Skiing in Gudauri: Wide Slopes and Powder Snow in the Caucasus Mountains

Gudauri is a ski resort in Georgia's Greater Caucasus Mountains, set on wide, open slopes above the tree line. With its spacious runs, plenty of sunny days and powder after fresh snowfall, it particularly appeals to experienced skiers and snowboarders, while its easy slopes also make room for beginners. Reached by a short flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi and a transfer along a mountain road, Gudauri is an option close to Türkiye for those who want to ski abroad.

What makes Gudauri different?

Open slopes above the tree line

Gudauri's runs largely stretch across wide, treeless slopes. This gives skiers plenty of space both on and beside the pistes. There is less of a crowded feel, and long descents with wide turns are possible.

Its freeride reputation

Gudauri is known among international skiers for off-piste skiing (freeride). After fresh snowfall, the open slopes offer experienced skiers wide off-piste opportunities. However, going off-piste requires an understanding of avalanche risk, carrying suitable safety equipment and preferably going with a local guide. Always follow the resort's latest warnings.

Caucasus views

From the slopes you can see the rows of snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus. On clear days, this view makes Gudauri not just a ski resort but also an impressive mountain experience.

Who is it for?

• Experienced skiers and snowboarders: Gudauri is an appealing destination for its wide slopes and freeride opportunities.
• Intermediate: The long, wide runs are good for improving your technique.
• Beginners: The resort has beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools. If you are skiing for the first time, we recommend taking lessons. For the basics, see our guide for first-time skiers.
• Groups: The programme is planned for groups of friends, young people, companies and nature lovers.

Tour programme

The Georgia Gudauri Ski Tour is a 3 nights, 4 days programme with hotel accommodation:

1. Day 1: Morning flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi, meet and greet, and transfer to Gudauri via the Georgian Military Road, with a stop at Ananuri on the way if conditions allow. Check in at the hotel and rent equipment.
2. Day 2: After breakfast, a full day of free skiing on the Gudauri slopes.
3. Day 3: Free skiing or, if road and weather conditions allow, an optional trip to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda); additional activities such as paragliding for those who wish (extra).
4. Day 4: Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Tbilisi Airport, then return to Istanbul.

Ski passes, equipment rental and ski lessons are usually not included in the tour price and are purchased separately. We work out together with you at the quotation stage which items to plan for your group and how.

The Georgian Military Road: the transfer is an experience too

The road from Tbilisi to Gudauri is part of the historic Georgian Military Road. Full of valleys, villages and steadily rising mountains, this road is the first scenic part of your ski holiday. Along the way, Ananuri Fortress on the shore of the Zhinvali reservoir is a place where you stop when conditions allow.

In winter this road can slow down or close temporarily in heavy snowfall. For this reason, transfer times may vary with road conditions. For more information about the road and the stops, see our article Gudauri, Kazbegi and practical information.

Things to watch on the slopes

• Sun and altitude: The sun is strong at high altitude; sunscreen and UV-protective goggles are a must.
• Changes in the weather: Wind and fog can roll in quickly on open slopes. When visibility drops, switch to runs you know.
• Off-piste: If you are going freeriding, carry avalanche equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) and don't go alone.
• Insurance: As you will be skiing abroad, we recommend taking out travel health insurance that also covers skiing accidents.

Snow and the season

The season in Gudauri usually opens in December and runs into spring depending on snow conditions. Snowfall and the opening and closing dates of the slopes vary each year depending on the weather; check the current situation before you go.

Visa and passport

Entry requirements may change. Before you travel, check the current situation with Georgia's official sources and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will also share details such as entry conditions with a passport or ID card and your passport's validity period with you at the quotation stage.

For other winter routes in Türkiye and abroad, visit our ski holidays page.

Evenings in Gudauri

Gudauri is not a town but a resort made up of hotels and ski facilities on the mountain. Evenings are therefore spent mostly around the hotel, with a hot meal and good conversation. Khachapuri and khinkali, classics of Georgian cuisine, are the first dishes to try after a long day of skiing. You will have enough time to rest after skiing, dry your equipment and get ready for the next day. For more on Georgian culture and cuisine, have a look at our article Gudauri, Kazbegi and practical information.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gudauri?

Gudauri is a ski resort in Georgia's Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is reached by road from Tbilisi via the Georgian Military Road. On our tour you fly to Tbilisi and transfer to Gudauri.

Is Gudauri suitable for beginners?

Yes. Although Gudauri is known for freeride, the resort has beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools. First-time skiers are advised to take lessons.

Do you need a visa to go to Gudauri?

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

Does the Gudauri tour include Kazbegi?

On the third day, if road and weather conditions allow, an optional trip to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) can be made. If conditions do not allow, the day is spent free skiing.