Gudauri is a wonderful location. During the skiing seasons the chairlift goes to the top peak called Kudebi, literally "Tails". This peak offers reasonable conditions for launching in different directions, unless the wind comes from North (which it sometimes does) or East (which would be a novelty). It lies at about 3000 meters. [133_3343]
The ridge running parallel to the chairlift, to the East and called Tshrili, has offered attractive flying conditions, with considerable lift.
A good landing site is close to the bottom of the second Doppelmayr chairlift, or, when there is no snow, the broad village pastures further downhill, although this location requires organised transport.
If conditions are reasonable, you can also fly down into the valley, although you should take very good care to select your landing site beforehand, since there are many phone and electricity cables. It is a very good flight, allowing you to descend more than 1500 meters. One reasonable landing site is next to a makeshift restaurant at the village of Kwemo-Mleti, which is already quite used to guests flying in.
There are some hazards. The winds are somewhat unpredictable and in some conditions launch can be difficult. There is a risk of giant rotors distorting local wind directions. There also are not too many generous landing sites and at higher altitudes quite a few rocks in summer. Coordinates of good landing sites are available on request.
Wind: most directions; watch rotors.
