Gudauri Ski Resort Day Trip: Mountains & Snow Sports
Drive the Georgian Military Highway to Georgia's highest ski resort, with free time to ski, snowmobile, or rest in the Caucasus.
A full-day private tour from Tbilisi to Gudauri ski resort on the Georgian Military Highway, with hotel pickup and a professional guide. The route stops at Zhinvali Water Reservoir, known for its turquoise waters, and Ananuri Fortress Complex, a 16th-century castle on the Aragvi River 74 km north of the city. Once at Gudauri—the largest and highest ski resort in Georgia, with slopes up to 3,279 m elevation—you have free time to ski, snowboard, snowmobile, hike panoramic viewpoints, or simply rest. Dining at a local mountain restaurant with scenic views is optional. The tour includes private transportation, a driver-guide, water, and hotel drop-off; skiing equipment rental costs extra.
8h–12h
Step-by-step itinerary
Full day tour to Gudauri Ski Resort
- Pick up from hotel in Tbilisi
- Visit Zhinvali Water Reservoir
- Explore Ananuri Fortress Complex
- Free time at Gudauri Ski Resort
- Optional skiing and snowmobiling
- Relax and enjoy panoramic views
- Optional traditional Georgian meal at HB Gudauri
The Experience
The day starts with pickup from your Tbilisi hotel and a drive north along the Georgian Military Highway, the historic trade route that once connected the Caucasus to the Silk Road. The first stop is Zhinvali Water Reservoir, an artificial lake formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River, where the water's turquoise color and mountain backdrop make it worth stepping out for photos. The drive itself follows the river valley, so the scenery builds as you move north.
Ananuri Fortress Complex comes next, 74 km from Tbilisi and about an hour's drive. The site sits on the right bank of the Aragvi and dates to the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was the seat of the Aragvi Eristavi dukes. The castle, bell tower, three churches, and carved stone walls are the main draws, and the location offers views down the river valley. Your guide will walk you through the history and the architecture before you continue uphill to Gudauri.
Gudauri itself is where the tour opens up. The resort sits at the highest elevation in Georgia, with slopes ranging from beginner to advanced and FIS-certified terrain for skiing and snowboarding. If you ski or snowboard, you can rent equipment on-site (not included in the tour price) and spend the afternoon on the slopes. If snow sports aren't your plan, the resort offers snowmobiling, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or simply sitting with a hot drink and taking in the alpine landscape. At HB Gudauri, a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the mountains, you can order Georgian and European dishes and local wine if you want to eat there—this is optional and at your own cost. Your guide will be with you throughout and can suggest activities based on the season and conditions.
The return journey to Tbilisi follows the same route, so you'll see the landscape change as you descend. The full day runs 8 to 12 hours depending on how much time you spend at the resort and whether you stop for a meal. You'll be dropped at your hotel in the evening. The tour operates year-round, though winter offers skiing and snowmobiling while summer and autumn are better for hiking and views.
What’s included
- Private transportation from Tbilisi.
- hotel pickup and drop-off.
- a professional English-speaking driver-guide for the full day.
- a bottle of water.
- 24-hour online support.
Operated by Journey to Georgia
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Tbilisi without a rental car and want to reach Georgia's highest ski resort in one day. Hotel pickup means you don't arrange transport to the highway, and the fixed itinerary gets you to Gudauri with time to ski, snowmobile, or simply rest in the mountains—all without building the day yourself.
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Top questions
What is Ananuri Fortress and why is it worth visiting on the way to Gudauri?
Ananuri Fortress Complex is a 16th-century castle on the Aragvi River, 74 km north of Tbilisi, built as the seat of the Aragvi Eristavi dukes. The site includes a castle, bell tower, three churches, and beautifully carved stone walls, and sits on the historic Georgian Military Highway that once connected the Caucasus to the Silk Road. It's a natural stop on the drive to Gudauri and offers views and history without adding much time to the journey.
Can I ski at Gudauri if I don't have my own equipment?
Yes, you can rent skiing or snowboarding equipment at Gudauri ski resort, but rental is not included in the tour price and costs about 50 GEL (roughly 18 USD) per person. The resort has slopes of all difficulty levels, FIS-certified terrain, and modern facilities. If you don't ski, you can snowmobile, hike to viewpoints, or relax at the mountain restaurant instead.
What happens during the free time at Gudauri?
At Gudauri, you have several hours to choose your own activity. You can ski or snowboard on slopes ranging from beginner to advanced, try snowmobiling, hike to panoramic viewpoints of the Caucasus, or simply rest and enjoy the mountain views. Dining at HB Gudauri restaurant is optional and at your own cost. Your guide can suggest activities based on the season and your interests.
How long is the drive from Tbilisi to Gudauri, and what's included in the tour?
The full day runs 8 to 12 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, depending on time spent at Gudauri and whether you eat at the restaurant. The tour includes private transportation, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a bottle of water. Skiing equipment rental, meals, and activities like snowmobiling are optional and at additional cost.
What is Zhinvali Water Reservoir, and how long do you stop there?
Zhinvali Water Reservoir is an artificial lake formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River, known for its turquoise water and mountain setting. It's the first stop on the drive north from Tbilisi, about halfway to Ananuri Fortress. The stop is brief—long enough for photos and a short break—before continuing to the fortress and then Gudauri.
Is this tour suitable for children, and what if I'm traveling with an infant?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and welcomes children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with a baby. The long drive and free time at the resort mean you can pace the day around your family's needs, and your guide can help arrange activities that work for your group.
Gudauri Ski Resort Day Trip: Mountains & Snow Sports
8h–12h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 96 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8431 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
