to Gudauri.

Planes fly to Vladikavkaz () from different cities Russia, there are trains. Buses and minibuses go to the territory of Georgia or Vladikavkaz. The risk is that the only checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border may be closed due to an avalanche or the threat of an avalanche. In winter, this happens all the time, but if you want to get to Gudauri on a budget, you will have to take risks.

If you want to drive your car all the time, then take care of overnight accommodation along the way, plan your gasoline consumption - there are few gas stations in Georgia and there is no winter diesel. Check the condition of the Georgian Military Road in advance so that it is not closed at the most inopportune moment. This is the most important information about how to get to Gudauri.

I look forward to your feedback and comments about your holiday in Gudauri: what you liked, what you didn’t, what pros and cons you identified for yourself while visiting the ski resort.

For a brief overview of other ski resorts in Georgia, follow the link above. Powder to you on all routes!

In love with Georgia, Igor OZIN.

Skiing in Gudauri: how to get there, slopes, where to live

Are you only allowed to ride on groomed trails? Be afraid of avalanches and sharp rocks on the way? Wait until the start of the season until mid-January? Gudauri is a ski resort that lives its own life, giving you complete freedom! Vast snow-white expanses, exceptionally beautiful reliefs of the mighty Caucasus Mountains, modern trails and a vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime. You are welcomed by a young, promising resort offering a lot of entertainment for every taste.

The best ski resort in Georgia– Gudauri

It's really unique place, which is confidently gaining popularity all over the world. The Caucasus Mountains are captivating with their height (the highest in Europe), and amazing panoramas open up from here. Even the weather in Gudauri is formed in a special way for mountain ranges. The Arctic wind does not overcome the heights of the mountains, warm sea air “reaches” from the south, and snow falls almost every night. The snow cover at the resort is distinguished by its depth (usually up to 2 meters) and stability. There are no severe frosts here, the temperature is always comfortable for skiing and hiking in the mountains. Strong cold winds are rare. The sun practically rests on the untouched “virgin” slopes, making the snow sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow. Average indicators in January-February do not exceed – 7–12C.

How do you like the opportunity to make a dizzying descent not along the route that exists, but along the one that you have always dreamed of? This is possible exactly in Gudauri! You will not be allowed such “freedom” anywhere else in Europe.

The absence of sharp stones on the virgin lands and trails turned this resort into a Mecca for freeride. Nature itself took care of this, creating the best conditions for off-piste skiing in Gudauri. The cost of freeride programs for 1 person starts from 120 GEL ($44.4).

Excellently prepared pistes, the presence of slopes for both beginners and professionals, a modern snow park for skiers and snowboarders - the Gudauri resort has become a real “star” winter holiday in Georgia.

Only here you will see prepared trails up to 200m wide, which are leveled by snowcats twice a day. And the width of the slopes reaches 5 km. These vast expanses are ready to receive tourists from mid-December, providing stable snow cover. Another feature of this resort is avalanche stability, thanks to the unique topography. So you can ride safely without fear for your life and expensive equipment. Particularly worth noting is the variety of rope lifts; here you can reach the desired height in closed and open boxes.

Attracted by active recreation, stunning nature and freedom of choice - Gudauri ski resort is ideal for you!

Everything for the demanding tourist!

Why is this resort loved by extreme sports enthusiasts, abandoning “conservative” Europe? The secret is simple - backcountry and heli-skiing are thriving in the vicinity of Gudauri. This is a unique opportunity to descend from a great height along unprepared trails. Backcountry assumes that you will get to the place of descent on your own without lifts, conquering the selected slope. Well, there are a lot of possibilities here - unique landscapes, exciting adventure, traveling with the whole company and, of course, independent choice slope
Don't want to climb yourself? At your service is heli-skiing - lifting a skier to the starting point by helicopter, which will allow you to conquer any peak that is inaccessible to other snowboarders and skiers. It is this service that gives tourists the opportunity to ride along the magnificent snow-covered fields of Cross Pass. In Gudauri this all becomes reality.

The cost of heli-skiing varies depending on the mountain chosen, flight time and number of hours. Tours are organized in Gudauri by two companies Wucher and Heliksir. The cost of a one-day program starts from 2027 lari ($750). This includes descents, necessary equipment, a professional instructor, 2 guides, and a helicopter flight to the descent site. Multi-day tours for a group of tourists are possible - the cost is 3 days, for example, taking into account the accompaniment of professional guides, the provision of equipment, etc. will be about 9459 lari ($3500).

Helicopter ride lasting 10 minutes for 5 people the most beautiful places– about 1757 lari ($650). You can choose any date and book your flight in advance. The main thing is that the weather in Gudauri remains clear for 10 days, then nothing will interfere with your adventures.

If you want to see stunning mountain panoramas, you can take a breathtaking paragliding flight. It is possible to fly with an instructor from Mount Kudebi for 200 GEL ($74). This is 15 minutes of unforgettable impressions and a powerful adrenaline rush! For just 350 lari ($129.5) you can take a paragliding trip to the picturesque Aragvi gorge; it will take about 25 minutes.

22 certified trails, a separate area for snowmobiling, exciting tubing (inflatable sleds are absolutely free throughout the resort) and almost 400 m of rope tows - no one will be bored here!

What you can see near the resort:

Gudauri - resort description

The resort itself is a small settlement in the Kazbek region. It arose on the slopes of the Caucasus Range (south) at an altitude of about 2000m above the sea. The distance from Tbilisi to Gudauri is about 130 km, to Batumi – 440 km. The settlement can be divided into 3 parts:

Upper Gudauri

This area is located above the main buildings, rushing up the road (Georgian military). Perhaps the most comfortable part of the resort. From numerous hotels you can get to the ski lifts (distance from 50m to 900m) in 2-10 minutes. The road to the center of the settlement along an excellent asphalt road will take 15 minutes, and if you move along the ski slope - only 8 minutes. There are signs everywhere, it is impossible to get lost. If you wish, you can call a taxi - from 3 lari ($1.11). Upper Gudauri has a huge advantage - from almost every hotel you can go down to the slope on your own on a snowboard or skis. It’s also convenient to return – you can go on virgin soil or along a prepared route. Well, the views that open up from here are difficult to put into words!

Lower Gudauri

This area is considered the center of the resort. There is a police department, a decent market, and a bank with currency exchange. In this place . The largest is Marco Polo. From him there is cable car to New Gudauri (the web camera will allow you to view this area of ​​the resort). The distance to the ski lifts is about 500-600 m, can be reached on foot (10-15 minutes). Hotel owners offer transportation to their clients on a daily basis. Living in Lower Gudauri, you have an excellent opportunity to admire the stunning panorama of the Aragvi Gorge and Mount Shele.

To the south of this part of the resort there is a road that runs in a steep serpentine down to the village of Kumplistsikhe. These two villages are often considered a single whole, because in Kumplistsikhe there are many hotels for comfortable accommodation for tourists. The hotels were built along the main route (Georgian military road). If you move west from this transport artery, you will see the Aragv Gorge and its steep cliffs. There is a gentle rise on the eastern side of the road, it bends slightly to the north and leads directly to Mount Sadzele.

In Kumplistsikhe there is a tourist information center (in the very center), where you can find out the information you are interested in about recreation and the operation of ski lifts. Find out when the season starts in Gudauri. In this village there is the lowest lift station and an equipment rental service (skis and snowboards).

Akhali Gudauri (New)

This area is considered the heart of the entire resort due to its favorable location. It is located near the second lift. and the most expensive housing in Gudauri, but living here is also the most comfortable in terms of location to highways and infrastructure and distance from the road (you can’t hear the noise of “civilization”).

New Gudauri is actively being built, but today there is a decent supermarket with reasonable prices and its own bakery. The “Gudauri” restaurant is also located here, with a view of the cable car station (covered cabins). You can have a very tasty meal in the new cafe “Dizi”. There is an excellent menu and reasonable prices; you can drink excellent coffee (Turkish) for only 2 lari ($0.74). The establishment is located on the street. Novogudaurskaya at the very end of the avenue.

Getting to know the ski lifts and cable cars

Do you have any doubts about whether to go to this amazing resort? Appreciate the beauty for yourself - in Gudauri, an online web camera gives you this opportunity at any time of the day. After admiring the amazing mountains and choosing a suitable hotel, it’s time to get acquainted with the resort’s cable cars:

Ropeway No. 1– the length is 1010 m, it has three seats. It starts from the Marco Polo Hotel (the lower part of the resort) and takes tourists to the transfer station in New Gudauri. The cable car serves only one ski slope, which bears the same name “first”.

Ropeway No. 2– The length is 2310m, it is the longest in the resort. It starts in New Gudauri and takes you to a dizzying height of 2700m. It is here that a strategically important facility is located - a small area on the mountainside. Two more cable cars branch off from here to the top. The well-known cafe “Vitamin” in the area and throughout Georgia is located here. Tourists love this establishment for its delicious cuisine and amazing mountain panorama. The facade of the cafe is glazed, so you can sit comfortably on the sofas and enjoy the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains! A gondola cable car also leads to this area near the cafe.

Gondola (cabin) cable car– These are comfortable “boxes”, completely glazed. Starts from the center of new Gudauri (near “Gudauri Palace”). She will take you to the top station (Vitamin Cafe). Climbing this road is a very pleasant experience, even if you are not planning to ski down. It’s warm inside the cabin, there’s no wind, you can admire the snow-capped mountain peaks for a long time and survey the entire resort. The gondola road intersects with road No. 2, that is, you will get there along the same route, but more comfortably. Another road starts on the slope, leading towards Mount Sadzele. If you want to have a snack, the small cafe “Megobari” is at your service. Its peculiarity is that the tables are placed directly on the street, so you can bask in the warm sun.

The cabin road also operates in the summer, allowing you to admire the lush greenery and the magnificence of the mountain ranges.

The upper station is a kind of “square”, which is embraced by the slopes of three mountains: Udebi, Sadzele, Bidara, there are no lifts here. But it is from two cafes that additional cable cars are provided:

Ropeway No. 3– it is called the Kulebskiy lift. The structure is three-seat, its length is 1060 m. The road starts from “Vitamin” and takes you to Mount Kulebi. The routes for professionals begin here, amazing views open up, and the elevation changes on the routes are clearly visible. Having reached Kudebi, tourists will be able to go out onto the mountain range itself, and its slopes are simply adored by freeriders for the opportunity to build a new route on untouched snow.

Cable car No. 4 and No. 5. The fourth road starts from the gondola station at the top and goes to Mount Sadzele, to the very foot. This is where the easiest route for beginners is laid. The fifth road starts at the top station of the fourth and takes you to the last cable car at the resort (Sadzele peak). Well, here is a real paradise for first-class professionals - two super-difficult descent routes (“black” slopes).

Ropeway– This is a lift for beginners, the length is short. The lower station is located in Akhali Gudauri directly between the stations of the cable car No. 2 and the cabin lift. The peculiarity of this road is that it is located at a distance from the main slopes and ski lifts, so that the best conditions for learning and first skiing experience are created for beginners.

Important information about lifts

All cable cars in Gudauri begin their work at the very beginning of the season (from about the 20th of December). They turn them on at 10.00 and turn them off at 17.00. In case of bad weather conditions(fog or strong wind) lifts may be turned off. In the spring, the lifts start operating (April - March) from 9.00 to 15.00 (this is on weekdays). On weekends – from 9.00 to 16.00. Starting from mid-July, cable cars are available to tourists from 10.00 to 16.00.

Remember, you need to purchase a Skypass to use all cable cars. This can be done at the lower station of the gondola cable car at a specialized ticket office. A one-time “pass” will cost 5 lari ($1.85). True, such a pass will allow you to go up to “Vitamin”, and then no more.
To climb other cable cars to the top, purchase a 3-time Skypass, it costs 15 GEL ($5.55). But the most profitable option is the so-called unlimited for the entire day of your stay at the resort. "Ticket" will give you the opportunity to ride without any restrictions on any cable car. Skypass costs 30 lari ($11.1).
When coming to the resort for a long time, you should think about purchasing a more profitable travel card option. For example, unlimited for 3 days will cost 84 lari ($31.08), not 90 lari ($33.3). For 4 days they offer Skypass from 112 GEL ($41.44). Children under 6 years old can ride on all lifts for free.

Sadzele – you inspire!

This peak in Gudauri is the highest point that can be reached using ski lifts. Conquering heights is already an unforgettable adventure, and that’s even without skis. At an altitude of 3268m you can feel like a real ruler of the Caucasus - you have conquered its main Ridge. A dizzying picture appears before your eyes. Vast distances, blue horizons and stunning mountains, beckoning with their pristine beauty. Looking west, you will see the picturesque Baydar Valley and the main road descending in curves. And beyond the road you can already see the Kelskoe plateau with its sleeping peaks of Kharisar and Sherkhota. The eastern side of the mountain opens up a panorama of the Khada gorge with the legendary Mtiul towers. If you conquer Sadzele from the south, you can see the Trussov Gorge, as well as the Terek Valley.

Mountains at your feet

Gudauri is not just modern slopes and extreme freeride. These are amazingly beautiful mountains that fall in love and fascinate every person. You can contemplate these beauties while riding or just walking around the resort. If you are driving along the highway or relaxing in the Migabori cafe, the beautiful Lomissky ridge and the tops of volcanoes constantly appear in front of you. The closest peak to you is Bidara. Hidden behind the mountain is a pyramid-shaped (pointed) Dead Ena (its height is about 3500m). Immediately behind the slope is the peak of Sherkhota (it is flat), a little to the left there are several not very high peaks. Behind them begins a gorge with huge cliffs, a little to the left of it you can see Muketi Peak (height 2937 m). To the left of the mountain there is almost a ridge running away, one peak of which is Mount Lomisi (height 2452 m).

Other ski resorts in Georgia:

Route map in Gudauri

All trails at the resort are divided depending on the difficulty of their passage. This is important to remember, especially for beginner skiers.

Green (or blue) slopes– they are quite wide and almost flat. There are no sudden changes in elevation, bumps or curved turns here. True, with the right level of skill, you can accelerate decently. These “paths” are constantly maintained and leveled; they are also great for beginner skiers. To go down the green trails, you need to get to Vitamin. Here they start and wind their way along a huge slope almost to New Gudauri. There is also a green route near cable cars No. 4 and No. 5; it is quite long and safe.

Red slopes– tracks for steep turns and downhill. Suitable for professionals who are ready for difficult terrain, bumps and sudden changes in elevation. Two such routes (called “Kudebi” No. 2 and No. 3) from Mount Kudebi, which can be reached by the “Kulebsky lift”.
Black descents– this is only for pros! The trails are very difficult; athletes with extensive experience ski here. Entrance here is closed for beginners - there is a high risk of injury. Two black trails start from the top of Mount Sadzele.
The longest descent to Gudauri lasts approximately 7 km. And slalom lovers will appreciate the mountains for the height difference during the descent of up to 1000m.
The resort is equipped and training track– a great opportunity for beginners. Its length is about 350 m, and an “escalator” was built parallel to it; the tape allows you to quickly climb to the starting point, admission is free.

Gudauri Hotels

The peculiarity of this resort is its huge selection of accommodation for every taste. In addition, the hotels are practically not inferior in level of service to their European “star” brothers.


If you plan to live in Lower Gudauri - luxury complex is “Marco Polo” . There is everything you need for a status holiday: a swimming pool, bars and restaurants, a sauna, beauty salons, a solarium, billiards and much more. average price for a room 490 lari ($180). It is also attractive due to its good location, almost near its entrance (Gudauri Square) a huge track with a length of about 60 km begins, and you only need to walk 500m to the ski lift.

There is a nearby excellent hotel "Truso" – the atmosphere of a hospitable home reigns here, very cozy and comfortable. The peculiarity of the establishment is amazing Georgian cuisine with all its diversity. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day, you can pamper yourself with a massage, go to the Finnish sauna, or visit an excellent grill bar. The cable car (first stage) is literally 350 m away. A single room costs about 365 lari ($135).

From Hotel Carpe Diem it offers a magnificent panorama of the mountains, it is known for its level of service and friendly staff who speak excellent Russian (this is not a problem in other hotels either). An excellent hotel of European level, it offers a lot of additional options for tourists. The cost per room starts from 370 lari ($100). It is located near the second stage of the cable car. The distance to it is about 400m. You can see what hotels look like in Gudauri (online camera) in real time.

Numerous hotels and guest houses also welcome guests in Upper Gudauri.
Hotel Abu – great option for accommodation. Almost from its doors to the track is 200 m, you can go down to the second ski lift on skis. A double room will cost 324 lari ($120).

Hotel Edelweiss– excellent hotel and reasonable prices. For a single room they ask for only 189 GEL ($70). Yes, the trails only take 10-12 minutes to walk, and from the windows of this hotel you can see magnificent views of snow-capped peaks. A special feature is that there is an excellent restaurant with panoramic windows, so you can combine eating and enjoying the views.

Apartments in Gudauri, as well as guest houses, are also available for every taste. Prices on average start from 162 lari ($60). The availability of inexpensive hostels is also encouraging. One of them "White Shino" , located in Upper Gudauri right next to the ski slope, you can ski down to the second ski lift. There are rooms with capacity from 2 to 10 people. Price per seat from 40 GEL ($15).

Gudauri – ski paradise with all the amenities

Even if you don't have special equipment for active rest- It's not a problem. The resort has an excellent rental service for everything you need. It is located in the center of the resort, a little to the right of the Kudebi store, near the lower station (the first stage of the ski lifts). If you are moving from the Smart market, you only need to walk 2 minutes (there is a sign). The prices are quite affordable. For the “necessary” set of boots, skis and poles they ask for only 30 lari ($11.1) and the same prices for boots and a snowboard. Renting speed skis or freeride skis will cost 50 GEL ($18.5). For just 10 lari ($3.7) you can buy glasses or gloves or a helmet. Prices are for the use of equipment for one day. Rent of other things: snowshoes from 20 GEL ($7.4), splitboards from 55 GEL ($20.35), beeper from 45 GEL ($16.65).

Small tourist centre and the Gudauri resort is located at an altitude of 2150 meters above sea level. One of the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range sheltered this village, where ski tourism began to actively develop in the 80s of the last century. Today you can see excellent hotels (resorts), cable cars and high-level ski slopes there.

History of the village

Answering the question about where Gudauri is located, it is worth noting that the village is located on (Georgian Military Road), south of the Cross Pass. Due to its close location to the main Caucasian highway, mentions of it date back to the 18th-19th centuries. The distance to the capital of Georgia (Georgia) is approximately 120 km, to Vladikavkaz – 80 km. The name itself comes from Gud (whether this is a person or a mythological character is not known exactly), whose name is used to refer to Mount Kudebi (Gud Mountain). In 1824, when a memorial cross was erected here, the origin dates back modern name"Gudauri".

In the 19th century, Gudauri was already spoken of as a village. Great poets visited these places and sang the Caucasus. There are records about the village by the famous ethnographer of the century before last N.A. Nefedyev. Despite the available opportunities, the opening of the resort took place here only 150 years later.

In the 70s of the last century, when the country's leadership decided to open mountain resort, the choice settled on Georgian Gudauri. But the first cable cars and equipped slopes appeared in the neighboring village of Kumlistsikhe. Today, almost all the resort hotels are located in this locality. Over time, the tourist center shifted to.

One of the first modern hotels began construction in 1982. All work was headed by the then secretary of the Georgian Central Committee Soliko Khabeishvili. Today the hotel is part of the Marco Polo hotel chain. The slopes for skiers were opened until 1991; after the collapse of the USSR, an unstable period began.

The resumption of work began in 1997, new hotels, slopes and lifts appeared. Skiing in Gudauri attracts snowboarding enthusiasts and skiers from many countries. The whole family can go there today.

Features of the ski resort

First, you should outline the advantages of the resort:

• beautiful mountain landscapes;
• an abundance of trails for beginners and experienced tourists;
• short distance from the Russian border;
• reasonable prices;
• friendliness of Georgians, excellent drinks and national cuisine.

The disadvantages relate more to minor organizational shortcomings that should be eliminated over time. Or related to the weather, the forecasts of which sometimes do not come true.

For those who are going to see the beauty of the mountains and learn how to ski, the slopes of Gudauri provide the best option. Other resorts (Hatsvali and Bakuriani) have trails that, due to their complexity, are unlikely to be suitable for beginners.

The length of the largest descent is 7 km, the height difference reaches 1200 m. There is also Sadzele mountain, which is considered the highest (the peak is located at an altitude of 3268 m). The presence of slalom tracks, “blue”, “red” and “black” tracks attract snowboarders, skiers and all lovers of extreme pastimes.

Important! “The Snow Park track, located 1 km from the village, deserves special attention. The routes created here are designed specifically for extreme sports enthusiasts and freestyle enthusiasts.”

Lifts

The list of main lifts is headed by the following three:

• Gudaura is a gondola-type structure with a capacity of 10 people and a total length of 2800 m.
• Pirveli is an open lift with three chairs (called a “bench”), the total length is 1053 m.
• Soliko - design with four chairs, length 2295 m.

The resort's ski lifts operate between the upper (3307 m) and lower (1990 m) stations, providing skiers with a quick ride up and down the mountain. The lifts operate uninterruptedly (with the exception of the tragic events of March this year), stopping operation only in strong winds and poor visibility.

The cable cars are equipped with diesel engines, which will ensure movement in the event of a power outage. IN winter time The building is open from 10 am to 5 pm. In the spring months (late March and April) - from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. During the summer, work is carried out according to plan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Resort leisure

For all guests of the resort, the main entertainment was and remains skiing and snowboarding. But since the lifts are closed quite early, and the slopes themselves are not illuminated, tourists are faced with the question of where to go to relax. They are offered a lot of other recreational activities. You can go to the bathhouse (especially in Tsar Bani Spa Resort) or sauna, have a fun evening in a cafe, play bowling with friends. If you have nothing to do, there is an option to go dancing at a club. For those who prefer peace and privacy desert island, the option of wine tasting in your own room is suitable.

Infrastructure

The village has a church, restaurants, a Smart supermarket with Tbilisi prices for food and baked goods, a gas station, and a pharmacy. Inside the supermarket there is:

• currency exchange point;
• ATMs;
• payment terminals;
• free toilet.

According to a number of reviews, Gudauri is not the place where you can buy fruits or vegetables. At the entrance local residents They actively trade in wine and churchkhela, cheese and souvenirs. In 2002, only 8 Georgians lived here. The resort descriptions say that there is a Wi-Fi network even near the ski lifts. Judging by the reviews, it doesn't work well.

Hotels and inns

Territory resort village is located over a large area and includes New, Lower and Upper Gudauri. There are many first-class hotels, inns, chalets and apartments to suit every taste and price. During the season, the cost of services almost doubles. A modest shelter will cost 20-30 dollars, a spacious room will cost about 50-60 dollars.

Experienced travelers advise saving money and going to Georgia in your own car, staying in. The resort is 33 km from here, but accommodation here is cheaper. To summarize, it should be said that you can live in Gudauri anywhere - it all depends on financial capabilities and personal preferences.

Important! “You can always leave your equipment in the storage rooms of your hotel or hotel.”

Hotel map

Equipment for rent

In Gudauri, the rental building stands right in front of the ski lifts and offers tourists any necessary equipment - from skis to boots. It is better to buy your own equipment in advance if the skiing is planned for several days - it will be more convenient. In order to save money, it is worth going to for one day, since rental prices are lower, and the choice of snowboards and alpine skis is lower compared to Gudauri.

One day of rental of a standard set (skis, boots, poles or snowboard boots) is 30 GEL. Additionally, you can rent a helmet, gloves and sunglasses - 5 GEL per day.

The list of main resort services includes:

• lifting for children and adults;
• ski school;
• night skiing;
• ski pass - a card for access to the ski lift.

Discounts are regularly offered for young tourists and teenagers. It is better to find out accurate information about the cost of services and rental equipment on site.

Insurance

The services of Georgian doctors are not inexpensive when it comes to injured tourists. This is why experienced travelers recommend taking out medical insurance in advance. If an accident occurs, the insurance company will be able to take on most of the organizational issues. It is worth keeping in mind that insurance is not included in the price of the access card, which is simply called a skipass.

It was in Gudauri, one of the ski resorts in Georgia, that a tragic event occurred in March of this year. The failed lift began to move in reverse direction at double speed. As they approached the turn, people began to jump from their seats; some were unable to do it in time. The jam of broken cradles was one of the reasons for many injuries received by tourists. As a result, dozens of people were seriously injured.

Summer visit to Gudauri

You can come to the resort in the summer, when the ski season closes. Of the available entertainment during this period, the most notable are hiking and horse riding, downhill cycling, paragliding, relaxing in bars and bowling.

Traveling to these places in the summer season will bring a lot of pleasure and improve your health. The Marco Polo Hotel offers guests spa passes for special prices. Trekking routes and cycling in the Aragvi Gorge will appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts.

How to get to Gudauri

You can get to the resort using ground transport from major cities Georgia - Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Vladikavkaz. It’s easy to order a taxi at the Tbilisi airport (it will cost about $70), another option is to take a minibus from the capital’s bus station to and beyond. Travel time is at least two hours. Direct minibuses also run from Kutaisi, but not often. The traffic pattern could be as follows: from to Tbilisi, from the bus station of which straight to the Gudauri Mountains.

If the starting point of the journey is in Moscow, then it makes sense to fly to Vladikavkaz by plane, and from there get to the resort. The crossing is carried out only in Upper Lars; the route through Ossetia will be illegal from the point of view of the Georgian side. In winter, it is sometimes not possible to travel along the Georgian Military Road because it is closed. This happens when a mudflow or landslide hits the road.

Holidays in Gudauri will appeal to all lovers of ski resorts. A variety of trails, comfortable hotels and inns, fresh mountain air will leave a lot of positive emotions and a desire to return to these parts again.

Any mountainous country must have ski resorts. In Georgia it is Gudauri. These places were also mentioned by Mikhail Lermontov and Alexandre Dumas. True, in those days there was no skiing here yet.

Photo: Gudauri ski resort

On the ancient path

The Kazbegi municipality of Georgia is located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range. The Georgian Military Road passes here through the Cross Pass. It is here, at an altitude of 2196 m, that the tiny village of Gudauri is located. On the highway this is the highest mountain locality. A ski center was created on its basis. This was facilitated by the high altitude of the location, which guarantees the presence of snow, as well as the short distance from Tbilisi - only 120 km.

The route connecting the North Caucasus with Transcaucasia has existed since ancient times. It turned into a full-fledged highway at the end of the 18th century, when it received the name Georgian Military Road. A Gudaur postal station was then opened in a roadside village. Lermontov, driving along the road, sketched the ruins of the fortress, which was located on the opposite side of the gorge. “Ruins on the banks of the Aragva,” that’s what he called his work. And Alexandre Dumas in travel notes described the local Mljet serpentine.

Georgian capital of freeride

The ski center in Gudauri appeared in 1975. All the necessary conditions were available for its development. Snow in the mountains falls in early December and lasts until April. The depth of snow at the height of winter reaches one and a half meters. In years rich in snowfall, skiing is possible from late November to early May. To extend the skiing season, snow cannons have been installed on some slopes.

The first tracks in Gudauri were equipped between 1975 and 1985. The lower station was built at an altitude of 1990 m, the upper one at 3307 m. Highest points the peaks of the Kudebi and Sadzele mountains became. The expansion of the ski center is still ongoing. Now it is equipped with the most modern equipment. The Austrians took an active part in the construction, and they know a lot about alpine skiing!

Freeride is considered the hallmark of Gudauri - skiing on virgin soil. This is facilitated by the deep depth of snow, the absence of avalanches and large stones. On the slopes there is a large number of off-piste slopes for heli-skiing. Backcountry is also popular - climbing to peaks on foot without the help of ski lifts, followed by skiing or snowboarding down unprepared slopes. The slalom, giant slalom and downhill courses are designed for experienced athletes.

The total length of the trails reaches 50 km. There are 22 tracks in total, of which 20% have a high level of difficulty and are intended for professionals, and 80% are used by amateurs. The trails are prepared at night using snowcats. The cable cars operate quickly - the rise from the lower to the upper skiing points takes a total of 30 minutes.

Photo: The resort is suitable for both experienced skiers and children

There are four ski schools in Gudauri, where you can also rent the necessary equipment. Don't think that only children study there. Training is carried out depending on the initial technical level - from beginners to advanced riders. There are six-day training programs, and there are classes that last from half a day to one day. The instructors speak Georgian, Russian, English, Italian, Polish.

Trails and cable cars

The “green” route “Pirveli” is in the first stage. Its length is 1053 m. It is perfect for beginner skiers. In the evening the track is illuminated. On Saturdays they offer night skiing under the stars. The lift operates until 22:00. Since the skiing height is low, snow cannons are installed here, just in case. There are several equipment rental points in the vicinity of the station. There is a tubing track with a running track 300 m long.

Photo: The slopes are served by about a dozen lifts

Above is the second stage. This is the main ski area. The blue slopes “Soliko”, “Tatra”, “Gudauria”, “Sportuli” are served by several ski lifts at once. One of them is the high-speed four-seater chairlift “Soliko” (2295 m). In parallel, there is a six-seater chairlift "Shino" with a length of 2800 m. It was opened recently - in December 2016. The Gudaura gondola cable car takes skiers to the same point. The cabins accommodate up to 10 people. Its length is 2800 m.

At the same altitude there is a small drag lift "Alpina". There is also a 600 m long “Zuma” rope rope. It serves the training slope of the same name, where children and beginner adult skiers train. For young skiers there are two belt lifts of the “Magic carpet” system. Free Wi-Fi is available along the trails. This height can be reached by car along a mountain serpentine road. Actually, this is where the resort itself is located with hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Above there is a snow park, which is serviced by the 1104 m long three-seater chairlift “Snow Park”. There are two short children's slopes “Baby” and “Bombora” with rope tows. Even higher, to the mark of 3006 m, you can climb to the top of Kudebi on the four-seater chairlift “Kudebi” with a length of 1063 m. Here, mainly, is the territory of the “red” slopes.

And finally, the apogee is the peak of Sadzele. The four-seater chairlift of the same name takes skiers to the point with an altitude of 3276 m. The length of the climb is 1504 m. Experienced skiers climb here, since the slopes are equipped exclusively with “red” and “black” trails. There are also six freeride zones.

Photo: Quadruple chairlift

Freeride is also practiced on the slopes of neighboring Mount Bidara (3174 m), but access to them is only possible by helicopter. This is the so-called heli-skiing area. The helicopter takes on board groups of 4-8 people. The cost of one flight is 510 lari (12,000 rubles) per person, three flights - 1,200 lari (29,000 rubles). The price includes transfer, avalanche equipment, helicopter flight and guides.

When and how much?

When planning a vacation in Gudauri, you should take into account the seasonal weather patterns in this region. The coldest months in the mountains are December and January. But this is the sunniest period. Heavy snowfalls occur no more than four times a month. The peak of vacationers occurs during the New Year holidays. But from January 10 to January 25, the roads are quite deserted.

Photo: The season lasts from December to the end of April

The high season also falls on the dates from February 10 to March 10. At this time it is no longer cold. Snowfalls occur more often than in January. The snow depth is maximum, which is especially important for freeride fans. The sun in spring is often hidden by clouds. But there is almost no wind. April is considered the warmest and sunniest. However, there are already few skiers on the slopes.

In winter, the lifts are on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From the end of March to April, opening hours vary: Mon.-Fri. from 9 to 15, Sat.-Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From mid-July the cable cars are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What to do in Gudari in summer? Go hiking and admire mountain panoramas. You can go mountain biking or hang gliding in tandem with an instructor.

The cost of one lift for adults and children is the same - 10 lari (238 rubles). A child ski pass can be purchased for a child aged 6 to 16 years. A weekly ski pass for an adult costs 174 lari (4134 rubles), for a child 116 lari (2756 rubles). Five-day ski passes are popular: respectively, 143 lari (3398 rubles) and 98 lari (2328 rubles). Night skiing will cost 10 lari (238 rubles). Cheesecake riding is completely free. Lifts for children under 6 years old are also free.

Photo: Both adults and children can ride snowmobiles

Russians do not need a visa to travel to Georgia, but they must purchase medical insurance. Alpine skiing refers to active species recreation with increased health risks. Medical ski insurance is more expensive than regular insurance, but saving in this case is not advisable. Typically, insurance, in addition to calling a doctor, includes the cost of transportation from remote mountainous areas, hospital treatment, as well as transportation from abroad to home.

A roof over your head and après ski

There are many hotels and apartments at the resort, however, during the high season, places need to be booked in advance. As you know, the closer to the ski lift station the hotel is located, the more convenient, but more expensive. True, if you have your own car or a transfer service to the ski lift (if the hotel provides one), this pattern does not matter.

In total, there are more than five dozen hotels and cottages in Gudauri to suit every taste and budget. Prices start from $25 per seat per person. Half board is often included in the price. Some hotels offer free house wine. The list of services may include Wi-Fi, use of a library, secure parking, billiards, and a sauna. Master classes on cooking khachapuri, khinkali and chacha are held for those interested.

In addition, it is possible to rent an apartment. These, for example, include the large New Gudauri complex, located right next to the gondola lift station. The complex includes cafes, bars and a grocery store. The choice of apartments is quite large. The apartments and rooms can accommodate up to eight people.

Photo: Real Adjarian-style khachapuri

For skiers, not only the slopes are of interest, but also “après ski” - a pastime after skiing. Of course, first of all you should visit bars and restaurants in order to fully appreciate the local wine and Georgian cuisine. There are plenty of such establishments at the resort. The prices are quite reasonable.

Excursions lasting from 4 to 12 hours are organized for those interested. The choice is quite large: Georgian Military Road, Tbilisi, cave city Uplistsikhe, Cross Pass, Mount Kazbek and much more. Estimated price - from 243 to 660 lari (6-16 thousand rubles) for a group of four people.

Photo: Famous natural Georgian lemonade

How to get there

Minibuses run regularly from Tbilisi airport to Gudauri. Some transport companies give passengers homemade wine when ordering a round trip - 2-4 bottles per person! There are also connections to the resort from the airport. Shuttle Buses. The cost of a round-trip ticket is 70 lari (1,700 rubles). A taxi from the airport is not cheap.

Photo: You can get from Tbilisi and the airport to Gidauri by minibus

Minibuses also go to the resort from Tbilisi, from the bus station near the Didube metro station. All minibuses going to Gudauri, Kobi and Kazbegi are suitable. Travel time is about 3 hours. They do not have an exact departure time schedule. The cost of travel to Gudauri is 7-10 lari (170-240 rubles). You can also get from the metro by taxi. It costs less here than from the airport.

Russians travel by car to the resort from Vladikavkaz through the Verkhniy Lars – Kazbegi border crossing. You should first find out whether the Georgian Military Road is closed to traffic. This happens during heavy snowfalls. Another option is to fly to Tbilisi by plane and rent a car. The average rental cost is about 120 lari (3000 rubles) per day.

Our tourist club offers the following hiking programs:

Tell your friends!

Gudauri ski resort is a relatively young Georgian resort, which is at the stage of its development. Today it is the most promising resort in the Caucasus.

The development of the Gudauri resort began in 1982, when its luxurious natural opportunities attracted the interest of Austrian investors. It was they who built the first hotel and several ski lifts in these places. Since then, the Gudauri resort began to rapidly gain popularity both among Georgians and foreigners.

Despite the fact that the Gudauri ski resort is located at an altitude of 2153 meters above sea level, there are practically no strong winds on its territory. The weather here is almost always sunny and calm. In January, the air temperature ranges from -5 to -7 degrees below zero. The ski season usually officially opens at the end of December and lasts until April, but the resort has snow cover from November to May.

Characteristics of the resort (piste, heights, slopes, lifts, etc.)

Today, the Gudauri resort has twenty-two tracks, total length which is more than fifty kilometers. The tracks are located on the slopes of the Sadzele mountains, whose height is 3268 meters and 3307 meters, and Kudebi with a height of 3006 meters. The elevation difference in these places is 1200 meters. Trails Gudauri resorts differ in degree of difficulty. Conventionally, they can be classified as:

• blue- flat wide tracks without any bumps or protrusions, ideal for beginners;
• red- high-speed tracks with sharp turns for experienced skiers;
• black- trails for real professionals.

The length of the longest descent at the Gudauri resort is seven kilometers. All trails are groomed every night using snowcats, and one of them is equipped with snow cannons. At the Gudauri resort you can find tracks for slalom, giant and super-giant slalom, as well as cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.

Ski lifts in Gudauri. The resort is served by five lines of the Austrian brand Doppelmayer chairlift:

• three-chair “Pirveli” with a length of 1053 meters, which is illuminated in the evening;
• high-speed four-seat “Soliko” with a length of 2295 meters;
• three-chair “Kudebi” with a length of 1063 meters, leading to the top of the mountain of the same name;
• three-chair “Snow Park” with a length of 1104 meters;
• four-chair “Sadzele” with a length of 1504 meters, with which you can get to the top of the mountain of the same name.

Since 2012, the resort also has a gondola cable car from Poma, called “Gudauri”. Its length is 2800 meters and its capacity is ten people. At the same time, a 600-meter-long drag lift and two baby lifts were installed on the Zuma training slope, and a 300-meter-long running track and tubing track were put into operation.

In winter, the lifts operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Saturday from 20 to 22 hours, guests of the resort are offered evening skiing on one of the slopes.

Sprawling virgin fields, ideal for off-piste skiing, make many tourists prefer Gudauri to the most famous alpine resorts.

In addition to skiing, the Gudauri resort has conditions for such activities extreme species sports such as backcountry, heliboarding or heli-skiing, speedriding and paragliding.

Complex infrastructure

In addition to excellent opportunities for skiing, the Gudauri resort can offer its visitors a variety of leisure options. There is a real one here a Russian wood-burning bathhouse, an ultra-modern spa center with a sauna, a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, as well as a massage therapist’s office. Guests can play billiards, bowling or tennis.

Guests of the resort are offered meals in several restaurants, among which you can find both truly luxurious establishments and cozy cafes with affordable prices. Between the first and second lift you will find restaurant "Carpe Diem", which is ready to delight you with delicious dishes of both European and national Georgian cuisine.

Restaurant MAGI Style located on the first floor of the building of the same name. It is characterized by a combination of Ukrainian and Georgian cuisine with the addition of some European dishes. There is a cozy atmosphere here, and the prices are surprising in their affordability. For visitors with children, the restaurant provides a special children's play corner, where a professional nanny is present from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Tuesday evening at the MAGI Style restaurant you can listen to lectures on .

Dishes of European and Georgian cuisine can be enjoyed in restaurant "Marco Polo", which is equipped with a sun terrace, as well as restaurant "A la Carte", from the windows of which you can admire a breathtaking view of the picturesque mountain landscapes.

The elegant furnishings will not leave anyone indifferent restaurant "Truso" offering delicious dishes of European and Georgian cuisine.

Well, if you want to completely immerse yourself in the national Georgian atmosphere, you should visit tavern "Hreki" or Cafe-restaurant "Gagieti". They are also quite popular restaurants MONTE, SHINO, "New Gudauri" and "".

Guests of the resort can purchase food and various essential goods at the Smart supermarket.

Prices and services in Guda Uri

Gudauri ski resort has its own ski school called SkiGudauri, whose professional instructors will be happy to teach you the intricacies of skiing and snowboarding. Children from the age of four can also attend school.

The cost of an individual lesson lasting fifty-five minutes is 50 GEL, and for each additional student you will need to pay an additional 15 GEL. A lesson for a group of five to ten people will cost 100 GEL. The school operates a rental of ski equipment, as well as a store for outdoor activities and ski equipment.

For rental, guests of the Gudauri resort are offered new high-quality sets for alpine skiing and snowboarding from world-famous manufacturers such as Head, Nordica and Salomon. Additionally, you can rent gloves.

The cost of renting a full set of equipment is 25 GEL per day, and an additional accessory will cost you another 5 GEL. Those who plan to use the equipment for more than three days are offered discounts on rentals. The rental service carries out sharpening of edges and professional processing of sliding surfaces.

As for the cost of lifts, about din descent will cost you 5 lari. If you plan to ride all day, you will need to purchase special ticket, the cost of which is 30 GEL for adults and 20 GEL for children. Children under six years of age can use all lifts free of charge.

For those tourists who plan to spend more than a day at the Gudauri resort, a special plastic card is provided, the cost of a deposit for which is 4 GEL. Three days of skiing will cost the owner of this card 84 GEL, and for 500 GEL you can use the resort’s facilities throughout the entire season. Free Wi-Fi is available along all slopes and lifts.

Look at all the photos of the Gudauri resort:

Housing and accommodation in Gudauri

Gudauri resort boasts excellent tourism infrastructure. Here you can find many fashionable hotels, cozy cottages and apartments where you can stay. The most popular hotel in the resort is hotel Gudauri Marco Polo , designed for 123 rooms. Marco Polo in Gudaura has several restaurants and bars, a beauty salon, a conference room, a swimming pool and sauna, a solarium and a massage room, as well as a tennis court and billiards.

Suitable for lovers of comfort hotel in Gudauri Truso, which has 14 rooms. There is a restaurant and grill bar, a Finnish sauna and a massage room. The small hotel Gagieti is famous for its unique Georgian flavor and cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

Where is and how to get to the Gudauri ski resort

The resort is located 120 kilometers from Tbilisi and 89 kilometers from Vladikavkaz. Gudauri occupies a small plateau on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range. Today the majority travel companies, offering tours to the resort, provide their clients with transfers to Gudauri.

Well, those who want to get to the resort on their own can use minibuses, which regularly depart from the bus station located in Tbilisi at the Didube metro station.

Official website of the Gudauri ski resort: http://www.gudauri.ru

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Gudauri ski resort is truly wonderful place for winter holidays. Snow-white slopes, bright sun, crystal fresh air, majestic Caucasus mountains and excellent opportunities for skiing - all this makes Gudauri a resort that you will definitely want to return to again!

We also invite you to watch a video about the Gudauri ski resort:

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