Georgia is a great winter destination. You can ski in Gudauri in the morning and be back in Tbilisi for dinner. You can drive to Kazbegi under fresh snow, or spend a mild weekend in Kakheti tasting wine. A rental car gives you the freedom to do all of it on your own schedule.
Winter roads in the mountains need more planning than summer roads. This guide explains the rules, the roads that need extra care, how to check if a road is open, and which car to choose. We have rented cars in Tbilisi for more than 10 years, and these are the questions our customers ask us most from November to March.
When is winter driving season in Georgia?
Winter conditions in the mountains usually start in November and last until March. In the high passes, snow can arrive in late October and stay into April.
- Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi: winters are mild. Daytime highs in Tbilisi are usually around 7 to 8°C. Snow falls on a few days each month and rarely stays on the roads.
- Mountain areas: Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Gudauri, Bakuriani and Svaneti are much colder, often 8 to 10°C colder than Tbilisi. Snow and ice on the road are normal from December to March.
In short: city and lowland driving is easy all winter. Mountain driving needs the right tires, the right car and a check of road conditions before you leave.
Winter tire rules in Georgia
Since 2024, Georgian law requires winter tires on mountain road sections designated by the government, from 1 December to 1 March. The authorities can extend these dates if the weather requires it. Winter tires must carry the snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
In heavy snow, police can also require snow chains on the drive wheels. Driving in a designated zone without the required equipment can lead to a fine, penalty points, and being turned back before the mountain section.
With GSS Car Rental you do not need to worry about this. All our cars are fitted with winter tires during the winter season at no extra cost. Snow chains are available for 15 GEL per day. We recommend them for any trip to Gudauri, Kazbegi or Bakuriani, even if the forecast looks good.
Mountain roads that need extra care
Georgian Military Highway: Tbilisi to Gudauri and Kazbegi
This is the most popular winter route and the most important one to check. The road climbs from Ananuri through Pasanauri to Gudauri, then crosses the Jvari Pass at 2,379 m before descending to Kobi and Stepantsminda.
- The section between Gudauri and Kobi, over the Jvari Pass, closes when avalanche risk is high. Closures can last a few hours or several days after heavy snowfall.
- When the pass is closed, Gudauri is often still reachable from Tbilisi, but Kazbegi is not.
- Trucks queue for the Russian border at Upper Lars on this road. Expect slow traffic and parked trucks near Kobi and Stepantsminda.
- Distance: Tbilisi to Gudauri is about 120 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours in good conditions. Tbilisi to Stepantsminda is about 155 km, roughly 3 hours. Add extra time in snow.
Bakuriani via Borjomi
Bakuriani is about 184 km from Tbilisi via the E60 highway and Borjomi. The last climb from Borjomi to Bakuriani is narrow and winding, and it is often icy. Drive slowly and keep chains in the car.
Goderdzi Pass (Adjara)
The road between Akhaltsikhe and Batumi crosses the Goderdzi Pass, home of the Goderdzi ski resort. It is high and gets heavy snow. Check conditions before you go, and do not plan to cross it after dark in winter.
Svaneti: Mestia and Ushguli
The road from Zugdidi to Mestia is open in winter but long and slow. Plan 8 to 10 hours from Tbilisi. The road from Mestia to Ushguli is often cut off after heavy snow.
Tusheti
The Abano Pass to Tusheti closes with the first snow, usually in October, and reopens in late spring or early summer. Tusheti is closed to all traffic in winter. Please note that the Pshaveli to Omalo road is also on the list of prohibited roads in our Terms and Conditions all year round.
How to check if a road is open
- Check the Roads Department of Georgia. The official website georoad.ge publishes current road conditions and restrictions, including Jvari Pass closures.
- Ask us. Message us on WhatsApp at +995 571 44 66 44 before you leave. We answer 24/7 and we know which roads are open today.
- Check again in Gudauri. If you are going on to Kazbegi, the conditions can change during the day. Ask at your hotel or ski school.
- Have a plan B. If the pass to Kazbegi is closed, spend the day in Gudauri or visit Ananuri Fortress and Zhinvali Reservoir on the way back.
Which car should you rent for winter?
For mountain trips in winter we recommend a 4x4. It gives you better grip on snow, more ground clearance and more control on steep climbs. For city driving and lowland routes, any car in our fleet is fine.
| Your plan | Recommended car |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kutaisi, Batumi | Toyota Corolla, Ford Fusion or any SUV |
| Ski trip to Gudauri or Bakuriani | Renault Duster, Jeep Renegade, Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Cherokee |
| Kazbegi, Svaneti or several mountain areas | Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan X-Terra, Toyota Sequoia or Jeep Wrangler |
| Family or group ski trip | Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest, Mercedes Vito or Hyundai Grand Starex |
Going skiing? Add a ski mount (15 GEL per day) when you book. See all cars on our Rental Cars page.
10 practical tips for winter driving in Georgia
- Start early. Days are short in winter. Plan to finish mountain driving before dark, which comes around 17:00 to 17:30 in December and January.
- Fill the tank before the mountains. Fuel stations are fewer above Pasanauri and Borjomi. Do not drive into the mountains with less than half a tank.
- Practice fitting chains. Try it once in the car park when you pick up the car. It is much easier than learning on a cold, dark mountain road.
- Slow down and keep distance. Braking distance on snow and ice is several times longer than on dry asphalt.
- Use low gears downhill. On long descents, such as from the Jvari Pass, use engine braking instead of riding the brakes.
- Do not stop in avalanche zones. Warning signs mark them on the Military Highway. Do not park for photos there.
- Watch for cattle and trucks. Cows walk on Georgian roads in every season. On the Military Highway, overtake trucks only with clear visibility.
- Keep the essentials in the car: warm clothes, water, snacks, a phone charger and a torch.
- Clear all snow and ice from the windows, lights and roof before you drive.
- Save two numbers: 112 for emergencies in Georgia, and our 24/7 line +995 571 44 66 44 for anything about your car.
Winter road trip ideas from Tbilisi
- Gudauri ski day or weekend: Georgia's most popular ski resort, about 2 to 2.5 hours from Tbilisi.
- Kazbegi in the snow: Gergeti Trinity Church under Mount Kazbek is spectacular in winter. The walk up from Stepantsminda is snowy, so wear proper boots.
- Bakuriani and Borjomi: a family-friendly ski resort, with Borjomi's mineral water park and spa town on the way.
- Kakheti wine region: lowland roads, mild weather and wineries open all year. An easy winter trip for any car.
- Batumi and the Black Sea coast: the mildest winter weather in Georgia, on fast highways from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
For more routes, see our Popular Destinations and Driving Tips pages.
Winter prices: 25% off every rental
Low season runs from 1 November to 30 April. During this period you get 25% off the daily rate on every car, for any rental length. The discount is already included in your online quote.
- Winter tires included at no extra cost
- No prepayment: you pay when you pick up the car
- Free delivery to Old Tbilisi city center, Tbilisi Airport delivery 80 GEL each way
- Unlimited mileage
- Support 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Gudauri in winter?
Not always, but we strongly recommend one. The road to Gudauri is a main highway and is cleared regularly, but after fresh snow a 4x4 with winter tires and chains is much safer and less stressful.
Are winter tires included in the price?
Yes. All GSS cars are fitted with winter tires during the winter season at no extra cost. Snow chains cost 15 GEL per day.
Can I drive to Kazbegi in January?
Yes, on most days. The Jvari Pass closes when avalanche risk is high, sometimes for a few days after heavy snowfall. Check the road status the evening before and on the morning of your trip, and keep a flexible day in your plan.
Can I drive to Tusheti in winter?
No. The Abano Pass is closed in winter, and the road to Omalo is on our list of prohibited roads all year.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country that issued your license. See our FAQ page or message us before you book.
Book your winter car
Planning a ski trip or a winter road trip in Georgia? Check prices and availability on our website, or message us on WhatsApp at +995 571 44 66 44. We will help you choose the right car and check the road conditions for your route.
