Backcountry Skiing in Georgia: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Situated just south of Russia and north of Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia is a small former Soviet Republic full of mountains. While most of the country’s backcountry skiing is found in the northern Caucasus Mountains, the country does have a few other, even more low-key spots as well.

On the county’s southern border with Turkey sit both Machakhela Planned National Park and Mtirala National Park. While neither one of these has mountains as talla s those in the Caucasus, they both boast astoundingly beautiful scenery and excellent backcountry skiing in the winter, perfect for beginners who are just getting used to the sport.

Stunning scenery

Georgia is full of stunning scenery. The mountainous north of the country is sparsely populated and full of Europe’s tallest mountains. With few people, there are plenty of pristine scenes out over evergreen forests, mountain glaciers and pristine lakes. Backcountry skiing is the best way to experience this beautiful place first hand.

Avoid the crowds

While it is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, Georgia is still a pretty remote place and perfect for backcountry skiers seeking out unspoilt powder and sparsely populated slopes. Avoid crowded European destinations and opt for something a bit farther off the grid on your next ski holiday.

Come for the culture

You can’t spend your entire trip out skiing in the backcountry, so when you’re not out on the slopes, enjoy some of the country's unique culture. Combining both Asian and European influences, the country is renowned for its unique music and folk dancing and is also putting itself on the map for incredible cuisine and wine too. Sample as much as you can while you’re here.

Winters in Georgia are quite stable, with temperatures between 2 ºC and 4 ºC and excellent snow conditions. During the night, temperatures can drop below 0 degrees. In Svaneti, snowfall can begin as early as September, while on the rest of the country usually starts in November.

Almost every backcountry skiing trip to Georgia begins with a flight into the country;s main international airport in Tbilisi (TBS). Most guides will opt to meet you here and provide transport to the start of the trip.

Georgian

+995

Georgian Lari (GEL)

December to April

Being steps from your accommodation to the slopes—or just minutes from lift stations—means more runs and less time commuting. Ski-in/ski-out and proximity to lifts maximize on-snow hours and simplify gear logistics.

Many northern Caucasus resorts provide true ski-in/ski-out lodging or are just a short walk from gondolas and chairlifts. This convenience is a standout benefit compared with remote approaches.

Yes. Resorts provide a range of accommodation options—ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly stays—so you’ll find convenient, quality lodging close to the action.

Yes—along Georgia’s southern border with Turkey, Machakhela and Mtirala National Parks deliver gentler terrain, stunning scenery, and straightforward trailheads ideal for first-time backcountry skiers.

Whether you’re tackling steep, high-altitude runs in the Caucasus or exploring low-profile parks in the south, being close to lifts or trailheads reduces wasted time, enhances safety, and lets you focus on the snow. Georgia excels at offering both high-mountain thrills and easy-access beginner zones.

Winters in Georgia are quite stable, with temperatures between 2 ºC and 4 ºC and excellent snow conditions. During the night, temperatures can drop below 0 degrees. In Svaneti, snowfall can begin as early as September, while on the rest of the country usually starts in November.

Lift tickets are sold at the ticket office situated at the base of the resort.

Single-day passes

Multi-day passes (two days or more)

Season passes

Multi-day passes start at just €8 per day when you purchase two or more days at once.

Single-day passes range from €20 to €25 each.

Select the pass that best suits your skiing schedule and budget.

International Flights: Fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Connections via Istanbul, Frankfurt or Doha.

To Gudauri (Caucasus):

2-hour drive on the Georgian Military Highway.

Options: shared marshrutka (minibus) or book a private 4×4 for winter conditions.

To Svaneti (Mestia):

8–10-hour 4×4 transfer; roads can be icy.

Alternatively, look for small-jet flights from Tbilisi to Mestia (seasonal and weather-dependent).

Local Shuttles & Hitching: Many lodges arrange ski-area shuttles. In villages, locals often give rides—just ask politely and offer to chip in for fuel.What people are saying about Backcountry Skiing | Georgia

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Your policy should include rescue and evacuation coverage—both helicopter and ground extraction in remote terrain—medical expenses such as emergency hospitalization and repatriation, protection for lost or damaged rental equipment (skis, beacon, probe), and trip cancellation or interruption benefits in case weather or logistical issues force adjustments. Before you depart, verify that avalanche-related incidents and high-altitude rescue operations are explicitly covered.