Ski holidays in Georgia. Climate and features of local mountains. Ski resorts of Georgia - Gudauri

Caucasian hospitality and extreme skiing are combined in a holiday in the resorts of Georgia. To visit this country, you do not need a visa: buy a plane ticket - and go!

In between skiing, you can go on excursions to ancient monasteries, enjoy the panorama of Tbilisi at night, take pictures in romantic place Georgia, where the rivers Aragva and Kura merge.

Ski resorts in Georgia - general impressions

The first impression of Georgia is snow and rocks. When you fly up to Tbilisi, you fly for 20-30 minutes over sharp rocks covered with snow.

In the mountains where we lived, the temperature was -1°C, but at the same time the sun was hot, you could undress and burn yourself in the sun in five minutes. The main difference from the Carpathians: there are no trees, no bushes, everything is white - there is only snow and mountains around.

Ski resorts of Georgia - Gudauri

In the young ski resort of Gudauri, in the Kazbegi region of Georgia, ski season runs from December to April. You can also ski on some slopes in May.

In Gudauri there are tracks for every taste, this resort is also famous for off-piste skiing. You can book a helicopter flight to places where you really will be only you, mountains and snow - snow, on which during the winter the human foot did not set foot at all.

We learned to ride on the simplest track. Skis were rented in Tbilisi for $12 per day (in the mountains it costs from $18). Instructor services - $12 per hour.

The longest ski slope in Gudauri - 7 kilometers! The main "feature" of the resort is freeride, i.e. descent through the virgin fields. There are no stones here, avalanches are extremely rare, the snow cover is quite deep. Therefore, if you are a freeride fan, Gudauri is dear to you!

Going to Gudauri, you should think about your own safety at the resort. Firstly, if you are going to ski off-piste, it is better to take basic ski equipment with you - a beeper, a probe and a shovel. Sometimes you can even check the availability of equipment! After all, avalanches here, although rare, do happen. Undoubtedly, the equipment is indispensable if you are going to ride off-piste.

Take care of medical insurance in advance - in case of an unforeseen situation, you will have to go to Tbilisi on your own and look for medical institution where you will be hospitalized - only first aid will be provided in Gudauri.

Ski resorts of Georgia - Bakuriani

Another winter resort Georgia - Bakuriani - claimed to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. And once a Russian woman liked to rest here royal family. Still here preserved royal palace. Even in Soviet times, a promotional film about famous resort under the pretentious name "Bakuriani - Soviet Davos".

Once upon a time, the USSR ski Olympic team was trained here, and now Europeans also have a rest - in particular, the Germans and Austrians, because the prices here are lower than European ones, and the pleasure from extreme skiing is beyond doubt.

The resort of Bakuriani is located 180 km west of Tbilisi. The locals call this place "Sunny Valley". It is from the local mountain peaks Borjomi springs originate. To wells from mineral water it's only half an hour from here. And the village is also famous for the botanical garden of the Georgian Academy of Sciences.

The weather in Bakuriani is good for skiers: cold but sunny (there are an average of 210 sunny days per year), snowy and mild (6-7°C) winter, average height snow cover - 64 cm, there is almost no wind. IN warm weather here you can even see skiers in ... swimsuits.

Convenient location of Bakuriani on the verge of various climatic zones and the crossroads of mountain ranges contributes to the development of not only ski tourism, but also hiking.

Most Popular excursion routes for one day - to the hot springs in Tsikhisjvari, springs with natural mineral water in Mitarbi, Timotesubani monastery complex ( cave monastery and the temple, which is 1000 years old), as well as climbing Mount Kokhta with a height of 2155 m.

Ski resorts of Georgia - Hatsvali

The youngest ski resort in Georgia is Hatsvali. It is located in the area of ​​Svaneti. Construction ski slopes here the state financed, they were built in six months.

Now there are two ski slopes in Hatsvali: red (for beginners) and blue (for skiers with experience). The first one is 1900 m long, the second one is 2565 m long. You should pay attention right away: the blue track is quite difficult, really experienced skiers should ride there.

Lift with open four-seater seats 1407 meters long, lifting time is 8-10 minutes.

A concrete road leads to the ski lift, you can get to the track either by minibus or by private transport. Near the ski lift there is a hotel with 6 rooms and a cafe. They are also building a cafe and a hotel right next to the highway.

And do not forget to admire the majestic panorama that opens from mountain slope Hatsvali - this beauty, believe me, is worth seeing at least once! To return to hospitable Georgia again and again!

Not less than seaside resorts and city sights, the ski resorts of Georgia are known. The Caucasus in this country occupies large territories, therefore, the resorts here are different in location, infrastructure, routes. Many mountain centers are close to other attractions, so you can always combine skiing with travel.

In the article I will talk in detail about the best ski resorts in Georgia, their features, advantages and disadvantages. You can see all the listed ski resorts on the map of Georgia. Let's start with overview natural conditions!

General information about the mountains of Georgia and ski resorts

The mountains in Georgia are different, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Often simple trails are combined with complex ones, so that on one site you can try several options for skiing at once. Ski resorts in Georgia, they offer both ordinary recreation and extreme sports: freeride, heli-skiing, backcountry. Each resort has an instructor and equipment rentals.

The ski season in Georgia starts at the end of November and lasts until the end of April. The traditional peak of mountains popularity is December-March. At this time, the most snow falls and the most tourists come. Winters in the country are mild, temperatures rarely drop below -10°C, and the sun shines most of the time. There is almost no wind - the Caucasus reliably closes the interior from cyclones.

How to choose ski tour to Georgia? with screenshots.

The most famous ski resorts in Georgia:

• Gudauri.
• Bakuriani.
• Tetnuldi.
• Goderdzi.
• Hatsvali.

In the first two, a lot of tourists traditionally come, because in terms of quality and variety these places still have no equal in the country. But the three younger resorts are growing rapidly and will soon outpace the competition. Read about the best ski resorts in Georgia to know where to go.

Gudauri

The resort and the village of the same name are located in the north of Georgia, 2 hours drive from Tbilisi. The easiest way to get here is by regular minibus from Didube station. Gudauri is one of the best places for a ski holiday in Georgia, as there are ideal conditions for freeriding. By December-January, thick fluffy snow falls, which covers all the unevenness of the slopes - it is at this time that there are most tourists here. I especially advise you to try heli-skiing with a helicopter cast on the wild slopes.

For fans of regular skiing in Gudauri, there are 22 tracks with a total length of 75 kilometers. They are served by 7 regular lifts and a number of short ski lifts, including a free lift for children on the tubing track.

Comparison of a ski resort in Georgia with competitors shows that everything here is focused on skiing. There is practically no après-ski, in the evening you can only relax in a hotel or in one of the rare cafes.

In general, Gudauri - perfect place for skating fans, to whom almost everything is dedicated here. But the infrastructure is rather weak, there is little entertainment.

Bakuriani

The oldest ski resort in Georgia is located in the south central part of the country. Direct minibuses go here from the metropolitan Didube station, there is also an option to get first to Borjomi, and from there - by bus, taxi or an authentic narrow gauge railway. Bakuriani offers only 4 runs, but they are long and multi-level, with sections of varying difficulty. One of the slopes - only 300 meters - is ideal for beginners, but in general the resort is more focused on those who know how to ride.

Unlike Gudauri, ski vacation in Georgia, in the resort of Bakuriani, it is more diverse. In addition to ordinary skiing and rare freeride, there is much more possibilities for après ski. The resort village has bars, nightclubs, casinos, hotels with cinemas.

I advise you to look into the local Botanical Garden. In the vicinity suit hiking tours, climbing neighboring mountains, trips to cave cities and ancient monasteries. Very close is Borjomi with famous springs.

Bakuriani, although he traces his history back to tsarist Russia, has not lost its former merits. It will be interesting for all tourists, even those who are not particularly fond of skiing.

Tetnuldi

The new resort, opened in early 2016, is located on far north countries near the village of Mestia. It is included in the modern ski resorts of Georgia, built in the 21st century. You can get to Mestia by bus or plane, and the locals will happily take you to the resort itself. In Tetnuldi, there are 3 main lines of lifts and a number of slopes: blue at the very bottom, black at the top. Here is an excellent freeride, no worse than in Gudauri!

If for you a ski vacation in Georgia is not only skiing, then Tetnuldi may seem boring. The resort itself does not offer accommodation or entertainment. All tourists stop in Mestia, where there are hotels and private cottages. There you can also visit the Museum of Svaneti, look at famous towers, go for a walk to the glaciers or beautiful lakes.

You will have to travel to the resort itself every day with local residents - they offer an inexpensive transfer for the entire holiday.

Tetnuldi is well suited for lovers of solitude. They haven’t managed to build everything they planned here yet, so there are few tourists, there are no queues, and the snow is always fresh.

Goderdzi

The best ski resort in Georgia is in the Adjara region - there are simply no others nearby. The most convenient way to go here is from Batumi with a change in Khulo or from Tbilisi with a change in Akhaltsikhe. Goderdzi is well located near the sea, so if you wish, you can combine skiing and sea ​​vacation. The resort itself has only 2 ski lifts and 8 kilometers of blue slopes. So beginners and inexperienced skiers will like it here. A separate plus is that there are few people, there is no crowd at the bottom of the slopes.

The resort has one hotel with a restaurant, nearby there are a couple of equipment rentals and open stalls with fast food. There is practically no entertainment. You can stop at the pass or in the neighboring village of Danisparauli, where local residents rent out houses.

Goderdzi will surely seem boring to everyone who is not ready to ride around the clock, because even in the vicinity there is practically nothing interesting. Once again, I advise you to go to the sea, which remains interesting even during the ski season in Georgia.

Since Goderdzi opened recently - at the end of 2015 - it is still quite boring here, therefore there are few tourists, and prices are lower than in Gudauri or Bakuriani.

Hatsvali

The second, or rather the first in time of construction, resort in the Mestia region. It started operating in 2011 and remains popular even after the opening of the more modern Tetnuldi. These ski resorts in Georgia are neighbors, so in Mestia you can always compare them and choose the one you like best. There are 3 lifts and 4 tracks in Hatsvali, there are areas for freeride. At the resort you will find rental shops, instructors and even a whole hotel with a restaurant.

However, I advise you to rent a house in Mestia. Since 2017, the village and the resort of Hatsvali have been connected by a modern cable car - in 6 minutes it delivers tourists directly to the slopes. The reviews about this ski resort in Georgia are quite satisfied, people like the intimacy of the place and the absence of queues. It is worth coming here even in summer - the cable car is open all year round, plus you can stroll through the picturesque surroundings.

Hatsvali is different affordable prices, proven and high-quality slopes, a convenient cable car in Mestia. But be prepared for the lack of après-ski.

Ski resorts of Georgia on the map

For convenience, check the location of the ski resorts of Georgia on the map. It will help you navigate and choose the best convenient option. If you need ski resorts near Tbilisi, then choose Gudauri or Bakuriani. If you still want to relax by the sea, then the best option- Goderdzi.

Personally, my top resorts, in order from best to worst, are:

1. Bakuriani.
2. Gudauri.
3. Tetnuldi.
4. Hatsvali.
5. Goderdzi.

Have a nice rest!

In love with Georgia, Igor OZIN.

Sunny land, located on the wooded slopes Caucasus mountains, hospitable cheerful people who inhabit it, ancient Tbilisi, which miraculously retained its unique flavor, ancient churches, abandoned monasteries, lavash and Kindzmarauli - all this is the first thing that comes to mind when they say the word Georgia.

But as a ski resort, this wonderful country unknown to the general public. Skiers middle age often recall the Soviet ski resorts in Georgia, considered one of the best in the country.

In the 90s of the last century, the flow of tourists to ski centers dropped sharply, the infrastructure of the resorts gradually deteriorated, until in the 2000s, by attracting private investors, their revival began. And now travel companies Georgia boldly position their ski resorts as the best ski resorts in the world.

The most comfortable resorts in Georgia most often include:

• Gudauri;
• Bakuriani;
• Hatsvali (Mestia).

Description of ski resorts in Georgia

Gudauri

Ski center "Gudauri" is the most modern alpine resort, spread out on the steep slopes of the Kudebi ridge, which has an impressive maximum height of more than 3000 meters. Due to the relative proximity to the capital of Georgia - the city of Tbilisi, the resort is visited by many ski lovers.

Best time for skiing on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the area with last days December and until the end of April, but some passionate skiers manage to open the season a month earlier, and complete it only in May, since the two-meter snow cover does not melt for a very long time.

Tracks
The resort has at its disposal 22 tracks with a length of over 50 kilometers. A greater number of tracks (about 80%) are designed for beginners and confident skiers. And even the best athletes of Georgia speak with admiration about more difficult routes. Delivery of athletes to the slopes is carried out by lifts of leading manufacturers of equipment for ski resorts. The first lift station is located at 1990 meters, the top one is at the very top, at an altitude of 3307 meters. Many skiers in "Gudauri" are attracted by the excellent opportunities for freeride. In this region of Georgia, there are no dangerous stones on the slopes, and the snow layer is so deep and of high quality that it allows you to practically not be afraid of a sudden avalanche. Those who need to get a significant amount of adrenaline can test their character in heli-skiing.

Holiday cost
A ski pass costs about $ 20, payment is possible at any box office bank card There are discounts for children and teenagers. Ski equipment rental offices will quickly help you to cope with the selection of the necessary equipment, tell you what and how to choose ski boots. The cost of ski rental is only $10-15 per day, for $20-30 per hour an experienced instructor will quickly teach you how to masterfully descend from snow-covered slopes.

Resort infrastructure
Many private hotels are waiting for guests throughout the season, many of them have delicious Georgian cuisine restaurants and wine cellars. Swimming pools, saunas guarantee complete relaxation after an active acquaintance with the slopes of Kudebi.

Bakuriani

On the slopes of the Trialeti Range there is a unique natural spa Bakuriani. mountain range, overgrown with thick pine forest, reliably hides this cozy place in the heart of Georgia from penetrating mountain winds, in winter the weather is frosty, sunny, windless, snowy.

The ski center is located at a level of 1700 m, the lifts take tourists to the station, located at an altitude of 2850 m.

Tracks
The total length of the routes is 5 km, for beginners skiing equipped with a separate track with a slope of 10°C. Tracks Kokhta-1 and Kokhta-2 are divided into 2 zones each. The upper zones are quite difficult and are intended for experienced athletes. At the bottom, beginner skiers may well ski downhill. The training is carried out by professional instructors from the local ski school. For lovers of cross-country skiing, special scenic routes have been developed.

The cost of rest and rental
At the rental office, sociable employees will help you choose everything you need, from modern equipment to a powerful snowmobile, they will tell you how to choose a ski mask that is most suitable for the conditions of Georgian resorts. A day ski pass at the resort costs just under $15.

Resort infrastructure
You can warm up and refresh yourself in a cozy restaurant on the territory of the ski center or in a bar. Nearby there are many iconic sights of Georgia: mineral springs"Borjomi", ancient monasteries and churches, cave towns and picturesque lakes.

Hatsvali

In 2011, a new modern ski center"Hatsvali".

Tracks
Currently, the resort is equipped with 3 routes - red and blue, as well as a track for beginners. A little less than half a kilometer is the difference in height. All routes are illuminated.

The cost of rest and rental
The resort still has a small rental of skis and other sports equipment, if necessary, individual lessons with an instructor are possible. A ski pass for the whole day costs $ 10, half a day - 2 times cheaper.

Resort infrastructure
Entertainment in the resort is almost completely absent. But excursion program in this region of Georgia is beyond praise.

Last update: 03/16/2018 at 14:52

GEORGIA, news March 16, 2018 - video. The lift at the popular ski resort in Georgia, Gudauri, has broken down, injuring more than 10 people. More than 10 people were injured in the incident at the ski resort, according to Rustavi2 TV channel. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred due to a power outage.

The negligence and error of the cable workers led to the failure of the lift in reverse direction on the Satszeli line. Numerous injuries in people who fell under the “meat grinder” from colliding chairs, fractures and bruises in those who managed or guessed to jump.

It was possible to stop the lift only after 1.5-2 minutes. Rescuers arrived at the scene within 7-8 minutes. Stretched and provided first aid to the victims of all who stood in line. For the faint of heart, please don't watch.

According to the Rustavi2 TV channel, more than 10 people were injured in the incident. Some of the victims have leg fractures.

All week the seat on Satszeli was closed due to a malfunction with the electronics, as the locals said, and now it started working. We went freeride as a group. We sat on a chair, we were at the start, just lowered the sash down, and it stopped. The operator opened the shield, something began to beep and the cable car began to move back, the speed increased

- Tatyana Milovanova, eyewitness.

According to preliminary data, the tragedy occurred due to a power outage. It is noted that the lift first got stuck, and then abruptly began to move in the opposite direction, due to which the chairs of the lift crashed into each other.

It's a nightmare, we were next. As a result, they helped the fallen, dragged them away as best they could. No evacuation, broken people were lowered on snowmobiles

- Levochkin Ilya, eyewitness.

Those who returned from the resort earlier say that the lift was not working the previous week. Rescue operations were reported from the scene. Many injured with bruises and fractures.

Among the victims are four citizens of Ukraine, one of Sweden, two of Russia and one citizen of Georgia… this moment There are seven people in the local clinic, their condition is not serious.

One victim has already been discharged from the hospital. Note that Special attention two victims are required: a citizen of Ukraine, who has a head injury and a broken arm, and a pregnant citizen of Sweden. Both patients will be transferred from a local clinic to Tbilisi.

Warning, the video is harsh. In Gudauri, Georgia, a lift broke down at a ski resort (VIDEO).

From time immemorial, great poets and famous travelers were fascinated by the beauty of Georgian nature, the originality of the culture of this people and the unique color of the Georgian character.

Gudauri is a ski resort located at an altitude of 2196 m on the slopes of the Great Caucasian ridge in the Kazbegi region. The skiing season here lasts from the last days of December to the beginning of April. Vacationers in Gudauri can ride on skiing, sledding and snowboarding. Especially popular in Gudauri is freeride - this is the name of a special descent from the mountain, carried out off the track. At the rental building, those who wish can find the phones of the instructor who teaches freeride. Freeride is the main attraction of the resort, thanks to which it became famous for its opportunities for activities. winter sports Georgia. Gudauri is a ski resort, the length of freeride slopes of which, according to vacationers, is endless. The area has a large number of off-piste slopes suitable for those wishing to go heli-skiing or backcountry. Cross-country skiing and skating are not practiced in Gudauri.

Tracks

The total number of tracks in Gudauri is 22. Their total length is 57 km. Every night, 218 hectares of trails are processed by snow groomers. 20% of the tracks are used by professionals, 80% are for amateurs. The first track is equipped with snow cannons.

The longest descent along the route is 7 km. The critical height difference is 1200 m. Mount Sadzele in Gudauri is considered the highest: it reaches 3268 m. The minimum height is 2050 m. The thickness of the snow cover in the resort usually reaches 1.5 m. Gudauri has pistes where children and beginners feel comfortable. There are slalom runs and so-called "black", "red" and "blue" runs. All of them are located above the forest, so it is impossible for a beginner to fly into the bushes or crash into a tree.

Lifts

The ski lifts of the resort are designed to serve 11,000 people at the same time. The height of the lower station is 1990 m, the upper station is 3307 m. The operation of the lifts is carried out regardless of the number of skiers. The need to stop working arises only in case of unfavorable weather conditions(very poor visibility or strong wind). equipped with emergency diesel engines in case of a power outage.

Lift opening hours:

• IN winter period: from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Spring (April and end of March): from 9:00 to 15:00 (weekdays), from 9:00 to 16:00 (weekends).
• During the summer period (starting from 16.07): from 10:00 to 16:00 (daily).

Things to do in Gudauri

Guests of the resort respond enthusiastically about their stay in Gudauri. The main entertainment here is snowboarding and skiing, for which, in fact, many aspire to come here. Since the lifts are already closed after five, and the slopes are not lit, you won’t be able to ride at night on your own. Therefore, the only thing you can do in the evening, vacationers say, is to bathe in a bathhouse, spend time in a cafe, play bowling or taste local homemade wine. Near the ski lifts there are several cafes. The cost of lunch for two here is 30 lari (690 rubles).

Infrastructure

In the village, according to vacationers, there is a club. Near ski lifts available free wifi, but, according to the authors of the reviews, it works very poorly. There is a church, restaurants, Smart - a small supermarket where you can buy groceries and pastries (prices - Tbilisi). The supermarket has a free toilet, a currency exchange, ATMs and payment terminals. The authors of the reviews share that there is nowhere to buy fruits and vegetables in Gudauri. But at the supermarket you can buy from local residents churchkhela, homemade wine (1 liter costs 5 lari, or 115 rubles), cheese and souvenirs.

Hotels in Gudauri

In the territory resort village located presented in in large numbers hotels, guesthouses, chalets, apartments of various price categories. During the season, apartments and hotels in Gudauri are twice as expensive as in

The cost of a modest room in guest house(or apartments): from $20-30 (1223.60 - 1835.40 rubles). The cost of spacious apartments (hotel rooms): from $40-60. (2447.20-3670.80 rubles).

Resort regulars advise those who plan to travel to Georgia by car and want to save money to stay in Stepantsminda (33 km from Gudauri). Here the cost of housing is lower.

Inventory rental

You can rent equipment at one of the hotels. In addition, in Gudauri, in front of the ski lifts, there is a rental building where you can get ski boots and everything else for use. For those who plan to ride for several days, the reviewers recommend purchasing own equipment. It also makes sense, vacationers share, to go in advance to one of the rental offices in Tbilisi. Here, the prices for renting snowboards and other equipment are lower, and the choice is much larger. In the shop in front of the ski lift in Gudauri you can also buy equipment.

Rates

Equipment rental:

• Standard kit (skis, ski boots, poles): 30 GEL (690 rubles) per day.
• If the equipment is rented for a period of more than 3 days: 25 GEL (575 rubles).
• Snowboard and boots rental: 30 GEL (690 RUB) for 1 day rental.
• For a period of 3 days or more: 25 GEL (575 rubles).
• VIP set (freeride skis, speed skis, etc.): 50 GEL (1150 rubles)
• Helmets, goggles and gloves: 5 lari (115 rubles)
• Flying for 10-15 minutes with an instructor on a paraglider costs about 150 GEL (3450 rubles)

Services offered by a ski resort in Georgia (in Gudauri), prices in rubles:

• 1 lift for adults and children: 115 rubles.
• 3 rises: 344 rubles.
• Ski school (for children): 275 rubles.
• For adults (1 day): 688-917 rubles.
• Night skiing: 229 rubles.
• Ski pass (for 1 day): 40 GEL (920 rubles). Discounts are available for children and teenagers.

About health insurance

Tourists who have visited Gudauri more than once are advised to take out medical insurance before going to the resort, since medical services in Georgia are quite expensive. In Gudauri medical insurance not included in the price of the ski pass. In the event of an injury, the insurance company will take care of many issues related to the organization of treatment.