Skip to content
TripLinkHub
Gudauri

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
19°
Cloudy
Wed22°/14°
Thu21°/14°
Fri22°/14°
RegionGeorgian Military Highway & Kazbegi
When to goApril – October
AirportTbilisi (TBS)96 km
Local timeGeorgia
Gudauri. What to see

Top sights

What you should not miss in the city and around it.

Gudauri. Map

On the map

Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.

Loading map…
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: TbilisiAnanuriFriendship Monument → Gudauri → Kazbegi. Doable in a day by car, more comfortable with an overnight. In winter, the Gudauri–Kazbegi section may be closed.

Gudauri. Helpful resourcesblog

Articles

Mobile Internet in Georgia's Mountains: Where Magti Works, Where Nothing Does
Tips

Mobile Internet in Georgia's Mountains: Where Magti Works, Where Nothing Does

Magti holds signal in Mestia and at Gergeti Church, but goes silent on the Chalaadi trail. Real coverage map for Svaneti and Kazbegi, 2026 prices, and why eSIM isn't a magic fix in the high country.

April 27, 2026
Georgia With Kids: 7 Destinations, Real Costs & What Guides Don't Tell You
Tips

Georgia With Kids: 7 Destinations, Real Costs & What Guides Don't Tell You

Where to take your family in Georgia – from Batumi's coast to Borjomi's parks and mountain day trips. Mandatory insurance since 2026, family-friendly tours, honest pricing.

March 28, 2026
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – How to Get There, What to See & Real Costs in 2026
Tours

Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – How to Get There, What to See & Real Costs in 2026

Stepantsminda is more than a church photo. 4 transport options from Tbilisi, verified prices, 1–3 day itineraries, and the practical tips guidebooks skip.

March 26, 2026
Best Day Trips from Tbilisi: 7 Tours from $13 (2026 Guide)
Tours

Best Day Trips from Tbilisi: 7 Tours from $13 (2026 Guide)

Kazbegi, Kakheti wine country, Mtskheta, Vardzia – the day trips locals actually recommend, with honest prices, timing and pitfalls most guides skip.

April 21, 2026
Is Georgia Safe in 2026? Level 1 Advisory, But 5 Things Guidebooks Won't Tell You
Tips

Is Georgia Safe in 2026? Level 1 Advisory, But 5 Things Guidebooks Won't Tell You

Georgia ranks in the top 30 safest countries globally and Tbilisi sits in the top 50 safest capitals. The real risks aren't crime – it's mountain roads, Batumi nightclub scams, and mandatory insurance enforced from January 1, 2026.

April 25, 2026
Georgia Road Trip 2026 – 4 Routes from Kazbegi to Svaneti
Tips

Georgia Road Trip 2026 – 4 Routes from Kazbegi to Svaneti

The best Georgia road trip depends on days available: 3 days covers the Military Highway to Kazbegi, 7 days adds Kakheti and the west, 10+ reach Svaneti. Actual 2026 prices, winter closures, and pitfalls explained.

April 24, 2026
Gudauri. Nearby

Nearby cities

Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.

Plan your trip in minutes

Gudauri — everything you need for your trip.