Gudauri Twins Hotel Ski Resort

There's a lot to like: it's easy to reach, has plenty of restaurants and ski rentals, and the people are very friendly. There are also lots of police on patrol, which is good for safety. But the roads weren't cleared of snow, and cars parked along them made getting around difficult. The rubbish wasn't collected either, and bins were overflowing.

Gudauri Ski Resort is a great option for powder and big Caucasus views at a reasonable cost. In 2026, day lift tickets are still around 70 GEL, much cheaper than the Alps. The broad, treeless runs give beginners and intermediate skiers plenty of room. The lifts are modern, and the Kobi Pass helps keep snow conditions good into late spring. It feels like a hidden gem for winter sports fans.

The skiing is okay, mostly suited to intermediate skiers. Several lifts are still closed, including the one to the mountain top where most black and red runs are, even though the website suggests that top lift is open. Lift queues are chaotic, and people who push or cut in seem to get ahead. New Gudauri's accommodation may look attractive outside, but inside I'd give it two stars at most. The walls are thin, things look worn and dingy or are broken, and the materials are obviously cheap. Halls get noisy with drunk guests who don't care about others, and staff don't enforce quiet hours. Getting to sleep before 1 am is rare. The outdoor paths aren't maintained, and the ice makes them dangerous. There's a lot of negligence and professionalism has a long way to go. Gudauri has the potential to be world-class, but as it is, I wouldn't put it among the world's top 1000 resorts. At best it's around the 50th percentile. Austria is better value for now.

The apartment I booked through airbnb was clean, new, and warm, actually too warm. The location is beautiful, and you can find some powder. The gondola and lifts are quick and work well, but some upper lifts were still closed in the middle of the season despite perfect weather. That shouldn't happen. Parts of the upper slopes go uphill, which is frustrating for snowboarders who have to unstrap, walk, and repeat it at the next rise. There are a decent number of restaurants, though they're pricey, as you'd expect at a resort. The supermarkets are good and their prices are quite reasonable. Walking around is the letdown. There are no pavements, so pedestrians have to use the road through blackened snow while cars pass close by. It takes away some of the magic. Some spots have cigarette butts and beer bottles scattered around, though it isn't everywhere. Paths between buildings also aren't cleared, so most of the time you're walking on slippery ice. It's a nice place to visit, but some things could be improved.