Gudauri გუდაური |
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Gudauri
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Location of Gudauri in Georgia | |
Coordinates: 42°28′39″N 44°28′28″E / 42.47750°N 44.47444°E | |
Country | Georgia |
Mkhare | Mtskheta-Mtianeti |
Elevation | 2,196 m (7,205 ft) |
Time zone | Georgian Time (UTC+4) |
Website | Gudauri Official Site |
Gudauri (Georgian: გუდაური) is a ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft.) above sea level with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. Gudauri lies 120 km (75 mi) to the north of the capital Tbilisi and two hours drive from the Tbilisi International Airport or even a short helicopter flight from the capital. The resort offers high quality skiing opportunities. The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the tree line and are best for free-riders and are generally considered to be avalanche-safe. The ski season lasts from December to April. Heliskiing is also available throughout the season.
Heliskiing provides skiers with access to some of the finest powder-snow in the Caucasus. With helicopters granted almost unrestricted access to local mountains, skiers can experience some of the most sublime runs in Europe - at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,200 meters above sea level. The helicopters drop clients off on mountain tops, glaciers, fabulous ridges, and in the hands of highly experienced guides.
Gudauri is Georgia's most renowned site for speedriding and paragliding. Experienced instructors are employed to accompany customers in the said activities.
Gudauri has 57 km of ski runs and 7 lifts. The bottom station of first ski lift called pirveli is at 1,990 m above sea level and the top station of the last ski lift is at 3,279 m, called Sadzele. The lifts are by Doppelmayr. The first lift (Pirveli) is 1,010 m long (three chairs), the second (Soliko) is 2,310 m long (four chairs) and the third (Snow Park) is 1,060 m long (three chairs). Over the past few years the resort has consistently been adding new chair lifts, the most recent construction includes a speed Gondola. The lifts usually work from 10:00 to 16:00-17:00.