Gudauri Ice Skiing; under the Heavy Snow

4-days Solo Trip in Winter Republic of Georgia 

January 28 to February 01, 2014

Kutaisi afternoon tour last part; walking the streets

There's nothing better than getting to the top of a ski lift, breathing in the cold, pure air and gazing across the snowy peaks realizing the you are about to ski down the side of a mighty mountain. The skiing is equally impressive and recent, continuing upgrades and investments mean that traditional resorts of Gudauri and Bakuriani are equal  to international standards. Located in the very heart of the Caucasus mountains, surrounded by some of Europe's most dramatic peaks, Gudauri is a resort for all seasons. During the ski season, from December to mid-April, Gudauri offers a full work-out for all levels of skiiers and boarders. True experts will want to sample some of the most challenging off-peaks slopes in Europe. 

How to go to Gudauri;

From Tbilisi Didube Bus Terminal; ride a mini-bus going to Gudauri for only 7GEL ($4) for around 2 hours travel. Departure timings from Didube to Gudauri is every 2-hour basis (0900H, 1100H, 1300H, 1500H). Then from Gudauri, just walk going left and follow the map where the skiing mountains are pointed. Departure timings from Gudauri to Tbilisi is 0900H, 1100H, 1300H, 1500H and 1700H. 1700H departure timing is very peak for locals so better to leave at most 1500H.

What I did here was just riding the three sets of chairlifts for only 5GEL ($2.9) per roundtrip set. Yes, chairlifts can also be used by non-skiers. I planned to visit the highest peak that a chairlift can reached but unfortunately snowstorm was bad during this time; I reached only Kudebi 1 at around 3,011m summit. The highest peak is 3,279m of Mt. Sadzele with 4 chairlifts supposed to be on run. I arrived around 1300H and planned for 1700H Gudauri departure but unfortunately as I advised above, minibus was full-packed by locals. Thus, my 2nd hitch-hike abroad was again commenced through the aid of a very unusual english-speaking lady waiter who asked the wine delivery car passing-by who fortunately heading back to Tbilisi area. Though all of them inside the car can't speak english, I joined them in their delivery work. I contributed 20GEL ($11.6) for gasoline share, they did not asked for it even for passenger fare (imagine for a four-hours drive across a very chilling weather). Based on this scenario, I concluded Georgians are the most kind-hearted individuals I ever met on my entire backpacking career.

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Gudairi Ice skiing; under the heavy snow

Tbilisi city tour 1st part; foggy Mtatsminda park
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