Ski resorts in Georgia: Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia & Goderdzi Compared (2026-2027 Guide)

Georgia is among the least crowded and most reasonably priced ski destinations in Europe. The ski resorts in Georgia are located beneath the Greater Caucasus and the forested Trialeti range; a day lift pass is much less expensive than in the Alps, and outside of the New Year’s festivities, you frequently share the mountain with very few other people.

But the four resorts couldn’t be more different. Gudauri is a large, purpose-built resort at a high altitude, two hours from Tbilisi. Bakuriani is an old mountain village with lots of family-friendly activities, a pine forest, and mild slopes. At the cost of a significantly longer ride, Mestia, in isolated Svaneti, provides medieval Svan towers, regional cuisine, and some of the most breathtaking freeride terrain in the nation. Goderdzi is the one for powder lovers. High in the mountains of Adjara, it gets some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, which is why it is sometimes called the “Japan of Georgia”. It is small and remote, with limited facilities.

This guide provides a side-by-side comparison of Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia (Hatsvali and Tetnuldi), and Goderdzi, including information on the geography, who each resort is suitable for, how to travel there, how much it costs, and how to decide between them.

Planning a winter trip in Georgia? See our 3-Day Ski Tour in Georgia, our Georgia tours, and our car rental service.

2026/27 Season Update

Ski Resorts in Georgia at a Glance

1. Gudauri: Best for Variety, Lessons & Après-Ski

Gudauri is the largest and most reputable ski resort in Georgia and the closest to Tbilisi, about 120 km (2-3 hours) up the Georgian Military Highway. It was established in the 1980s and is divided into two areas: New Gudauri, which is livelier and where most of the après-ski takes place, and Old Gudauri, which is calmer and more family-friendly.

The entire ski resort is situated between 2,000 and 3,300 meters above the treeline, providing vast and expansive views of the Greater Caucasus. With its modern gondolas and chairlifts, it boasts the largest lift network in the nation. Most runs are intermediate, but there are proper beginner zones, steeper terrain for advanced skiers, and some of the best freeride opportunities in Georgia.

Is Gudauri good for beginners?

Yes, mainly because of the infrastructure. Gudauri has the largest choice of ski schools and the easiest access to English-speaking instructors, plus plenty of rental shops for skis, boards, and waterproof clothing. If you have never skied and want lessons from day one, this is the safest bet.

If you want lessons arranged from day one, our 3-day ski tour in Georgia includes private instruction and equipment.

Is Gudauri good for advanced skiers?

Yes. Gudauri’s high, open terrain and off-piste options attract experienced skiers and snowboarders. Leaving the marked runs requires proper preparation, avalanche awareness, and ideally a local guide, and your travel insurance must cover off-piste skiing.

What Gudauri is like off the slopes

Gudauri is a resort rather than a town, so it lacks the history and character of Bakuriani or Mestia. Accommodation is mostly modern apartment blocks, and there is no public transport inside the resort, so it pays to stay close to a lift. There is a decent range of restaurants and bars, a supermarket, and a handful of extras such as husky sledding, tubing, snowshoeing and the scenic Kobi-Gudauri cable car. The drive up along the Military Highway, with stops at Ananuri Fortress and the Friendship Monument, is part of the experience.

Local tip: Prices rise sharply over New Year. Gudauri accommodation can cost 50-100% more in the holiday period, so a trip in late January or February is far better value.

Want to skip planning? Our 3-Day Ski Tour in Georgia covers Tbilisi transfers, two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a 3-day ski pass, full ski equipment, and private lessons with an English-speaking instructor, from $445 per person, depending on group size.

→ View the 3-Day Ski Tour in Georgia

2. Bakuriani: Best for Families & Beginners

Bakuriani is Georgia’s oldest ski resort. Its first tracks were laid in the 1930s as a training ground for Soviet winter athletes. It sits at around 1,700 metres in the Trialeti Mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, surrounded by pine forest, which makes it the prettiest of the resorts for classic snowy-village scenery.

There are two main ski areas. Didveli is the hub for beginners and families, with gentle slopes, ski schools, rental shops and plenty of winter attractions at its base. Kokhta-Mitarbi is further out, more modern and more serious, with steeper runs through the trees; Mitarbi in particular is quiet and secluded. Together, the state-run areas have 11 lifts and 26 groomed runs, and two privately run ski parks (Crystal and 25 Ski Park) add more options.

Is Bakuriani good for beginners?

It is probably the best choice in Georgia. The slopes at Didveli are gentle, ski schools and kids’ camps are well established, English-speaking instructors are available (though fewer than in Gudauri), and a bad day on the snow does not ruin the trip because there is so much else to do.

Is Bakuriani good for advanced skiers?

Kokhta and Mitarbi offer steeper, more challenging forest runs, so confident skiers will be entertained for a few days. But Bakuriani has less high-altitude and off-piste terrain than Gudauri or Tetnuldi, so experts will probably want to ski elsewhere for the bulk of a longer trip.

What Bakuriani is like off the slopes

This is where Bakuriani wins. As a proper town, it has grocery stores, pharmacies, bakeries, a good choice of restaurants, and a local bus costing around 1 GEL. Non-skiing activities include sledding, snow tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, husky rides, and walks through the snowy forest. You could genuinely enjoy a winter holiday here without clicking into a pair of skis. Pair it with the spa town of Borjomi, the gateway to Bakuriani, for a relaxed winter itinerary.

Local tip: Weekends and school holidays bring long queues at Didveli. Ski on weekdays, or head to Kokhta-Mitarbi for quieter slopes.

3. Mestia (Hatsvali & Tetnuldi): Best for Scenery, Culture & Freeriding

Mestia is the most atmospheric ski resort in Georgia. It sits in remote Svaneti, a mountain region with stone defensive towers, ancient churches, and a distinctive local cuisine, and the town itself is a year-round destination rather than a resort built for skiers. Between the two ski areas, Hatsvali and Tetnuldi, there are 14 lifts and around 37 km of groomed trails.

Hatsvali is the smaller area, set in the forest just above town, with gentle runs and a plateau that is excellent for practicing. Tetnuldi is higher (up to about 3,170 metres), set among the peaks of the Greater Caucasus, with wide open slopes, long runs and serious freeride terrain. Many skiers who have been to both rate Tetnuldi as one of the most beautiful ski areas they have ever visited, and it is rarely busy.

Is Mestia good for beginners?

It depends. The plateau at Hatsvali is a lovely place to learn, but it is harder to find an instructor in Mestia than in Gudauri or Bakuriani. Beginners who are happy to teach themselves or who arrive with an instructor will enjoy it; those who want structured lessons will be better served elsewhere.

Is Mestia good for advanced skiers?

Yes, particularly intermediate-to-advanced skiers and free riders. Tetnuldi’s open terrain and empty slopes are the main draw. Off-piste skiing needs a local guide, avalanche gear, and the right insurance.

The challenge: getting there and getting to Tetnuldi

Mestia is about 450 km from Tbilisi, and the road trip takes around 10 hours or more in winter, so most visitors break the journey in Kutaisi (about 230 km away) or Zugdidi (about 140 km away). The route via Zugdidi stays open through winter, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle is more or less essential, and the road is best tackled by confident drivers. Shared minivans run but can be cancelled in heavy snow. Flights to Mestia exist but are hard to book and often cancelled.

Once you arrive, there is no accommodation at Tetnuldi itself, so you commute from Mestia. The 15-20 km journey takes 40-60 minutes on an icy road, and taxi apps do not work in the area, so arrange a private driver or shared transfer through your guesthouse (shared transfers start from about 40 GEL per person). Check which lifts are running before you set off, as wind often interrupts service.

What Mestia is like off the slopes

Excellent. The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, Svan towers, local house museums and a small, friendly bar scene give a day off the slopes real substance. This is also the only Georgian ski area where regional cooking really takes center stage. Winter activities include sledding behind Samoyed dogs, and the Lamproba festival is held in February.

Local tip: Plan at least four or five days. With the journey in each direction and the Tetnuldi commute, a quick weekend in Mestia will feel rushed.

4. Goderdzi: Best for Powder & Quiet Slopes

Goderdzi is Georgia’s fourth state-run ski resort, high in the mountains of Adjara inland from Batumi. Its climate is unusual: moist air from the sea meets the mountains and delivers exceptionally heavy snowfall, which is why powder fans and freeriders sometimes call it the “Japan of Georgia”. At around 2,000 meters, the landscape mixes open alpine slopes with coniferous forest.

It is also the smallest and simplest of the four resorts. There are roughly 8 km of marked slopes and just a handful of lifts, and facilities and accommodation are limited. Crowds are small, and you can sometimes find yourself with a slope almost to yourself. The reward for the effort of getting here is the cheapest lift pass in Georgia, at around 30 GEL for an adult day ticket.

Is Goderdzi good for beginners?

Not as a first choice. The ski area is small, English-speaking instructors are less common here than in Gudauri or Bakuriani, and there is little infrastructure to fall back on. Beginners will be much better served at Didveli in Bakuriani or on the learner slopes of Gudauri.

Is Goderdzi good for advanced skiers?

It suits confident skiers and snowboarders who love deep snow and quiet slopes. Off-piste skiing here carries the usual mountain risks, including avalanche danger, so hire a qualified local guide and make sure your travel insurance covers off-piste skiing.

Getting to Goderdzi in winter

Goderdzi is the most remote of Georgia’s four main resorts. The usual winter approach is from Batumi via Khulo, a drive of roughly 3-4 hours depending on conditions. The final stretch can be difficult or temporarily impassable after heavy snow, and snowcat transfers are sometimes needed. The alternative road over the Goderdzi Pass from Akhaltsikhe is normally closed in winter. Arrange transport and accommodation in advance, and check conditions before you set out.

Local tip: Pair Goderdzi with a few days in Batumi on the Black Sea coast. It is one of the few places in the world where you can contemplate skiing and a sea view on the same trip, though the mountain road should never be rushed.

Backcountry Skiing in Georgia

Bakhmaro, in the Guria region, has no formal resort but offers catskiing and heliskiing through specialist operators. If you want to explore backcountry terrain anywhere in Georgia, hire a qualified local guide.

When Is the Best Time to Ski in Georgia?

December: possible, but patchy

Resorts officially open in late December, but individual lifts and runs only operate when snow conditions allow. If skiing is the whole point of your trip, wait until January at the earliest.

New Year to mid-January: busiest and priciest

New Year is Georgia’s biggest holiday, and celebrations continue with Orthodox Christmas on January 7, Old New Year on January 14, and Epiphany on January 19. Expect crowds, higher prices, and heavy traffic, especially around Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Late January to early March: the sweet spot

Schools go back in mid-January, the crowds thin out, and snow cover is at its most reliable, especially at higher resorts such as Gudauri and Tetnuldi. February is widely considered the best month overall.

March to April: late-season skiing

Bakuriani, Hatsvali and Goderdzi typically close around late March, while Gudauri and Tetnuldi can stay open until April. For a spring ski trip, Gudauri’s high slopes are the safest choice.

How Much Does Skiing in Georgia Cost?

Skiing in Georgia is inexpensive by European standards, but total costs vary considerably between resorts. Gudauri is generally the most expensive, particularly for accommodation, restaurants, and taxis. Bakuriani and Mestia are cheaper to eat and sleep in, though getting to the lifts in Mestia can add up. Goderdzi has the cheapest passes but is costly to reach.

Lift pass prices (2025/26 season)

Children under 6 ski free. For longer stays, a multi-resort MultiSki pass is available: roughly 370 GEL for 7 days, 460 GEL for 10 days, and 650 GEL for a full season (valid across all four state-run resorts). These were the 2025/26 prices, so check the latest rates before you buy. USD figures use roughly 1 GEL = $0.37.

Other typical costs

• Equipment rental: around 50 GEL per day for skis, boots and poles or a snowboard. Helmets, goggles and waterproofs are usually 10-25 GEL each.
• Private ski lessons: from about 110-150 GEL per hour, depending on resort and instructor.
• Lunch on or near the slopes: roughly 50-90 GEL per person, higher in Gudauri.
• Rough daily budget (lift pass, rental and lunch): approximately 130-210 GEL per person, excluding accommodation, lessons and transport.

How to Buy a Ski Pass in Georgia Ski Resorts

All four state-run resorts use the same rechargeable card, called a Multicard. It costs 5 GEL, can be bought at any resort ticket office, and is reusable across resorts and seasons. You can top up with a day pass or multi-day pass at the ticket office or online through platforms such as Skipass.ge and TKT.ge, but you still need the physical card at the lifts, as digital passes and QR codes are not accepted.

• Each skier needs their own card; cards cannot be shared.
• A daily pass covers daytime skiing only. Night skiing needs a separate ticket.
• Lift passes are generally non-refundable.

Driving to Ski Resorts in Winter

How you reach the mountains matters as much as which resort you pick. Winter driving in Georgia is perfectly doable with the right vehicle, preparation, and attitude, but road conditions change quickly.

• Gudauri: the Military Highway is maintained all winter, but heavy snow, avalanche risk, and truck traffic can cause delays or short closures, particularly around the Jvari Pass. Winter tires are essential, and you should check road conditions before leaving Tbilisi.
• Bakuriani: the gentlest road of the three and a good option if you want to self-drive. Parking is easy.
• Mestia: a long, demanding drive. A 4×4 is essentially mandatory, and the route is best attempted only by confident winter drivers. Most visitors break the trip in Kutaisi or Zugdidi.
• Goderdzi: the most remote of the four. The winter route from Batumi via Khulo can become impassable after heavy snow, so use a driver who knows the road and have a flexible plan.

→ Browse SUV rental options in Georgia

→ Ask us about a winter driving plan or a private guided trip

Practical Tips Before You Go

Check lift status, not just the forecast

A sunny, snowy day can still mean late-opening or closed lifts because of wind or power cuts. Check status.mta.ski before you set out.

Plan around the short lift day

Lifts typically start around 10 am (a little later at some) and finish at about 5 pm in Gudauri and Bakuriani, and 4 pm in Mestia and Goderdzi. That is later than in most European resorts, so allow time for collecting gear and buying passes. Topping up online and renting equipment for several days saves queueing.

Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover skiing

Since January 1, 2026, visitors entering Georgia are required to carry valid health and accident insurance for the whole length of their stay. If you plan to ski or snowboard, make sure the policy explicitly covers winter sports, and check the exclusions for off-piste skiing, altitude, mountain rescue, and medical evacuation. Rules can change, so confirm the current requirement before you travel.

Buy or rent gear sensibly

All resorts have rental shops. If you want to buy your own clothing or equipment, do it in Tbilisi before you head to the mountains, where there is more choice and prices are lower.

Add a buffer day before flying home

Mountain roads can close in heavy snow. If you have an international flight, give yourself a night in Tbilisi or Kutaisi before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions: Skiing in Georgia

Which is the best ski resort in Georgia?

It depends on what you want. Gudauri is best for variety, lessons, and ski-in convenience close to Tbilisi. Bakuriani is best for beginners and families. Mestia (Tetnuldi) is best for scenery, freeriding, and uncrowded slopes. Goderdzi is best for powder and quiet slopes if you can handle a remote location.

Which Georgian ski resort is best for beginners?

Bakuriani’s Didveli area is the most beginner-friendly, with gentle slopes, ski schools, and plenty to do off the slopes. Gudauri is also a good choice thanks to its many English-speaking instructors.

Is Georgia good for skiing?

Yes. Georgia offers a long season, a good mix of terrain from beginner to advanced, spectacular Caucasus scenery, and prices well below most European resorts. Infrastructure is still developing, and winter road conditions can be challenging.

When is the ski season in Georgia?

Resorts typically open in late December and run until March or April depending on altitude and snow. The most reliable period is late January to early March.

How much is a ski pass in Georgia?

In 2025/26, an adult day pass cost 70 GEL in Gudauri, 55 GEL in Bakuriani, 50 GEL in Mestia, and 30 GEL in Goderdzi. Prices for 2026/27 should be checked before travel.

What is Goderdzi ski resort known for?

Goderdzi, in the mountains of Adjara inland from Batumi, is known for heavy snowfall and powder skiing, quiet slopes, and the cheapest lift passes in Georgia at around 30 GEL per day. It is small and remote, with limited facilities, and the winter road can be difficult after heavy snow.

Can I ski in Georgia without a car?

Yes, using marshrutkas, shared taxis, or private transfers, but a car gives much more flexibility, particularly for Bakuriani and for combining skiing with sightseeing. Reaching Tetnuldi from Mestia without your own transport requires arranging a taxi or shared transfer.

Is it safe to drive to Georgia’s ski resorts in winter?

With winter tires, a suitable vehicle, and up-to-date road information, it is manageable on the Gudauri and Bakuriani routes. The Mestia route is more demanding and best suited to experienced winter drivers or a private driver.

Plan Your Georgia Ski Trip

There is no single best ski resort in Georgia, only the best one for you. Choose Gudauri for convenience and variety, Bakuriani for families and forest scenery, Mestia if you want empty slopes, dramatic peaks, and a journey that feels like an adventure, and Goderdzi if fresh powder matters more than facilities. Whichever you pick, you will ski for a fraction of the cost of the Alps and come home with a very different kind of winter story.

Caucasus Trip can help you build a winter itinerary that combines skiing with Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Borjomi, or Svaneti, and we can advise on the best way to reach each resort for your dates.

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About Caucasus Trip

Caucasus Trip is a family-run travel agency based in Tbilisi, Georgia, specializing in private tours, car rentals, and tailor-made experiences across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.