Gudauri
Georgia's main ski resort and transit point on the Georgian Military Highway
Gudauri. Overview
About the city
Gudauri is a resort settlement on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, 120 km from Tbilisi, at 2,196 m near the Cross Pass. There's virtually no permanent population – it's purely resort infrastructure: hotels, rentals, lifts. In winter – skiing and freeride (22 runs, 1,200 m vertical drop, summit at Mount Sadzele 3,307 m). In summer – paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, though most hotels close and facilities are limited. Nearby: the Friendship Monument viewpoint over the Aragvi gorge and Ananuri Fortress along the road from Tbilisi.
Getting there: marshrutka from Didube – 15 GEL, ~2 hrs (the same buses continue to Kazbegi). Transfer – 120–250 GEL one way. By your own or rented car – 2 hrs via the Georgian Military Highway (winter tires and chains mandatory in winter). Ski season runs late December through mid-April. Skiers typically plan 3–5 days. As a transit stop en route to Kazbegi, Gudauri warrants a 1–2 hour stop for the viewpoint.
Weather now · Gudauri
15°
CloudyWed21°/8°
Thu21°/12°
Fri22°/11°
RegionGeorgian Military Highway & Kazbegi
When to goApril – October
AirportTbilisi (TBS)96 kmLocal time—Georgia
Gudauri. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
Soviet-era monument from 1983 at 2,384 m – the main panoramic viewpoint on the Military Highway
Mount Sadzele
Gudauri resort's highest peak (3,307 m) – summit panorama of Mount Kazbek and freeride descents
Ananuri Fortress
Medieval castle complex from the 13th–17th centuries on the shore of Zhinvali Reservoir
Gudauri. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Gudauri. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Gudauri. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
How much does a ski pass cost?+
A daily ski pass is 70 GEL (~$26). Lift card deposit is 5 GEL (refundable). Weekly pass is 370 GEL. Children under 6 are free, ages 6–18 get a children's rate. Season pass for all Georgian resorts costs 655 GEL.
Where can I rent equipment?+
Rental shops are in Lower and Upper Gudauri. Lower is cheaper (40–60 GEL/set) but gear is older. Upper costs 70–90 GEL with newer equipment. Always rent a helmet.
Which part of the resort should I stay in?+
Gudauri is divided into Lower, Central, and Upper (New Gudauri). Upper is closest to lifts and pricier. Lower is cheaper but requires shuttle to slopes (20 GEL). Hostels from $15/night, hotels $50–80, premium from $150.
How do I get from Tbilisi without a car?+
Marshrutka from Didube – 15 GEL, ~2 hrs. Departures from 9:00 AM, last return around 4:30 PM. Shared transfer via Telegram groups – 50 GEL/person. Private transfer – 120–250 GEL.
Do I need insurance for skiing?+
Insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia since 2026. But standard policies usually don't cover skiing. You need an additional sports rider (skiing/snowboarding). Without it, slope evacuation is at your own expense.
Is there food on the slopes?+
There are cafés at the lifts, but prices are resort-level: lunch runs 50–60 GEL. Hotel meals cost ~60 GEL/day. Lower and Upper Gudauri each have one supermarket with normal prices.
Is it worth visiting in summer?+
Only if you specifically want paragliding (300 GEL tandem) or hiking. Most hotels are closed, dining options are scarce. For a summer mountain trip, head straight to Kazbegi – more infrastructure there.
Is the road dangerous in winter?+
The Georgian Military Highway can close in winter due to snow and avalanche risk (most often in February). There are no alternative routes. Winter tires are required by law. Check road conditions before departing. If using a rental car, get a 4WD.
Does internet work?+
Free Wi-Fi at lifts and most hotels. Mobile internet in the village is stable. Easiest option is an eSIM purchased in advance.
Can I combine Gudauri and Kazbegi?+
Yes. Classic route: Tbilisi → Ananuri → Friendship Monument → Gudauri → Kazbegi. Doable in a day by car, more comfortable with an overnight. In winter, the Gudauri–Kazbegi section may be closed.
Gudauri. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
