Gudauri, a rapidly developing winter sports resort located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia, is now ready to host visitors.
The famous resort of Georgia is approximately a two-hour drive from Tbilisi, at the height of 2,196 meters.
The winter season was officially opened in Gudauri by the Georgian Prime Minister, Mamuka Bakhtadze, who said Gudauri has the potential to become a destination of global importance, with Georgia to be mapped among the countries with the best winter resorts.
Bakhtadze said this season Gudauri is offering a number of innovations: six new aerial lifts, two of which are rehabilitated from old lifts.
“Of the six new areal lifts, three are in the Gudauri-Kobi section. It is important in terms of clustering Kobi, Gudauri, and Stepantsminda as they will enable us to increase Gudauri's traffic capacity, meaning tourists can enjoy an exceptionally comfortable environment without queues plaguing them as they did in the past,” he said.
The PM added that other infrastructural projects are also underway.
“The water reservoir project is nearly finalized, and snowmaking infrastructure is already in place throughout most of Gudauri. We want Gudauri to be a destination of global importance, and that requires a well-functioning snowmaking system," he said.
The Prime Minister wished Gudauri's visitors a joyful season. He thanked everyone involved in the implementation of projects in Gudauri, and Doppelmayr and other companies which have completed important projects within the tight deadlines.
"This year, we are celebrating Gudauri's 30th anniversary. 30 years ago, when the resort was established, the key message was for Georgia's winter destinations to be made the best in the world. Similarly, our task today is to continue implementing this message in real life. I am convinced these and similar infrastructural projects will ensure that Georgia gains a foothold on the world map as a country with the most successful winter resorts," he said.
Bakhtadze thanked the 82 Patrol Police officers who completed a special winter resort patrolling training course, and the patrol teams who, with relevant equipment, work at every winter resort to ensure the safety of visitors.
By Thea Morrison