Winter

Gudauri is a fast growing ski resort situated in the Caucasus Mountains in the north of Georgia. Recent development and growth of Gudauri represents an exciting opportunity for skiers and snowboarders, who have previously experienced the Caucasus at Krasnaya Polyana, Dombai or Elbrus, to discover a new ski destination in this unique place on the planet.

Large portion of infrastructure at Gudauri, including chair lifts, was built by the Austrians. As such, it is far ahead of what is typically present in other Russian/CIS ski resorts such as Krasnaya Polyana, Dombai, Elbrus in Russia as well as Bakuriani in Georgia.

Gudauri''s other attractions are its altitude (2100 - 3000 m), wide open terrain, long season, impeccable snow quality and the moderate level of prices. The Georgian hospitality and the corresponding level of service make Gudauri best value for money resort in the Caucasus.

Location

Gudauri is located 120 km from Tbilisi, or approximately 1.5-2 hours drive north along the Georgian Military Highway. It is 100 km from Vladikavkaz or 1.5 hours drive south.

Terrain and snow conditions

Gudauri lies on Mount Kudebi (3006 m) on the south slope of the Great Caucasus Divide. The village lies at 2100 m above sea level with chairlifts rising to 3000 m insuring a vertical drop of around 1000 m. For comparison, Krasnaya Polyana is situated at 600-2400 m. This gives Gudauri distinct advantages concerning the quality of snow and the length of the season. Gudauri rarely experience cold winds unlike other resorts which are situated at high altitudes.

Gudauri enjoys plentiful snowfalls with typical cover of around 1.5m. Heavy snowfalls in some seasons see cover rise up to 5m like in the 2004-5 winter.

Chairlifts

Gudauri is serviced by three 3- and 4-seater chairlifts. The Austrian Dopplemayr chairlifts are head and shoulders above the old Soviet chairlifts still present at most Russian/CIS resorts.

There is also a forth chairlift (3-seater), but it is not typically used as there are never any queues at the main lifts. Total chairlift throughput capacity at Gudauri is over 6000 people/hour.

Ski runs

Gudauri has a large number of runs, of which 8 are marked and groomed regularly and others are off-piste. Groomed runs have total length of approximately 13 km, with the longest run being 7 km.

Gudauri is known for its wide open slopes as well as plenty of off-piste areas. Deep powder, lack of rocks and avalanche danger make Gudauri perfect for freeriding. There is also plenty of opportunity around the area for backcountry and heliski.

For professional skiers there are FIS courses for slalom, giant-slalom, super-giant and downhill.

Ski passes

Daily ski pass: 25 lari (US$15)
Single ride: 4 lari (US$2.3)
(2006-2007 prices)

Season

Ski season at Gudauri runs from December to April inclusive with late November and early May also providing some good skiing at higher points in the resort (3rd chairlift).

History

Mount Kudebi was chosen as the site for the first ski resort in Georgia for its regular sunshine and rare occurrence of avalanches. First chairlifts were built at the end of 1970s, but meaningful development of the area started in 1982 when Austrians first built the modern chairlifts and a hotel. Currently Gudauri is experiencing a rebirth after years of subdued activity caused by unstable political situation in the region. Due to improved economic and political climate in Georgia, visitors are once again flocking to this once busy tourist destination. Gudauri is experiencing fast growth in visitor numbers and the resort is expanding by way of new hotels and facilities. A drive through the main street demonstrates the number of new private hotels, houses, apartments and other buildings currently being erected in Gudauri. A large number of visitors from US, Germany, Austria, Israel, Turkey and other countries are visiting Georgia and Gudauri every year. Russian visitors are now starting to rediscover Georgia and a fast growing number of them can be met on the slopes at Gudauri.

Heliskiing

Helicopters take skiers and boarders to altitudes of up to 4400 m with vertical drop of up to 2500 m. The mountains and terrain around Gudauri are perfect for heliskiing allowing skiers and boarders to enjoy a never ending variety of wide open runs, bowls, chutes and couloirs.

Heliski routes include areas near Mount Kazbek, with its breathtaking views, Kazbegi district (for more extreme descents), Trusso gorge, Ksani gorge, Liakhvi gorge, Mepiskalo Plato, Gudamakari gorge and others.

Ski-touring

Ski-touring can be arranged upon request for another variation of enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Gudauri.

Sources: www.gudauri.ru, Ski Guide 2006 magazine