You’re carving turns on untouched powder beneath 5,000-meter peaks, skinning through ancient villages where time seems to stand still, and soaking in warm stews and even warmer hospitality after a long day in the mountains. This isn’t the Alps, and it’s definitely not North America. This is skiing in Georgia, a country where the Caucasus Mountains rise like a fortress between Europe and Asia.
In recent years, Georgia has exploded onto the global ski scene, drawing backcountry skiers, freeriders, and adventure seekers who want more than groomers and crowded resorts. Here, the skiing is raw, the landscapes dramatic, and the après-ski culture is centered around khachapuri (cheese bread), hearty stews, and homemade wine.
Whether you’re looking for cat skiing, heli skiing, or classic touring, Georgia delivers a mix of high-altitude adventure and cultural immersion that few destinations can match.
Why skiing in Georgia is taking the world by storm
Until recently, Georgia was an under-the-radar gem, known more for its wine and Silk Road history than skiing.
But word spread fast. Ski films by big influencers like Red Bull began showcasing endless powder fields, guides started offering cat and heli trips at affordable prices, and photos of towering, untouched peaks began popping up across social media feeds.
Suddenly, Georgia went from a curiosity to a must-visit destination.
What makes Georgia so appealing is the combination of accessible wilderness, low crowds, and affordability.
The Caucasus Mountains rival the Alps in size and vertical relief, yet the ski culture is still young and developing. That means fewer lift lines, bigger descents, and the sense that you’re exploring a frontier rather than a polished resort.
Add in Georgia’s famously warm hospitality, rustic guesthouses, and a culinary tradition that revolves around big portions and bigger toasts, and it’s easy to see why the country is starting to top skiing bucket lists in record time.
What type of skiing can I find in Georgia?
Standard resort skiing (cool, but not the thing to come here for)
Georgia does have ski resorts, don’t get us wrong.
Gudauri is the biggest and most modern, with around 80 kilometers/5o miles of pistes, a good lift network, and some lively après-ski. Smaller resorts like Tetnuldi and Hatsvali also host some quality groomed runs with stunning views of the high Caucasus peaks.
Resorts are affordable, growing fast, and fun for a few days, but let’s be clear: most people don’t fly across the world for the groomers. Resorts in Georgia are often just the launching pad for backcountry adventures.
Cat skiing in Georgia
Cat skiing is where Georgia really shines. Nothing beats hopping in a snowcat, being driven high into the backcountry, and spending the day skiing wide-open powder fields, long ridges, and tree runs without ever breaking a sweat skinning up.
Regions like Goderdzi and Bakhmaro are developing reputations as cat-skiing havens, with reliable snowfall and terrain for all levels of skiers.
Because the ski infrastructure is still young, much of the terrain feels wild and untouched. You’re getting first tracks all day, and the vibe is much more adventurous than in North America or the Alps.
Heli skiing in Georgia
Heli skiing in the Caucasus is nothing short of epic.
The vertical is huge, the snowpack deep, and the landscapes jaw-dropping. Operators in Gudauri and Svaneti offer heli trips that whisk you into terrain you could never dream of reaching on your own. Prices are often lower than in the Alps or Canada. Heli skiing here is surprisingly accessible.
Expect long descents, everything from mellow glacier runs to steep couloirs, and plenty of “pinch-me” moments as you fly over jagged ridges and land on remote summits.
Ski touring in Georgia
For purists (like many of those in our team), ski touring is the ultimate way to experience Georgia.
The country’s backcountry is vast, varied, and still relatively undiscovered. You’ll find multi-thousand-foot descents, quiet valleys where you won’t see another soul, and ancient stone villages that feel like time capsules.
Touring here often means skinning straight from your guesthouse or lodge into big, glaciated terrain. Regions like Svaneti and Racha are paradise for those who want adventure far from the crowds.
With local guides, you’ll also gain a great taste of the deep and turbulent local culture. Sharing meals, learning traditions, and connecting with Georgian hospitality in a way you won’t find in typical ski hubs.
What are the skiing conditions like in Georgia?
The altitudes
Skiing in Georgia happens high. Really high.
Resorts like Gudauri peak at around 3,300 meters, while heli and touring trips often take you well above 4,000 meters. You’ll get colder snow, longer descents, and more reliable conditions than many mid-altitude European resorts.
The altitude gives Georgia an advantage: even in March and April, snow quality stays excellent at higher elevations. But it also means you’ll want to pace yourself, hydrate, and be prepared for thinner air if you’re not used to it.
The temperatures
Georgia’s winters are cold but manageable.
In mid-winter, you’ll get temperatures between -10°C and -2°C (14°F to 28°F) at skiable altitudes. Higher elevations can dip much lower, especially on windy ridges or glacier terrain. Down in the valleys, it’s often milder. Perfect for cozy evenings after long ski days.
Dressing in layers, with a good shell and insulating mid-layers, is key for comfort, especially since conditions can swing from sunny and calm to stormy on the same day.
The snow
The Caucasus Mountains get hammered with snow.
Annual snowfall varies by region, but in places like Bakhmaro and Goderdzi, storms roll in off the Black Sea and dump meters of powder at a time. Snow is typically dry and fluffy at higher altitudes, while lower, coastal-facing regions can see heavier dumps.
Snowpack is generally reliable from December through April, with high-altitude ski touring sometimes lasting into May. For powder hunters, Georgia is quickly becoming one of the most dependable destinations outside of Japan.
Where to find the best skiing in Georgia
Svaneti
Remote, rugged, and iconic, Svaneti is the crown jewel of skiing in Georgia.
Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Caucasus—including 5,193-meter Mount Shkhara—it’s a paradise for ski tourers and heli skiers alike. The villages here are UNESCO World Heritage sites, dotted with medieval stone towers that look like something out of a fantasy novel.
Head to Svaneti, and you’ll get serious terrain, big lines, and an unforgettable mix of culture and wilderness. If you want to combine world-class skiing with cultural immersion, this is the place.
Goderdzi
Goderdzi, in the Adjara region, is quickly becoming known as Georgia’s cat-skiing capital.
Its unique position near the Black Sea means frequent snowstorms, which deliver deep, deep powder throughout the winter. The terrain is a blend of tree skiing with open alpine bowls, and the atmosphere is more laid-back than bigger ski hubs.
With fewer crowds and consistent snow, Goderdzi is perfect for those who want an adventurous, powder-focused trip without the high price tag or big-resort feel.
Gudauri
Gudauri is Georgia’s main resort, about a two-hour drive from Tbilisi.
Here, you’ll find the most developed infrastructure—lifts, hotels, and restaurants. More importantly, it serves as a great gateway to backcountry and heli-skiing.
The resort itself is fun, but the real magic lies just beyond its boundaries: endless off-piste terrain, accessible couloirs, and the chance to link up with local guides who know the secret stashes. If you want a blend of lift-access laps, heli drops, and some après-ski vibes, Gudauri is your base.
Racha
Lesser-known but brimming with potential, Racha is a hidden gem for ski touring.
Its valleys are quieter than Svaneti, its peaks equally stunning, and its snow conditions excellent. Because it’s less developed, Racha feels raw and off-the-map—perfect for you if you want solitude, authentic Georgian hospitality, and the thrill of discovery.
You’re more likely to share the skin track with locals than with international tourists, which many people think adds to its appeal.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Georgia
How do I get to Georgia?
Most visitors fly into Tbilisi or Kutaisi. From there, transfers to ski regions are generally arranged by operators or via local transport. Roads to mountain regions can be winding and snowy, so a 4×4 or driver is often the easiest option.
Is skiing in Georgia expensive?
Compared to the Alps or North America, Georgia is refreshingly affordable.
Lift tickets, guiding, food, and lodging are often half the price of their European counterparts. Even heli and cat skiing packages are priced lower than in more established destinations, which makes high-end adventures accessible to more skiers.
Meals and drinks are inexpensive, and staying in family-run guesthouses is our recommendation. You’ll spend less and get more of a sense of cultural immersion than in hotels.
What’s the best time to go skiing in Georgia?
The prime season runs from December through April.
January and February usually see the deepest snow. March often offers the best combination of powder and sunshine. High-altitude touring and heli skiing can stretch into May, especially in regions like Svaneti where the peaks soar well above 4,000m.
Can beginners go skiing in Georgia?
Yes, but with a caveat.
Beginners will find plenty of gentle slopes in areas like Gudauri or Hatsvali, but the real draw of Georgia is in its backcountry and freeride terrain.
For newer skiers, Georgia can still be a fantastic experience, but hiring a guide and sticking to mellower terrain is a good idea. Most guided trips cater to intermediate and advanced skiers who can handle variable conditions.
What is the food like?
Delicious!
Skip the McDonald’s and try a wide variety of hearty Georgian classics like khachapuri, khinkali (dumplings), grilled meats, and plenty of vegetables. Most tour operators include meals, and you’ll likely be welcomed into family-style guesthouses where food is both comforting and abundant.
Is avalanche safety gear required?
Yes. Whether you’re cat skiing, heli-skiing, or touring, you’ll need a beacon, shovel, and probe at a minimum. Guides typically provide or rent gear, but bringing your own is always best.
Do I need a guide to ski in Georgia?
For backcountry skiing in Georgia, absolutely. The terrain is wild, avalanche conditions can change quickly, and navigation isn’t straightforward. Local guides will know the snowpack, the safest lines, and often have access to private terrain.
Georgia is a skiing paradise in the making
Skiing in Georgia goes way beyond your regular winter outing.
With vast untouched terrain, rich mountain culture, and snow conditions that rival anywhere in the world, Georgia is carving its place on the global skiing map. Whether you’re clipping into touring bindings, stepping out of a snowcat, or jumping from a heli, one thing is certain: skiing in Georgia is a story you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.
The Caucasus Mountains are calling, and if you’re looking for skiing that goes beyond the ordinary, Georgia should be at the top of your list.
