Gudauri or Bakuriani: Which is Georgia’s Best Ski Resort?

Gudauri or Bakuriani? It’s a tough choice; if we had to choose one Georgia ski resort, we MIGHT choose Bakuriani! However, both resorts have something different to offer, and Gudauri may suit you better! This is our complete guide to choosing between Gudauri and Bakuriani.

⛷️ Check out our in-depth ski guides to Gudauri and Bakuriani 🏔️

Gudauri or Bakuriani The Short Answer

Choose Gudauri for a more convenient resort, modern and convenient ski-in-ski-out accommodation, access to free-ride areas, wide open spaces and trails, a slightly longer ski season, and high-quality restaurants and bars near the mountain.

Choose Bakuriani for its beautiful forest-covered mountains, uncrowded slopes, an interesting variety of runs, and an authentic Georgian town with some cultural and family-friendly activities besides skiing.

Which is Georgia’s Best Ski Resort?

Nestled on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia emerges as a captivating blend of cultures and landscapes and, notably, as an enticing destination for ski enthusiasts.

Amidst its rugged mountains and ancient towns, Georgia hosts a variety of winter sports locations, yet two Georgia ski resorts stand out for their unique offerings and breathtaking settings: Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Gudauri, renowned for its vast, open slopes and modern amenities, offers a paradise for those seeking adventure and the thrill of skiing amidst the high Caucasus Mountains. Its high-altitude location promises excellent snow conditions and opportunities for off-piste, ski touring, and heli-skiing, catering well to intermediate and advanced skiers.

Bakuriani, on the other hand, presents a more family-oriented atmosphere. Nestled in the lesser Caucasus, it boasts a rich history as a former Soviet winter sports training center and offers a mix of gentle slopes and challenging tree-lined runs, making it an ideal destination for families and beginners, as well as seasoned athletes.

In this blog post, we comprehensively compare Gudauri and Bakuriani, evaluating them across various criteria, including the quality of slopes, après-ski activities, and accommodation options. Whether you’re an avid skier, a family looking for a winter getaway, or simply in search of breathtaking mountain vistas, let’s explore which of these Georgian gems best suits your winter holiday aspirations.

About Gudauri Ski Resort

Location and How to Get to Gudauri

Gudauri is perched high in the Caucasus Mountains, about 120 kilometers north of Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital. The journey to Gudauri is an adventure, with the scenic Georgian Military Highway providing breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. Accessible by car or bus, the resort is approximately a 2-hour drive from Tbilisi International Airport, making it an easily reachable destination for international and local visitors alike.

Overview of the Gudauri Ski Area

Gudauri stands at an impressive altitude of 2,200 to 3,300 meters above sea level, with around 35 kilometers of groomed ski trails serviced by more than a dozen lifts. Beyond the groomed trails, there is ample opportunity for freeriding here, with plenty of free-ride areas readily available off the marked trails and further areas accessible via short hikes.

The resort is celebrated for its wide, open slopes, offering a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, ensuring that every level of skier finds their match.

The lift system and trails connect the whole resort, so skiers can easily navigate the whole mountain.

Its high elevation and location guarantee good snow cover from late December through April.

Type of Runs Available

The resort’s layout favors skiers of intermediate levels, with a majority of the slopes graded red. However, beginners are not left out, as several blue runs near the base provide a safe learning and improvement environment. For thrill-seekers, Gudauri offers exceptional off-piste and heli-skiing opportunities, allowing for the exploration of untouched snow and breathtaking landscapes.

Unique Features

One of Gudauri’s standout features is its commitment to freeriding. As mentioned, ample free-riding opportunities are accessible from the resort and backcountry to be explored around the resort. Additionally, the resort is one of the few places in the Caucasus Mountains that offers heli-skiing, granting access to some of the most pristine skiing terrains in the world. Its position above the tree line means no forestation, which can be positive or negative depending on your point of view.

Accommodation Options

One of Gudauri’s most significant advantages is the vast array of modern and comfortable accommodation options right on the slopes in New Gudauri. Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The recent development boom has brought modern amenities and comforts to the resort, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.

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Après-ski Activities and Dining

While the Gudauri’s après-ski scene may not be as developed as some resorts, there are options to relax after a day on the slopes. Visitors can unwind in one of the many bars and restaurants dotting the resort, offering a mix of Georgian and international cuisines and famous Georgian hospitality. The quality of restaurants in Gudauri is quite high, although prices are more expensive than back in the capital, Tbilisi. For relaxation, many hotels feature wellness centers with saunas, pools, and spa services.

Pros and Cons:

About Bakuriani SKi Resort

Location and Accessibility

Bakuriani is nestled in the heart of the Lesser Caucasus mountains, approximately 180 kilometers west of Tbilisi. This historic resort town is known for its thick forests and mineral water springs, providing a picturesque setting for winter sports. Accessible by road, the journey from Tbilisi takes around 3 hours, offering travelers a glimpse into the diverse Georgian countryside.

Overview of the Bakuriani Ski Area

Situated at an altitude of 1,700 to 2,700 meters, Bakuriani offers more than 30 kilometers of ski runs, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort features several ski areas, including Didveli, Kokhta, and Mitarbi, each offering distinct experiences. With a mix of modern lifts, the resort caters to a wide audience, from families and beginners to professional athletes.

One negative of the resort is the separation between ski areas. Didveli is separated from the Kokhta and Mitarbi sections by several kilometers and requires vehicle transport to navigate between the two.

Type of Runs

Bakuriani is particularly friendly for beginners and families, with numerous gentle slopes ideal for first-timers and children. The resort also boasts several intermediate runs and a few challenging slopes for advanced skiers, making it a versatile destination. Snow parks and a children’s winter park add to the family appeal, ensuring entertainment for every age group.

Unique Features

Bakuriani has a long tradition as a winter sports hub, dating back to its days as a training ground for Soviet Olympians. Today, it continues to host international competitions, offering well-maintained facilities for cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and biathlon.

Its emphasis on family-friendly amenities, including ski schools and playgrounds, makes it an ideal choice for young families.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Bakuriani ranges from Soviet-era sanatoriums to modern hotels and apartments, providing a broad spectrum of options. While many accommodations offer easy access to ski lifts and trails, many more located in the town of Bakuriani can be several kilometers from the nearest lift. Care should be taken when booking to make sure you are in an appropriate area for your ski trip.

A lot of the accommodation here focuses on providing family-oriented services and facilities. The resort’s growing popularity has spurred the development of new properties, ensuring visitors have access to comfortable and convenient lodging options.

Après-ski Activities and Dining

Bakuriani certainly offers a more subdued après-ski experience compared to Gudauri, with an emphasis on family-friendly dining and activities. Restaurants and cafes serve a variety of Georgian and international dishes, catering to all palates. Evening entertainment is more laid-back, with options ranging from cozy fireplaces in hotels to outdoor skating rinks and traditional Georgian baths for relaxation. There are very few bars.

Pros and Cons:

So, Gudauri or Bakuriani?

Just which Georgia ski resort is better for a ski holiday in Georgia? In comparing Bakuriani vs. Gudauri, we looked at overall ski experience, family-friendliness, conditions for advanced skiers, price, and season length.

Skiing Experience

• Gudauri is renowned for its wide, open slopes and off-piste opportunities, making it a haven for free riders. The resort’s high-altitude runs ensure reliable snow conditions. Easy access to the whole mountain using the well-organised lifts and trails is an advantage over disjointed Bakuriani.
• Bakuriani, on the other hand, offers a more varied terrain suitable for all skill levels. There are also a lot of forested areas here, giving more advanced skiers and snowboarders access to tree runs, a feature missing in Gudauri. Bakuriani also emphasizes beginners and families. Its gentle slopes and ski schools provide new skiers a safe and nurturing environment.

Family-Friendliness

• Bakuriani shines as the more family-oriented resort, with amenities and activities tailored for children and beginners. From ski schools to snow parks and non-skiing activities, it ensures families a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Gudauri also caters to families but leans more towards those with older children or members who enjoy more challenging slopes. While it offers some beginner slopes, its main attractions are its advanced runs and freeriding terrain. Gudauri has fewer activities to keep you busy when you aren’t skiing than Bakuriani.

Advanced Skiers

• For advanced skiers, especially those looking for off-piste experiences, Gudauri takes the lead with its challenging runs, extensive off-piste areas and back-country opportunities, and heli-skiing options. Its terrain and snow conditions provide an exhilarating experience for seasoned skiers.
• Bakuriani offers some advanced runs and the opportunity to explore diverse terrains and forested sections but has less of a focus on off-piste and back-country skiing.

Prices

• In terms of cost, both resorts offer competitive pricing, but Bakuriani tends to be slightly more budget-friendly, especially for families and those looking for longer stays. Accommodation and ski pass prices are generally lower, reflecting its family-oriented approach.
• Gudauri‘s prices are slightly higher, reflecting its modern facilities and the premium on its advanced slopes and off-piste services. However, it still represents good value, especially for those seeking high-altitude skiing and modern amenities.

Season Length and Best Time to Visit

• Both resorts typically open from December to April, with Gudauri often having a longer season due to its higher elevation and better snow conditions. The best time to visit Gudauri is from late January to early March when snow conditions are at their peak.
• Bakuriani also offers good snow cover throughout the winter, with February being particularly ideal for families due to the milder weather and excellent snow conditions. Because of its lower altitude, Bakuriani can suffer from warm days, affecting the quality of snow.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

We went to both Bakuriani and Gudauri and enjoyed both experiences thoroughly. Depending on exactly what we wanted from a ski holiday, we might choose Bakuriani or Gudauri, but when conditions were good, I preferred the actual skiing in Bakuriani more, while Gudauri had more consistent conditions and better facilities and amenities.

In Gudauri, we loved:

• The modern and affordable ski-in-ski-out accommodation in New Gudarauri.
• The wide selection of great restaurants and local bars.
• The convenient layout of the lifts and trails.
• The access to free-ride areas.

We didn’t love:

• The lack of access to a real town (with large supermarkets, etc.).
• Having all trails above the tree line.

In Bakuriani we appreciated:

• The variety of runs and different areas to ski.
• The access to different terrains and trees runs.
• The beauty of the location and surrounding alpine forests.
• How uncrowded the resort, which was nearly empty in some sections during the week.

We didn’t like:

• The layout of the resort and long distances between different parts of the resort, as well as various pockets of accommodation and points of interest scattered throughout town.
• The design and layout of the resort make it difficult to travel between different sections.
• The limited number and low quality of restaurants and bars in Bakuriani was a drawback.

Tips for Visiting Gudauri:

• Best Time to Visit: Aim for February to early March for the best snow conditions and fewer crowds before the spring break rush.
• Skiing Tips: If you’re an experienced skier, don’t miss the chance to try heli-skiing for unparalleled views and untouched snow. Beginners can find excellent ski instructors at the base of the mountain.
• Après-ski: Explore the après-ski scene in Gudauri, which, while not as extensive as European resorts, offers a cozy way to unwind with local Georgian wine and cuisine.
• Accommodation: Consider staying in accommodation close to the lifts in New Gudauri for easy slope access. Booking early can secure better rates and locations.

Tips for Visiting Bakuriani:

• Family Travel: Bakuriani is an excellent choice for families. The resort’s gentle slopes and ski schools are perfect for beginners and children.
• Activities Beyond Skiing: Take advantage of the non-skiing activities available, such as tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and visiting nearby Borjomi for its famous mineral springs.
• Accommodation: Look for family-friendly accommodations that offer easy access to ski areas and the town center to enjoy local dining and shopping.

General Recommendations When Visiting Gudauri or Bakuriani

• Gear: Ensure you have the appropriate gear for the conditions at either resort. While rentals are available, bringing your own gear can save time and ensure comfort. We found the rental gear in Bakuriani to be of lower quality.
• Culture: Embrace the local culture by trying Georgian dishes, such as khachapuri and khinkali, and engaging with the warm and welcoming Georgian people.
• Safety: Always stay within marked slopes unless you’re with a guide, especially when exploring off-piste areas in Gudauri. Ensure you have proper travel insurance that covers the type of skiing you plan to do.

Final Thoughts: Gudauri or Bakuriani

Both Gudauri and Bakuriani offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. Regardless of your choice, Georgia’s ski resorts promise unforgettable memories amidst stunning landscapes.

By considering your skiing skills and interests, who you’re traveling with, and what you want from your holiday, you can choose the resort that best matches your winter vacation.