Only 120 kilometers away from Tbilisi, this popular ski resort in the heart of the Caucasian Mountains attracts more and more foreigners. The spa town is situated at an altitude of 2,200 m above the sea level and is spoiled with sun. You can count on over 70 kilometers of ski slopes that cover the hillsides, namely Mount Kudebi and Mount Sadzele. The powder-snow of Gudauri attracts not only tourists but professional riders too. Consequently, the World Freestyle and Snowboard Championship 2023 will be held there.

Gudauri offers plenty of hotels and apartments as well as restaurants, bars, and some nightclubs. The majority of rooms in Gudauri’s hotels were already booked in November 2018. The majority of customers are tourists and they mostly come from post-soviet countries.

In December, a new cable transport was opened connecting Kobi (Kobi is a village in Kazbegi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti) and Gudauri. The cable is available for skiers as well as non-skiers. It is possible to move between the spots in 15 minutes via the cable.

It is the largest cable route in the region. Since landslides and heavy snow can force the car route through Jvari pass shut in winter, the cable transport helps the commuters or skiers transport back and forth anyway.

Even though Gudauri is considered to be a winter resort, it is attractive for tourists in summer as well. Backpacking trips are one of the most attractive activities there for visitors.

Photo courtesy: Giorgi Nikolava

Related stories:

New cable route: from Kobi to Gudauri in 15 minutes

A typical day for Georgian shepherds in Gudauri

Cattle drive in the Great Caucasian Mountains in Georgia

Caucasian shepherd VS Grey wolf – which would win?