Among resorts of Georgia, the highest elevated above sea level skiing resort of Gudauri has been developed in the alpine zone on the Jvari pass, on the 120th km point of Georgian Military Road, on the slopes of Mount Kudebi (3006 m) and Mount Sadzele (3307 m). Resort is 30 years old but in this small timespan it could gain big popularity among mountain skiing lovers. During almost 100 years a building of old post-office was on the spot of today’s resort which was a shelter for travelers from Russia to Georgia on the verge of XIX-XX centuries. In the 1980-ies it was decided to set up one more skiing resort in Georgia after Bakuriani. Gudauri’s natural conditions were considered suitable for winter resort, like slopes with germane tilt for mountain skiing and lavish and long lasting snow cover. Decisive factor turned out to be short distance from the capital and central transit backbone. Resort infrastructure typical for the mountain retreat has emerged in Gudauri since 1980. At first there was only mountain skiing school, but collapse of the Soviet regime facilitated solicitation of foreign, namely, Austrian, investments, and thanks to these investments the first hotel in Gudauri as well as cable road were built, and in 1988 resort was officially inaugurated. Today Gudauri is the highest standard mountain skiing resort with relevant infrastructure and tens of duly arranged hotel facilities. Overall length of ski trails suitable for all levels of skiers is 57 km. Except first level amateur trail, there are four-type sporting lanes: for slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom and downhill. Each category of these disciplines is adopted by International Ski Federation. 5 cable roads were constructed by Austrian company, Doppelmayr. In 2012 French company, POMA, installed the longest gondola in the Caucasus. The first lift is situated on the altitude of 1990 m above sea level, the highest – on 3270 m.

 

1. In summer Gudauri is calm. Green environment, cool weather and clean air make a positive impact on the general health condition of people. In near distance there are many historical monuments. From mountain Sadzele remarkable scenery and views on glaciers and Chaukhi mountain in Khevsureti open up. For lovers of active holidays, walking tours in Trusso and Khada gorges, rafting on Aragvi river and parachute gliding from nearest peak is possible to arrange.

2.Gudauri is an ideal place for extreme sports lovers – Freeridering and Heliskiing (skiing in virgin snow whereby each skier follows parallel trail). Deep and dry snow for Freeriders is the most important factor. From European resorts Heli-skiing is possible only in Georgia.

 

Location: front mountain slopes of the Western part of Trialeti range, foot of Gudamakari and Lomisi range

Distance: 120 km away from Tbilisi

Sea level: 2190-2200 m

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: moderately humid, high mountainous, winter cold, dry, with high snow cover, mean temperature in January -6 degrees centigrade, summer cool, mean temperature in August 13 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 1000 mm

Duration of annual sunny light: 2000 hr.

Natural treatment factors: middle mountain upper belt climate

Types of treatment: passive climate therapy

Diseases for treatment: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, irondeficit anemia