Travel tips

Winter roads and mountain passes in Georgia

Snow, closed passes and all-wheel drive: driving to the mountains calmly from late autumn to spring.

Towns and lowlands are usually calm in winter; the mountains bring snow, ice and sometimes closed passes.

Before you go

  • Check the forecast and whether the road is open: in heavy snow passes such as Jvari on the way to Kazbegi may close.
  • Road closures are announced by Georgia's road services and local news. You can also ask us.
  • Set off in the morning: it gets dark early in the mountains.

Which car

For Gudauri, Kazbegi, Svaneti and other mountain trips in winter, choose all-wheel drive. Be ready for some sections to require snow chains.

On the road

  • Keep your distance and brake early.
  • Don't stop in avalanche-prone spots.
  • A full tank and warm clothes in the car are a good idea.