Well as i said my info regarding the border was closed at winter came from border guards on both sides but as i stated it was a misunderstanding as they meant it can be partial closed in winter during the months December to January and not fully closed

As for just the Georgian side being the only area possible to be snowed in i would also disagree and say the no mans land between borders is an ideal snow trap

And with regards to the dude heading this way i have suggested there are chances that this pass might be closed for some time (up to a week) on the dates he is travelling so best take extra care planning dates for the "what if" factor like when getting a Russian visa get the double entry 30 day visa and not single entry and also other small things for the "what if" factor

And with regards to my recent information (just back from Georgia 2 days ago myself) that came from a Russian guy who takes tourist from Russia to Georgia and he stated that the border does close when snow needs clearing a few days to a week sometimes and laughed when i ask if it gets cleared fast and said "its not a runway on Moscow airport"


So my information i am just passing on is from border guards on both sides and also a local who's business it is to take tourist across this route solely for the Op to understand maybe the trip "might" have slight delays for his planning factor which is better information than from wikipedia sites

Also maybe plan more time in Georgia as it is an amazing country

Photos taken last week on my visit there