Where is the best place to acclimatize before climbing Mount Kazbek? To Gudauri or Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)?
Few people have thought about it, but for a number of objective reasons, Gudauri is the best place for acclimatization before climbing the easternmost five-thousander in the Caucasus - Mount Kazbek. The height of the mountain is 5033 meters above sea level, the beginning of the climbing route from Kazbegi (the village of Stepantsminda) is 1700 meters above sea level. The elevation difference from the beginning of the route to the highest point is almost three and a half kilometers.
Proper acclimatization before climbing is the most important factor for a successful and safe ascent, since height and depression atmospheric pressure when rising, it not only reduces performance and attention, but also causes severe changes in the body. Preparing the climber's cardiovascular system for stress high altitude as a result of acclimatization trips it is very convenient to carry out in Gudauri - here you can find a lot walking routes of varying difficulty at altitudes up to 3300 meters above sea level.
Most existing programs for climbing Kazbek do not use the potential of Gudauri - most often they climb directly to the green overnight stays or to the Meteorological Station, leaving only one day for acclimatization and one acclimatization exit from the Meteorological Station to the Black Cross (3750 m - 3950 m). From the village of Stepantsminda there is only one option for acclimatization - along the route of ascent to the peak, thus, while acclimatizing, climbers have to climb and descend twice along the same path. From Gudauri you can go through many more interesting acclimatization routes at higher altitudes than from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).
In addition, in the summer you can climb to Gudauri by cable car, which increases the possibilities for choosing an acclimatization route - almost all neighboring peaks are above 3000 meters above sea level.
Before climbing Kazbek, we recommend doing at least two acclimatization days in Gudauri: the first is the ascent of the village of Mleta to the Lomisi monastery (1600 m - 2200 m); the second from the resort of Gudauri - on highest point Sadzele Mountains with return to the resort along the Bidara Mountain ridge 2000 m. - 3300 m.
In this way, smooth, step-by-step acclimatization is achieved before the ascent to base camp at the foot of the peak of Kazbek - an old weather station (3750 m), from which the routes to the summit begin.
With such acclimatization, as a rule, there is no need for an acclimatization day before ascent and ascent to a high altitude - it is good to spend this day resting, practicing technical techniques for working on the route, getting enough sleep, analyzing the weather forecast and accumulating strength before storming the summit.
Summarize:
Where is the best place to acclimatize before climbing Mount Kazbek? To Gudauri or Kazbegi?
Taking into account all the components of good acclimatization - the base altitude, the number and variety of routes for acclimatization, their coincidence with the route to the top, the presence of conditions for proper rest before the ascent (SPA, baths, swimming pool, jacuzzi, massage), the conclusion is obvious: Gudauri is the best place in this region for acclimatization before climbing to the top of Mount Kazbek.
Photo reviews about holidays on ski resort Gudauri in Georgia: prices for ski lifts and equipment rental in 2017, prices for apartments and hotels in Gudauri, how to get from Tbilisi and from Russia via Vladikavkaz.
Winter in Gudauri
Gudauri, Georgia
Gudauri is a ski resort at an altitude of 2196 m on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range in Georgia, 120 km from Tbilisi near the Cross Pass.
The skiing season in Gudauri lasts from late December to late March - early April.
Gudauri on the map ( point B)
At the resort you can ride alpine skiing ah, snowboarding, sledding. Particularly popular in Gudauri is freeride - downhill off-piste. If necessary, you can usually find the telephone numbers of an instructor near the rental building who will teach freeride.
There is nowhere to go cross-country skiing; there are no skate rentals or an ice skating rink in Gudauri.
Children's slide in Gudauri Gudauri trails
The total length of the tracks is 57 km
The longest descent on the highway is 7 km
Maximum height difference - 1200 meters
Maximum height (Mount Sadzele) - 3268 m
Minimum altitude - 2050 m
The length of freeride trails is endless
Snow cover thickness - 1.5 m
Gudauri trails There are tracks for children, beginners, slalom tracks, red, blue and black tracks. All tracks are located above the forest, so it is impossible for a beginner to crash into a tree or fly into the bushes.
If you have never skied and are planning to learn how to ski in Georgia, then it is better to choose Gudauri for this purpose. There is also the resort of Bakuriani, 180 km from Tbilisi, but the trails there are more difficult for beginners.
Children's slide 
Entrance to one of the ski lifts 
Apartments in Gudauri
On the territory of Gudauri there are many hotels, chalets, apartments and guesthouses of different price categories. Typically, during the season, hotels and apartments in Gudauri are twice as expensive as in Tbilisi.
Starting price - 20-30$ for a modest room in guest house or an apartment. Behind 40-60$ It’s realistic to rent a more spacious apartment or hotel room.
In the summer we stayed at a hotel in Gudauri. I can confidently recommend him.
If you are traveling to Georgia with your own car and want to save money, you can live in (33 km) and go for a ride in Gudauri. In Stepantsminda, housing prices are lower.
You can check prices and book apartments in Gudauri using the link (houses, apartments and apartments from the owners) ↓↓↓
Hotels in Gudauri
There are different hotels in Gudauri (about 100 options in total).
You can check prices and availability here ↓
Medical insurance in Georgia
Before traveling to Georgia, be sure to take out medical insurance, since medicine in Georgia is paid and expensive. Medical insurance Excluded included in the cost of the ski pass to Gudauri.
Today in Gudauri you can only get first aid, and after that you will have to go to Tbilisi on your own, look for a hospital, etc. When purchasing insurance, the insurance company will deal with your transportation and finding a hospital.
One of the most reliable ski insurance in Georgia on the market in this moment, can be purchased from the company ☜ when ordering via the link 10% discount. This insurance company has direct contracts with clinics in Batumi and Tbilisi, Mondial assistance.
Prices in Gudauri, 2017
You can rent equipment at one of the hotels, as well as at the rental building in front of the ski lifts.
If you plan to ride for several days, then it makes sense to buy your own equipment or at least go to one of the rentals in Tbilisi in advance, where prices are lower and there is more choice. You can also buy equipment in Gudauri in the shop in front of the ski lift.
Equipment rental prices:
30 lari (13$ )/day - Standard kit (skis, boots, poles OR snowboard and boots)
25 lari per day when renting from three days
50 lari (21$ )/day — “VIP” set: speed skis, freeride skis, etc.
5 lari ($2.5)/ day for helmets, goggles and gloves (one piece of equipment)
Paragliding flights with an instructor - from 150 GEL ( 70$ ) in 10-15 minutes
Closed cabins in Gudauri 
There are open booths
Ski-pass prices in Gudauri
Ski pass for the day - 40 GEL ( 15$ ). There are discounts for children and teenagers, lifts for children 0-6 years old are free.
You can pay for your ski pass in cash or by card of any bank.
Below is a table with prices. In the first picture the prices are in rubles. Scroll through the slider to see prices in dollars and lari.
1$ = 2.66 GEL
1 lari = 23 rubles
1 lari = 10 hryvnia
Entertainment and infrastructure in Gudauri
The main entertainment is skiing and snowboarding. The lifts close at 16.00 (on weekends at 17.00), the slopes are not lit, so skiing at night will not be possible.
The only thing you can do after 17.00 is sit in a cafe, take a steam bath, play bowling or drink homemade wine.
The resort has several cafes near the ski lifts. The average price for lunch for two will be 30 GEL ( 13$ )
Outdoor cafe 
Soup kharcho 
Prices in one of the cafes
According to rumors, there is some kind of club there, one per village, but I don’t know for sure. There is free WiFi near the ski lifts, but it works only occasionally.
There is a church, several cafes, restaurants, a small Smart supermarket, where basic products and baked goods are sold at Tbilisi prices.
The supermarket also has a free toilet, currency exchange, ATMs and payment terminals. There is nowhere to buy fruits and vegetables, but there are some near the Smart supermarket local residents with churchkhela, homemade wine for 5 GEL/liter ( 2$ ), cheese and souvenirs.
Previously, all the stores were only downstairs in Old Gudauri, but now they have opened a store in New Gudauri.
Slide for adults How to get to Gudauri
You can get to Gudauri by land transport. The nearest airports to the resort are in Tbilisi (120 km), Kutaisi (310 km) and Vladikavkaz (80 km).
From Tbilsia airport you can take a taxi (about $70) or come to Tbilisi at the bus station at the Didube metro station. There you can find a minibus to Stepantsminda, Kazbegi or Gudauri. Costs 10 lari($4) one way. The road from Tbilisi will take no less 2 hours.
From Kutaisi There are also direct minibuses to Gudauri (or Kazbegi), but they run infrequently. You can take a minibus from Kutaisi to Tbilisi (230 km, 4 hours travel time, 12 lari per person), and then from the Tbilisi station to the Didube metro station, take a minibus going to Gudauri or Kazbegi (2 hours on the way, 10 lari).
We got to Gudauri from Tbilisi in a UAZ Patriot in 2 hours If you are traveling to Gudauri from Moscow and plan only to ski or snowboard without visiting other regions of Georgia, then it makes sense fly to Vladikavkaz on the Pobeda flight, and from Vladikavkaz get to Gudauri by minibus - it will be cheaper than flying to Tbilisi and going to Gudauri from Tbilisi.
The only caveat is that the Upper Lars crossing between Russia and Georgia, through which the road to Gudauri passes, is periodically closed in winter due to mudflows and landslides in the mountains. There is a risk of getting stuck in a traffic jam on the Georgian Military Road. However, the savings on tickets are significant, you can take a risk.
Calendar of low prices for air tickets to Vladikavkaz:
How I learned to ski in Gudauri
Those of you who follow my Instagram could watch my struggles and attempts to get on skis.
Once upon a time in college, I was quite good at cross-country skiing, and then I went to “Silichi” near Minsk, went downhill skiing, safely fell several times, hit myself painfully, tore the net and crashed into a tree.
The mistake was that then in Belarus I traveled with unfamiliar people and did not take an instructor, and such things need to be learned from professionals.
This time in Georgia, I didn’t plan to go skiing, but simply intended to go to the mountains with my friends and drink mulled wine while they were skiing. But the guys persuaded me to at least try.
Sveta showed me the basics and took me down the children's slide several times by the hand, for which I thank her very much. Now at least I can stand on my skis and move a little.
Sveta, who put me on skis. 
Then I was left alone, slid down the children's slide several times, and then fell into a hole between a snowdrift and a small lift.
Looking at other people and the pleasure they get from falling, it becomes clear that my time has not yet come. Those people want to learn, so they get up and try again. But I don’t care, that’s why nothing works.
At one time I did not know how to swim, but during the months spent near the sea I achieved great success. I also now know how to jump off boards and drive a scooter, although I thought I would never learn.
But biking and swimming are a necessity, and skiing is more of an entertainment, so there is no desire to go skiing again, take an instructor and learn to ski.
P.S. If after reading the article you have any questions or additions, please write them in the comments to this article.
Have an unforgettable holiday in Gudauri! Sincerely,
The Gudauri ski resort is, as they say, young and promising: in 2014, National Geographic magazine named it one of best places winter holidays.
Gudauri deservedly received such significant praise. Interesting trails have been laid here, modern ski lifts have been launched, hotels are being built - the resort is actively and purposefully developing, striving to meet international standards.
The first argument in favor of a holiday with children in Gudauri is excellent opportunities for learning alpine skiing, that is, the presence of good slopes, professional instructors and reasonable prices.
What else will this small village on the slopes of the Caucasus please? We have collected all important information O family vacation at the most modern ski resort in Georgia.
Gudauri on the map of Georgia
The village of Gudauri is a ski resort located in the northeast of Georgia, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range. It is located on the territory of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, part of the Kazbegi municipality (the administrative center is the village of Stepantsminda).
The distance from Gudauri to Tbilisi is 122 km, to Kutaisi - 295 km, to Stepantsminda - 32 km.
The place where Gudauri is located is known even to those who are not interested in skiing. Georgian Military Road, Cross Pass - everyone has heard these names. All that remains is to see with your own eyes.
Vacation with children
The Gudauri ski resort quickly became popular. In terms of the number of tracks, he quickly overtook the other ski center Georgia - Bakuriani. How many are there? additional features for active recreation!
Gudauri in winter - perfect place for lovers of alpine skiing, including fans of off-piste skiing. And in the summer, those who are interested in cross-country, sports tourism, mountaineering, and rafting come here.
Most often, people come to Gudauri with children precisely to put them on skis.
There are conditions for this: from training trails, where the first skills are practiced, children soon move on to conquering simple trails. Well, if you couldn’t instill a love for skiing, let your child go sledding - for this there is a special track at the resort.
In summer you can also relax in Gudauri with your child. At the same time, it is not necessary to join the ranks of those who go on multi-day hikes in the mountains - just climb to the top of Mount Sadzele and see the endless mighty Caucasus.
But there is also almost no entertainment for children in Gudauri. But in the summer you can go on excursions: for example, take a trip along the Georgian Military Road and visit Tbilisi - a beautiful ancient city with many family attractions.
The weak point of holidays in Gudauri is the tourist infrastructure. Despite the fact that there are about fifty hotels at the resort, all of them are poorly suited for family holidays.
As a place to stay with a child, we recommend considering apart-hotels that have a kitchen equipped with everything necessary for preparing food. At the same time, we note that it is difficult to buy baby food in stores, so when going on vacation with an infant, be sure to take the necessary products with you.
And yet, the rapid pace of development of the resort gives hope that Gudauri will soon become attractive place not only for extreme sports enthusiasts of all stripes, but also for families with children.
When is the best time to go?
When is the best time to go to Gudauri is not an idle question. Both the quality and cost of your vacation depend on the correct answer.
If we are talking about winter holidays, then you can get your skis to the resort in early December. But the opening of the season in Gudauri usually occurs at the end of December, and if the winter turned out to be little snow, then in January. On the contrary, sometimes heavy snowfalls allow the season to open in mid-December.
High season in Gudauri - period New Year's holidays, February and early March. At this time, all hotels and cottages of the resort are occupied, the price of accommodation reaches its maximum.
On weekends, when many vacationers from Tbilisi come to the mountains, there may be queues at the ski lifts, but the waiting time does not exceed 10-15 minutes. Small queues may form if the upper lifts are closed due to the threat of avalanches.
In the second half of March, hotel prices decrease. The weather is favorable for skiing, so you can safely come on vacation with your child.
Among the things you will take with you to the resort, you should definitely have: sunscreen: the sun is so active at this time that you can get sunburned while skiing.
The summer season lasts from July to September. Since there is never any heat at the resort, you can come with your baby to Gudauri and enjoy clean air and pleasant coolness.
In summer, you will definitely need waterproof clothing and shoes, as it often rains in the mountains. But in September there is relatively little rainfall.
Weather and climate
The climate of Gudauri is moderately cold, and the average annual temperature is only +1.5° C. What does this mean for ski lovers and for those who want to relax in the mountains in the summer?
The main time of year in Gudauri is, of course, winter. It begins in December, when daytime air temperatures drop to - 6°C, and nighttime temperatures drop to - 10°C.
The weather is clear, but there are a few heavy snowfalls. By the middle, and sometimes by the end of the month, a stable snow cover forms: it’s time to open the ski season.
In January it becomes somewhat colder, up to - 8° C during the day and up to - 13° C at night. Sunny weather and some good snowfalls provide comfortable riding conditions.
Snowfalls can not only please skiers, but also block the road to the resort. To know the exact forecast for the coming days, you can use the data from the Gudauri weather station, which is published on the official website of the resort.
February sees the most snow, which is greatly appreciated by freeriders. The air temperature is the same as in January, but at night there are sometimes severe frosts, down to - 20° C.
Snow cover levels reach their maximum in March. The cold is weakening a little: during the day the thermometers show - 5° C, at night - 9° C. The best vacation in Gudauri with children one could call it a holiday in March, if not for one “but” - the high danger of avalanches.
In April, winter slowly loses its grip. Although the air temperature is still hovering around 0°C, the snow begins to melt and rains begin in the second half of the month. Snowfall is still possible in the upper reaches, but instead of pleasant powder, skiers will find hard firn.
May and all summer months are a time of frequent and heavy rains. At the same time, the resort is not at all hot: in May the daytime temperature is +10° C, in June +14-15° C, and in July-August - about +17° C. At the same time, it becomes much colder at night: the thermometer drops to +2-5° C.
September will be a very good time for a vacation in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti mountains. The daily air temperature is +14° C, and the amount of precipitation is almost halved compared to the summer months.
In October, the first night frosts come to the resort. During the day, the air warms up to +4-10° C. In November, the thermometers do not rise above 0° C even during the day.
Nutrition
Most hotels in Gudauri offer their guests meals on a "breakfast only" or "half board" basis. At the same time, a buffet is sometimes served. Restaurant menus usually include dishes of Georgian and European cuisine. Children's and diet food is not provided.
If you plan to cook yourself, you can buy the necessary products in the resort shops.
Transport
Public transport in Gudauri is intercity minibuses connecting the resort with Tbilisi and the village of Stepantsminda.
The cost of a ticket to Tbilisi is 7-10 lari (note that in Georgia there is no discount on tickets for children). Minibuses run only during the daytime, and they do not have a schedule as such - they depart when they are full every 1.5-2 hours.
Instead of public transport in Gudauri you can use the services of companies organizing individual transfers. The cost of a transfer to Tbilisi starts from 150 GEL. A taxi ride will cost about the same amount.
Use a car to travel around Gudauri and the surrounding area - good idea, if you have extensive driving experience. The condition of the Georgian Military Road is good, but it must be taken into account that it is a mountain serpentine with sharp turns.
Summer in Gudauri and adventures in the mountains are in full swing! Traditionally, until the end of September we spend it hiking, excursions, rafting on mountain rivers and jeep tours in the mountains. Do you want to swim in waterfalls, breathe crystal-clear mountain air, find out your capabilities, visit lost mountain villages, live in medieval towers, enjoy natural food at a traditional Georgian table - all this is possible until the end of September in.
Gudauri in summer is very different from winter - most of the hotels and restaurants in the resort are not open, there are not as many tourists at the resort as in winter, the cable cars did not work for the first two months of summer. But, if a collective desire appears in summer Gudauri, bright events are possible at the resort - see the photo report on July 31 from our event for a group of 250 people: excursion and jeep tour to Kazbegi, climb to the highest point of the Gudauri resort and concert of traditional Georgian music at the top:
Gudauri mountain resort - in summer
Undoubtedly, Gudauri has the best panoramic views from the resort to the surrounding mountains and gorges throughout Georgia. Other mountain resorts in Georgia are located in valleys and cannot boast of similar views - the Gudauri resort is located on a large mountain plateau above 2000 meters above sea level.
The high location of the resort allows the snow cover to remain for a long time and enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets at any time of the year. Gudauri in summer time- a paradise for landscape photographers.
In summer, some hotels and restaurants operate in Gudauri, and it is possible to stay in separate comfortable apartments. The cost of living in mid-price hotels in Gudauri in the summer is GEL 50 (about USD 22) with two meals a day, in apartments - from 10 USD per day for a comfortable modern apartment in the resort ()
Cable cars in Gudauri - lift operating schedule in summer
From August 9 to September 13on weekendsThe gondola lift will operate from 10:00 to 17:00.
On August 9, the cable car will operate free of charge. On other days aboutA din climb will cost 5 GEL per person, a day pass will cost 10 GEL.
Inclusion of the cable car on other days and ascent to the highest point, as well as holding weddings, celebrations, conferences, team building, etc.
The photo shows the ascent with bicycles on the gondola lift in Gudauri in the summer to descend along prepared bicycle trails. Bicycle trails were developed by specialists from Slovakia.
Already filmed in a Russian film about love. The one with the accent ;-)
The Gudauri ski resort is not yet so famous among skiers. And when last season there was an unpleasant incident with a jammed lift, many did not even understand where it happened, because... The name of the resort is not yet familiar to all tourists. And by the way, many wrote to me then - what happened with the cable car, what a horror! Because they reasoned like this: was it said in the news about a ski resort in the Caucasus? Yeah, that means Krasnaya Polyana.
And those who remember the name now have a question: is it worth going there? Therefore, today I want to say a few words in defense of Gudauri, because I was there and I liked it.
From this article you will learn how to get to the resort, how much a holiday there will cost and why it is worth getting to know this place better.
Gudauri resort, Georgia: how to get there, stay and ride
Gudauri is the best ski resort in Georgia with developed infrastructure, the largest elevation difference and unlimited opportunities for freeride and ski touring.
The resort is the highest mountain settlement on the Georgian Military Road - located 2000 meters above sea level.
When does the ski season start?
The resort of Gudauri is located on the slope of the Greater Caucasus Range and is famous for its mild climate, the absence of frost in winter and icy winds.
The season in Gudauri begins at the end of December and lasts until the end of April. But the first snow may fall as early as October. And sometimes the season closes on the May holidays.
Highest daytime temperature V December is +6...8°C, while the minimum temperature at night drops to -10°C. Most December in Gudauri there are sunny days, but cloudy and cloudy days are also not uncommon. In January it gets even cooler: from zero to -3...-5°C during the day and about -13°C at night. There will be less than half of the month with sunny days, and it often snows. In February it will become warmer and the amount of precipitation will decrease significantly.
So if you want to drive on powder, go to the resort in January. If you want sunshine, then wait for February.
How to get to Gudauri
The nearest airports to the resort are in Vladikavkaz and in Tbilisi:
View airfare pricesUsually tourists fly through Tbilisi. Gudauri is 120 km from Tbilisi airport and 110 km from the city itself.
The most convenient and reliable option to get from the airport to the resort is to book a private transfer in advance. In this case, tourists will be met at the terminal building and taken directly to the place of their planned vacation. The cost of the trip will depend on the number of people and type of transport:
Transfer from Vladikavkaz takes longer due to crossing the border with vehicle, and the road is sometimes closed due to snowfalls in the Cross Pass area. So in this regard, flying to Tbilisi is easier and more convenient.
They go to Gudauri Shuttle Buses. But they are not coming from the airport, but from the bus station, which is also not close to get to. Again, the last bus to Gudauri leaves Tbilisi at 17:00 (on weekends - at 17:30), after which you can only leave by taxi. You can calculate the cost and pre-order a taxi here: Taxi in Gudauri
Do not forget that fares are paid in local currency - lari.
Another option - rent a car to not only get to the resort, but also to see other attractions during rest. You can find out the cost of renting a car and book it here: Car rental in Georgia
If this issue has already been resolved, move on to the next one - book a hotel in Gudauri.
Accommodation: Gudauri hotels
Hotels in Gudauri are mostly 3-4 star; and like in any other resort in Georgia, guest houses are popular here. There are no 5* hotels yet. But they will appear in a couple of years, because... are already under construction.
All buildings are usually made in chalet style. Almost all hotels are within walking distance from the ski lifts. Some hotels in Gudauri were built back in the late 80s - early 90s.
One of these first hotels is the hotel Marco Polo 4*, and today he is one of best hotels. It is also the largest - 123 rooms. Meals - HB (breakfast + dinner).
Hotel Gudauri Inn— 700 meters from the ski lift, to which there is a free shuttle upon request. The hotel has 60 rooms. Best views to the Aragvi valley. Food - NV.
Club-2100 Hotel 4*- at a level of 2100 meters, next to the highway. panoramic views from the large outdoor terrace. 54 rooms, cozy and calm atmosphere, free transfer to the cable car, meals - HB
Good Aura Hotel 3*— 16 rooms, in the center of Gudauri, meals — breakfast only. There is a swimming pool. Was opened in 2013.
Carpe Diem Hotel 3*— 52 rooms, opened in 2011. Food — HB. There is a sauna, cinema, conference room 100 m from the cable car. The hotel has another building at an altitude of 2000 meters
Alpina Hotel 3*— 60 rooms, BB meals, 500 meters from the cable car, there is a SPA center, a beautiful lobby bar, a restaurant with Georgian and European cuisine, a terrace bar.
Freerider Hotel 3*— 32 rooms, HB meals, swimming pool + sauna, conference room. Favorite hotel for fans of free ride, 200-250 m from the cable car.
Gudauri-Hut 3*— a little old, 31 rooms, fitness center, sauna, HB meals, 300 meters from the cable car
Monte Gudauri Hotel 3*— 17 rooms, HB, opened in 2015 at an altitude of 2200 meters. 400 m from the cable car landing, ski descent directly to the hotel.
T ruso Hotel 3* - open since 2006, 14 rooms, meals - breakfast, restaurant, grill bar.
Edelweiss Hotel 4* (but the level is like a good 3) - 28 rooms, HB meals, everything is within walking distance
Hotel Donata 3*— 22 rooms, BB meals, rental of equipment, cars and bicycles at the hotel. Descent to the hotel on skis.
There are also cottages at the resort. As a rule, they are rented to a company of 4-10 people. But there are not very many such accommodations in Gudauri.
In general, hotel prices in Gudauri are not low anyway, but in the high season prices increase so much that it is cheaper to relax in Tbilisi itself.
Trails in Gudauri
Gudauri has a good variety of trails. The lower station of the lift is at an altitude of 1990m, and the upper one is at 3307m. The length of the tracks is 50 km. The total number of tracks is 22.
They are served by 11 lifts. Lifts Doppelmayer, Poma. The resort's lifts can simultaneously transport 11,000 people:
In the summer of 2018, work began on the construction of a new gondola cable car Kobi-Gudauri, preparations are underway for the launch of artificial snowmaking of the second stage.
But most of all, the resort is popular with those skiers who prefer freeride - i.e. off-piste skiing. Wide slopes located above forest level and accessible directly from the ski lifts, the absence of large rocks and abysses, combined with heavy snowfalls and varied terrain - all this makes Gudauri a paradise for riders!
Local guides will be happy to show you fields and couloirs with untouched snow. In addition, groups are organized for ski tours. In addition, Georgia is one of the countries where heli-skiing is allowed. There is evening skiing.
Ski passes, rentals and instructor services
Prices for ski passes in Gudauri are approximately as follows:
In any hotel, as well as near the ski lifts, there are rental points . Equipment prices are as follows:
- Set of skis + boots + poles - $13, set of boots + board - $13
- Helmet, gloves, glasses - $3 per item.
The resort has a ski school - Ski Gudauri - the largest ski school in Georgia. Experienced instructors will teach you and your children how to ride. The cost of a group lesson is about $20 per lesson; children over 6 years old are allowed to participate in group lessons. Individual training with an instructor - from $25 per hour.
The resort has well-organized lifeguard work. These guys are constantly driving along the slope, monitoring the situation. Emergency response - no more than 5-10 minutes.
If injuries occur, hospitalization may be required. To ensure that this moment passes without financial losses, it is recommended to take out medical insurance in advance, since it is not included in the price of the ski pass.
You can choose the optimal ski insurance and pay for the policy here: Insurance for traveling abroad
What to do after skiing
Of course, Gudauri is not Courchevel or even Krasnaya Polyana. Therefore, you should not expect a stormy evening (and night) program from him. There are no shopping malls, skating rinks, bowling alleys, water parks and other “bourgeois” delights.
You can relax after skiing in one of the pools:
- Swimming pool and Spa center in New Gudauri, Building 2.
- Swimming pool and Spa center in New Gudauri Suites.
- Swimming pool and Spa center in the Mgzavrebi house.
- Swimming pool and Spa center at the Marco Polo Hotel
In the evening, the entire active public in Gudauri moves to bars and restaurants . But they are in complete order here! The resort offers both establishments with excellent service and an impressive menu (both in terms of prices and assortment), as well as affordable cafe-bars:
- Powder Bar in the Burjanadz House - craft Georgian beer, European cuisine;
- Restaurant Pasanauri— Kartvelian cuisine: kharcho soup, rosy khachapuri different types, eggplant rolls and vegetable salad with walnuts. Khinkali here is prepared not only with meat, but also with cheese and potatoes; ojakhuri - with meat or mushrooms;
- Hotel restaurant Club-2100— Georgian and European cuisine, all this is accompanied by a beautiful panorama of the Caucasus mountains;
- LODGE Hotel Restaurant - folk Georgian cuisine in European style; from 8.30 to 10.00 and from 17.00 to 19.00. a buffet is organized, which can also be attended by guests of other hotels,
- Hreki Tavern - Georgian cuisine at affordable prices, a signature dish called Khreki (40 GEL) is designed for a company of 4-5 people and consists of assorted meats - quail, chicken, veal, beef with potatoes, tomatoes.
Of course, not a single meal in Georgia is complete without drinking wine. Quite normal Georgian wine is sold for 4-5 lari per bottle.
If you need something stronger, feel free to order local cognac or chacha. Experienced “tasters” highly recommend buying cognac of the “David Sarajishvili” brand “Askaneli”. These are the best cognacs in Georgia. Chacha is moonshine made from grapes. Chacha is drunk easily and naturally. But your head will still hurt in the morning.
To our surprise, in a country that is famous for its wines, they also readily drink beer. Especially at a ski resort, especially young people.
What to see if you get tired of riding
If you get tired of riding or the weather is “unflyable”, then from Gudauri you can organize the following exciting excursion routes :
- in Kazbegi, which is located 50 km from Gudauri.
- to the Zhinvali reservoir and Annanuri fortress,
- in the Truso gorge
- in Tbilisi, finally...
All this can be viewed from good guides, which will show you the most interesting angles and tell a fascinating story about each place.
In general, if you wish, you can organize a decent apres-ski in Gudauri.
And if we start getting acquainted with ski Georgia , then it’s better to start with Gudauri.
So, my list of arguments in favor of Gudauri is as follows:
- This is one of the most interesting resorts for riding both on and off piste.
- Currently, the resort is actively developing. Of course, in terms of infrastructure development it is still inferior alpine resorts, but in terms of the possibilities of off-piste skiing, the amount of snow and most importantly - the price level - this is a very interesting option among all other resorts in the Caucasus!
- Here you will fully experience the flavor of Georgia, with all that it implies: there will be the hospitality of the locals, and their pride in their country, and a lot of wine and other drinks...
- Beautiful views. Yes, the Caucasus mountains are all very beautiful, and all very different. So, in Gudauri it’s really not just a view, it’s a postcard.
- There is something to complement the skating. Even if you are unlucky with the weather or get tired of riding, you will always have something to do outside your hotel room.
Decide for yourself whether you agree with them or not.
Have a great season everyone and see you on the blog!
