Winter Resorts of Georgia
Georgia becomes more and more attractive in terms of winter sports and adventure holidays. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can have a great time at the winter resorts of our country.
Those who are just learning to ski, can go to Bakuriani, where the slopes are more gentle. This resort has well-developed infrastructure for a vacation with family and children: while you improve your skills or taste the whole variety of culinary delicacies and famous Georgian wine, your children can enjoy the attention of professional skiing instructors or experienced nurses.
Gudauri is a cool place for fans of steep slopes, freeride and heli-skiing. Those who look for thrilling experiences and want to enjoy the mountain views from the highest points can go paragliding and speedriding. On the other hand, in Gudauri there is also a place for those who just want to get out of town, get some fresh air, take a steam bath, drink mulled wine or taste Georgian brandies and chacha.
Svanetian resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, are relatively young compared to Bakuriani and Gudauri. It is better to reach both places from Mestia, the central village of Svaneti. New lifts, steep slopes and crazily beautiful views will make you enjoy every moment. These mountains are higher than the Alps! Totally worth going.
Ajara region, traditionally famous for sea, sun, nightlife and boat-like khachapuri, now also boasts with a new snow resort, Goderdzi. Well, khachapuri is always delicious, dancing in trendy places or trying your luck in casino is possible anytime, but skiing so close to the coast is possible only in the wintertime. So, whatever you would prefer for your winter holidays, can be found in Georgia. You are always welcome!
Skiing & Snowboarding
Speaking of classic winter vacation, the first thing that comes to our mind is skiing on the white mountain slopes, playing snowballs, drinking mulled wine and gathering around the bonfire after an active day outdoors. Where to get it all in Georgia? In the season 2017-2018 there will be five options: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Hatsvali, Tetnuldi and Goderdzi.
Georgian Mountain Resorts Development Company provides the most up-to-date information about them. We will also give you a short review.
Bakuriani
Bakuriani ski resort is situated 1700 m above sea level on the northern slope of Trialeti Range, at footsteps of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains and 180 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. Due to its long winters (3-4 months), the resort is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. It is also a superb venue for children to engage in winter sports and activities.
Resort offers:
8 Ski lifts
27 km of ski runs 15% with artificial snow
Levels of ski pistes – Intermediate, Advanced & Expert
Night Skiing
Goderdzi
Goderdzi Ski resort situated on a north-facing plateau at a top elevation of 2290 m from sea level, 120 km from Batumi capital of Ajara is ideal four-season mountain resort by its location and infrastructure. Here, mountains are snow-covered (6-7 m of snow) from November till April, while the gently rolling topography of the valley floor offers plentiful zones.
Resort offers:
2 Ski lifts
8 km of ski runs
Levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Ski Tours
Gudauri
Alpine resort Gudauri with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun is situated 2200 m above sea level on a south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and 120 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. It is a perfect mountain ski resort certificated by FIS, for all levels of skiers and snowboarders to discover new passion and share perfect moments with friends or family members. Gudauri has high altitude powder, offering virtually unrestricted access to an altitude of 4,200 meters. Season usually lasts for 4 months and snow on the slopes gets up to 3-4 m. Valleys and untouched foothills offer exceptional cross-country skiing and freeriding opportunities.
Resort offers:
11 Ski lifts & 3 Moving carpets
70 km of ski runs 15% with artificial snow
Levels of ski pistes – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Expert
Unlimited off-piste
Night Skiing
Heli-ski
Snow Park
Ski tours
Mestia/Svaneti
Mestia is a highland townlet in northwest Georgia situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters in Caucasus Mountains. It is a perfect start of a way to two ski resorts, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, for freeriding and off-piste lovers, as mountains are snow-covered for early December till early April.
Hatsvali
1 ski lifts
7 km of ski runs
3 levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Night Skiing
Heli-ski
Freeriding
Ski tours
Off-Piste
Tetnuldi
4 ski lifts
30 km of ski runs
8 ski run
3 levels of ski pistes – intermediate, advanced, expert
Heli-ski
Freeriding
Ski tours
Off-Piste
New Year In Georgia
Sometimes it doesn’t matter to which tradition or confession we belong: as the whole world counts the seconds to the New Year, each of us also hopes for the best and makes wishes. Smooth sliding into the new year in a new country with its own traditions is always interesting. Georgia can offer you recreation on its winter resorts, various events in the bars and restaurants of Tbilisi, impressive fireworks at the seaside in Batumi, interesting cultural discoveries and the most beautiful landscapes. Read more about reasons to celebrate New Year in Georgia here! Discover more about winter activities in Tbilisi, Batumi or around our winter resorts. Make your holidays special!
Top 10 Winter Experiences Of Georgia
Georgians are the most welcoming people in the world! And we know how confusing it can be for you to plan your winter vacation in our country that has always been famous for its sea, sun, wine and mountains. That’s why we picked these ten experiences for you, so that you would make the most out of your holidays.
1. Learning to ski (if you still couldn’t)
There are really good ski instructors and ski camps for adults and kids at our ski resorts. The biggest amount of them is in Gudauri and Bakuriani.
2. Trying heli-ski (if you tried everything possible before)
If you are experienced enough, and your seek for adrenaline, heli-ski is something you would really enjoy! Untouched snow, fabulous altitude and crazy landscapes are waiting for you in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Mestia.
3. Visiting sulfur baths in Tbilisi
Everyone has heard about them, but not everybody knows that it’s not your average touristic thing. We go there too, when we are tired and want to recover. Strong massage with immense amounts of soap and hot sulfuric water do their thing pretty well!
4. Raving in Bassiani
The most famous Georgian club is not a place where you can easily walk it, which makes it more appealing to the fans of high class electronic music. Only top DJs, only right people!
5. Treating yourself with healing waters
Book spa treatment in one of the hotels in Borjomi, Sairme or Likani, or simply jump into the natural steaming water in the Mineral Waters Park in the center of Borjomi. The pools are located in its very end.
6. Having a wine tour
Even if the harvest season (Rtveli) is over, the wineries are always happy to welcome the guests. Encounter with 8000-years-old tradition of winemaking and sample the most interesting Georgian wines, so rich on tannins, so flavourful, so unique!
7. Visiting mysterious caves
Not far from Kutaisi, there are two caves that are accessible for the travelers – Sataplia and Prometheus are the names. Both of them are very impressive! The first one preserves the fossilized footprints of the dinosaurs, the second one is a bit bigger and offers a boat trip along the underground river in the end. Be aware of the fact that both are closed on Mondays!
8. Tracing different civilizations and cultures
Georgia was always in the middle of regional events, that’s why many cultures have influenced us. Visit the cave town Uplistsikhe to see how humans made the whole town out of rock several thousands years ago. A visit to the archaeological sites Dmanisi and Samshvilde will showcase the life of ancient people, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, David Gareji cave monastery, Nekresi Monastery hidden in the forest on the mount will show you the different aspects of early Christianity in Georgia.
9. Enjoy subtropical nature
Going to the West gives you a refreshing experience of seeing green plants in winter. For example, Batumi Botanical Garden is simply fantastic!
10. Shop Georgian!
Clothes made by the Georgian designers as well as food and spices made in Georgia are always on the shopping list of a person who wants to bring home something special. We are sure that you will find the best and most interesting accessories, clothes and jewelry for you and your friends and family!