Gudauri for the New Year. Where to celebrate the New Year in Gudauri? Where to live in Gudauri
New Year in Gudauri.
Around the end of autumn, as usual, I begin to experience attacks of snow melancholy. Outside the window there is a gray and dank city, but instead I really wanted a normal snowy winter, higher mountains and more snow. The question naturally arose, where will we celebrate the New Year? Of course, in the mountains, but which ones? Initially, the usual option with the Carpathians, or more precisely with Bukovel, was considered, but if we compare the new prices of Bukovel with neighboring Europe, it turns out approximately the same and the question arises, why do we need to go to Bukovel then. And the rest of the Carpathian places have long been abandoned. But Europe fell away due to the risk of being left without snow; such a sad experience already existed. It was decided - we are going to Georgia, where at this time there is 100% snow.
Getting there from Ukraine is easy - 2 hours by plane Kyiv - Tbilisi. It’s more difficult from Russia; you need to fly through Ukraine or Armenia - foreign policy has closed all the easy routes. You can get a visa right at the border.
We make a semicircle over night Tbilisi and approach for landing. It was about 11 pm, although we were supposed to arrive at 8, but the flight was delayed, which, by the way, happens quite often with the Airzena airline. The large modern Tbilisi airport was built by a Turkish consortium, and accordingly the management rights belong to a Turkish company. That's why you won't find pork in the terminal :).
On the way, we stopped at a supermarket and bought juices, alcohol and other necessary little things (in Gudauri everything is much more expensive, and there are no normal stores there, but more on that below), and then went directly to Gudauri. The resort is located right along the Georgian Military Road, a little before reaching the Cross Pass, not far from the border with Russia. The 2-hour night road with cognac and tangerines passed quickly and unnoticed, and around 4 am we were there.
We stayed at Ozone, a small cottage-type hotel. Accommodation in a double room cost us 80 euros/day. The water is hot without restrictions, the only thing is that sometimes we had to wait out the “rush hour” when all the residents return from the mountain and turn it on at the same time. Batteries don't just heat, they fry. Things dried on them in minutes, and we slept with the windows open in a frost of minus 20 in the yard. In the hall there is a fireplace, a bar and a TV with a million channels, downstairs there is a drying area for equipment. Two meals a day are included in the payment: in the morning a buffet, in the evening a full lunch with the first, second and third. All food, due to the peculiarities of the national cuisine, is heavily peppered, even the Olivier salad was generously sprinkled with pepper. It takes some getting used to. Every day there are fresh dairy products and a lot of different greens (where in the middle of winter do they get such quantities?). Water in a decanter from springs, tea, coffee, lemons, honey, everything.
Of the minuses, I would like to note the following. Firstly, the distance from the ski lifts. In the mornings, for a nominal fee, they took us to them, and back you can go down on skis/board (sled/on foot) along a special path directly to the hotel. On the first day, when everything was shrouded in fog, we didn’t find this path and almost fell off a 3-meter wall into a snowdrift; later it turned out that it was right under our noses.
Secondly, there is no sound insulation. A large Russian company lived with us. Muscovites, in alliance with Georgians, held festivals in the bar all night long, drank wine and chacha, and carried boards with them during the day purely for the ambience. We, like tired ride-hailers, did not have the habit of staying up late in the evening and went to bed early, and, in order not to listen to concerts instead of dreams, we slept with cotton wool in our ears.
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Gudauri today is a young, slowly developing resort, which has the advantage of excellent equipment for servicing the slopes, but the disadvantage is the lack of infrastructure. The small store, which we had difficulty finding, sells vodka, mineral water and chips. When asked if there was a pharmacy, we were sent to a doctor at a sports hotel, and we had to hunt for a mobile top-up card for 2 days. Therefore, I recommend taking everything you need with you, if you don’t have a walkie-talkie, you can buy a local SIM card, better than the Geocell operator (it has better reception in the mountains) and immediately top up your account with 10 lari, this will be enough for you for 10 days (provided that call abroad). The exchange rate on that day was 1 lari = 0.65 $ = 0.45 € = 18.6 rubles.
Queues, as a phenomenon, appear only on weekends due to the arrival of the local population. However, we never stood in this line for more than 5 minutes. Subscriptions are a different story. You can buy a day pass for all queues (25 GEL) or a one-time pass (4 GEL). It's official. The day card is a colored piece of paper with a picture on which the date is written in the corner with a marker. Unofficially, you can buy a skipass for 20 lari, but most likely you will be given one from yesterday with a corrected or blurred date, or maybe even a child’s one. The ropers know all these tricks, but they can still stop and check.
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5 pre-Pelmeyer chairs, all chairs are in good condition, 3 of them (and the fashionable Marco Polo Hotel) were built at one time by the Austrians in the hope of transporting tourists there in containers. The idea was not a success, the Austrians were blown away by the wind, but after the restoration of the economy and the political situation, the Georgians took things into turn, and, I must say, quite well - 2 chairlifts were completed, and in terms of the preparation of slopes and the number of snowcats on Mount Gudauri, they are ahead of the entire Caucasus.
The track of the first stage is flat, teapots can ride on it and children learn. The second (“kopeck piece”) is long, without strong changes in height, but riding here is much more interesting, and the speeds can be more than decent. In addition, you can always go off-road; there are no restrictions in this regard.
Next is the third stage (“treshka”), which takes you to the top of Kudebi (3009 m). The route has a very large slope at the beginning, then rolls out onto a relatively flat descent, suitable for those who like to accelerate. In one place at the top there is a constant crowd of ski boarders carefully sliding down from a dangerous area. You can freeride on the sides of the track, the main thing is to have normal visibility. There is another option for descending from the “three ruble” - it traverses the mountain from the other side and goes out to the fourth stage.
From the top of Kudebi they periodically make ski tours in unknown directions, and then spend half a day getting out of the couloirs.
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A little to the side there is a short fourth line (“four”), but with several rather interesting descents. In general, the designation of the slopes in Gudauri depends only on where the snowcat decides to go after a snowfall; there are no clearly marked routes there.
The fifth stage of the lift was completed this year; it takes you to Mount Sadzele, beloved by freeriders (3270 m). When there was no lift there, heliski tours were held on Sadzel, and those who were especially stubborn went there on foot. Unfortunately, it was never turned on in my time for technical reasons, so I cannot objectively characterize the condition of the trails and slopes. To the question - what kind of track is there? - all we heard in response were inarticulate sounds like “oooh!”, which, to be honest, was not only intriguing, but also frustrating.
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Celebrate the New Year at the best ski resort in Georgia - Gudauri
New Year's programs in hotels, restaurants and bars in Gudauri?
The resort's restaurants and hotels offer New Year's programs to resort guests.
The article contains a list of programs with contacts for booking tables.
A new hotel with a high level of service is located in the Center of Gudauri near the Aragvi gorge with beautiful mountain views from the terrace and hotel rooms. To reserve tables, call +995 322 555 545. The cost of the program is $50 per person.
New Year's Eve in the best hotel of the resort. The program begins at 5 pm with a children's party and ends in the morning with a disco with famous Georgian DJs. To reserve tables, call +995 322 202 900 (Program only for guests of the Marco Polo Hotel). The cost of the program is $100 per person.
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Teahouse N1 offers entertainment and many prizes on New Year's Eve; Mariam Mamismedishvil and a permanent resident of their club Dj will perform. To reserve tables, call +995 597 35 33 33, +995 598 19 55 48 The cost of the program is 200 GEL ($80) per person.
The restaurant is on the ground floor of the Magistil apartment building, right on the first highway.
Varied menu, freeride program draw, flaring show and DJ until the morning. Costs range from $40 to $100 ($40 for children, $60 without alcohol, $100 all-inclusive).
Order by phone +995 599 567 065 or email: [email protected]
An elegant holiday by the large fireplace. The hotel is located in Upper Gudauri, with beautiful views of the entire resort.
To reserve tables, call +995 322 007 070. The cost of the program is $60 for an adult, $30 for a child.
One of the best hotels in the resort is located in Upper Gudauri near the beginning of the second stage of cable cars.
Call for table reservations+995 514
510 770
. The cost of the program is $100 per person.
Restaurant of Georgian cuisine in the Palace apartment building in New Gudauri.
Call for table reservations+995 598443777 Ramazi or +995598443777 Mariam email: [email protected]
The cost of the program is $60 -70 per person.
Restaurant of Georgian cuisine in the center of Gudauri.
Call for table reservations+995 551 98 84 84 Tamaz. The cost of the program is 80 GEL ($30) per person.
Restaurant in the first building of the New Gudauri apart-hotel - beautiful design, exquisite cuisine.
Musical group Dzima Kobeshavidze & Big Mama, fiery dances and unforgettable impressions!
You can book a table by phone: +995 591 216 141 The cost of the program is $100 per person.
Christmas in New Gudauri
Route thread
Tbilisi - Gudauri - Tbilisi
Vladikavkaz - Gudauri - Vladikavkaz
The tour price includes
6 days of skiing with guides
Transfers to off-site routes on skiing days with guides
Accommodation in a comfortable 2-room apartment on the mountain (8 nights)
Avalanche transceiver rental
Breakfast at the hotel
The tour price does not include
Transfer Tbilisi - Gudauri - Tbilisi (121 km) (about $60 per car one way)
Transfer Vladikavkaz - Gudauri - Vladikavkaz (78 km) (from $70 per car one way)
Ski pass at the Gudauri ski resort (6 GEL - 1 lift, 40 GEL - one day, 190 GEL - 5 days out of 7)
Mountain snacks and dinners
Optional excursions
Extreme sports insurance ($45)
New Year's Eve ($110)
Required documents
Foreign passport, insurance (freeride, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski tour)
Safety
There is an avalanche danger in the area. The group guide decides on the choice of route based on weather conditions and the condition of the group. The guide monitors the safety of participants. Participants fulfill basic safety requirements and sign a tourist’s signature stating that they understand all the risks associated with skiing and are responsible for their health and life. The resort's lifeguard service is only responsible for skiing within the resort. In case of injury on the mountain, call 112. If you go out on the route on your own, then in case of an emergency, call 112. Our partners cooperate with the resort; each group outing on the route with guides is registered with the rescue squad. If you go to the guides’ house on the mountain (at the top of the second stage of the chairlift), you can always find out the latest information about the snow conditions and available routes.
Additional Information
Gudauri is a modern ski resort, so you can pay with a bank card almost everywhere (buy a ski pass, dinner in a restaurant, supermarket, bowling alley, bars, etc.). Equipment rental and taxis are paid in local currency - lari (GEL). Rate as of September 23, 2018 1$ = 66.85 rub = 2.62 gel
For those who cross the border by car, here is the latest information on the state of the road and border: https://gudauri.travel/news/krestovi-pereval-zakrit.html
Accommodation/Hotels
Accommodation at the MagiStyle apart-hotel. Secure parking, elevator, ski in - ski out. When you exit the building there is a highway right away, a supermarket is a 5-minute walk away. The building has parking, a guarded entrance, a restaurant-bar and a Ski depot (lockers for equipment). A comfortable two-room apartment is located next to the ski lifts. Everything in the apartment is thought out to the smallest detail. Two very spacious rooms with access to a balcony. The apartment has a bathroom with a washing machine and shower. The kitchen is equipped, there is a TV and free Wi-Fi. You don't need to use a car, you can simply ski directly from the hotel. Bedding and towels are included in the price.
It is possible to arrange accommodation upon request in another comfort hotel. In this case, the price of the tour is recalculated.
Tour program
During the program, lectures on avalanche safety are planned. Check the schedule on site with the hotel administrator or group leader. On days of bad weather, it is possible to organize excursions outside the resort, visiting the Kazbegi Rooms hotel. There you can have a delicious dinner (at your own expense) with a view of Kazbek (5033 m).
During the program it is possible to rent snowshoes (30 GEL/day), telescopic poles (15 GEL/day), a freeride backpack with mounts for carrying skis or snowboards (15 GEL/day), ski touring kit or splitboard (50 GEL/day) . Please inform us in advance about the need to rent equipment. The equipment is issued by the group leader. Mountain skis (snowboards) and boots are rented at a separate rental point (about 50 GEL/day).
Insurance
It is mandatory to take out insurance for extreme sports. For an additional fee, you can get insurance from AlpIndustry (freeride, ski tour) SK Liberty (program D). The amount of coverage is 50,000 USD. The cost is $45 for 9 days of the program. Includes search and rescue work and helicopter evacuation for 5000 USD.
Guides and instructors
Natalya (Tasya) Alekhina is a member of the Association of Mountain Guides of Russia since 2014, participant in freeride competitions FWQ 2011-2014, pro-rider for Oakley Ukraine since 2011. Riding geography: Carpathians, Caucasus (Elbrus, Cheget), Georgia (Gudauri), Siberia (Sheregesh, Luzhba, Mamai), India (Gulmarg), USA (Colorado), Europe (Slovakia, France), Kamchatka, Chile. Guide in Gudauri since 2012. Diploma of the Canadian School of Avalanche Safety (CAA Avalanche Operation Level 1).
Rustam Ibragimov - freerider and mountain guide for ski touring and heli-skiing, skiing experience since 1997, snowboard instructor in the FGSSR since 2001, founder of the freeride and backcountry school in Gudauri, expert in the Gudauri and Trans-Ili Alatau regions in Kazakhstan, participant project Ride The Planet Kazakhstan.
Sebastian Czerniawski is a snowboard instructor with many years of experience, a professional guide, experience in Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Alps, 22 years of snowboarding experience, founder of the Polish sports club and snowboard society Ronin Snowboards.
Alexander Kaplun - category C instructor in alpine skiing, 2 seasons of instruction and skiing in Bukovel (Carpathians), 2 seasons of skiing in Dragobrat (Carpathians), season of instructor in Azerbaijan (Caucasus), season of instructor in Gudauri (Caucasus). 4 years guide in the Carpathians, trekking. 2017 summer in the Caucasus, climbing and trekking. 2018 summer assistant guide in the Alps, climbing/mountaineering. American Lifeguard Association Certified, First Aid.
Duration
7 days
57 km
Complexity
1 /5
Band size
15 people
Description
Ski trip to Georgia to a ski resort on New Year's Day! We will go to an amazing and very snowy place in the Caucasus mountains. Let's enjoy Georgian culture and its flavor, incredible views of the mountains and the resort of European standards - Gudauri.
We will live in a cozy hotel with its own wine cellar, sauna and small swimming pool.
Whether you're a crazy snowboarder or cross-country skier, whether you're looking for a laid-back ride or an all-out off-piste blast, there are slopes and opportunities for all levels and skiing styles.
The program includes: hotel accommodation with mountain views, 2 full meals a day, excursions and a master class on rest days, a visit to the sauna, tasting of Georgian wines and, of course, the famous Georgian cuisine. Many new friends, new emotions, acquaintances. Local hospitality will not leave anyone indifferent. Mountains, slopes, snow, weather conditions will please everyone. You will want to come here and come again! We know from ourselves ;)
Let's celebrate the holiday as intensely as possible and have a great ride!
The program will vary depending on your skiing level, preferences and weather conditions (!)
Discounts and extras conditions
Discounts and additional conditions
The cost of a ski trip is calculated in dollars and is 650$. To confirm your participation and reserve your place in the group, you must make an advance payment of $150 or 10,000 rubles
Video about the hike
Video about the hike
Ticket information
Ticket information
Trek plan
Trek plan
Day 1
Meeting the group at the Tbilisi airport, along the way we pick up part of the group from the city itself: in the parking lot near the Avlabari metro station. We have a three-hour drive to our hotel, which is located on the banks of the Aragvi River. We arrive around lunchtime; you can have lunch or a prepared snack at the hotel. Acquaintance, communication, games. In the evening - a briefing about the future day, preparing for a busy tomorrow.
Day 2
We ride all day, taking a closer look at the slopes and level of skiing. And in the evening, of course, we prepare for the New Year celebration. We remember that in Georgia the New Year comes an hour earlier. For the most persistent, this day will end in the morning! If you order a buffet from the hotel, then this includes national dances, unlimited Georgian food, and wine all night long (the buffet is paid separately).
Day 3
The day will start a little later than usual. According to the group's decision, we go for a ride or relax. In the evening, a hot sauna awaits us to get fit and cheerful for the next day.
Day 4
We ride all day! We are opening more and more new slopes. We will climb both peaks of the resort, weather permitting. On a clear day you can see the city of Kazbek. Don't forget to enjoy soft poufs, cozy cafes and hot spicy tea on the slopes. In the evening we will have a tasting of Georgian wines in the hotel’s private cellar.
Day 5
Day of rest. We go on an excursion until the evening. On the way we stop at the Ananuri fortress. Then we will be taken to Mtskheta, where we will have a walking tour, after which we will definitely take a bus up the mountain to the famous Jvari monastery. And in conclusion, we will have a walking tour with a tour of Old Tbilisi. It is important that lunch that day will be in the city; we will run into a cafe for a snack. We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6
Full of strength and new impressions, we go to the mountain. Let's ski there more actively, because the days of ski trips are coming to an end. And in the evening we will learn to sculpt khinkali, according to all the rules and canons. After which, we will taste them at dinner, so we must try!
Day 7
Departure day. We pack all our belongings into cases and pack our backpacks. We lie in the snowdrifts on the path and go to Tbilisi. Along the way, we can drop off those who want to in the city itself, and we’ll take the rest to the airport. These New Year holidays are very eventful, colorful and soulful. We will remember this journey for a long time, these incredibly snowy slopes, views and people who were nearby.
Trails and lifts can be seen on the map
In total, the resort has 8 slopes of varying difficulty levels (from blue for beginners to black for “advanced users”) and 7 lifts (three-chair and four-chair, gondola). The total length of the trails is 57 km. But the resort representative thinks not only about specially equipped trails, but also about fans of extreme skiing. Freeride, speedride, backcountry and ski touring, paragliding, heli-skiing, and heliboarding are well developed here.
In a backpack
In a backpack
When purchasing plane tickets, keep in mind that the price must include sports equipment (a case with a set of snowboards or skis, where you can also add some personal belongings). Very often, airlines already include the transportation of sports equipment in the cost of baggage transportation; all information is written on the website of a specific airline (!). Check all the information so that the additional payment for a case with equipment at the airport does not come as a surprise to you.
Equipment
Assault backpack (30-35 liters)Purpose:
The assault backpack is used both for climbing Elbrus and for a radial day trip. You should fit in: a snack, sunscreen, a camera, a minimal first aid kit and a thermos (for Elbrus). Volume: 30-35 liters.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, minimal volume when folded, drawstring on the chest or waist. Personal first aid kit
Purpose:
This first aid kit should contain specific and “favorite” medications for individual chronic diseases and additionally adhesive plasters and bandages. You can also take an elastic bandage and nail scissors/nippers. The main pharmacy, which will definitely be in group equipment, contains everything necessary for a standard set of diseases.
Important characteristics:
Minimum weight and volume. Ski mask/goggles
Purpose:
To protect your eyes from the sun and snow while climbing or on a ski trip: it’s absolutely impossible to ski without them!
Important characteristics:
UV protection, mask ventilation, tight fit to the face. Alpine ski/snowboard set Everything must fit in the case - this is a prerequisite for carrying sports equipment on the plane; in extreme cases, boots can be placed in your luggage. Protection kit At a minimum, there should be a helmet. For beginners, we also recommend taking protection for your knees, elbows, wrists and tailbone.
Cloth
SleepwearPurpose:
Clothes you will wear to sleep. These things are untouchable while walking. They should be packed in waterproof bags and are needed so that the body has a rest from running clothes and so that you feel comfortable in a sleeping bag that is not warm enough. A good option is thermal underwear and a hat.
Important characteristics:
Suitable comfort temperature, relative cleanliness along the route, light weight. Underwear
Purpose:
Preferably cotton. 3 sets per route is enough. You can wash it along the way.
Important characteristics:
A light weight. Swimming suit (swimsuit, swimming trunks)
Purpose:
Not necessary. You can also swim in underwear.
Important characteristics:
A light weight. Thermal underwear
Purpose:
Removes moisture, dries quickly, retains heat, and in combination with other pants allows you to achieve a comfortable body temperature. The ideal option is winter thermal underwear made of Polartek material.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, maximum warmth, moisture-wicking properties. Outer running pants (not blown and waterproof)
Purpose:
Protect from wind and moisture.
Important characteristics:
A light weight. Socks or thermal socks
Purpose:
Three pairs of socks are enough. A good option for thermal socks at the appropriate temperature. For summer, moisture-wicking socks. Technologies: coolmax, silver thread.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, wicks moisture away from the foot.
Warm thermal socksPurpose:
Important characteristics:
Light weight, moisture-wicking properties, maximum comfort temperature.
T-shirtPurpose:
An ordinary T-shirt, preferably a sports one (synthetic). Don't take more than two pieces. It's better to take another long-sleeve shirt and a thermal T-shirt.
Important characteristics:
A light weight.
Warm fleece jacket with a neck (thick wool sweater)Purpose:
The second layer of clothing after thermal underwear for cold weather. Options: Warm wool sweater, Polartec fleece jumper or similar.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, maximum warmth, moisture removal.
Warm and waterproof mittens or gloves (ski, Gore-Tex)Purpose:
Used when climbing and on winter hikes. Mittens are preferable, they are warmer. Option: down mittens - tops
Important characteristics:
Light weight, waterproof, windproof, maximum warmth. Warm hat
Purpose:
Needed for winter hiking or climbing Elbrus.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, closed ears, maximum warmth, windproof. Winter shoes Keep you warm during winter trips. Don't let the snow get to your feet.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, maximum warmth, waterproof, high ankle. Slippers
To keep your home clean and comfortable.
Comfortable pants For example, sports pantsPersonal items
InsurancePurpose:
Life insurance against accident. All documents must be in sealed packaging.
Important characteristics:
Must not be forgotten. Money
Purpose:
To buy souvenirs and for additional expenses along the route. All documents must be in sealed packaging.
Important characteristics:
Quantity:) Sunscreen and chapstick
Purpose:
Protects against ultraviolet radiation, burns, chapped lips.
Important characteristics:
The higher you are in the mountains, the higher the degree of sun protection should be; on ascents no lower than 50. Personal hygiene items
Purpose:
Toothbrush and paste, shampoo, sun cream, chapstick, wet wipes. Hygiene is important, and you should safely give up cosmetics.
Important characteristics:
A light weight. Telephone
Purpose:
There will be telephone service on some sections of the route. In a sealed bag.
Important characteristics:
Maximum light weight. Foreign passport Foreign passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. Validity period: for Turkey (at least 4 months from the date of entry). Validity period: for the Greek side of Cyprus (at least 6 months from the date of entry, if we are traveling on a PRO VISA) Bath A bath is planned, and therefore it is worth taking swimming trunks or a swimsuit, a towel, flip-flops, and soap accessories.
Important characteristics:
A light weight. All shampoos and shower gels can be poured into smaller containers, and the soap can be cut to the desired size.
Balaclava
Purpose:
Used for protection from wind, cold and sun during winter hiking and climbing. Balaclava is a headdress that covers the head and neck, leaving a small slit for the eyes.
Important characteristics:
A light weight.
Flip flops (sandals)
Purpose:
Needed for traveling on the train, swimming, resting your legs during the day and in the evenings. Options: flip flops, sandals.
Important characteristics:
Convenient, waterproof
Thermos (0.5l.-1l.)
Purpose:
Used for climbing Elbrus and on winter hikes to store hot tea.
Important characteristics:
Maximum heat retention time, light weight.
Camera
Purpose:
For shooting views. Not necessary for all participants. Don't forget replacement batteries or rechargeable batteries. In cold conditions, batteries drain much faster. There will be no place to recharge your equipment while on a hike. Therefore, either save batteries or take spare ones. There will be no time to use photo tripods, so there is no need to take them.
Important characteristics:
Light weight, availability of replaceable batteries or batteries.
Down vest
Purpose:
warm, light, comfortable thing for any hike. You don’t have to take it if you don’t have one or if there are a lot of other warm things.
Important characteristics:
Lightness, warmth.
The Gudauri ski resort is located on the Georgian Military Road south of the Cross Pass at a distance of 120 kilometers from Tbilisi and 80 km from Vladikavkaz, on the slope of the Greater Caucasus Range at an altitude of 2196 meters.
When is the best time to go to Gudauri?
The season in Gudauri begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of March, sometimes until mid-April. For the last few years, winters in the Caucasus have been snowy, and the season starts earlier than usual: for example, at the end of 2016, the ski lifts started operating on December 10th. Steady snow cover usually begins in mid-to-late December, although the last few years there has been plenty of snow as early as November.
Snow in Gudauri remains until the end of March - mid-April; at the height of the season its thickness is 1.5-2 meters. In December, Gudauri is just “waking up”, except for the ski lifts, almost nothing is still working; in January a cheerful party begins - skiing in the evenings is replaced by Caucasian toasts with wine and chacha, in February-March Gudauri calms down a little and becomes a classic family ski resort.
From the end of March to mid-April, the infrastructure is slowly winding down and from April Gudauri goes into hibernation until December.
Gudauri: description of slopes and lifts
The total length of the ski slopes as of the beginning of 2017 is 57 km (excluding the open spaces for freeride, which are immense and cannot be counted), the longest of them is 7 km. The minimum height (the lower station of the cable car near the Marco Polo hotel) is 2050 meters, the maximum (the upper station of the cable car at the top of Mount Sadzele) is 3268 meters.
There are all types of trails in Gudauri: green, blue, red and black. It is unlikely that you will run over a rock or a branch in Gudauri, since the resort is located above forest level - skiing is very similar to that on some European glacier such as Kaprun in Austria. On the one hand, with thin snow the branches do not scratch the skis, but on the other hand, I personally prefer trails that at least partially pass through the forest.
The lifts operate from 10:00 to 16:00 (on Saturdays and Sundays until 17:00). According to information from resort employees, there is free wi-fi near the lift stations. I didn’t need it, so I didn’t evaluate its quality and speed.
There are no cross-country ski trails in Gudauri, and local rental shops do not offer these skis either.
In addition to skiing, snowboarding and sledding, in Gudauri you can go paragliding (paragliding with an instructor) from the peaks of Kudebe and Sadzele. More detailed information about this fun can be found on the website of its organizer: flycaucasus.com
I have repeatedly come across the opinion online that of all the ski resorts in Georgia (Gudauri, Bakuriani, Hatsvali and Goderdzi), Gudauri is the most suitable for children and beginner skiers. I can’t agree with this 100% - for me, Bakuriani is much better suited for beginners with its gentle slopes and separate ski areas for children.
Children's "track" in Gudauri
If you wish, you can hire an instructor in Gudauri (50 lari for 1 hour) - you need to ask about this in special booths near the lower stations.
You can also go sledding in Gudauri:
Since July 2016, ski lifts in Gudauri have also been operating in the summer (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)—a 4,790-meter long downhill bicycle route has been opened. One climb costs 5 GEL (Gudaura, Sadzele, Snowpark), a bike pass for 1 day costs 12 GEL, for the whole summer - 60 GEL.
Ski lifts in Gudauri:
All lifts produced Doppelmayr And Poma.
"Gudaura"— 10-seater gondola lift, length 2800 meters.
"Pirveli"— three-chair open lift (“bench”), length 1053 meters. The track is equipped with snow cannons and artificial lighting.
"Soliko"— four-seat open, length 2295 meters.
"Kudebi"— three-seat open, 1063 meters.
"Snowpark"— three-seat open, 1104 meters.
"Shino"— a new 6-chair lift (opened in December 2016), length 2800 meters.
"Zuma"— a 600-meter training slope with a rope tow.
There are also Snow park for extreme skiing, tubing track and running track (SunKid people mover, 300 meters).
What’s good is that the chairlifts in Gudauri have raised seats (like in a movie theater), which has a beneficial effect on the comfort of their use: there is less snow and ice on them than on regular ones. But I still recommend taking a special polyurethane foam “seat” with you - health is more important.
Prices for ski passes and rentals in Gudauri
Compared to traditional European ski resorts, prices in Gudauri are very humane: 
If you don’t want to carry skis and boots, you can rent it all on site.
Price list of rental points in Gudauri (season 2016-2017):
Ski kit rental (skis, poles, boots): 30 GEL ($12) per day (from 10:00 to 18:00).
Rental of a snowboard + boots set: 35 GEL.
Sled rental: 10 GEL.
When renting for 3 days or more, a 10% discount is provided.
You can rent skis, poles, boots, goggles and helmets separately - 10 GEL per item per day.
Repair of skis, snowboards and boots: from 15 to 45 GEL.
Rental point in Gudauri
Where to live in Gudauri
Gudauri is a fairly young ski resort, although it has already become quite popular due to its proximity to the capital and low prices. The housing stock is represented by a couple of dozen hotels, guesthouses and numerous apartments, freely scattered along the slope at various distances from the ski lifts. The best location for a 4-star hotel "Marco Polo": the lower station of the lift is located almost in his yard.
Hotel Marco Polo
As expected, during the high season, hotel rooms in Gudauri must be booked as far in advance as possible. For example, a month before the start of the 2016-2017 ski season, from budget options for Booking There are only beds left in shared rooms for 2,500 rubles. If you take care of booking at least a couple of months in advance, you can stay in a decent 3-star hotel "Edelweiss"(review rating on Booking 8.2), in the winter of 2017 I lived there for 2800 rubles/night for single occupancy - this price is valid when booking by link via Booking, directly at the hotel a single costs about $100/night.
Hotel Edelweiss
I'm in "Edelweiss" as a compliment from the hotel they offered a glass of homemade wine and fruit: 
And they were given a great idea of what to do in Gudauri in the evenings after skiing in the absence of après-ski - drink wine!
Room at Edelweiss
I can also recommend these studio apartment(rating 9.1, price $37 per night) and a good guesthouse Gudauri with an amazing view of the mountains from the balcony (rating on Booking 9.0, price $57 per night).
Where to eat in Gudauri
At the height of the ski season, there are several cafes on the slopes with decent quality food and reasonable prices. But they all start working closer to the New Year - when I once arrived in Gudauri at the very beginning of the season, not one of these establishments was open yet. Actually, at the beginning of the season, nothing is working in Gudauri at all - except for the ski lifts. However, for many (including me) this is quite enough.
Cafe "Truso": at the moment this is the best place in Gudauri. The cuisine is exclusively Georgian with a very decent choice (kebab, khachapuri, khinkali, kharcho, etc.) and the quality of dishes and drinks (“Rkatsiteli”, “Kindzmarauli”, “Saperavi”...).
Après-ski in Gudauri
If we compare Gudauri with the popular ski resorts of Austria and Italy, then as of 2017 there is almost no evening or nightlife in Gudauri. In fact, you have only three leisure options after skiing: a) drink Georgian wine in the evenings with friends and new acquaintances b) go to the bathhouse c) go to church.
For example, this situation with après-ski suits me quite well, because I’m not much of a party person and generally an introvert. The less noise and people around, the better. And in general, after a whole day of skiing in the cold and in the fresh mountain air, I personally want to go to the bathhouse and sleep, and not sit in a bar.
Where to take a steam bath in Gudauri
I managed to discover a sauna spa in a luxury hotel Tsar Bani Spa resort(review rating on Booking 9.3) in Upper Gudauri, but I didn’t have a chance to take a steam bath there: remembering the wonderful spa centers of Austrian Zell am See for 20 euros per nose, I got to this Tsar Bani and was unpleasantly surprised by the price: 220 lari ($84!!!) for 2 hours for the entire sauna, regardless of how many people will be steaming there. If you come to Gudauri with a large group, then perhaps it will be acceptable for everyone, but I came there alone, and I considered it a waste of money to pay almost a hundred bucks for a bathhouse :-) By the way, this bathhouse was the only exception to the rule “everything is cheap in Gudauri " If you, like me, decided to go to Gudauri for a few days from Tbilisi, then it would be much more reasonable to return to Tbilisi and there go to one of the (“Bath District”), sung by Pushkin.
Impressions from Gudauri
First of all, you need to understand that Gudauri is not Austria or Italy; Georgian ski resorts still need to grow to them. But in terms of price/quality ratio, Gudauri is one of my favorites.
First, about the pros. The most important of them is stunning nature, mountain air, a lot of clean snow and prices. For example, in the 2017 season, a daily ski pass for one adult cost 30 lari (approximately 690 rubles). Prices in cafes and restaurants are also very reasonable. For example, a hearty lunch of soup and shish kebab in a hotel restaurant "Edelweiss" lightened my wallet by only 13 lari (about 300 rubles). I propose to compare this amount with the price of a comparable lunch somewhere in Krasnaya Polyana - comments, as they say, are unnecessary.
Very tasty soup
Another big plus: there are almost always few vacationers in Gudauri; I have never encountered queues for the ski lifts there.
A snowcat passed here
Now about the cons. Firstly, transport accessibility: Gudauri is connected to the outside world by the only Georgian Military Road, which even in summer does not shine with the quality of its surface, and in winter it can be completely dangerous.
Georgian Military Road in winter
It is impossible to get to Gudauri either by plane or by train; the nearest train stations and airports are located in Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz.
Hotels and guesthouses are scattered throughout the entire slope, and from many of them you have to walk a long way to the ski lifts, which is not always easy or pleasant with skis and boots. There are no transfers from the hotel to the slope. There is only one relatively large store in the whole city - "Smart"(not counting small shops with honey, wine and churchkhela), and it is located in Lower Gudauri:
Smart store
So if you live in the upper part of the town, you will have to either take long walks, or eat in a hotel restaurant, or go on a diet. If the weather is calm and sunny - Gudauri makes a simply gorgeous impression - the landscapes alone are worth it, but if you happen to get caught there in heavy snowfall, then all the flaws of the Georgian service come out: there are few snowcats and at times they frankly do not have time to put the trails in order under the snowfall, As a result, a banal descent along a marked blue track becomes similar to extreme freeride.
By the way, in December 2016, I was caught in such a heavy snowfall for many days (the Georgian Military Road north of Gudauri was completely closed for several days because of it, and it was impossible to travel from Vladikavkaz to Gudauri).
Schemes of slopes and lifts are posted only at the lower stations; there is nothing at the top. And you either have to remember where and how to go down, or go wherever you look - anyway, you won’t get further than the Georgian Military Road.
Route map in Gudauri
Gudauri is still a very young ski resort and is actively developing, so all of the above complaints may well be attributed to “childhood diseases” that will improve over time.
So,
Pros:
Gorgeous mountain landscapes.
Interesting, varied trails, endless possibilities for freeride.
Proximity to the Russian border.
Relative proximity to Tbilisi.
Low prices.
No crowds or queues.
Traditional Georgian hospitality, wine and cuisine.
Minuses:
Unpredictable weather in December.
Far from other major cities of Georgia (Kutaisi, Batumi).
Insufficiently developed infrastructure.
Difficulties with transport accessibility from Russia: Gudauri is located very close to the Russian border, but between it and the resort there is the Cross Pass, which in winter is regularly covered with snow, making it impossible to get to Gudauri by car from Russia. You have to wait until the snow is cleared - and this can take from a couple of days to a week. In 2014, a mudflow occurred, which caused the closure of the Georgian Military Road for three weeks.