Gudauri Ski Resort
Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Gudauri Ski Resort is located on a south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia, at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level. Situated along the Georgian Military Highway near the Jvari Pass, it offers extensive skiing opportunities with over 76 kilometers of ski runs served by 18 modern lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts from the renowned Austrian-Swiss manufacturer Doppelmayr. The resort is known for its avalanche-safe slopes above the tree line and a ski season that lasts from December to April. Gudauri provides unique experiences such as heliskiing on runs ranging from 1,500 to 4,200 meters altitude, as well as ski touring around the resort area and the nearby Mount Kazbek massif. Additionally, Gudauri is a popular site for speed riding and paragliding, with professional instructors available. The lifts operate daily with extended hours in warmer seasons to maximize daylight skiing. Despite some past accidents, the resort remains a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking varied terrain and modern infrastructure.
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Tip: The best time to visit Gudauri Ski Resort is from December through April to enjoy the full ski season. It is advisable to book accommodations and ski passes in advance, especially during peak holiday periods. Visitors can benefit from various discounts and special offers by subscribing to the resort's updates. For activities like heliskiing and paragliding, booking guided sessions with certified instructors is recommended for safety. The resort's lifts operate from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter and from 9:00 to 17:00 in warmer months, so plan your skiing accordingly. Checking weather and avalanche conditions before heading out is also prudent.
Interesting facts
- •Gudauri offers heliskiing runs at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,200 meters, providing some of the highest accessible skiing in the region.
- •The resort's slopes are above the tree line and considered avalanche-safe, making it a preferred destination for freeride skiing.
- •In 2018, three new chairlifts were constructed totaling 7.5 km in length, dramatically increasing lift capacity.
- •Gudauri is also a popular location for speed riding and paragliding, with experienced instructors available to accompany visitors.
- •The resort is located just 4.1 km from the border with the unrecognized territory of South Ossetia.
History
Gudauri Ski Resort developed along the Georgian Military Highway near the Jvari Pass, becoming a prominent winter sports location due to its high-altitude plateau and favorable snow conditions.
Over time, the infrastructure expanded significantly; in 2018, new chairlifts and gondolas were added to increase capacity and enhance accessibility.
The resort's lifts have been modernized with equipment from Doppelmayr, and new lifts were introduced after December 2023 to further improve the ski experience.
Despite some tragic incidents, including a chairlift accident in 2018 and a helicopter crash in 2022, Gudauri has continued to grow as a key tourist destination in Georgia.
Place Guide
Pirveli Chairlift
The first ski lift at Gudauri, a 1,010-meter-long six-seater chairlift starting at 1,990 meters above sea level, providing access to beginner and intermediate slopes.
Soliko Chairlift
A 2,310-meter-long six-seater chairlift that serves intermediate and advanced ski runs, enhancing accessibility across the resort.
Snow Park Chairlift
A 1,060-meter-long three-seater chairlift primarily serving the Snow Park area, popular among freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Kobi-Gudauri Gondola Lifts2018
Constructed in 2018, these gondola lifts span a total of 7.5 kilometers and include three chairlifts, significantly increasing the resort's passenger capacity to 2,800 per hour.
New Lifts: Gudaura, Kikilo 1 and Kikilo 22023
Added after December 2023, these three new lifts covering 6 kilometers further expanded the resort's skiable terrain and enhanced accessibility.
Contact
Phone: 599 48 11 04
