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.











