Kazbegi, Ananuri and Georgian Cuisine on a Gudauri Ski Holiday

A Gudauri ski holiday has two big rewards beyond skiing: Ananuri Fortress on the way from Tbilisi, and the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church in Kazbegi, rising in front of Mount Kazbek, which you can visit on a day off from skiing. In the evenings, Georgian classics such as khachapuri and khinkali are among the dishes that warm you up after a day in the mountains. As winter conditions can affect these trips, they are all planned according to road and weather conditions.

The first stop on the road: Ananuri

On the Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi to Gudauri, the Ananuri Fortress Complex, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali reservoir, is one of the most photogenic stops on the journey. Inside the walled complex are churches and a watchtower. In winter, the snow-covered walls and the lake view offer a tranquillity you won't find in summer.

On the Georgia Gudauri Ski Tour programme, the Ananuri stop is made on the way when conditions allow. If winter conditions or transfer times do not allow, the stop may be skipped.

A day off from skiing: Kazbegi

Stepantsminda and Mount Kazbek

Kazbegi, officially called Stepantsminda, is a mountain town beyond Gudauri, close to the Russian border. Mount Kazbek, rising above the town, is one of the best-known peaks in the Caucasus and also holds an important place in Georgian mythology.

Gergeti Holy Trinity Church

The symbol of Kazbegi is Gergeti Sameba, the Holy Trinity Church, on the hill overlooking the town. Standing alone with the snowy summit of Mount Kazbek behind it, this stone church forms one of the most photographed views in Georgia. In winter the road up to the church can be snowy and icy; access depends on the weather and road conditions on the day.

The Kazbegi day on the tour

On the third day of our tour, if road and weather conditions allow, an optional trip to Kazbegi can be made. If conditions do not allow, the day is spent free skiing. On the same day, additional activities such as paragliding are also offered to those who wish (extra); these activities also depend on the weather.

Other views along the road

Near Gudauri, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Georgian Military Road, stands a semicircular monument decorated with mosaics. Usually known as the "Friendship Monument", it is a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the deep valley below and the mountains opposite. In winter, the view from here is a great opportunity to grasp the scale of the Caucasus.

Georgian cuisine: what to eat after skiing

As the cuisine of a mountainous country, Georgian food is filling and delicious. Classics to try after a day of skiing:

• Khachapuri: Georgian cheese bread. It comes in different shapes in different regions; the best known is the boat-shaped Adjarian khachapuri, with an egg and butter added in the middle.
• Khinkali: Pleated Georgian dumplings cooked with their meat juices inside. They are eaten by hand: you hold the pleated top, take a bite first and drink the broth, then eat the dough. The pleated top is usually left on the side of the plate.
• Lobio: A spiced dish made from red kidney beans and served hot. A must on cold days.
• Churchkhela: A traditional sausage-shaped sweet made by dipping walnuts or hazelnuts in grape must and drying them. It is also a very popular souvenir.

Practical information

Money

Georgia's currency is the lari. Although card payments are common in Gudauri and Tbilisi, it is useful to keep some cash with you for small businesses and mountain villages. When changing money, use official exchange offices.

Phone and internet

Roaming charges vary by operator. Before you go, check your operator's international packages or consider getting a local SIM card. Hotels usually have an internet connection.

Visa and entry requirements

Entry requirements may change. Before you travel, check the current situation with Georgia's official sources and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Insurance

We recommend taking out travel health insurance that also covers skiing accidents. Make sure your policy covers winter sports.

Clothing

On the Kazbegi and Ananuri trips you spend a long time outdoors. Your ski jacket, thick socks and boots with non-slip soles will come in handy here too.

If you would like to see Tbilisi too

On the Gudauri ski tour, Tbilisi is only the airport and a transit point. For those who want to see Georgia's capital, its old town and Mtskheta, we also have a separate Georgia Tour: Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Kazbegi programme. For the slopes and skiing side of Gudauri, see our Gudauri ski guide, and for all winter options, our ski holidays page.

Staying flexible in winter conditions

Beyond Gudauri, the Georgian Military Road crosses a high mountain pass (the Jvari Pass) and can close temporarily in heavy snowfall in winter. For this reason, the Ananuri stop, the Kazbegi trip and activities such as paragliding only take place when road and weather conditions allow. Keep your plans flexible: if the weather is overcast, spending that day on the slopes and waiting for clear weather the next day is often the best choice. Daily road information from local guides and hotel staff is very helpful when deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go from Gudauri to Kazbegi in winter?

Yes, if road and weather conditions allow. On our tour, an optional trip to Kazbegi can be made on the third day; if conditions do not allow, the day is spent free skiing.

Can you go up to Gergeti Church in winter?

In winter the road up to the church can be snowy and icy. Access depends on the weather and road conditions on the day and is assessed on site.

What to eat in Georgia?

Khachapuri, khinkali, lobio and churchkhela are among the best-known dishes of Georgian cuisine. After skiing, a hot plate of khinkali is a lovely end to a cold day.

Is the Turkish lira accepted in Georgia?

Georgia's currency is the lari. Card payments are common, but it is practical to keep some lari with you for small businesses.