Escape to a winter wonderland just three hours from Tbilisi. Perched high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains at 2,200 meters, Gudauri is Georgia’s premier ski resort—where pristine powder snow, dramatic mountain vistas, and authentic Georgian hospitality create the ultimate winter experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier craving fresh runs, a snow enthusiast seeking your first mountain experience, or a photographer chasing breathtaking winter landscapes, this one-day adventure delivers the magic of a true Caucasus winter.

Perfect for: Skiers and snowboarders (all levels), non-skiers who love mountain scenery, photographers, winter sports enthusiasts, families, and anyone dreaming of a snowy mountain escape.

Winter in Georgia Tour Highlights

✓ Gudauri Ski Resort – Georgia’s premier winter sports destination (2,200m altitude)
✓ Cable Car Journey – Ascend to 3,279m for spectacular Caucasus panoramas
✓ Ananuri Fortress – UNESCO-nominated medieval castle overlooking Zhinvali Reservoir
✓ Georgian Military Road – Historic mountain highway with stunning scenery
✓ Authentic Mountain Lunch – Traditional Georgian cuisine with mountain views
✓ Mulled Wine Tasting – Warm up with Georgia’s spiced winter specialty
✓ Flexible Activities – Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or simply enjoying the snow

Your Winter Adventure Itinerary

08:00 AM – Departure from Tbilisi

Your winter journey begins with comfortable pickup from your Tbilisi hotel. Settle into our heated vehicle as we head north along the legendary Georgian Military Road—a historic route that has connected Georgia to Russia through the Caucasus Mountains for over two centuries.

As we leave the city behind, watch the landscape transform from urban streets to rolling hills, then dramatic gorges and snow-dusted peaks rising in the distance.

---

09:30 AM – Zhinvali Reservoir

Our first stop offers stunning views of the Zhinvali Reservoir, a turquoise artificial lake created in the 1980s that fills a deep mountain gorge. The reservoir supplies water and hydroelectric power to Tbilisi while creating one of Georgia’s most photogenic landscapes.

Surrounded by the Caucasus foothills, with the fortress of Ananuri standing sentinel on the shore, this vista provides your first taste of Georgia’s dramatic winter beauty.

Photo opportunity: The contrast of turquoise water against snow-covered mountains creates stunning compositions, especially in morning light.

---

10:00 AM – Ananuri Fortress Complex

Step back to the 16th-17th centuries at Ananuri, a remarkably preserved fortress that once served as the stronghold of the Dukes of Aragvi. This UNESCO World Heritage candidate site combines military architecture with beautiful Orthodox churches, all dramatically positioned above the Zhinvali waters.

What you’ll explore:

• Defensive Walls & Towers – Walk the ramparts that defended this strategic position
• Church of the Assumption – Admire intricate stone carvings and medieval frescoes
• Bell Tower – Climb for elevated views across the reservoir
• Historical Context – Learn about the powerful feudal dynasties that controlled this region

The fortress takes on special beauty in winter, with snow accentuating its ancient stones and the surrounding landscape transformed into a monochrome masterpiece.

Time at Ananuri: 40-50 minutes

---

11:30 AM – Ascending the Georgian Military Road

Continuing north, we climb steadily into the High Caucasus along the Georgian Military Road. This historic highway has witnessed centuries of traders, armies, poets, and travelers crossing between Georgia and the North Caucasus.

As we ascend, notice how the landscape dramatically changes:

• Deciduous forests give way to evergreen conifers
• Villages become more scattered and traditional
• Snow coverage deepens with every kilometer
• The peaks of the Greater Caucasus draw closer

Your guide will share stories of famous travelers who journeyed this route, from 19th-century Russian poets to modern adventurers, and explain the geological forces that created these magnificent mountains.

Scenic stops: We’ll pause at viewpoints where the road offers spectacular vistas of mountain valleys and distant peaks.

---

12:30 PM – Arrival at Gudauri Resort

Welcome to Gudauri (2,200m), Georgia’s premier alpine ski resort! Spread across the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, Gudauri offers something rare among ski resorts—authentic mountain atmosphere without overdevelopment.

The resort stretches from 2,200 meters at the base to 3,279 meters at the highest lift point, providing diverse terrain for all abilities and some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Caucasus region.

First things first: We’ll warm up at a cozy mountain café with traditional Georgian mulled wine (or hot chocolate for non-drinkers). Made with red wine, honey, cloves, cinnamon, and local spices, this warming drink is Georgia’s perfect winter tradition.

---

01:00 PM – Mountain Activities (Your Choice!)

Now the real adventure begins—and it’s customized to your interests and abilities!

Option 1: For Skiers & Snowboarders

If you’re ready to hit the slopes, we’ll help you arrange:

Equipment Rental (additional cost, paid directly):

• Ski or snowboard set: ~40-60 GEL per day
• Helmet: ~10 GEL
• Goggles: ~10 GEL
• Full equipment available for beginners through experts

Lift Passes (additional cost, paid directly):

• Full day pass: ~50-70 GEL
• Half-day pass: ~35-50 GEL
• Single ride options available

Terrain for All Levels:

• Beginners: Gentle slopes near the base with dedicated learning areas
• Intermediate: Long blue and red runs with excellent grooming
• Advanced: Challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities
• Experts: Backcountry access and heli-skiing options (advance booking required)

Gudauri is particularly beginner-friendly, with patient instructors available for hire if you want lessons (can be arranged in advance).

Your guide will:

• Help with equipment rental process
• Explain lift system and mountain layout
• Recommend runs appropriate for your skill level
• Arrange meeting times and locations
• Be available for questions or assistance

Option 2: For Non-Skiers

Not interested in skiing? No problem! Gudauri offers wonderful experiences for non-skiers:

Cable Car Sightseeing Journey: Take the gondola to higher elevations (up to 3,006m at Mount Kudebi, or 3,279m at Kobi) for absolutely breathtaking panoramic views. From the upper stations, the Greater Caucasus spreads before you in all its glory—an endless sea of snow-covered peaks stretching to the horizon.

• Duration: 30-40 minutes round trip
• Cost: ~20-30 GEL (paid directly)
• Views: 360-degree Caucasus panoramas
• Experience: The crisp mountain air at 3,000+ meters is invigorating (and yes, very cold!)

Mountain Walking: Enjoy gentle walks around the resort base, exploring the snow-covered landscape at your own pace. The winter scenery is magical even without skiing.

Snow Activities:

• Sledding: Rent sleds for fun downhill runs on designated areas
• Snow Tubing: Inflatable tube rides down snowy slopes
• Snowshoeing: Explore off-trail areas (equipment can be rented)
• Photography: Gudauri offers world-class mountain photography opportunities

Relaxing Options:

• Warm up in cozy mountain cafés with stunning views
• Browse local shops for Georgian winter souvenirs
• Simply sit on a terrace with hot wine and absorb the majesty of the Caucasus
• Chat with locals and other travelers about mountain adventures

Mixed Groups: If your group includes both skiers and non-skiers, no problem! Everyone can enjoy Gudauri their own way, meeting up for lunch and the return journey.

---

03:30 PM – Mountain Lunch Experience

After your mountain activities, we’ll gather for a hearty Georgian lunch at a traditional restaurant with panoramic mountain views. This is comfort food perfected over centuries in mountain villages.

Typical menu includes:

• Khinkali – Georgian mountain dumplings filled with spiced meat (the ultimate après-ski food)
• Khachapuri – Cheese-filled bread, hot and melting
• Mtsvadi – Grilled meat skewers
• Lobio – Hearty bean stew
• Fresh bread from traditional ovens
• Seasonal salads with herbs and pomegranate
• Georgian wine or local beverages

Vegetarian and dietary-specific options are readily available—Georgian cuisine offers excellent plant-based mountain dishes.

As you dine, your guide will share stories of Georgian mountain culture, winter traditions, and life in these high altitude communities. This is also perfect time to ask questions, share photos, and reflect on your mountain experience.

Lunch duration: 60-90 minutes (no rush—Georgian meals are social experiences!)

---

05:00 PM – Return Journey to Tbilisi

Satisfied and warmed by good food and mountain magic, we begin our descent back to Tbilisi. The return journey offers different lighting on the same spectacular scenery—late afternoon sun transforms the mountains into shades of pink and gold.

We’ll make photo stops if the weather and light create special moments. Your guide remains available for questions about anything you’ve seen, Georgian culture, or recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Possible sunset stop: If timing aligns, we may pause at an elevated viewpoint to watch the sun set over the Caucasus—a memory you’ll treasure.

---

07:00-07:30 PM – Return to Tbilisi

Arrival back at your hotel, filled with memories of Georgia’s winter wonderland, spectacular mountain vistas, and perhaps the satisfying exhaustion of a day spent in the snow.

What Makes This Tour Special

More Than Just Skiing
We’ve designed this tour to be meaningful for everyone—from expert skiers to first-time snow enthusiasts. It’s about the complete mountain experience: the journey through changing landscapes, historical sites along the way, authentic Georgian hospitality, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Caucasus in winter.

Flexible & Personal
Your interests shape the day. Want more time skiing? We’ll adjust. Prefer a leisurely lunch with extra photo time? No problem. Our small groups and experienced guides ensure personalization impossible on large bus tours.

Local Expert Guides
Our guides know these mountains intimately—where the best views hide, which restaurants serve the most authentic food, how to navigate the resort efficiently, and countless stories that bring the landscape to life.

Comfort & Safety
Modern, heated vehicles with experienced mountain drivers ensure comfortable, safe travel even in winter conditions. We monitor the weather constantly and adjust plans if needed for your safety.

All-Inclusive Convenience
We handle transportation, guiding, and coordination—you just enjoy the experience. No worrying about marshrutkas, timing, or navigating unfamiliar mountain roads in winter.

Why Winter in Georgia?

Georgia offers something rare in ski tourism: authentic mountain culture combined with excellent facilities, all at a fraction of European resort prices. The Georgian Caucasus rivals the Alps in dramatic beauty but remains refreshingly uncommercialized.

At Gudauri, you’re not just visiting a ski resort—you’re experiencing how Georgians celebrate winter in the highlands, where hospitality is genuine, food is abundant, and the mountains feel both majestic and welcoming.

The numbers tell part of the story:

• 2,200m base altitude
• 3,279m highest lift point
• 1,200m+ vertical drop
• 57km of marked runs
• 300+ days of sunshine annually
• Reliable snow December-April
• Fraction of European resort costs

But the real story is in the experience: The first glimpse of snow-covered peaks as you round a bend in the Georgian Military Road. The ancient stones of Ananuri fortress dusted with fresh snow. The exhilaration of your first ski run down a Caucasus slope. The warmth of khinkali and hot wine after a day in the cold. The sunset painting the mountains in shades of pink and purple as you descend toward Tbilisi.

This is Georgia’s winter gift to you.