The Best Things To See And Do In Georgia In Winter

Winter in Georgia is cold and snowy, with an average temperature of 2-4C (36-39F) – some regions even fall below zero sometimes. For those who love visiting snow-covered cities, Tbilisi will be a disappointment. However, there are other towns across the country that see snow in winter. From spas to skiing, here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in Georgia during your winter break.

Explore the capital

Even though Tbilisi is not as appealing in winter as it is in other seasons, visiting during this time of year is still worth it. If the weather is a bit warmer, embark on a walking tour to admire the famous landmarks in the city – which you can do with Culture Trip in the company of a local expert on our specially curated nine-day Georgia adventure. Make sure to stroll down Rustaveli Avenue and explore the beautiful architecture of the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Rustaveli Theatre.

Take in the landmarks of Tbilisi, such as the Opera and Ballet Theatre, on a walking tour

Visit a traditional spa

Interested in visiting? You can experience them for yourself as part of Culture Trip’s immersive small-group Georgia tour.

Abanotubani is an ancient district in Tbilisi known for its sulphuric baths

Visit various museums in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has a good selection of museums hidden throughout the city. If you’re interested in history, culture, art, artists and even Soviet rule in Georgia, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the depth of knowledge these museums have. The entrance fees are minimal here, so you won’t break the bank if you decide to visit all the museums in the city.

Wander through snow-covered Vardzia

In southern Georgia, you’ll find Vardzia, a cave monastery featuring different shrines, churches and beautiful frescoes. While this 12th-century landmark is quite beautiful year-round, it’s gorgeous when it’s covered in snow.

Go to Gudauri for a weekend ski trip

Gudauri is one of the most popular destinations for skiers in Georgia. As it’s close to Tbilisi, the ski resort makes for a great weekend getaway; however, be ready for crowds. The resort features more than 60km (37mi) of slopes of varying difficulty for skiers and snowboarders. Also, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains while skiing. For those who don’t like overcrowded places, Georgia is home to other ski resorts as well.

Gudauri attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels

Enjoy a cup of your favourite beverage overlooking Mount Kazbegi

If skiing is not your cup of tea, you can go to the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi in Stepantsminda town, not far from Gudauri, for picturesque views of Mount Kazbegi (also known as Mount Kazbek). Alternatively, if you like combining leisure with culture, go on a small hike towards the Gergeti Trinity Church, right at the foot of the mountain.

Try heli-skiing

Extreme sports lovers can glide down pristine slopes that see few tracks from other skiers. With Gudauri’s heli-skiing packages, you can be the only one on the slopes all day. To make it even more appealing, compared to other European cities that offer heli-ski experiences, Gudauri is much more affordable for both beginners and professionals.

Take skiing to the next level by booking a heli-skiing trip

Stay above the clouds

In the Svaneti region, Zuruldi describes itself as the highest restaurant and hotel in the country, sitting on top of the mountain of the same name. At 2,340m (7,677ft) above sea level, this hotel guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience. To reach this destination, you’ll have to travel to Mestia, the main town in Svaneti, and take a minibus or rent a car from there. Then, you’ll have to take the Hatsvali ropeway to the property.

Ride the Kukushka

The Kukushka is a railway train that travels from Borjomi to Bakuriani, another famous ski resort in Georgia. The ride provides marvellous views of the snow-covered spruce forest, and you’ll pass over the bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, constructed by order of the Romanovs.

The Kukushka travels between Borjomi and Bakuriani

Visit a frozen lake

The volcanic Paravani Lake lies 2,073m (6,801ft) above sea level and is the biggest lake in the country. Even though it’s beautiful all year round, the best time to visit the lake is during winter when it freezes and is surrounded by heavy snow – it looks like a winter wonderland.

Paravani Lake is a volcanic lake that’s beautiful year-round

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.