Ski Resorts News
09/17/2018
Georgia’s famous ski resort Gudauri is set to be tripled in size, becoming a well-planned and developed destination with all necessary facilities, not only for skiers but for ordinary visitors as well.
The information was released by Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili at the latest government session.
The PM underlined that the country's proper spatial development is being given top priority, especially in winter resorts, “in order to prevent the chaotic development” of some projects and to plan from the onset spaces for residential areas, sufficient parking spaces, pedestrian areas, and commercial and entertainment spaces.
“I believe that the work invested by the government in cooperation with Canadian ECOSIGN enables us to ensure the prudent development of Gudauri, a most important destination,” the Prime Minister stated.
Kvirikashvili noted that the development of Gudauri is of utmost significance, especially after the decision of the FIS Council Congress 2018, which stated that Georgia’s ski resorts Bakuriani and Gudauri will host the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in 2023.
The PM explained that Gudauri will be divided into three territories:
- Central Gudauri
- New Gudauri, the resort's main pedestrian center, with tourism infrastructure on the first floor of each building in the settlement, including ski service centers, shops, food outlets, rest areas, conference halls, and more;
- The Kobi-Gudauri Base Area that will improve access to the Gudauri skiing area and will enable Stepantsminda's residents and tourists arriving from the north to use gondola lifts.
The development of the ski resort’s northern slope will be planned, as according to the PM, the northern slopes can hold snow much longer, given the position of the sun.
“Gudauri will be three times the current size, but it will be a prudently planned and developed destination with all necessary facilities, and not only for skiers. It will also meet the current global trend of rapidly growing numbers of non-skiers visiting ski resorts,” he stated.
New road and tunnels around Gudauri Ski Resort
On the road section of Kvemo Mleta - Kobi 2 lines of asphalt concrete will be built - 22.7 km. The road including 6 bridges and 5 tunnels, longest one 9-kilometer tunnel.
The Ministry for Regional Development and Infrastructure, under Zurab Alavidze, has announced the details of the new road, which will run from Kazbegi to the Upper Lars at the Russian border. The main feature, as well as constructional masterpiece, will be a 9 kilometer-long tunnel, covering more than one-third of the 23 kilometer-long road. The allocated budget also envisions the set-up of regular maintenance works to ensure the high quality of the new street for many years to come.
The tunnel allows a reduction of traffic on secondary roads, which are mainly used for locals and people from surrounding towns. The current road is famous for its high death toll and has often been cited by foreign news as being one of the most dangerous in the world. This is insofar dangerous, as many tourists regularly use the road to reach the popular Gudauri ski resort, thus allowing for a safer and quicker ride.
Over 53 million lari have been allocated for the project, which translates to roughly 21.6 million dollars. The money is taken from 2018 state budget.
The tunnel allows a reduction of traffic on secondary roads, which are mainly used for locals and people from surrounding towns. The current road is famous for its high death toll and has often been cited by foreign news as being one of the most dangerous in the world. This is insofar dangerous, as many tourists regularly use the road to reach the popular Gudauri ski resort, thus allowing for a safer and quicker ride.
Over 53 million lari have been allocated for the project, which translates to roughly 21.6 million dollars. The money is taken from 2018 state budget.
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