2026-10-19
Snow day trips from Tbilisi are the easiest way to see the snow while you stay in the capital: an Arabic-speaking driver picks you up at your hotel or apartment in the morning, drives you by private car to Gudauri and Kazbegi in the Caucasus or to Borjomi and Bakuriani, and brings you back to Tbilisi in the evening. The Gudauri trip is from 100 USD for the whole car with its Arabic-speaking driver and the Borjomi trip from 100 USD; Kazbegi and Bakuriani are in the table below. The price is per car, not per person, there is no prepayment, and we answer on WhatsApp around the clock.
Gudauri and Kazbegi in the Caucasus
Gudauri, the closest large snow resort to Tbilisi, is about 120 km up the Georgian Military Road, about two hours away; the drive can take longer on snowy days because the driver takes it slowly. We pass Ananuri fortress on the Zhinvali reservoir and reach the resort at about 2,200 m, with a cable car that sells tickets to non-skiers too, sledging and snow-tubing areas where children play without lessons, and guided snowmobiles.
Kazbegi, officially Stepantsminda, is about 155 km and three hours from Tbilisi, with Gergeti church above it, reached by a local 4x4 when the snow allows. The Jvari Pass between Gudauri and Kobi can close temporarily after heavy snow or for avalanche risk, so the driver checks the road that morning and, if it is closed, we turn the day into Gudauri or another open destination at no extra cost. See our Kazbegi driver guide, or stay in the snow with the Georgia 5-Day Snow Tour – Gudauri.
Borjomi and Bakuriani for families
The Borjomi road crosses no high pass: about 160 km west, about two and a half hours, to a spa town at about 800 m with its central park and mineral water. From there we climb about 30 km, 40 to 60 minutes depending on the snow, to Bakuriani at about 1,700 m, the gentler family resort: short runs among the pines, sledging and snow play, a small slope for beginners and children, and horse-drawn sleighs.
A unique optional experience: the historic Kukushka mountain train between Borjomi and Bakuriani, expected back from December 2026; we book your seats if it is running on your dates, otherwise we drive up in about 45 minutes. A Bakuriani day trip there and back means about six hours on the road, so families who want more time in the snow take the Georgia 6-Day Family Snow Tour – Bakuriani with three nights in Bakuriani itself; our Gudauri or Bakuriani comparison helps you choose.
Snow trip prices from Tbilisi
| Trip from Tbilisi | Distance and one-way time, approx. | Sedan, up to 3 (USD) | Minivan, up to 6 (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudauri | 120 km, about 2 h | 100 | 110 |
| Kazbegi via Gudauri | 155 km, about 3 h | 105 | 120 |
| Borjomi | 160 km, about 2.5 h | 100 | 110 |
| Bakuriani via Borjomi | 180–190 km, about 3 h | 110 | 120 |
Times are one way on a normal day and can be longer when it snows. These starting prices are for the whole car, not per person, and cover the driver, fuel, parking and road costs with no extra fees; we confirm the final price for your chosen car and route on WhatsApp before you book. Sedan and minivan drivers speak Arabic; the van (up to 8 passengers) and the Sprinter (up to 20) come with a Georgian driver who speaks basic English, with Arabic support from our office. On the spot you pay only your own spending: cable car tickets, equipment and an instructor for skiers, the 4x4 to Gergeti, and meals. For more than one day, see our winter and snow packages.
When does the snow season start?
The snow season usually begins at the start of December, ski lifts usually open in the second half of the month, and nobody can promise snow on a given date. Georgia's Ministry of Economy has announced 20 December 2026 as the official opening of the 2026–2027 season. Snow is deepest from January to March, with February historically the snowiest month, and the season usually lasts to about mid-April at Gudauri and late March at Bakuriani. Month by month in our snow guide.
The road, clothing and skiing
Our drivers know the mountain roads in winter, our cars run on winter tyres and carry chains the driver fits when needed, and child seats are free on request. Wear warm layers under a waterproof, windproof jacket, with waterproof gloves, a hat, non-slip snow boots, sunglasses and sunscreen; children need a snow suit and spare gloves, and snow clothing can be hired at both resorts.
Many of our winter guests do not ski: the cable car, sledging and snow play are enough. For skiers we arrange equipment and an instructor at the resort, paid there directly.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the nearest snow from Tbilisi?
Gudauri, about 120 km and two hours by car; snow rarely stays in Tbilisi itself.
Is the price per person or per car?
Per car, from 100 USD, including the driver, fuel and road costs with no extra fees.
Will there be snow in early December?
Possibly at Gudauri, but not certainly: lifts usually open in the second half of December and snow is deepest from January to March, and we tell you about the snow and the road before the trip.
Can we book for tomorrow morning from Tbilisi?
Yes. Message us on WhatsApp, even in the evening: we are available around the clock.
Book your snow trip on WhatsApp
Send us the day, the number of travellers and the children's ages, and we reply with the right car and the final price. No prepayment: if you are already in Tbilisi you pay the driver on the day, and if you book before travelling you pay on arrival in Georgia. WhatsApp: +995 550 000 663. Hawa Georgia Travel is a company registered in Tbilisi, registration no. 415120808.