Ski Resorts in Georgia: Winter Adventures in the Caucasus

Ski Resort in Georgia: Winter Adventures in the Caucasus

Georgia is fast emerging as a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia’s ski resorts offer high-altitude terrain, deep snow, and a unique blend of European and Asian cultures. International tourists and expats are drawn by the affordable prices - lift tickets cost as little as ~$12 per day on average and the ease of travel (many nationalities don’t even need a visa to visit). You may wonder, where to go skiing in Georgia? In this guide, we focus on winter ski resorts in Georgia – Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi, Hatsvali, and Goderdzi, plus off-piste freeride adventures like heliskiing and catskiing. Whether you’re a skier or prefer snowboarding in Georgia, you’ll discover each destination’s advantages and disadvantages, from terrain and infrastructure to crowd levels and snow reliability. Finally, we’ll show how renting a car can enhance your ski trip by giving you the freedom to explore these mountain gems.

Key Takeaways

Gudauri: Georgia’s Largest Ski Resort

Gudauri is Georgia’s most popular and developed ski resort, perched in the Greater Caucasus about 120 km north of Tbilisi. It sits at 2,200m with lifts reaching above 3,000m, which means reliable snow and a long season (mid-December into April). This modern resort spans wide open alpine slopes with around 75 km of marked runs, making it ideal for intermediates and those who love cruising. Gudauri is also renowned for its extensive off-piste terrain - from easily accessible side-country powder to big-mountain backcountry lines - all set against stunning high-mountain scenery. The resort town offers ski-in/ski-out hotels, cozy après-ski spots, and even night skiing on select slopes. Skiing and snowboarding in Georgia’s Gudauri combine adventure with comfort, but keep in mind it can get very busy during peak season.

Advantages:

• Easy Accessibility: Only about a 2-hour drive from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, Gudauri’s convenient location is a major plus for weekend trips.
• Modern Infrastructure: Gudauri has a great lift system (including gondolas and high-speed chairs) and plenty of amenities – hotels, ski rentals, ski schools, shops, and restaurants abound.
• Varied Terrain: With the country’s largest network of ski trails (~75 km) and a vertical drop of ~1,000 m, there’s terrain for all skill levels. Freeriders also love the off-piste opportunities and backcountry ski touring accessible directly from the lifts.
• High Elevation: Slopes above 3,000 m ensure a long season, sometimes until mid-April.
• Activities: Many activities are avilable in the city: snow mobiles, snowshoe hiking, sledding and tubing, sightseeing around, cafes and spa making destination interesting even for non-skiers.

Disadvantages:

• Variable snow conditions: Out of all Georgia ski resorts, Gudauri usually getting the least amount of snow during the season. Luckily there are many snow making machines.
• Crowds in Peak Season: Being the most famous resort, Gudauri gets crowded during holidays, especially around New Year. Lift lines form and popular runs get busy. Powder can get tracked out quickly on a bluebird day as more foreign skiers discover Georgia.
• No Tree Cover: The ski area is above treeline with virtually no forested runs. While this means great views and freeriding, it also means no shelter in bad weather – on stormy or foggy days, visibility can be poor and winds severe on the exposed slopes.
• Inconsistent Lift Operations: Some advanced terrain depends on lifts that sometimes close for wind or maintenance. For example, the top Sadzele chair is infamous for running sporadically. Lift opening times can be unreliable (“Georgian Maybe Time” as some joke).
• Limited Expert Pistes: On-piste, Gudauri can feel too easy for experts; truly advanced skiers or boarders might exhaust the marked runs in a few days.
• Loose Organization: As a developing destination, Gudauri (like all Georgian resorts) faces some logistical issues – e.g. lack of proper transport system and occasionally indifferent service – but these are improving year by year.

Our recommendations:

• 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. Rent a car of hire a private transfer for the best expereience
• 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 ski or snowboard gear.
• 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.

Bakuriani: Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding

Bakuriani is Georgia’s original ski resort, located in the Lesser Caucasus (Samtskhe-Javakheti region) about 180 km from Tbilisi. Set at 1,700m in a picturesque alpine valley, Bakuriani offers a cozier, family-friendly atmosphere and gentler slopes surrounded by pine forests. It’s a historic resort (dating back to Soviet times) that has recently seen major upgrades – including new lifts and snowmaking – as it hosted the 2023 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships and the 2025 Youth Winter Olympics. Bakuriani’s terrain is excellent for beginners and intermediates, with around 23 ski runs totaling ~27 km and plenty of sunny days and tree-lined trails. The resort actually spans three areas (Didveli, Kokhta, and Mitarbi), offering a mix of modern and classic runs. While it doesn’t get the huge snowfall of the higher Caucasus, Bakuriani makes up for it with charm, activities, and reliability (70% of its slopes have snowmaking coverage). It’s the go-to winter getaway for families and those learning to ski or snowboard in Georgia.

Advantages:

• Accessible & Welcoming: Bakuriani is an easy 2.5-hour drive or ride (180 km) from Tbilisi, making it a convenient choice. The town is known for its warm hospitality and is very family-friendly, with ski schools, kids’ areas, and even non-ski activities like sledding, snow tubing, and a small amusement park in winter.
• Mild Climate & Scenery: At a lower elevation (base ~1,700m), Bakuriani enjoys a relatively mild winter climatewith many sunny. The resort is surrounded by evergreen forests and even some mineral water springs, offering a scenic winter wonderland (think skiing among Christmas trees rather than stark high-alpine). This also means less wind exposure and more comfortable conditions for children.
• Improved Infrastructure: Thanks to recent international events, Bakuriani now boasts modern lifts (Didveli area has a gondola up to 2,702m) and better facilities. There’s a wide range of accommodations – from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses – and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Snow reliability has improved too, with snowmaking on most main pistes ensuring a decent season from late December to mid-March. Ideal for
• Beginners/Intermediates: The terrain includes long gentle slopes and a dedicated beginner area, perfect for learning. Intermediates can have fun on blue and red runs at Didveli and Kokhta. The resort’s profile is well-suited to piste skiing and easy snowboarding, rather than extreme challenges – great for casual holidaymakers.

Disadvantages:

• Limited High-Expert Terrain: Advanced skiers and thrill-seekers may find Bakuriani’s slopes too tame. The mountain height is lower (max ~2269m) and total vertical drop is modest. There are only a few black runs, so experts might get bored quickly on-piste.
• Less Natural Snow: Bakuriani does not receive the heavy dumps that Gudauri or Svaneti do. Snowfall frequency is lower, and powder days are fewer. Off-piste options are very limited – this is not a place for freeride enthusiasts. In poor snow years, lower slopes can get slushy, though snowmaking helps cover this gap.
• Crowds & Holidays: Being a top choice for families and domestic tourists, Bakuriani can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. During Christmas and January weekends, expect busy sledding hills and booked-out hotels (planning ahead is a must in peak times). The upside is the atmosphere is fun and lively, but tranquility seekers might prefer elsewhere.
• Spread-Out Areas: The ski zones (Didveli, Kokhta, Mitarbi) are a few kilometers apart. While each is small, getting between them isn’t always seamless without transport. There are shuttles, but they might not be frequent. Renting a car or arranging a taxi can be necessary to fully explore all slopes in one day. Nightlife and Apres: Nightlife is quieter here than in Gudauri. Après-ski mostly involves cozy dinners or hotel bars. Those looking for a party scene won’t really find it in Bakuriani’s tranquil village setting.

Our recommendations:

• 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.

Tetnuldi: Svaneti’s Powder Playground

Tetnuldi is a newer ski resort (opened 2016) in the magnificent Svaneti region of northwest Georgia. It sits high on the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi, not far from the town of Mestia, and is famed for its deep powder and expansive freeride terrain. With lifts reaching about 3,160m and a base around 2,265m, Tetnuldi has an abundance of natural snow (averaging 5-6 meters per season) and one of the longest runs in Georgia – a leg-burning 9 km descent from top to bottom. This is a resort that truly rewards adventure-seeking skiers and snowboarders: it’s remote, uncrowded, and offers spectacular views of the Caucasus, including Mount Ushba and even Mount Elbrus on clear days. Tetnuldi’s groomed trails are few (around 15 km total) and mostly intermediate, but the off-piste opportunities are endless, from alpine bowls to gladed tree runs into Svan villages. If freeride in Georgia is what you’re after, Tetnuldi delivers in spades. However, being in Svaneti, it requires more effort to reach and has limited on-site infrastructure – essentially a high-altitude playground for those who prioritize powder over luxury. We recomment to use Telegram Messanger Bot where you can find all the infromation needed about the place (@Svaneti_bot)

Advantages:

• Exceptional Snow and Terrain: With its high elevation and aspect, Tetnuldi enjoys a very reliable, dry snowpack – often “deep, dry & delicious” powder well into spring. There are no lift lines and plenty of fresh tracks days after a storm. The resort offers huge freeride zones directly off the lifts, plus touring routes that drop into charming villages with 1,000m+ vertical drop. It’s truly a powder hound’s paradise for both skiing and snowboarding.
• Budget friendly: Except commuting cost, this resort, as well as Hatsvali is much cheaper then the rest of the Georgian ones. It includes the housing, food and drinks (please, be careful with chacha).
• No Crowds, No Waits: Tetnuldi is delightfully uncrowded. You’ll often have slopes to yourself and empty ski lifts. Even during what is “high season,” Svaneti sees a fraction of the visitors of Gudauri or Bakuriani. This means a peaceful experience and untouched snow that can last for days.
• Modern Lifts & Cheap Passes: The resort may be remote, but it isn’t primitive – it has a handful of modern chairlifts (including 6-seat lifts with wind covers). Lift tickets are extremely inexpensive (on the order of €15-20 a day) and even cover the nearby Hatsvali resort on the same pass. You get exceptional value for the vertical and snow quality on offer.
• Freeride & Backcountry Options: Beyond the marked trails, Tetnuldi offers vast off-piste options. Open bowls, treed lower sections, and side-country routes are accessible right from the lifts. For the truly adventurous, catskiing and heliskiing can be arranged in the area, further expanding the terrain. This flexibility is a huge draw for expert skiers.
• Authentic Svaneti Experience: Staying in Mestia (the base town 15 km away) is part of Tetnuldi’s charm. You’ll enjoy Svaneti’s rich culture, stone tower architecture, hearty local cuisine and hospitality. It’s much more of an authentic mountain adventure – combining skiing with cultural travel. Svaneti itself is breathtaking, often called the most beautiful region of Georgia.

Disadvantages:

• Remote Location: Getting to Tetnuldi is a journey. Mestia is about 8-10 hours by road from Tbilisi (part of it on winding mountain roads). In winter, the only practical way is by AWD vehicle or a domestic flight to Mestia’s small airport (which is very weather-dependent). Even once in Mestia, reaching the Tetnuldi base requires a 30-minute drive or shuttle, often in a AWD due to snow.
• Limited Amenities: There is no slope-side village or lodging at Tetnuldi – all accommodations and most restaurants are in Mestia or nearby villages. On the mountain you’ll find only a couple of small cafés. Après-ski is basically back in Mestia, which, while charming, is a quiet town. Don’t expect the convenience of ski-in/ski-out hotels or extensive services at the base.
• Few Groomed Runs: Piste skiers might be underwhelmed by the on-piste offerings. There are only a handful of groomed trails (and these can close if there’s avalanche risk or few skiers). Trail variety is limited – beginners have very limited terrain, and strong piste-only skiers might run out of challenges quickly. Essentially, if you’re not exploring off-piste, Tetnuldi might feel too small.
• Unpredictable Lift Operations: Similar to Gudauri, lift operations can be inconsistent. Officially lifts run 10am-4:30pm, but delays and weather holds are common. High winds or heavy snowfall can shut down lifts, and patrol control work might delay openings in the morning. Patience is required – flexibility (and perhaps ski touring gear) can save the day if lifts are closed.
• Not Ideal for All Travelers: For a short ski holiday or family trip, Tetnuldi is a challenging choice – the travel time, lack of off-slope entertainment, and expert-focused nature mean it’s best suited to hardcore skiers/snowboarders. It’s not the best for young kids or non-skiers (unlike Bakuriani), since alternative activities are limited and the environment is rugged and cold at altitude.

Our recommendations:

• 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.

Hatsvali: Charming Slopes in Mestia (Svaneti)

Hatsvali is the smaller ski area adjacent to Mestia town in Svaneti, often visited alongside Tetnuldi. It was the first ski lift built in Svaneti and remains a local favorite for its forested slopes and panoramic views. The base of Hatsvali is about 8 km from Mestia (accessible by road or a cable car from town), and its top elevation is around 2,348m (Zuruldi station). While Hatsvali offers only a few runs (roughly 7 km of pistes in total), it provides a delightful experience of skiing through pine forests with the dramatic Caucasus peaks all around. It’s typically open from mid-December to early April. What Hatsvali lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere: you get to ski with a backdrop of Mestia’s medieval stone towers and the double summits of Mount Ushba in view. This resort is great for a couple of relaxed ski days and as a taste of Svaneti’s unique charm.

Advantages:

• Scenic Beauty & Atmosphere: Hatsvali is steeped in local Svan culture. From the top, you can see Mestia’s famous Svan towers and a panorama of snowy peaks. The tree-lined runs have a magical “fairy tale” feel, especially on snowy days. The local charm and delicious Svan cuisine available in Mestia are highlights – food is plentiful, hearty, and cheap. Skiing here feels like an adventure back in time paired with stunning nature.
• Great Snow Quality: Thanks to Svaneti’s climate, Hatsvali enjoys frequent and stable snowfalls. The resort’s mix of open and gladed terrain means you can enjoy powder runs among fir trees (perfect for those who love “Christmas tree” skiing in the forest). Storm days can actually be fantastic here, since the forest provides visibility and shelter, and deep snow piles up.
• Freeride Potential: For a small area, Hatsvali offers surprising off-piste opportunities. The upper lift gives access to gentle tree runs and also steeper gladed sections for advanced skiers. It’s known as a freeride playground – adventurous skiers and snowboarders come for the untracked lines through woods and small bowls. With a guide, you can even ski down to villages or connect to the Tetnuldi area. Hatsvali truly attracts “lovers of Christmas trees” (tree skiing) as the Snowtime guide said.
• Less Crowded & Relaxed: Outside of holiday periods, Hatsvali is usually quiet. There’s typically just one main chairlift in operation, and you won’t find the congestion of bigger resorts. It’s a relaxed vibe – locals might be teaching their kids on the bunny slope while a few tourists soak in the views. This laid-back environment is great for those who want to avoid crowds.
• Combined Ticket with Tetnuldi: Your lift pass for Hatsvali is also valid at Tetnuldi (and vice versa). This is convenient and encourages visitors to sample both. Many people ski Hatsvali in the mornings (when weather might delay Tetnuldi’s opening) and then transfer to Tetnuldi for big runs in the afternoon. The multi-resort pass system in Georgia makes it easy to use one ticket across Gudauri, Bakuriani, Goderdzi, and the Svaneti resorts as well.

Disadvantages:

• Small Resort: With just a handful of trails (only one main lift serves the upper mountain), Hatsvali is limited. Confident skiers will ski all the marked runs in an hour or two. It’s really best as a half-day or single-day excursion, not a standalone weeklong destination. In the same time, since it's close to Tetnuldi, you can always experience both resorts.
• Old Lift Infrastructure: Hatsvali’s equipment is more basic. There is a mix of an older chairlift and a small gondola from Mestia, but only one chair runs to the top and it’s slower than newer resorts. If that lift stops due to weather or maintenance, there’s no alternative. As a result, operations can be hampered by heavy snowfall or technical issues, occasionally limiting access to the slopes.
• Accessibility: Mestia is remote (same journey as Tetnuldi – roughly 8-10 hours drive from Tbilisi or a short flight). Once in Mestia, getting to Hatsvali requires either taking a cable car from town (if operational) or a 15-minute drive up a steep road. The road can be challenging in winter without an AWD car. This is not a quick weekend spot unless you’re already in Svaneti.

Recommendations are the same as for the Tetnuldi since you'll stay in the same city, Mestia.

Goderdzi Ski Resort – The “Japan of Georgia”

Hidden in the Adjara mountains near Batumi, Goderdzi Ski Resort is one of the snowiest ski resorts in Georgia, often compared to Japan for its deep powder and dreamy tree skiing. With around 10–15 meters of annual snowfall, wide-open bowls, and the famous “Enchanted Forest”, it’s a paradise for snowboarding in Georgia and freeriders alike. While the resort itself is small (two lifts and a handful of pistes, mostly beginner-friendly), the real draw is the off-piste. Goderdzi has become a hub for catskiing, where groups can rent a snowcat (about 400 GEL per hour) to lap untouched powder – one of the most affordable freeride experiences in the world. Families will appreciate the gentle groomed slopes, while adventurers can explore endless off-piste terrain. 

Goderdzi is best suited for powder hunters and adventurous travelers seeking a unique freeride Georgia experience off the beaten path. Families will enjoy its quiet slopes, but getting there requires patience and a spirit of adventure.

Advantages:

• Incredible Snowfall: Deep, reliable powder all season, ideal for freeride .
• Freeride Paradise: Expansive tree skiing, mellow bowls, and affordable catskiing options .
• Uncrowded & Authentic: Very few visitors, local charm, and no lift lines – feels like a hidden gem. Here is a secret cafe spot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a7X2dvbgE98fJqCi6)

Disadvantages:

• Remote & Very Hard to Reach: Road from Batumi is often in poor condition; many rental companies don’t allow driving there.
• Limited Infrastructure: Few pistes (<10 km), minimal après-ski, and scarce lodging options.
• Mellow Terrain: Steep runs are lacking; snowboarders may struggle in flat powder areas.

Our recommendations:

• 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/Tbilisi 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 Google Maps/Airbnb.

Freeride and Off-Piste Adventures in Georgia (Heliskiing & Catskiing)

Beyond the established resorts, Georgia offers incredible freeride and backcountry skiing opportunities that are drawing adventure travelers from around the world. Towering peaks and deep snowpacks make the Caucasus a playground for off-piste skiing – and you don’t always need ski lifts to enjoy it. Heliskiing and catskiing in Georgia have become bucket-list experiences, allowing strong skiers and snowboarders to access untouched terrain. One of the famed spots is Bakhmaro, a remote area in the Lesser Caucasus (Guria region) that transforms into a powder paradise each winter.

Bakhmaro Freeride: Bakhmaro sits at ~2,050m in western Georgia and receives prodigious snowfall thanks to moisture from the Black Sea – snow depths of 4–5 meters are common in winter. What makes Bakhmaro unique is that it has no ski lifts or groomed runs at all. Instead, it’s a small village amid endless hills and alpine bowls, accessible only by specialized vehicles in winter. This lack of infrastructure is exactly the appeal: Bakhmaro is “Georgia’s wildest winter resort,” prized by powder hounds who want first tracks on every run. Skiers here use snowcats, snowmobiles, or touring skis to climb the slopes, then savor long descents through pristine forests and open meadows. Several adventure operators run multi-day catskiing tours in Bakhmaro, providing snowcat lifts to groups so they can lap the best powder spots. Others offer heliskiing packages, using a helicopter to reach higher peaks and remote lines.

The freeriding in Bakhmaro is often described as dream-like: endless untracked pillows and glades with views of the Black Sea on one side and the Caucasus on the other. The terrain caters to a range of skill levels – from gentler tree runs for intermediate powder skiers to steep alpine faces for experts. Because of the dense forests, even when it’s dumping snow or foggy, you can ski with decent visibility and relatively safe conditions (trees anchor the snow). Still, it’s essential to have guides and safety gear; the area is wild and avalanche risks exist if precautions aren’t taken. For those up to the challenge, Bakhmaro offers “free-riding off-piste in conditions never experienced before”, as one tour company boasts. Heliskiing and catskiing truly unlock Georgia’s backcountry. Heliskiing is also available, using a five-seat helicopter to fly where snowcats can’t – to ski down mountains nobody has skied before”. Such adventures are typically all-inclusive (guides, lodging in a cozy mountain lodge or cottage, meals, equipment, etc.) and are relatively affordable compared to heliskiing in the Alps or North America. Parts of Georgia also offer off-piste thrills: Gudauri has guided heliski drops that can take you to untouched terrain around Kazbegi and the Greater Caucasus; Mestia (Tetnuldi/Hatsvali area) hosts Freeride World Qualifier events, cementing Svaneti’s reputation for world-class freeride.

In summary, if you’re an adventure-seeking traveler looking for the next big thing in powder skiing or snowboarding, Georgia’s freeride scene should be on your radar. You can combine resort days with a side trip to a catskiing base, and even in the main resorts, you’ll find plenty of off-piste lines to explore. Just remember to go with experienced guides and enjoy the ride in what might feel like Europe’s last big undiscovered ski frontier.

Car Rental in Georgia: The Key to Your Ski Trip Freedom

Exploring Georgia’s winter wonderland is far more rewarding when you have the flexibility of your own vehicle. While it’s possible to reach some resorts by public transport (e.g. minibuses to Gudauri or Bakuriani), having a rental car in Georgia truly enhances your ski vacation. With a car, you set the schedule – no waiting for bus departure times or expensive private transfers. You can do a multi-resort road trip, for example: start in Gudauri for a few days, drive on to Bakuriani, and even venture to Mestia, Svaneti at your own pace. The road journeys themselves are an adventure, offering stunning scenery like the Georgian Military Highway to Gudauri (with viewpoints over snow-covered valleys) or the route through Borjomi to Bakuriani’s frosty forests.

A car gives you access to off-the-beaten-path experiences. Want to chase a powder alert in Gudauri and be the first on the lift? You can depart Tbilisi pre-dawn and arrive before the crowds. Interested in the cultural side-trip? Detour to see medieval castles or remote monasteries on your way back from the mountains. If you’re considering the freeride spotslike Bakhmaro or Svaneti, an AWD rental can get you much closer to these remote areas (often to the point where tour guides will pick you up for the final ascent). Even around the main resorts, having a car means you can stay in a wider range of accommodations – not just the pricey slope-side hotels, but charming guesthouses in nearby villages – and still get to the lifts easily each morning.

Importantly, winter driving in the Caucasus does require caution. Make sure your rental car is equipped with winter tires (and ideally chains if you’re heading to Svaneti or other high passes). Roads to Gudauri and Bakuriani are well-paved but can be snowy or icy; roads in Svaneti are more rugged, so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended. That said, Georgians are used to winter conditions and road crews do plow main routes regularly. By renting through a reputable company, you can request the proper vehicle type for your itinerary. Always check the weather forecast – occasionally heavy snowfall can temporarily close mountain roads for safety, but this is usually resolved in a day or two with clear weather.

The freedom of a car also means you’re not limited to skiing alone. You can throw your ski gear in the trunk and after hitting the slopes, drive to the next town to experience local hospitality or a traditional Supra (feast). With the flexibility of car rental, you might discover a hidden gem – perhaps a scenic frozen lake or a historic village en route – that package tours would skip. Plus, if you’re traveling as a group, splitting a car can be more cost-effective than multiple transfers. In short, renting a car in Georgia gives you total control of your winter adventure. You can ski “your way” – whether that’s hopping between ski resorts in Georgia to find the best snow, arriving early to beat the lift lines, or heading into the backcountry on your own schedule. It turns a ski trip into a true road trip, filled with as much exploration off the slopes as on them. 

Want to know more about non-ski winter activities in Georgia? Check our article on this:

Winter in Georgia

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At OG Drive, we’re not just car rental providers—we’re big fans of Georgia’s ski scene ourselves. Whether it’s the thrill of freeriding in Tetnuldi or the cozy charm of Bakuriani, we love everything about hitting the mountains here. If you’re planning your ski trip, we’ll be glad to help with both reliable cars and local tips to make your journey smooth and memorable. Just contact us and will be glad to help you plan your unforgettable ski trip to Georgia!