Skiing in Georgia offers a unique blend of adventure and stunning landscapes. With its diverse range of ski resorts, Georgia is rapidly becoming a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Caucasus Mountains provide an ideal backdrop for skiing and snowboarding, featuring well-groomed slopes, freeride opportunities, and modern facilities.
Ski Pass in Georgia
There are mainly four places for skiing in Georgia. These are a part of Georgia's unified ski-pass subscription system. You can get a multi-day pass at once and use it to access ski lifts at five resorts in Mestia (Hatsvali and Tetnuldi), Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Goderdzi. These passes can be obtained at any of these ski resorts. They can cost from GEL 370 to GEL 650 for adults and GEL 185 to GEL 325 for kids.
Best Time for Skiing in Georgia
The best time for skiing in Georgia is from late December to early April, when the snow conditions are at their peak and the temperatures range from -5°C to -10°C. During this period, resorts like Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Mestia offer excellent slopes for skiing. The pristine snow and well-maintained trails, combined with the crisp winter temperatures, make it an ideal time to enjoy winter sports amidst the stunning Caucasus Mountains.
5 Ski resorts in Georgia
1. Gudauri Ski Resort
Gudauri is the most popular ski resort in Georgia, offering a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort is easily accessible and provides long runs with stunning panoramic views. Known for its off-piste opportunities, Gudauri attracts freeriders as well. With modern infrastructure and a range of accommodations, it caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. It also offers heli-skiing. You can rent ski equipments and find instructors to guide you through each step.
Location: 120 kilometers from Tbilisi
Elevation: Highest lift reaching 3,276 meters
Infrastructure: 4 gondolas, 10 chairlifts
2. Bakuriani Ski Resort
Bakuriani, located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, is one of Georgia’s premier ski resorts. Situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters on the northern slope of the Trialeti Range, Bakuriani offers a variety of slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort has 29 kilometers of slopes and 20 lifts to transport guests across its extensive winter sports area.
Bakuriani is known for its long winter season, lasting 4-5 months, which provides excellent conditions for winter sports. You can rent ski equipment here but they might be old and outdated. Ski guides are available at the resort to help beginners and novice skiers with their adventures.
Location: 26 kilometers from Borjomi
Elevation: 1,641 to 2,702 meters
Ski Areas: Didveli (1,861 meters), Kokhta (2,155 meters)
3. Hatsvali Ski Resort (Mestia)
Hatsvali Ski Resort, located 8 kilometers from Mestia is accessible via an automobile road and a six-chair ski lift, the resort is easy to reach, though the lift from Mestia is closed in summer, requiring a car for transport. Alternatively, taxis are available in Mestia's center.
The resort sometimes offers night skiing, with colorful lights illuminating the slopes. Ski equipment rentals are available at the resort and the slopes are safe to try free-riding. Hatsvali operates year-round. However, in October and Novemner only Zuruldi lift is functional.
Location: 257 kilometers from Kutaisi
Elevation: Hatsvali (1,428 to 1,898 meters) and Zuruldi (1,868 to 2,348 meters)
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Tetnuldi Ski Resort (Mestia)
Tetnuldi Ski Resort, located in the Svaneti region, offers a unique alpine experience, particularly for those interested in freeride skiing. Tetnuldi encourages freeriding with routes leading to the Mulakhi and Adishi communities. You can descend into these mountain villages on various paths, provided they have the proper equipment and a local guide.
The resort has nine prepared ski routes covering a total of 13 kilometers, catering to intermediate and experienced skiers. While visiting Tetnuldi, you can stay in nearby villages or in Mestia, which is just a 40-minute drive away from the resort.
Location: 267 kilometers from Kutaisi
Elevation: 3,160 meters
Infrastructure: Five high-speed cable cars, nine ski routes
5. Goderdzi Ski Resort
Goderdzi Resort is a four-season ski resort. Unique among Georgian mountain resorts, Goderdzi’s proximity to the sea allows for stunning sunsets over the Black Sea. The area experiences beautiful springs, cool summers, colorful autumns, and snowy winters from December to mid-April, making it a year-round destination.
The resort has majority of intermediate ski trails but also offers beginners and advanced trails. Even novice skiers have access to a 200-meter beginner run for practice. The resort also offers freeride skiing.
Location: 109 kilometers from Batumi
Elevation: 2,025 to 2,350 meters
6. Betania Ski Resort
Betania Ski Resort, located in the scenic Trialeti Range near Tbilisi, is an excellent destination for beginners due to the ski slopes being not too steep. It offers skiing mostly during the months of January and February. Other seasons offer opportunities for hiking and nature walks.
Location: 24 kilometers from Tbilisi
Elevation: Approximately 1,200 meters
7. Bakhmaro Ski Resort
Bakhmaro Ski Resort, nestled in the Guria region of western Georgia, is known for its reliable snowfall and long skiing season. The resort features natural slopes and off-piste skiing opportunities, making it a favorite among freeride enthusiasts. While the infrastructure is limited, the charm of Bakhmaro lies in its untouched, scenic winter landscapes.
Location: 120 kilometers from Kutaisi
Elevation: 1,900 to 2,050 meters
Georgia's ski resorts offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the well-equipped and accessible slopes of Gudauri and Bakuriani to the adventurous terrains of Tetnuldi and Hatsvali, each resort offers something unique for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing in Georgia presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most picturesque and varied landscapes in the world.
