Car rental in Georgia during winter. The best routes, ski resorts, and tips for choosing a car.

Complete Guide to Winter Car Rental in Georgia by OG Drive

Winter in Georgia is a special season when snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and cozy villages create a unique atmosphere for travel. While most tourists prefer to visit the country in summer or autumn, the winter season offers its own unique advantages. And it’s no surprise – the country boasts an incredible variety of winter activities and experiences. Four fully equipped ski resorts, thrilling adventures in the Greater Caucasus, hot springs, scenic cable cars, and cities perfect for winter getaways – in Georgia, everyone can find something to enjoy. In this article, we’ll explain why renting a car is the ideal way to explore wintertime Georgia and share important tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

What Are the Advantages of Renting a Car in Winter?

• Cost-effective. Winter is the most affordable season for car rental in Georgia.
• Freedom of movement. With your own car, you're not dependent on public transport schedules, which can be limited in winter and generally unreliable.
• Access to remote locations. Many scenic winter attractions and ski resorts are located far from main tourist routes and can be difficult to reach without a personal vehicle.
• Convenience for ski resorts. Renting a car makes it easy to travel between different lifts and resorts, carry your gear, and avoid relying on transfers.
• Comfort and safety. Having your own car provides extra comfort in cold weather and allows you to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions.

Georgia's Winter Resorts by Car

1. Gudauri

Description: Gudauri is located about 120 km from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway, with its highest point at 3,279 meters. It is the most popular, largest, and most accessible ski resort in Georgia. Here you’ll find 75 km of slopes, well-developed infrastructure, plenty of hotels, equipment rentals, restaurants, and instructors. There are also great opportunities for freeriding (both from the lifts and via ski touring).

How to get there: The drive from Tbilisi takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in good weather conditions. The route passes through scenic areas with stunning mountain views.

Road conditions: The road is generally in good condition and can usually be driven with any type of vehicle. However, it may be temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall or avalanche risk. Always check current road conditions before departure. Traffic jams are common on the winding section just before the ski resort.

Equipment rental: The resort has well-developed infrastructure, so you’ll have no trouble renting any ski or snowboard gear. However, even here, renting clothing can be difficult, so it’s best to take care of that in advance.

Hotels: $$$ – Marco Polo or Gudauri Lodge, $$ – New Gudauri Lofts or Best Western Hotel, $ – guesthouses scattered throughout the resort.

Parking: Gudauri offers paid underground parking as well as plenty of open parking spots. It’s a good idea to check with your accommodation in advance.

2. Bakuriani

Description: Bakuriani is located 185 kilometers southwest of Tbilisi and 30 km from the town of Borjomi. It’s a popular family-friendly resort, perfect for beginners and frequented by locals. The resort offers 29 km of slopes and 5 ski areas. Not all of them are interconnected, so having your own car is definitely useful if you want to explore all the slopes. The infrastructure is well-developed, with plenty of winter activities like snowmobiling, horseback riding, and sleigh rides. There aren’t many freeride routes here—mostly just fresh snow alongside the slopes.

How to get there: The road from Tbilisi is suitable for any type of vehicle and takes about 3.5 hours. From Batumi, the drive takes around 5.5 hours. The route goes through Borjomi, which is worth a stop along the way.

Road conditions: The road is in good condition, and you can reach Bakuriani with any car. However, traffic jams are common on the resort itself and can last for hours.

Equipment rental: The resort has well-developed infrastructure, so renting ski or snowboard gear won’t be a problem. However, clothing rentals are still hard to find, so we recommend taking care of that in advance.

Hotels: $$$ – Rooms Kokhta and Crystal Hotel and Spa, $$ – Bakuriani INN, $ – apartments at Orbi Palace.

Parking: Paid parking is available near the ski lifts and costs 3–5 GEL per day.

3. Mestia

Description: Mestia is located in the Svaneti region and is close to the ski resorts of Hatsvali and Tetnuldi. Both resorts opened relatively recently. While the total length of the slopes isn’t huge, Tetnuldi boasts the longest ski run in Georgia. It also has the longest season, from December to April. This is the most budget-friendly ski destination in Georgia. Mestia is considered a freeride mecca, with incredible snow quality, numerous freeride routes, and wide-open fields for riding. It’s no coincidence that the FreeRide World Tour (FWT) has been held here four times already. The highest point reaches 3,165 meters. Hatsvali is lower in elevation, offering gentler slopes and forest freeride areas. We recommend using the Telegram bot (@Svaneti_bot), where you can find lots of useful information about your trip to Mestia.

How to get there: The drive from Tbilisi takes around 9 hours in good weather conditions. First, set your GPS to Zugdidi, and then set Mestia as your final destination. From Batumi, the trip takes between 5 to 7 hours.

Equipment rental: There are several places where you can rent gear. Use the Telegram bot mentioned above to find rental locations.

Road conditions: Although the road to Svaneti remains open in winter, the journey can be challenging. It includes many narrow turns and elevation changes, and snowfall can lead to temporary closures or rockfalls. We recommend contacting us before your trip so we can advise you and help you choose the best vehicle.

Hotels: $$$ – Gistola, $$ – Posta or Mestia INN, $ – Airbnb options.

4. Goderdzi

Location: Goderdzi is a ski resort in Adjara, not far from Batumi, and it’s the most adventurous option among the four state-run resorts. Recently opened, it has already been recognized as one of the best spots for skiing in Europe. Thanks to MASSIVE snowfall from November through mid-April, visitors can always count on excellent snow conditions. The lack of crowds, reasonable prices at local cafés, and several quality hotels make it a great place for a winter getaway. There’s lift-accessible freeride terrain, but snowboarders should be cautious — there are many flat areas where getting out can take hours, and the terrain changes frequently. At the resort, some slopes can only be reached by snowcat, which holds 12–15 people and offers comfortable rides on untouched snow. The approximate price for a snowcat is 500 GEL per hour.

How to get there: The drive from Batumi takes between 3 to 6 hours, depending on weather conditions. From Tbilisi, there are two options: you can drive to the town of Akhaltsikhe and arrange in advance to be picked up by a snowcat (call Ambassadori Hotel), which takes about 6 hours. Alternatively, you can go through Batumi by car, which takes around 10 hours.

Equipment rental: The resort's infrastructure is underdeveloped, so renting equipment—especially snowboards—isn’t easy. Ambassadori Hotel has decent gear for rent, but it’s not cheap. A good option is to rent everything in Batumi in advance and bring it with you.

Road conditions: The route to Goderdzi is one of the most difficult among all of Georgia’s ski resorts. It includes steep climbs, narrow sections, and can be particularly dangerous in snowy weather. We’re not always able to offer vehicles for trips to this resort, so please contact us to plan your visit.

Hotels: $$$ – Ambassadori Hotel, $$ – Twins Hotel or Ire Palace, $ – Guesthouses on Airbnb.

Top Winter Attractions

Lopota Lake

Description: Lopota is a beautiful lakeside resort in Kakheti that offers warm pools, a spa center, and views of snow-covered mountains.

How to get there: Lopota is about 110 km from Tbilisi via a well-maintained road through Telavi, the capital of Georgia’s wine region, Kakheti.

Winter atmosphere: The frozen lake surrounded by snow-dusted vineyards creates a stunning winter landscape. The contrast between the hot outdoor pools and the snowy scenery makes for an unforgettable experience.

Borjomi

Description: Borjomi is a famous resort town known for its mineral waters. In winter, it’s especially beautiful under a blanket of snow, as noted by seasoned travelers.

How to get there: Borjomi is about 160 km from Tbilisi. The road is usually well-maintained and suitable for any type of vehicle. The drive takes around 3 hours.

What to see: Be sure to visit the central park, where you can taste mineral water straight from the source, ride the retro cable car, and soak in the open-air thermal baths (once private Romanov family baths). The Golden Tulip Hotel—formerly a summer residence, decorated in Persian style—looks especially picturesque in the snow.

Sabaduri Forest

Description: Sabaduri is a magical forest near Tbilisi that becomes especially enchanting in winter when the tree branches are covered in snow. This dense woodland at the edge of Tbilisi National Park is beautiful year-round, but it's particularly stunning on a clear winter day after a snowfall, when the trees are blanketed in white.

How to get there: Sabaduri Forest is less than an hour’s drive from Tbilisi. Unlike Shaori Forest, there’s an open area here where you can safely park and enjoy playing in the snow.

Additional: Nearby is the Bear Shelter of the Zoological Center—a non-profit organization that cares for abandoned and rescued Caucasian brown bears. The center relies on donations, and visitors are encouraged to bring apples, carrots, and other fruits or vegetables to feed the bears.

Stepatsminda (Kazbegi)

Description: Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) is a picturesque mountain town with views of the majestic Mount Kazbek (5,047 m).

How to get there: Stepantsminda is about 150 km from Tbilisi via the historic Georgian Military Highway. In winter, the drive is especially scenic, featuring diverse landscapes—from the Gudauri ski resort to the remote Dariali Gorge near the Russian border.

Travel notes: The road may be closed during heavy snowfall or avalanche risk.

What to see: The main attraction is the Gergeti Trinity Church, set against a stunning snowy mountain backdrop. In winter, it’s also worth hiking to the frozen Gveleti Waterfall—a short but fairly challenging trail that leads to a breathtaking display of frozen ice crystals.

Signahi in Winter

Description: Sighnaghi is a charming fortress town in Kakheti, known as the "City of Love," offering stunning views over the Alazani Valley.

How to get there: Sighnaghi is about 110 km from Tbilisi via a well-paved road.

Winter highlights: During peak season—especially in July and August—Sighnaghi is often crowded with tourists. In contrast, winter brings a peaceful atmosphere, even if some restaurants are closed. Without the summer haze, the winter sky is often much clearer, allowing for breathtaking views from the city walls or the gardens of the Bodbe Monastery, where the vineyards fade into the distance beneath snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

Wine region: The Kakheti wine region, east of Tbilisi, is open year-round. While some small wineries may close during the holidays, larger commercial cellars like the Kvareli Wine Cave and Tsinandali are open for tours and tastings all year long.

Winter hiking

While Georgia’s main hiking season runs from June to October, winter hikes offer an entirely different kind of experience and adventure.

Snowshoeing in the Caucasus Mountains

Just because you’re visiting Georgia outside the summer hiking season doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exploring the majestic Caucasus Mountains on foot. Snowshoeing is possible in all highland regions of Georgia, including the valleys around Kazbegi, Mestia, and Borjomi. For safety reasons and due to the risk of avalanches, it's highly recommended to go only with an experienced guide who knows the terrain well.

One of the best winter hikes is in the Sioni Valley with the Vagabond Adventures team. Another great option is joining an expedition from Bakuriani, which includes visits to small villages in the Borjomi Gorge. It's also possible to snowshoe parts of the famous Mestia–Ushguli trek in Svaneti.

Lowland winter hiking spots

When there’s no heavy snowfall, you can find trails in Georgia’s lowlands suitable for regular (non-snowshoe) hiking in winter. The hiking season in the Greater Caucasus (e.g., Juta Valley, Abudelauri Lakes) typically ends in October, but in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park—and possibly Lagodekhi National Park (such as the hike to Machi Fortress)—marked trails may still be accessible in December and January.

The planned Trialeti National Park (including the Birtvisi Canyon) could also be an option in early winter, though be aware it can get very slippery. The Meskheti region (around Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia) is less likely to experience heavy snowfall, making it a good winter hiking destination. The trail from the village of Saro to Nizhgori is a favorite among many travelers.

Important tips for winter hiking

• Always check local conditions and ask for information at the relevant national park office before setting out on a winter hike.
• Use the right gear: winter boots, trekking poles, and possibly snowshoes.
• Never hike alone and make sure someone knows your plans.
• Start early, keeping in mind the shorter daylight hours in winter.

Requirements and documents for drivers

To rent a car in Georgia, you will need:

• Driver’s license from your country. An international license is not required if the information is in Russian or English.
• Driving experience of at least 2 years.
• Driver’s age is usually from 21 years old.

Which car to choose for a safe winter trip?

Your choice of vehicle depends on your plans and routes:

1. For city trips (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi): a fuel-efficient front-wheel drive car is suitable. Winters in the cities are usually mild, with daytime temperatures around 2–8°C.
2. For trips to the mountains and resorts: a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle with high ground clearance is strongly recommended. These cars provide better traction on slippery and snowy roads.
3. For remote regions: only a 4WD SUV with quality winter tires. In mountain areas, temperatures can drop to -20°C, especially in Mestia in January.

Important: From December 1 to March 1, the use of winter tires is mandatory on certain roads in Georgia. All our cars are equipped with high-quality tires appropriate for the season, so you can relax and book any vehicle that suits your needs.

Tips for safe driving in the mountains and on snowy roads

1. Reduce your speed and increase the distance between you and other vehicles.
2. Avoid sudden maneuvers—such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns.
3. Use a lower gear when descending mountains to maintain control of your speed. Most SUVs also have a hill descent assist feature.
4. Plan your trips carefully—winter days are short, and you don’t want to be on a mountain road after dark. For example, if you're traveling from Tbilisi to Mestia, we recommend departing no later than 8 AM.
5. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and check for road closures.
6. Stay flexible with your plans—in 2025, a heavy snowfall paralyzed all of Western Georgia for nearly a week. Many roads were closed, trains and buses were canceled, and flights to Batumi were redirected to Kutaisi. The road to Gudauri is also often closed during heavy snowfall. No matter the situation, you can always reach out to us, and we’ll help you find the best route.

Additional services for your winter road trip

Snow chains rent

Snow chains can be critically important when driving on icy or snowy roads, especially in mountainous regions. Depending on weather conditions, Georgian police may require that snow chains be attached to at least the drive wheels of your vehicle. The chains must be factory-made, match the size of your tires, and be suitable for use on snow-covered or icy roads. We offer snow chain rentals as a standard service. We recommend contacting us before booking your vehicle, and we’ll let you know whether chains will be necessary for your trip.

Rental of ski equipment racks

If you’re planning a trip to a ski resort, transporting your gear becomes an important part of the journey. For your convenience, we offer ski equipment rack rentals. This is especially useful if you have several pairs of skis or snowboards and want to free up space inside the car. Please note that these racks are not available for all vehicle models. We recommend contacting us in advance to check availability for your selected vehicle and to reserve the necessary equipment.