Georgia, a small country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has been popping up on international travelers’ radars more and more these past few years. But while the black sea coast and the capital, Tbilisi, have seen nigh meteoric rise during the summer seasons, it seems that most winter travelers have yet to discover this small gem hidden in the Caucasus Mountains.
Despite what you might’ve thought, Georgia is well-suited for year-round travel, with its mountainous regions seeing a stable cover of high-quality snow year after year. Some travelers have long cottoned on the fact that there are multiple options for outdoor adventures in Georgia during wintertime, from extreme ski touring in the almost complete wilderness to enjoying all the comforts of a five-star hotel at a modern high-class resort. But winter travel in Georgia, Europe (we can’t really speak about the USA state here) largely remains a mystery to the international travel community as a whole.
Well, no more. We’ll break down all there is to know about winter activities in Georgia and help you choose the destination that suits you and your traveling bucket list the best.
Svaneti, Mestia: Hiking, Skiing, and Georgia’s Most Important Cultural Heritage
Svaneti is the definition of a four-season resort, a perfect destination for those who want to both explore the wilderness and connect with nature, but also immerse themselves in the local culture, and maybe learn about the country’s history a bit.
In summer, the mountains surrounding the main settlement, Mestia, welcome a steady stream of backpacking tourists determined to trek through the Caucasus Mountains, but the winter travel in the region is still comparatively low. Though to be fair, Svaneti is one of the regions that have raised the most interest among international travelers and might hit mainstream fame one of these days.
On the one hand, the region is home to some of the best ski resorts in Georgia, fit for skiers of all experience levels. Those just beginning or not yet advanced in skill, tend to visit Hatsvali, the lower resort connected directly to Mestia via a cable car. Those seeking more extreme experiences tend to set their sights on Tetnuldi. While a bit further away from Mestia, the time spent getting there is completely worth it for the opportunity to freeride down from 3160 meters (over 10,000ft) height. Tetnuldi is also by far the most popular (though definitely not the only) destination for ski tours in Svaneti, with the biggest adrenaline junkies often climbing almost to the very top of the mountain that stands at 4852 meters, only to ski through the pristine untouched snow.
If you consider yourself someone who’d like to experience freeriding on Tetnuldi, do keep in mind that the mountain is a dangerous place, prone to frequent avalanches, and under no circumstances should you attempt to climb it without the supervision of an expert guide.
If you are no sportsman, the region still has a lot to offer. Mestia is known for the iconic Svan towers, and there are multiple local museums you can visit to get an insight into the history and costumes of the region. And if you want to explore the wilderness, you could always do so without the skis by signing up for one of the many snowshoeing tours in Svaneti (once again, it bears repeating that you shouldn’t attempt the endeavor without an experienced guide).
Kazbegi, Stepantsminda: Forests, Valleys, and a Top of the Mountain
Those whose visit is relatively short and can’t venture away from the capital Tbilisi for long, tend to choose Kazbegi as their destination of choice. Be it summer or winter, the one item on everyone’s list is to trek up to the Gergeti Trinity Church, standing by the foot of Mount Kazbek at an elevation of 2,170 meters (7,120 ft). The 14th-century church is the most famous historic monument in Kazbegi, and rewards successful hikers with unforgettable panoramic views over the region. If you’re on a strict schedule but don’t want to end your travels without giving snowshoeing in Georgia a quick try, then trekking through the snow to visit Gergeti Church should definitely be a top choice.
Meanwhile, if you can spare an extra week, consider yourself an expert adventurer, and want to test your skills, try ski mountaineering in Kazbegi. Ascending Mount Kazbek is certainly one of the most thrilling adventures travelers can try their hand (or, rather, their feet) at when visiting the region. An imposing target to conquer, with even experienced mountaineers frequently failing, the ascent starts from a hut standing at the elevation of 3650 meters, with the summit itself standing at 5047 meters above sea level. Not only does the tour require a lot of experience and skill, but also grit and determination. But the views that open up from the very top are worth every minute spent.
Do, however, keep in mind that the ascent is not for the inexperienced. And, certainly, even the advanced-level climbers shouldn’t attempt it without an expert local guide.
Racha, Tskhmori: A Newer Destination for Snowshoeing and Hiking in Wilderness
Even among Georgian travelers, Racha is overwhelmingly regarded as the region to visit in summer and autumn, making it a unique destination for winter tours in Georgia. Currently, you’re not likely to encounter a lot of people outside your group when trekking through the region in winter, making it a perfect destination for those who’re looking for hidden gem destinations.
That is not to say that you’ll be venturing into complete wilderness with no outside human interaction - the locals are always happy to receive visitors, but especially so in winter when new faces are scarce. Chances are if you decide to choose Racha for your winter adventures, you’re going to find yourselves interacting with the local culture as much as local nature.
Not in the least because there are only a few tested winter adventuring routes in Racha that local guides currently vouch for. One such is a snowshoeing tour in Tskhmori and Skhmeri, two well-known villages in the region. The usual itinerary for such tours involves trekking over 10km a day, exploring the snow-covered valleys, frozen streams and waterfalls, and enjoying the views of the Greater Caucasus range. While the hikes are long, the route and pace are generally on the easier side, so if you’re at least moderately experienced and physically fit, it’s a wonderful option to start exploring Georgia in winter.
Gudauri: A Modern Ski Resort for Everyone
Located just two hours from Tbilisi, Gudauri is one of the two most famous winter resorts in Georgia. The highest mountain resort in all of Eastern Europe, its lowest part stands at 1989 meters (6525 ft) above sea level with cable cars talking skiers as high as 3276 meters (10748 ft).
Gudauri has the widest variety of pistes in the country. Overall, there are 20 ski tracks, each classified into one of four European difficulty classes and marked with a corresponding color. Trails marked with green are for beginners, blue - for intermediate-level, red - for advanced-level skiers, and black for professional-level athletes. Notably, the difficulty is determined by the incline, not the height, with multiple tracks located at 2,700-2,800 meters marked with green.
If you want to devote your Georgian vacation to sports, not exploration, this is a destination worth looking into. However, if you wish to avoid overtourism and connect with nature, Gudauri is certainly not a place for you. Among the more popular winter destinations in Georgia, almost on par with the capital, at the peak season, it frequently gets overcrowded. So be very mindful when planning your vacation. Luckily, the snow season in Gudauri is long - lasts almost 5 months - so you should have your choice of dates.
Bakuriani: A Charming Modern Town for Family Vacation
Bakuriani, once a small settlement in the Borjomi Gorge, and now a four-season resort town ideal is likely the most popular destination for winter travel in Georgia. The town has a long-standing reputation not only as a skiing destination but also as a climate resort: the high-quality oxygen produced by the pine forests surrounding the gorge used to be prescribed as a therapeutic measure against lymphadenitis, chronic respiratory problems, and even anemia.
The ski tracks in Bakuriani cater to all types of skiers, from beginners to advanced, though the choice is not as vast as in Gudauri. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, plan horseback tours, or ride a Toboggan mountain coaster.
A winter resort with the best-developed tourism infrastructure and multiple recreational facilities, it’s typically considered a great destination when traveling with small children, though not so much for exploring and adventuring.
If you do decide that you’re more of an adventuring type of person, do explore our section all about winter tours in Georgia. All tours are planned and organized exclusively by certified local guides, ensuring top-quality services while fostering cultural preservation. CaucasTour is committed to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable green travel. We partner with local businesses to deliver exceptional, carefully curated travel experiences, while actively implementing eco-friendly practices to protect Georgia’s natural heritage, ensuring every journey contributes positively to both the environment and local communities.
