Getting to Gudauri
Ski Gudauri from Dubai and the UAE
Nonstop to Tbilisi // English-speaking instructors
Many of our guests fly in from the UAE, and we love having them. Tbilisi is a short flight from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and from there it is a drive up to a resort with sunny slopes and instructors who teach in English.
Facts checked October 2026
Flights
Flights to Tbilisi
flydubai flies nonstop from Dubai to Tbilisi. Air Arabia flies nonstop from Sharjah, and also lists Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi on its booking site. Flights take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
Timetables change with the season, so check current schedules with the airlines for your dates. Choose your airport and dates below and we'll open Google Flights with the search filled in.
Entry rules
Entry rules and insurance
UAE nationals and most UAE residents can enter Georgia visa-free. Rules depend on your passport, so check the official Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site before you book.
Since January 1, 2026, every foreign visitor to Georgia needs health and accident insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for the whole stay, including the days you arrive and leave. A paper or PDF policy in English or Georgian is accepted, and only Georgian citizens and permit holders are exempt. Check that your policy covers skiing. The UK government's Georgia entry requirements set out the rule, and the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the official source for visa questions.
The road up
From the airport to Gudauri
From Tbilisi airport it is about two to two and a half hours by road to Gudauri, a little longer if a winter storm slows the highway.
With children and bags, a Bolt taxi is the simplest way up. It now goes door to door from Tbilisi to Gudauri, so there is no transfer to arrange, and you just pick a car big enough for your ski or snowboard bags. A private transfer also works well for a family or a group of three or four. The getting there section of our Gudauri guide lists every option with current prices. We do not book transfers ourselves, but we are happy to share trusted contacts.
When to come
When to come from the UAE
The ski season usually opens in late December. The resort has not announced this season's opening date, so check mta.ski before you lock in flights, especially if you plan to travel during the UAE winter break.
Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected around March 9 or 10, depending on moon sighting. March brings longer days and more sun on the mountain. The UAE spring break, April 5 to 11, 2027, falls late in the season, so check the resort's closing date first.
Our Gudauri guide covers the best weeks to ski.
Vagabond Ski School
Why ski with us
We teach children from age 5 and up in the same Individual or Private Group lessons as everyone else, with instructors who are great with kids. Most families book a Private Group so everyone stays together on the mountain. Group lessons are for your own party only, up to four people at a similar level, and English is the first language in every lesson.
Our rental partner, Aviator Ski Rental in New Gudauri, stocks full kids' kits including helmets, and we send a reservation form before your trip so everything is ready when you arrive. More in our FAQ.
Pick your lesson
Ski, snowboard or freeride, every lesson is taught in English.
UAE to Gudauri questions
- flydubai flies nonstop from Dubai to Tbilisi, and Air Arabia flies nonstop from Sharjah and also lists Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi on its booking site. Flights take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Timetables change with the season, so check current schedules with the airlines for your dates.
- UAE nationals and most UAE residents can enter Georgia visa-free. Rules depend on your passport, so check the official Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site before you book.
- Yes. Since January 1, 2026, every foreign visitor needs health and accident insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for the whole stay, including arrival and departure days. A paper or PDF policy in English or Georgian is accepted.
- Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected around March 9 or 10, depending on moon sighting, and March brings longer days and more sun. January and February work well too. The season usually opens in late December and the resort has not announced this season's opening date, so check mta.ski before you book flights.
- About two to two and a half hours by road. Our Gudauri guide covers taxis, shared minivans and private transfers.
- Skis or a board, boots, poles for skiers (not required for first-timers), a helmet (non-negotiable), warm layers, goggles and gloves. Our rental partner, Aviator Ski Rental in New Gudauri, stocks full kids' kits including helmets, and we send a reservation form before your trip. See our FAQ for more.
Plan your Gudauri ski trip
Pick a lesson format and date. Book online and you're confirmed. Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp.