There is something magical about winter in Georgia. The country transforms into a landscape of snow-capped peaks, quiet valleys, and cozy villages where the smell of wood-burning stoves drifts through the air. For travelers who enjoy freedom and adventure, a winter road trip in Georgia is one of the best ways to experience this beauty. Unlike summer, when roads are crowded with tourists, winter offers a more authentic, slower, and more intimate journey. Whether you want to glide along the serpentine roads of the Caucasus, sip hot wine in Kakheti, or chase powder snow in Gudauri, the road becomes your best companion.
Why Winter Road Trips in Georgia Are Special
Georgia is a country of contrasts, and nowhere is this more evident than in winter. In a single day, you can start your journey in sunny Tbilisi, drive through frozen mountain passes, and end the evening soaking in hot sulfur baths or warming up by a fireplace in a guesthouse. The geography makes road trips in winter particularly rewarding:
- The Greater Caucasus mountains frame the northern routes with dramatic snow-covered views.
- In central Georgia, towns like Borjomi and Bakuriani offer snowy forests and hot springs.
- In the east, Kakheti’s vineyards look serene and timeless under a light blanket of snow.
Driving gives you flexibility. Trains and buses can get you to popular ski resorts, but only a car allows you to stop in small villages, discover hidden bakeries serving fresh khachapuri, or pull over to admire frozen waterfalls.
Best Winter Routes
Tbilisi to Gudauri
Distance: 120 km
Time: Around 2 hours
This is the classic winter road trip. Leaving Tbilisi, you follow the Georgian Military Highway north, passing the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir and the fortress of Ananuri. The road winds upwards into the mountains, where snow usually starts falling as you reach Pasanauri. From there, the last stretch to Gudauri is a steady climb, with breathtaking views of the Caucasus.
Tips:
- Start early in the day, as weather conditions can change quickly.
- Chains are often necessary in January and February.
- Stop at Ananuri for photos — in winter, the medieval towers look especially dramatic against the snowy backdrop.
Kutaisi to Mestia (Svaneti)
Distance: 260 km
Time: 8–9 hours (in winter, longer due to snow)
This journey takes you into one of Georgia’s most remote and captivating regions. The first part of the drive follows a well-maintained highway toward Zugdidi. From there, the real adventure begins: the winding road to Mestia. In winter, this road can be icy and occasionally closed due to avalanches, but when open, it offers some of the most unforgettable mountain views in the country.
Svaneti is magical in winter: villages like Ushguli, surrounded by medieval stone towers, look like a scene from a winter fairy tale. For many, this is the most authentic winter trip you can take in Georgia.
Borjomi to Bakuriani
Distance: 30 km
Time: 45 minutes
Short but sweet, this trip is perfect for families or travelers who don’t want to spend too much time on the road. The route climbs gently through pine forests dusted with snow until you reach Bakuriani, one of Georgia’s oldest ski resorts. Along the way, you’ll find small guesthouses, wooden bridges over frozen streams, and quiet spots to enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Kakheti in Winter
Kakheti is usually associated with warm, sunny wine tours. But in winter, the region has a quieter, almost nostalgic charm. The vineyards are bare, but the wine cellars are warm, and the hospitality feels even more genuine. Driving from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, you can enjoy views of the Alazani Valley covered in frost. Telavi, Kvareli, and Tsinandali also welcome winter visitors with open doors and traditional feasts.
Tips for Driving in Winter in Georgia
- Always check road conditions before starting a trip — some mountain roads may close unexpectedly.
- Equip your car with winter tires and, if possible, carry chains.
- Fill your tank in advance; gas stations are limited in remote areas.
- Pack warm clothes, snacks, and water. In rural regions, services may be scarce.
- Drive cautiously, especially on shaded mountain roads where black ice can be an issue.
Where to Stay on a Winter Road Trip
- Gudauri: Ski-in ski-out hotels, cozy chalets, and apartments with fireplaces.
- Mestia: Guesthouses run by local families offering home-cooked meals and warm beds.
- Bakuriani: Family-friendly resorts with easy access to slopes.
- Kakheti: Boutique hotels and wine estates where you can spend evenings by the fireplace with a glass of Saperavi.
Suggested Routes
| Route | Distance | Time | Winter Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Gudauri | 120 km | 2 hrs | Ski resort, Ananuri Fortress, Caucasus views |
| Kutaisi → Mestia | 260 km | 8–9 hrs | Svan towers, Ushguli, remote adventure |
| Borjomi → Bakuriani | 30 km | 45 min | Pine forests, family ski resort |
| Tbilisi → Kakheti | 110 km | 2 hrs | Frosty vineyards, wine cellars, Sighnaghi |
A winter road trip in Georgia is more than just driving from point A to point B. It’s a journey through snow-covered landscapes, small mountain communities, and warm Georgian hospitality. The beauty of these routes lies not only in the destinations but also in the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. Whether it’s pulling over to photograph a frozen river or stopping at a roadside café for hot khinkali, the road in winter has its own rhythm.