Gudauri: Private snow tour with guide from Tbilisi

Summary

From Tbilisi to Gudauri’s slopes, a day of snow, stories & mountain air

You’ll start your day leaving Tbilisi behind for Jinvali’s blue waters and Ananuri’s ancient stones before heading up winding roads to Gudauri ski resort. With a local guide by your side and all equipment sorted by friendly locals, you’ll try skiing or just soak in those snowy Caucasus views — then return home tired, happy, maybe still brushing off a bit of mountain snow.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color of the water at Jinvali — this sort of impossible turquoise that almost looked fake through the car window. We’d barely left Tbilisi when our guide, Giorgi, pulled over so we could actually feel the cold air coming off the reservoir. He pointed out how the dam changed everything here, but honestly I was just distracted by the way the morning light hit those hills. My hands were freezing but it felt good to just stand there for a minute and breathe in something different.

Ananuri castle came next — all stone walls and echoes. Giorgi told us about old feuds and trade routes while we wandered between churches and towers. There was this old woman selling churchkhela (the walnut candy) near the gate; I bought one mostly because she smiled at me like she knew I’d never tried it before. Sticky fingers, sweet grape must — not what I expected on a “snow tour Gudauri” day trip but somehow it fit.

The drive up to Gudauri got twisty fast. The mountains just kept getting bigger until suddenly there was nothing but white outside every window. At Gudauri ski resort, locals helped us gear up — I fumbled with my boots (no surprise), and one guy laughed and tightened them for me without saying much. The chairlift ride was quiet except for the wind; you could see all the way across the Caucasus if you squinted past your own breath in the cold. Skiing? Well, let’s say I spent more time on my backside than upright, but nobody seemed to mind. There were kids whizzing past me like it was nothing.

By late afternoon my legs were jelly and my cheeks hurt from grinning (and maybe from falling). Giorgi handed out bottles of water before we piled back into the van for Tbilisi — he said something about how every Georgian should see these mountains at least once in winter. I get it now. There’s something about that silence up there that sticks with you long after you’re back in city noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gudauri Ski Resort and Ananuri Tour

• Pickup from hotel in Tbilisi
• Visit Jinvali Reservoir
• Explore Ananuri Castle
• Skiing and snow activities in Gudauri
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Gudauri snow tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi are included.

Do I need prior skiing experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; beginner slopes are available with supervision.

What sites do we visit besides Gudauri?

You’ll stop at Jinvali reservoir and explore Ananuri castle complex on foot.

Are ski equipment rentals included?

Yes, locals in Gudauri provide all necessary equipment for snow activities.

How long does it take to reach Gudauri from Tbilisi?

The drive is about 1 hour 30 minutes each way depending on road conditions.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or buy food at stops along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Tbilisi, a professional local guide throughout, bottled water for everyone, all necessary equipment provided by locals in Gudauri for snow activities from December to March, plus 24-hour online support if you need anything before or after your trip.