30 Special Things to Do in Georgia in Winter: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowy Cities & Seasonal Events

30 special seasonal things to do in Georgia in winter, including winter-only activities and annual festivals.

While most people know Georgia for its summer hiking or the autumn wine harvest, the country’s popularity as a winter destination is definitely on the rise.

Between four established ski resorts, adventure activities in the Greater Caucasus, hot springs, scenic cable cars, and cities that are made for a winter break, there is no shortage of things to do in Georgia in December, January and February.

This guide specifically focuses on special seasonal activities that are only available in winter, and once-a-year festivals and events that take place during the winter months. It showcases the best of Georgia in winter, as experienced by me over the past five years – from snow-capped mountains to frozen lakes, powder-dusted villages to snow forests, and much more.

I also touch on some of the practical considerations to make when planning your itinerary.

Also see: My dedicated guide to visiting Tbilisi in winter

And: The best time to visit Georgia (month-by-month comparison)

Why visit Georgia in winter?

Despite its growing popularity as a winter destination, winter is still the off-season in Georgia. Accommodation prices are noticeably lower, and there is less pressure on transportation (meaning less need to pre-plan and more opportunities for spontaneity). The downside is that some businesses are closed. But Tbilisi and all other major destinations (with the exception of select remote mountain regions) remain open for business.

High mountain passes are closed in winter, making it impossible to visit places like Tusheti or Khevsureti. But the roads to Kazbegi and Svaneti remain open.

Compared to hot and cloying summer, winter is altogether a more pleasant time to be outdoors in Tbilisi and Kutaisi particularly.

If you’re interested in skiing and snowboarding, winter is obviously the best time to visit the mountains. If not, there are plenty of other cold-weather activities. Hearty Georgian cuisine is made for winter, and there’s nothing better than cozying up at a cute wine bar on a brisk evening.

Finally, double the holidays means twice the fun! December 25 goes by without much fanfare in lieu of Orthodox Christmas, which falls 13 days later. December 31 is the biggest celebration of the holiday period in Georgia, with a riot of fireworks in Tbilisi. Orthodox traditions continue well into January, with rituals around Christmas, Old New Year, and Epiphany.

Important winter dates in Georgia

Here is a quick list of the main calendar dates in Georgia for winter.

Note that December 25 is not a holiday – Christmas falls a week later on January 7. Some small businesses close up from December 31 until the first weeks of January, but you will always find plenty of restaurants/cafes/shops open over the holiday period, especially in the winter resorts.

Just because you’re visiting Georgia outside of summer hiking season (which runs from early June until mid-October approximately), that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exploring the majestic Greater Caucasus mountains by foot. Snowshoeing is a possibility in all of Georgia’s high mountain regions, including in the valleys around Kazbegi, Mestia and Borjomi. For safety reasons and because of avalanche risk, I only recommend snowshoe hiking with an experienced guide who knows the terrain.

One of the best winter hikes I have done in Georgia was in the Sioni Valley with Vagabond Adventures (see my Gudauri Guide for details). Another idea is to join a guided expedition from Bakuriani, visiting the small villages in the Borjomi Gorge (see my Bakuriani Guide for details). It is also possible to hike stages of the famous Mestia-Ushguli trek in Svaneti with snowshoes.

For off-season hiking opportunities in the lowlands where the trails are likely to be clear of snow, see #25 below.

Georgia is one of the world’s most underrated countries for skiing and snowboarding. Prices are extremely affordable (around 20 USD for a one-day lift pass and 15 USD for ski hire), the slopes are quiet and queue-free, and best of all the mountain scenery is nothing short of incredible.

There are four government-run ski resorts in Georgia. Gudauri is the most popular option because of its close proximity to Tbilisi. Bakuriani (Didveli and Kokhta-Mitarbi) is a great choice for families and beginners. Mestia (Hatsvali and Tetnuldi) is suitable for all levels and has the best variety of slopes and scenery in my opinion. Goderdzi near Batumi is an adventurous option that you can access by snowcat.

Night skiing, back-country skiing and heliskiing are offered at the resorts, and back-country expeditions are also staged in other mountain areas such as Bakhmaro (also see #5 below).

The Javakheti Plateau is a Protected Area in the south of Georgia known for its gemstone lakes (including Georgia’s largest lake, Paravani) and nesting birds. For a large part of the year, the elevated volcanic landscape is completely frozen over, lending it the nickname of the ‘Georgian Arctic’.

Driving along Javakheti’s ribbon roads reveals isolated monasteries, ancient churches, and diverse towns and villages with families from Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Doukhobor and Pontic Greek descent. It will leave you with a newfound respect for the people who thrive in this extremely harsh environment, and surely make a lasting impression as one of the most visually beautiful winter landscapes in Georgia.

If you are visiting in January, try to time your trip with the Natlisgheba ice bathing ritual that takes place on Orthodox Epiphany (see #28 below).

Of all the lakes in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Tabatskuri is probably the most picturesque – and definitely the most remote. The unpaved road to the lake from Bakuriani (the Tskhratskaro Pass) is closed to traffic in winter, but it is possible to travel by ATV or quad bike all the way to the eponymous Tabatskuri village on the lake’s edge.

ATVs and snowcats are both available to hire in abundance at Bakuriani Resort. I recommend choosing a reputable outfit such as this one.

I have only ever been to Tabatskuri in summer via the second road that approaches from the south, but this is top of my list for next winter!

Bakhmaro is a lesser-known mountain resort in south-western Georgia’s subtropical, tea-rich Guria Region. In summer, Bakhmaro is a great spot for hiking and traditional festivals including the annual Horse Cup (see my Bakhmaro Guide for details) while in winter, the remote slopes are a paradise for freeriders.

The Powder Project organises skiing expeditions between December and the end of March. If you’re not into skiing, it is also possible to take a ride on a snowcat or a catski up to the resort to see the A-frame summer cottages and wooden church buried in snow.

For something a little more subdued – there are husky and samoyed parks at three of Georgia’s ski resorts. All offer tandem or solo sled rides along short circuits. There is also the option to simply play with (and take photos of) the dogs.

The Gudauri Husky Park in New Gudauri and Bakuriani Husky Park near Bakuriani town are both established parks. In Mestia, you will find the delightful team of samoyed dogs hanging out near the middle lift station at Hatsvali.

Admittedly, driving in Georgia in winter can be treacherous – but provided you are well prepared and flexible with your schedule, it is a great way to experience the country. The historic Military Highway is up there with the best drives in Georgia no matter the time of year. In winter, the varied scenery from Gudauri Ski Resort to the remote Dariali Gorge on the Russian border is particularly splendid.

The drive from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) leads you straight through the Greater Caucasus north of the capital, visiting fortified churches, Soviet mosaics and epic viewpoints along the way. I have collected more than a dozen road stops – find the full list and a free map inside my Georgian Military Highway Guide.

This road is prone to closures in winter, which might last anywhere from a few hours to a few days if the avalanche risk is serious. Later this year, a new tunnel will make it easier to get to Kazbegi. In the meantime, check the GeoRoad Facebook Page for any important information on safety or closures.

8. Trek to the frozen Gveleti Waterfall

A stop on the Military Highway or a side-trip from Kazbegi, the Gveleti Waterfalls are two cascades in the Dariali Gorge. In wintertime, the ‘big’ and ‘small’ waterfalls freeze over, creating an awesome spectacle of frozen ice crystals.

The hike to the Gveleti Waterfalls may be short, but it is deceptively tricky. In winter, the conditions make it even tougher. I only recommend attempting to visit if you have experience with winter hiking and ideally the company of a local guide.

Closer to Tbilisi, the Biisi Waterfall in Shida Kartli Region also freezes over in deep winter. You can easily pair it with Uplistsikhe Cave City and the city of Gori for a winter day trip. You will often find there is snow in Gori when it’s dry in Tbilisi!

9. Follow the pilgrimage route to Lomisa Church

Also off the Military Highway (but before Gudauri), Lomisa is an Orthodox church set high above the village of Mleta. If you are looking for a more advanced-level snowshoe hike, this is one of the best available.

The path to Lomisa starts from behind the village and winds its way up the mountain face through pockets of forest and clearings. It is only open to pedestrians (no cars). Every June, thousands of people gather to walk the pilgrimage route in commemoration of the Lomisoba festival day. It is a very tough slog – especially in winter – but worth it for the incredible views.

Shaori Lake sits on the cusp of Imereti and Racha and is an easy day trip from Kutaisi. We drove here in January and were blown away by the beauty of the frozen reservoir and most of all the snow-covered forest that envelops it.

Racha Region is one of my favourite mountain areas in Georgia, but unfortunately it all but shuts down in winter. There isn’t much else that is open nearby – most restaurants and wineries close for the season, and the Tskhrajvari Hike is too perilous to attempt in winter, for example. I definitely recommend continuing to Nikortsminda Cathedral at the top of the lake, and having a look around the mining town of Tkibuli. Like Chiatura, it has some Soviet-era gems. You can also visit Gelati and Motsameta Monasteries at the same time.

Closer to Tbilisi, Bateti Lake also freezes over in winter. Both Bateti and Shaori look magnificent in autumn, too.

This is the closest thing to a winter wildlife adventure that you’ll find in Georgia! Located in Tskhvarichamia, an hour north-east of Tbilisi on the way to Sabaduri Forest (see #14 below), the Zoological Center Bears Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organisation that cares for abandoned and rescued Caucasian brown bears.

The centre operates on donations (including a small entry fee), and visitors are encouraged to bring apples, carrots and other fruit/veg to feed the bears. There is also a population of rescue dogs and even a few grey wolves here.

You can visit at any time of year – the bears are active in winter, and when paired with Sabaduri Forest, winter is the perfect time for a day trip.

Snow in Tbilisi is a rare sight. There are always a few snow days every year, but it never hangs around on the ground for very long. You don’t have to travel far to see fresh white snow near the city centre – when it’s drizzly in the Old Town, Kojori, the area around Turtle Lake and even Narikala Ridge all receive a good dusting.

If the skies are clear and the ground not too slippery, early winter is an ideal time for hiking in the hills near Tbilisi.

Georgia’s evergreen and coniferous forests look incredible in the snow. As well as Shaori forest in Racha mentioned above, there are thick forests in Surami, Bakuriani, and other locations.

The most famous of all is Sabaduri Forest. Under an hour from Tbilisi by road, this little pocket of thick trees on the edge of Tbilisi National Park is appealing in all four seasons, but especially on a clear winter’s day when the branches of the trees are laden with white powder. Unlike Shaori, there is an open area where you can safely park your car and play in the snow.

Combine Sabaduri with the Bear Shelter (see #12 above).

I have travelled all over Georgia in winter, but nothing comes close to the mountain scenery on the Gudauri-Kobi Cable Car. This four-stage gondola starts from the New Gudauri ski area and goes to Kobi village on the other side of the Jvari Pass. It was primarily constructed for transport purposes (it bypasses the section of Military Highway that is most prone to avalanches), but there are some ski runs that start from the various middle stations too.

Ride the gondolas on a bluebird day, and you will be treated to panoramic views of the snowy Caucasus. Mount Kazbek is the star attraction. A ride can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes one-way depending on conditions, and costs around 16 USD in winter. The cable car also works during the summer months.

While remote Tusheti and Khevsureti are inaccessible by road in winter, Svaneti stays open. Visiting Mestia in winter is a real adventure that is not for the faint of heart – the drive up can be difficult at the best of times, and the road does close on occasion if there are snow storms. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a very rewarding trip. We did it this winter and had an absolute ball.

The iconic fortified tower-dwellings or koshki dotted around Mestia and the surrounding villages look stoic dressed in their snowy caps. Tetnuldi Ski Resort near Mestia is the most beautiful ski resort in Georgia in my opinion, and for non-skiiers, Mestia’s museums and restaurants remain open throughout the season. There is also a special winter festival that takes place here in February – see #29 below.

Now that the road is sealed, you can drive all the way to the UNESCO-listed Ushguli in winter. Just note that the new road from Ushguli to Kutaisi via Lentekhi is only open in summer. For more ideas for the region, see my Svaneti Road Trip Guide.

Borjomi is another town that is exceptionally beautiful in winter. I have visited the mineral water town more times than I can count, but I have never seen it look as good as it does in the snow!

Borjomi is the gateway to Bakuriani and an easy stop-off on the way to the slopes. Photograph the gorgeous Golden Tulip Hotel, a former summer dacha decorated with Persian-style mirrorwork, walk through Central Park to find the open-air thermal pools (once the Romanov family’s private baths), and ride the retro cable car.

Kakheti Wine Region east of Tbilisi stays open for business throughout the winter months. Some smaller wineries might close for the holidays, but larger commercial cellars such as Kvareli Wine Cave and Tsinandali are open for tours and tastings year-round. My partners at Eat This! Tours have a special Winter Wine Tour program for the months of December-March. Use the code wanderlush for a small 5% discount.

I always enjoy driving around Kakheti in winter. The roads that cross the Alazani River Valley from the Telavi side to the Kvareli side are especially scenic as you are driving right through the frozen vineyards. By winter, most of the vines are cut back to their stems, and in late winter you can see them starting to bud. I don’t know of any winemakers in Kakheti who produce ‘ice wine’ from grapes frozen on the vine, but I’m sure they are out there – if you have any leads, please let me know!

Another advantage of off-season travel in Kakheti in particular is that you can often find great deals on accommodations. Tsinandali Estate is my favourite hotel in Georgia – and even though the rooftop pool is closed in winter, it’s still a magical experience.

The walled town of Sighnaghi in Kakheti is often overrun with tourists in the high season, especially in July and August. Winter, by contrast, can be very peaceful – even if some restaurants are closed. Without the summer haze, the winter skies are often much clearer, meaning you can look out from Sighnaghi city wall or from the gardens of Bobde Convent to see the vanishing vineyards hemmed by the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

Lost Ridge Inn is a great base near Sighnaghi. In winter, you can eat dinner in the Fire Kitchen, do a craft beer tasting, or warm up by the bonfire.

20. Plunge into an open-air hot spring

Just as chilly evenings are the optimal time to visit the Tbilisi sulfur baths, winter is the season for Georgia’s natural hot springs. The cooler weather makes the water feel warmer, and you can have a cold-hot experience by alternating between the thermal water and the fresh snow.

Most hot springs are located in Western Georgia. As well as the Tsar’s Baths in Borjomi mentioned above, you can find thermal pools in Sairme, and open-air baths in Vani and Nokalakevi – all near Kutaisi.

Horizons Bakurtsikhe is a wonderful boutique accommodation in Kakheti Region (around 2 hours’ drive from Tbilisi) that opened last year. One of the coolest features of the property is the barrel sauna, a toasty dry sauna set on the crest of the hill looking out towards the mountains.

We enjoyed a sauna here – followed by an open-air mtsvadi BBQ grill up – late last winter.

I have said it time and time again: Georgian cuisine is perfect for winter. Although there are dozens of fresh vegetable-based dishes in the kitchen canon, many traditional dishes (especially those born in the mountains) revolve around meat, cheese and carbs. What more could you ask for on a cold winter’s day?

Khachoerbo (literally a conglomeration of ‘khacho’ cheese and ‘erbo’, which is analogous to clarified butter) is the ultimate winter indulgence. Maisi restaurant in Kazbegi does a great version of the dish with fondue-style dipping accompaniments. In Tusheti, there is a similar dish called khatvisi, which is made by boiling cheese curds with butter. It is sometimes on the menu at Archive restaurant in Tbilisi.

Other dishes that always hit the spot in winter include chikhirtma (chicken soup), lobio beans, chashushuli stew, and of course khinkali dumplings.

If glühwein is one of your favourite winter treats, you’ll be glad to hear that this trend has been embraced in the birthplace of wine (of course!). Full-bodied qvevri wines such as saperavi are delicious warm and spiced.

Mulled Georgian wine is served at the Christmas Markets in Tbilisi (see #26 below) and at various bars and cafes around the city.

For a break from the grey, head to the area around Udabno, south-east of Tbilisi, where the semi-desert hills painted with vivid hues from mineral deposits will surely bring some colour and cheer to your winter.

Davit Gareja is the main attraction in this area, but it’s just one of several cave monastery complexes. Sabereebi and Natlismtsemeli are two more that are worth seeing. The ‘Rainbow Hills’ are particularly colourful around Kapatadze Lake and Mravaltskaro Reservoir, and you can find short hiking routes in these areas marked on Wikiloc. At the end of winter, you might catch the almond orchards blooming in Udabno.

This area is quite wild, so I recommend joining an off-roading group tour from Tbilisi with Friendly.ge (use the code wanderlush for 10% off). Another option is to go further south to the Vashlovani Protected Areas, where the landscape is snowier but just as beautiful. Shetidze – Tushetian Horses offers winter experiences in Vashlovani where you can embrace the stunning landscapes dotted with their herd of 140 horses.

Provided there isn’t too much snow, you might be able to find trails in the lowlands of Georgia that are open to regular (not snowshoe) hiking in winter. The season for hiking in the Greater Caucasus (Juta Valley, Abudelauri Lakes) finishes in October, but in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and potentially Lagodekhi National Park (the Machi Fortress Hike), the marked trails may still be accessible in December and January.

Trialeti Planned National Park (Birtvisi Canyon) could also be an option in early winter, but note that it does get very slippery here. Meskheti Region (around Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia) is less likely to see heavy snow and is a good area to hike – the trail from Saro village to Nijgori is a favourite of mine. Always check conditions locally and ask for information at the relevant national park office before you attempt a winter hike.

Because Georgia is an Orthodox country, the festive season is quite drawn-out in Tbilisi. The lights and markets normally kick off in mid-December and run until the first or second week of January, with December 31st the biggest night of celebrations.

See my detailed Christmas in Tbilisi Guide for dates and more details.

The Alilo Procession is a beautiful ritual that takes place in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and other cities across Georgia on Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7). Visitors are welcome to walk alongside the groups of kids and clergy members as they parade to the church, singing songs and collecting donations along the way.

In Tbilisi, the procession culminates at Sameba Cathedral.

This incredible Orthodox Epiphany ritual takes place on Paravani Lake on the Javakheti Plateau (see #3 above). Proceeded by a beautiful service at the church – and followed by a communal feast inside the monastery – the spectacle of seeing dozens of people plunge into the frozen lake through a hole cut in the shape of St. NIno’s Cross is something you won’t experience anywhere else!

See my Guide to Attending Natlisgheba for more photos, a video, and detailed travel tips.

Another moving winter tradition, Lamproba is held in Mestia and in villages throughout Svaneti on the night of February 14. As the set sets, families gather at the cemetery to light bonfires by the graves of their deceased family members. Like on Easter, this is followed by ritualised ‘communal with the dead’ featuring much food and wine.

Find more details inside my Guide to Visiting Mestia in Winter.

Winter in Georgia FAQ

What to pack for a winter trip to Georgia

In cities including Tbilisi, you can usually get by with jeans and a warm coat. If you’re venturing into the mountains, you will need waterproof shoes, thermals, and all the woolly accessories you can get your hands on.

If you find you haven’t packed enough warm gear, it’s easy to buy jumpers, gloves etc. (either new or used) in the cities. The Humana chain of shops is great for preloved items, while for waterproof gear, I recommend the shops around the Dezerter Bazaar.

One important thing to note is that tumble driers are an endangered species in Georgia – everything is sun-dried. I recommend packing base layers that will dry quickly after washing.

See my all-season Georgia packing list for more tips.

Tips for visiting Georgia in winter

• If you plan on skiing or snowboarding and you don’t want to lug gear around with you, you can hire clothing and equipment at every resort.
• Central gas heating is common in Georgia, but some accommodations use radiators. If you feel the cold, check ahead – and remember to pack plenty of warm layers for the evenings.
• Plan your days (and transport connections carefully). The days are very short in winter and you don’t want to be on the road in a marshrutka van after dark.
• If you plan on hiring a car, it’s a good idea to choose a 4WD for winter. Add winter tires, which are mandatory on mountain roads between December 1 and March 1.
• Stay abreast of road closures, which are not only common in the mountains but can affect the main Rikoti Highway and even roads on the Black Sea.
• Be flexible with your schedule. In 2025, a massive snowstorm caused all of Western Georgia to shut down for almost a week, with no trains or buses, and flights diverted from Batumi and Kutaisi.
• See more Georgia travel tips here.