Home Adviсe Ski resorts in Georgia. Looking for deals in Bakuriani

Ski resorts in Georgia. Looking for deals in Bakuriani

Georgian Bakuriani, shares his impressions for a long time and dreams of returning here. There's more to it than just skiing. You have the opportunity to enjoy the national flavor, visit local attractions and simply communicate with Georgians - the most hospitable people. Spending time in the mountains, you can spend hours admiring the beauty of alpine meadows and mountain peaks and enjoying the clean mountain air.

Ski resort of Georgia Bakuriani

Bakuriani is a very popular ski resort in Georgia among winter recreation lovers and just a small village located among the Caucasus mountains in Georgia. More precisely, it is located on the slope of the Trialeti ridge. Very close by is the Borjomi resort, famous for its mineral springs. Bakuriani rises 1700 meters above sea level.

The village is separated by only two streets, which is why everything you need is always at hand. The center is considered to be the bus station and information center, and the police building is also located there. There are many cafes, shops, pharmacies nearby.

At the intersections there are signs showing directions to the ski slopes, and you can also purchase maps where these slopes are marked. In Bakuriani, they do everything for the spiritual relaxation of tourists.

Bakuriani attractions

Back in the 19th century, the beauty of the forests and clean air attracted the imperial family to these places. The royal palace has survived to this day. Mountain serpentine - a road built under the leadership of engineer Eiffel, connects Bakuriani and Borjomi.

The season here lasts a very long time. During Soviet times, the place attracted many political figures. In the 30s, party member A. Zhemchuzhnikov was one of the first to ski here. Later, all Soviet skiers began to train at the base, among whom were famous athletes and even Olympic champions.

Nearby is the most beautiful Botanical Garden, which belongs to the Georgian Academy of Sciences. What attracts tourists to the Georgian ski resorts of Bakuriani? Descents on ungroomed and untrodden slopes, called freeride. There are three jumps, a toboggan track, and a cross-country ski track.

There are webcams installed in Bakuriani, the sites of which can be found by anyone. Webcams look at the slopes and show the tracks themselves; there are also webcams through which you can look at villages and other places.

Weather in Bakuriani

The weather for lovers of winter holidays and skiing is simply ideal at the resort. The season here begins in November and lasts almost until mid-March. Winter is snowy but mild. There is an overabundance of sun rays, so the resort is always joyful and bright, tourists relax in a great mood. But don't forget about sunglasses. In January the average air temperature is -7 degrees. There is practically no wind, so it is always warm here. You can even meet skiers in swimsuits. The snow cover reaches just over half a meter. Snowfalls are common, but avalanches are very rare. In July the average temperature is +15 degrees.

Routes and prices

There are four routes in Bakuriani: Kokhta, Didveli, Tatra and 25-meter for beginners. The total length of the slopes is 18 kilometers, the highest slope is 2700 meters above sea level. On each route there is a cafe, an instructor and rental of the necessary equipment.

The total length of the levels is 4000 meters. The second and third slopes are for experienced and experienced skiers; beginners should climb there just to admire the scenery. Skating is allowed until ten in the evening, as the trails are illuminated.

Entrance to the ski lifts is done using magnetic cards, which are purchased at the ticket office. There are passes for children and adults, and there are also one-time lifts that cost 5 GEL per time.

Tatra. A track with two levels, the length of which is 500 and 1800 meters. It is suitable for confident skiers and amateurs, and its main highlight is the passage through the forest.

There are two working lifts for the price of 1 GEL, and evening or day passes are not provided. Ski rental costs 25 GEL, and instructor services cost about 30 GEL per hour.

Kokhta. The track has two levels and sit-down lifts. The length of the first level is 1400 meters, perfect for beginners, and the length of the first level is 2000 meters and the track is intended only for experienced skiers. In terms of comfort, equipment and prices, it is similar to Didveli.
25-meter.The smallest piste, which is intended for beginners and beginner skiers. There are a lot of people, so four lifts are constantly working. Two rope tows, costing 50 tetri at a time, and two seated ones, costing 1 lari. There is another special lift for sleds.

Where to stay in Bakuriani?

We'll talk about the most comfortable hotels this ski resort.

The Bakuriani resort became famous as a family vacation spot long before our days. Its history began at the end of the 19th century: members of the royal family came here in winter to admire the snow-capped mountains and breathe the cleanest air. In Soviet times, a decent ski resort was built here. Well, now Bakuriani has to experience a new birth, and all the prerequisites for this already exist.

You don't ski, but want to try? Georgian ski resorts are an excellent place to take your first steps: simple slopes and low prices will be the key to success. This is one of the reasons why you should plan a vacation with children in Bakuriani. You will learn about other reasons from our review.

Bakuriani on the map of Georgia

The village of Bakuriani is the oldest ski resort in Georgia, located in the central part of the country, on the territory of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, on the northern slope of the Trialeti ridge. Bakuriani is part of the Borjomi municipality (the administrative center is the city of Borjomi). The distance from Bakuriani to Tbilisi is 185 km, to Borjomi - 26 km, to Kutaisi - 153 km, to Batumi - 297 km.

The first ski resorts in the places where Bakuriani is located appeared almost 100 years ago. During the Soviet era, sanatoriums and recreation centers were built in the mountains of Georgia, and skiers came to conquer the local snow-covered slopes. The infrastructure that existed then has outlived its usefulness, and now the resort is being built anew, acquiring modern ski lifts and comfortable hotels.

Holidays with children

The ski resort of Bakuriani is often compared with another Georgian resort - Gudauri. In terms of the number of trails, the first one is certainly inferior to the second one, but in terms of infrastructure and picturesque views it is not inferior to it.

Holidays in Bakuriani are, first of all, a break from the hustle and bustle. The most effective remedy is contemplation of silent mountains, and skiing can be considered just one of the ways to escape from routine.

Skiing at the resort is developing successfully. The main confirmation of this is the modern Doppelmayr ski lifts, launched in 2004-2015, and the construction of new slopes. Now you can safely come to Bakuriani with children who are just about to start skiing: the resort has excellent trails for practicing basic skills.

There is not enough entertainment for children in Bakuriani. Mostly they will be walking in the fresh air, so the main thing you need to take is comfortable clothes for playing outside and suitable shoes for hiking in the mountains. You can go to the resort with an infant or preschooler who does not yet need an active entertainment and educational program, or with a schoolchild who is ready to go on a long excursion. To relax with a child who wants to see more, choose a trip to Tbilisi.

When is the best time to go?

Holidays with a child in the mountains of Georgia can be very successful if you choose the right time for the trip. Since the main entertainment in Bakuriani is skiing and mountain climbing, the weather should be favorable for this.

The ski season in Bakuriani begins in December. Usually by this time stable winter weather with frost and snowfalls has established. If you come to Bakuriani at the opening of the season, you can relax inexpensively and ride for your pleasure. Instructors are not overloaded with work in December, so they reduce training prices.

During the New Year holidays and in February, the resort is full of tourists - if you want to relax in the mountains at this time, book your accommodation several months before your trip. The excitement will subside only in the second half of March, and it will be possible to ride until mid-April.

The optimal time for summer holidays begins in July and lasts until the end of September. In the second half of summer and early autumn, you can come with your baby to Bakuriani - the resort will not be hot, but warm enough for long walks with your baby. To make it clearer when is the best time to go to Bakuriani, we suggest learning more about the climate of this resort.

Weather and climate

Ski resorts in the subtropical zone are not so rare. And yet, the idea that you can ski in Georgia in winter, where people come to sunbathe in the hot sun in summer, seems surprising. But it’s a fact: in the high mountainous regions of the country, a stable snow cover forms in the cold season, and light frost only irritates skiers.

The climate of Bakuriani is just what you need for successful skiing. The cold here begins in November: the temperature drops to almost zero, and light frosts occur at night. In December, real winter sets in, with frost and snow. During the day, the air temperature is -3-4° C, and at night it drops to -7-8° C. By mid-December, the layer of snow becomes sufficient to allow the ski season to open.

In January and February the cold gets worse. During the day, thermometers show -5-6° C, and at night the temperature drops to -10-11° C. If your whole family is avid skiers, then you can’t think of a better holiday in Bakuriani with children than a holiday at the end of winter. As a rule, the weather is calm and clear at this time. There is a lot of snow on the slopes, and heavy snowfalls every day provide the powder that freeriders love.

The ski season continues into March. The daytime temperature still does not rise above zero, and at night there is a slight frost, about -6 ° C. In April, the thermometers increasingly rise above zero, but there is still snow on the slopes.

In May and June, it rains in Bakuriani, washing away the remaining snow and changing the color of the mountains from white to green. If you are planning a vacation to Bakuriani for the summer, choose July or August for your trip. These are the warmest months - during the day the temperature can rise to +20°C, although the average temperature in the second half of summer is only +14°C.

You can also relax in Bakuriani in September. In autumn it gets noticeably cold in the mountains - during the day the temperature rarely rises above +10° C, but dry and sunny weather is favorable for hiking in the mountains.

Nutrition

Organizing a varied diet in Bakuriani is somewhat troublesome. You can eat in hotels (they usually offer their guests “breakfast only” or “half board”), in restaurants (their choice is small) or cook yourself (the village has several grocery stores and a small market where they sell local vegetables and fruits). If you are planning an independent holiday in Bakuriani with children who are not yet eating from an adult table, you will have to bring the necessary mixtures, porridges or purees with you.

Transport

The number of types of public transport in Bakuriani is unexpectedly large: in the small village there are buses and a train. True, the buses here are intercity, and the train connects Bakuriani with Borjomi.

The bus station is located next to the narrow-gauge railway station, from here you can go to Tbilisi and Borjomi, and in high season - to Batumi. There is a bus to Kutaisi several times a week. Timetables can be found at the bus station and at the resort's tourist information center. The cost of a ticket to Tbilisi is 10 lari, to Borjomi - 3 lari. Please note that there is no discount on tickets for children.

To move around Bakuriani, transport is not needed, since the entire village can be walked around in an hour. But to go on an excursion, you can order a taxi. This is a rather expensive form of transport in Bakuriani: a trip to Borjomi will cost 25-30 GEL. If you plan to rent a car upon arrival in Georgia, this can only be done in Tbilisi.

What to do with your child

The après ski program at the Bakuriani resort is not too wide. But the children don't seem to get bored - if only because there is a winter amusement park called JoyLand and a sledding track. And this is guaranteed to be interesting for the child, even if he cannot or does not want to ski yet. A separate lift leads to the start of the toboggan run, and adults will also enjoy sledding.

Other options for things to do in Bakuriani with a child include ice skating in Bakuriani Park, snowmobile rides, or cross-country skiing. The last activity is designed for people with good physical fitness: although the route is relatively short, about 13 km, it leads to the Tskhratskaro mountain pass, located at an altitude of 2780 meters.

At the bottom station of the Didveli ski lift there is a children's playground for the little ones. But there’s nowhere to go for a walk with your child, except perhaps to go to the Bakurian Botanical Garden.

Whatever time of year your family vacation occurs, we recommend going on an excursion to Borjomi. You will have a ride on a narrow-gauge railway, a walk in Central Park and a tasting of the famous mineral water that flows from the tap in a special pavilion.

Alpine skiing

The oldest ski resort in Georgia - and this is what Bakuriani is usually called - does not mean “backward resort”. The lifts on the slopes are modern, mainly produced by the Doppelmayr company, the slopes are well prepared, the plans for the development of the resort are extensive, so one can hope that skiing in Bakuriani will not be inferior to skiing at the young and advanced ski resort of Gudauri.

There are few trails in Bakuriani. The main route "Didveli" has three sections, starting with a steep black slope, continuing with a rather difficult red slope and ending with a gentle blue slope.

Three lines of lifts allow you to rise to the height where you want to ski: get off at the beginning of the blue section or climb to the very top, where the black run starts. Two long trails, “Kokhta” and “Kokhta-2,” are designed for skiers who have outgrown skiing on training slopes, but do not strive for extreme sports.

Gentle and short trails for beginners are located at the foot of Mount Kokhta - the so-called “25-meter trail”. All slopes have their own lifts. Here you can spend time with children who are just learning to ski and get a few lessons yourself. There are no ski schools as such in Bakuriani, but there are instructors on the slopes offering individual and group instruction. The cost of the lesson is 30-50 GEL per hour.

If you are going to Bakuriani with your child, but do not yet plan to put him on skis, do not deny yourself the pleasure of skiing: there are other activities for your child, from sledding and skating to games in the children's playground.

Trails, slopes, lifts

Prices for ski passes and lifts

Prices for ski passes in Bakuriani are very reasonable, especially when compared with the cost of skiing at ski resorts in Austria. Ski passes have a maximum price during the peak season, that is, at the end of December - in January. At this time, a ski pass for an adult for 1 day will cost 40 GEL, for a child 6-15 years old - 25 GEL.

Prices drop slightly in February. Until mid-March, the price for a one-day ski pass for an adult is 35 GEL, for a child the price remains the same.

At the beginning and end of the season, the cost of the ski pass is even lower: for an adult - 20 GEL, for a child - 10 GEL. If your child has not yet skied, we recommend purchasing a “Parental” ski pass in Bakuriani, which can be used by both parents in turn. Its cost does not depend on the season and is 20 GEL. You can buy ski passes that are valid for several days: in this case, the cost of 1 day of skiing is reduced.

Ski rental

Ski rental points in Bakuriani operate in each area, and prices vary. The most expensive rental is in the Tatra area (Kokhta and Kokhta-2 highways). To rent skis for one day you will have to pay 25 GEL, to rent a snowboard - at least 30 GEL.

Renting at Didveli is a little cheaper: renting skis costs 15-20 GEL, renting a snowboard costs 25-30 GEL. The cheapest rental is in the 25-meter zone. You can rent skis for 10-15 GEL, a snowboard for 25 GEL. They also rent sleds here, the rental cost is about 10 GEL per day. Everywhere you can rent equipment by the hour, but this is not very profitable: an hour of rent will cost at least 10 GEL.

Summer holiday

If the heat and high humidity of Batumi are not to your taste, choose the mountain resorts of Georgia for your vacation. In summer it is not hot in Bakuriani, even cool. The air is fresh and the mountains are green - everything blooms here after the spring rains. The easiest way to admire this splendor is to get to the top of Kokhta or Didveli by lift. You can also go hiking or horseback riding in the mountains.

We recommend planning your summer holiday in Bakuriani for July - September. At this time, the days are usually clear and rain is rare.

However, there are few children's activities at the resort. The town of JoyLand comes to the rescue, which in the warm season becomes a platform for active games. In summer or autumn it is much easier to get out of Bakuriani on excursions than in winter. The nearest resort worth visiting is Borjomi. You can spend the whole day with children in Central Park, where there are playgrounds and attractions. Near Borjomi there is a picturesque Sadger forest park.

If you are going for a walk in Tbilisi, include one of the children's entertainments in your vacation program:

amusement park on Mount Mtatsminda;
Gino Paradise water park;
indoor entertainment center Focus Mokus;
Mushtaid Park with a children's railway;
zoo.

What to see

You will get the answer to the question of what to see in Bakuriani and its surroundings on the way to your vacation spot. After leaving Tbilisi, you will not encounter any big cities - there will only be mountains around and small villages nestled among them. But if simple contemplation seems too boring to you, go on an excursion to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Hiking trails pass through its territory, the simplest of which, the “Information Trail,” is only 3 km long. Bring food with you and have a picnic in nature - the park has specially equipped areas for this.

We also recommend visiting the Tabatskuri mountain lake and the extinct Tavkvechili volcano in Bakuriani with your child. In summer, the water in the lake becomes very warm, but you can only fish from the steep shore (successful fishermen boast of a rich catch of trout and whitefish).

Interesting places for school-age children are medieval fortresses in the vicinity of Bakuriani. The most famous attraction is the cave fortress city of Vardzia, but you can also show your child the Rabat fortress in the city of Akhaltsikhe and the old fortresses in the villages of Kverbila and Atskuri (the latter two, unfortunately, are only partially preserved, but the Rabat fortress has been restored). And on the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti many old churches and monasteries have been preserved. Closest to the resort are the ruins of the Timotesubani monastery and the ancient Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

If, while vacationing in Bakuriani with children, you plan to go on an excursion to Borjomi, you can visit the local history museum. Many exhibits tell the story of the history of mining and production of mineral water, but here you can also learn about the folk traditions of Georgia, see national clothes and models of traditional dwellings. What to see with children if you are going to Tbilisi? We recommend supplementing the traditional program, which includes a visit to the National and Historical Museums, with an excursion to the Experimentorium, the Puppet Museum and Skansen, where examples of architecture from different regions of Georgia are collected.

Where to stay: areas and surroundings

Boarding houses and sanatoriums built in the Bakuriani region during the Soviet era have long fallen into disrepair. But instead of them, hotels appeared at the resort, from four to two stars, and almost all local residents rent out rooms and houses. The choice of where to stay in Bakuriani with children depends only on your idea of comfort and your travel budget. At the same time, it is not necessary to look for where it is more convenient to get to the ski lifts: in a small village, any slope is within easy reach.

Information about housing is on the official website of Bakuriani. We advise you to pay attention to the reviews of those who have already vacationed at the resort - this will help you decide where is better with children. It should be noted that there are no family hotels at the resort yet, so the list of services for tourists with children is minimal.

If skiing is not the main goal, but only a way to diversify your vacation, you can live near Bakuriani, for example, in Borjomi. There are several reputable hotels in Borjomi that are aimed at families with children. They have playrooms and playgrounds, the rooms are well soundproofed, and the restaurants offer a children's menu. You can also rent housing in the vicinity of Bakuriani, including Tsagveri, Tsemi and Timotesubani.

Where to stay

How to get there

By plane

The closest international airport to Bakuriani is in Tbilisi. The airport receives flights from many countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. The schedule is on the airport website. From the airport you need to get to the Didube bus station, from where buses depart to Bakuriani.

By train

One of the options for getting to Bakuriani is to take a train from Tbilisi to Borjomi, and from there take a narrow-gauge railway to the ski resort. Trains from Tbilisi to Borjomi go several times a day. Travel time is about 4.5 hours. Minibuses also go from Borjomi to Bakuriani. The traffic schedule is on the Georgian Railways website: http://www.railway.ge. You can buy train tickets on this website.

By bus

Buses and minibuses in the direction of Bakuriani depart from the Didube bus station in Tbilisi every hour from 7:00 to 18:00. The journey takes about 3 hours. In the winter season there are minibuses Batumi - Bakuriani. The journey takes about 5-6 hours.

By car

How to get to Bakuriani by car: from Moscow along the M4 “Don” highway you need to get to Rostov-on-Don, then move in the direction of Vladikavkaz to the border with Georgia at the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, from there to Natakhtari to the exit on the E60 highway, along it in the direction of Bakuriani.

Important: the road passes through the mountains, where there are difficult and dangerous sections with sharp turns.

Lifts

A resort with two centuries of history

The Caucasus is truly a fertile place for skiers. Many ski resorts in the Caucasus date back to the 19th century. One of these places is Bakuriani, which is the oldest ski resort in the Caucasus. The place for organizing a place for winter recreation was chosen by members of the imperial family, which became a small picturesque corner not far from the famous Borjomi. The imperial choice fell on these places not by chance; here is the purest mountain air, filled with the pleasant aroma of virgin coniferous forests. It is from here that a breathtaking panorama of mountain peaks and gorges opens up; it is here that the winter residence of high-ranking persons was located. For the construction of the narrow-gauge railway bridge, which became the link between the mineral resort and the snowy resort, a famous master in the construction of iron structures, Monsieur Gustave Eiffel, was brought in. Bakuriani is still functioning today; today it has become a recognized center for skiing and family recreation. There is a whole host of entertainment here, for every taste and age - ice skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, horseback riding and numerous excursion tours around the area, fortunately there is something to see.

For skiing, the Kokhta (“beautiful”) mountain slopes are used. The highest point of this mountain is 2200 m above sea level. Currently, to expand skiing opportunities, active development of Mount Didveli, located next door, is underway; now there is only one track of medium difficulty level and a gondola lift. But this is just the beginning of large-scale construction. From the very top of Kokhta there are two routes - “Kokhta-1” 1.5 km and “Kokhta-2” 3 km. The first run is for advanced skiers, it is a two stage run with a slope of 52° and there is a small red section at the very end of the run. The second route is also suitable, two-stage, it is suitable for skiers with a weaker level of training, but beginners should still be careful, the route belongs to the red-blue category, there are steep slopes and gentle sections where you can relax a little. But for beginners and those who don’t ski at all, it’s worth choosing “Plateau” as a place for skiing. This is a comfortable 300 m long route with a slight slope of 10-12 °. You can also use several simple short trails for training, which are also available at the resort.

The resort is equipped with several reliable lifts - a double chairlift (1200 m), a rope tow (1400 m) and a Tatra cable car (1600 m). There are 4 more rope tow roads for children. 3 jumps were built, 45, 70 and 90 m high, as well as a well-groomed luge track (1350 m). For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, the 13-kilometer route to the Tskhratskaro Pass (climbing to a height of 2780 m) is ideal. In addition, the resort offers snowmobiles and ice skates as additional entertainment; entertainment of this kind is offered by Bakuriani Park, as well as the skating rink of the Eden Hotel. Another extreme entertainment - paragliding - will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape from a bird's eye view.

Have you visited many ski resorts, but still haven’t found your favorite? Get ready for change! You are welcomed by the unique resort of Bakuriani, which is thriving in the heart of Georgia and is ready to amaze its guests. Amazingly beautiful mountains, amazingly clean air, magnificent centuries-old pine trees and healing springs. Bakuriani is unlike any other ski resort in the world. Well, where else can you race along an excellent track through the virgin forest that covers the slopes? Enjoy freeride, forgetting about restrictions and dangers, fly in a helicopter over the mighty mountains and feel like the master of the world? And, of course, you will see stunning mountains that “embrace” the resort from all sides, protecting you from severe frosts and cold winds. Bakuriani is a “sunny valley”, where warm rays caress the mountains almost 210 days a year.

Bakuriani – the birth of a “star”

This small settlement was “doomed” to the love and popularity of not only the indigenous people of the country, but also athletes from all over the world. Back in the early 30s, the area began to be developed specifically as a ski resort for athletes. The Soviet politician A. Zhemchuzhnikov made a huge contribution to this. A few years later, Bakuriani turned into a real VIP zone, where the “powerful” of this world (USSR officials) rested.

Later, numerous competitions in all types of winter sports were held in Bakuriani, and subsequently the USSR alpine skiing team trained here.

Independent Georgia has completely transformed the resort - enormous funds have been invested (more than 2 billion dollars!) in the creation of modern infrastructure. Specialists from Europe were invited to create the tracks (by the way, today all tracks are certified according to the FIS standard). It was Bakuriani that claimed to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Today, the ski resort has become the real winter capital of the Caucasus, confidently eclipsing numerous resorts in Europe.

Ski resort Bakuriani (Bakuriani)

The peculiarity of the “sunny valley” is that no one is bored here. If you are a professional athlete, endless snow-white slopes for extreme freeride are at your service. Mount Sakvelo is perfect for descending, giving unforgettable emotions.

Bakuriani does not limit its guests in the choice of entertainment. Backcountry - an experienced guide will accompany you to the top of any mountain, from where you will make a dizzying descent. Have you long dreamed of seeing the Caucasus from above? Heli-skiing is available. An experienced helicopter pilot will fly you to the top, and an instructor will help you choose a route to descend. By the way, heli-skiing prices in Bakuriani are lower than in. Now you can surpass any skier and snowboarder by reaching the highest point. The pleasure will cost (depending on the height and mountain, as well as the duration of the flight) on average from 1850 lari ($684.5).

Only in Bakuriani you can take a dizzying flight over the mountains and the amazingly beautiful Borjomi gorge, see numerous waterfalls and snowy expanses. The cost of a paragliding flight varies (depending on the starting point) from 350 to 450 lari ($129.5 - $166.5). You are not extreme sports enthusiasts - then choose a sightseeing tour by helicopter around the surrounding area. 10 minutes in the air – from 1660 ($592), but this is for a company of 4-5 people (very profitable!).

But these are not all surprises for the demanding tourist. In Bakuriani you can ride:

Ice skating - in the Bakuriani open park (free if you have equipment) and on the territory of the Eden hotel (cost from 2 lari ($0.74)).

On modern snowmobiles, with an instructor, you can go on a “hike” to the mountains, ride around the village and through the magnificent coniferous forest. Renting a snowmobile will cost from 45 lari ($16.65); they are offered literally at every step in the village.

There is an opportunity to ride ATVs - from 45 lari ($16.65). Three modern jumps were built in Bakuriani, Georgia.

And in Bakuriani you can conquer snow jumps!

There are three of them of different heights - 45, 70 and 90 meters. If you want to have fun by sledding or tubing, there is a huge plateau at your service, where the height changes smoothly, so the risk is minimal and the pleasures are maximum. Luge lovers will appreciate the modern downhill track, its length is about 1400 m.

Weather in Bakuriani

Have you ever seen skiers in swimsuits cruising the slopes and basking in the sun? A surprise for you! This resort is truly created for man to satisfy all his needs. Spreading out at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level on the northern slope of the picturesque Trialeti Ridge, Bakuriani “fell” into the subtropical climate zone. And this already surprises and gives many opportunities. Winter here is very mild, average temperatures in winter are only –5 – 7 C. At the same time, there is no freezing wind, high humidity that chills to the bones and cloudy skies.

The ski season starts in mid-December and ends at the end of March. The most “interesting” month is February. You can ride to your heart's content and even sunbathe! The snow cover at the resort is stable - its value ranges from 50 to 70 cm (different months). The advantage of the resort is that avalanches are an almost unique phenomenon here, so tourists are not in danger. As for the stones on the slopes, there are none; the snow is carefully prepared for tourists.

Please note that the weather is unpredictable. And sometimes it happens that in early and even mid-December there is little snow. For example, this year Didveli was supposed to open on December 8th. But, due to poor snow cover, it was postponed to the end of December. I was in Bakuriani at the end of November, when there was still little snow. So don't be scared by some of the photos. Some were made in season, some a little earlier. Locals, by the way, do not advise coming before December 25th. Only a week before the new year the resort begins to operate at full capacity.

Summer in Bakuriani is a different story. It will captivate lovers of comfortable relaxation, without scorching heat. There is very little precipitation here and therefore a unique microclimate has formed - average temperatures rarely exceed +20 +22C. Fogs are very rare, so be sure to admire the Great Caucasus Range and Elbrus. A special feature of the resort is the amazing air thanks to the huge pine forests.

Bakuriani – route map

It’s not for nothing that this popular resort holds the palm – there are many prepared trails of varying difficulty, comfortable lifts to different levels, and the absence of sharp stones on the way. The length of the prepared trails in Bakuriani is about 5 km, but the “virgin lands” for freeride are almost 20 km.

Now the resort has 4 areas for snowboarding or skiing. These are Mitarbi (Kokhta 2), Kokhta, 25 meters and Didveli. Each of the “areas” is divided into tracks of varying difficulty, which allows both professionals and amateurs to ski, and the views that open from the tops of the majestic mountains amaze the imagination of any tourist.

Bakuriani route map in the picture:

foto by bakuriani.ski, adaptation - website

Official website of the Bakuriani ski resort

And now in more detail about all the routes in Bakuriani:

Didveli – the most modern and comfortable

The track is superbly equipped; both professionals and beginners can ride here. You will have to climb the very beautiful Mount Sakveli.

A three-level lift is provided. The first “floor” – you rise to 2500 m in comfortable cabins (gondola cable car). The second is an “open” lift with seats (2-seater chairlift) that raises another 700 m (total height – 3200 m). The third level is a yoke that will raise you another 800 m (total height – 4000 m).

Please note that there are restrictions for tourists on the Didveli highway:

The second route is “black”, only for experienced professionals.

The third is “red”, complex, difficult terrain, high slope.

The first is “green”, suitable for beginners; the route alternates with descents and almost flat plateaus.

You can ride on Didveli in the evening (before 10 o’clock), it is well lit, so there will be no problems. The elevation difference on the route will impress an experienced skier - from 1780 to 2675 m.

At each station site you can taste delicious mulled wine and have a snack - there are cafes. At the lowest station there is a children's playground for skating, and from here the sleigh ride starts.

Kokhta – “Beautiful” mountain

This literal translation is completely justified - the mountain is very beautiful, sparkling with snow-white steep slopes. This excellent route is not much inferior in preparedness to Didveli, except perhaps in length. The height of the mountain reaches 2200 m above sea level. Its most picturesque slopes are used for skiing.

Two huge tracks run down from the top. Kokhta 1 is almost 1.5 km of descent. Of these (almost 600m), this is the most difficult descent marked “black”. Here the slope reaches 52 degrees, and only the most experienced professionals can conquer the slope. The remaining 900 m is a “red” track with difficult terrain. Access to the track is provided by a seated lift. The first level is an ascent of 1400 m, and the second is 2000 m.

For an easier descent, it is better to choose the Kokhta 2 (aka Tatra) route with a length of about 3 km. The ski area is also divided into two areas. A “red” descent starts from the top, smoothly turning into a “green” route, and then again into a “red” one. It is worth remembering this, because not everyone can cope with the changes - the total length is about 3 km. The peculiarity of this route is that you can ride through pristine forests, descending from a height. There are 2 lifts here - both rope tows. At the end of the route there is a special ski lift, and also from here the chairlift to the ski jumps starts.

For beginners, it is better to choose the so-called “Plateau” for skiing. It is located directly at the foot of Kokhta, about 400 m long. There is a very slight slope (12 degrees), so you can get a great workout.

The 25-meter track is for everyone!

This is a very small lower slope of Kokhta (almost the foot), where everyone can hone their skills. There are always a lot of people here and 4 lifts operate continuously. 2 of them are rope tows, the others are open chairs. By the way, there is also an unusual sled lift, which many children and adults ride on. The route is located almost in the center of Bakuriani, so there are many cafes, restaurants and small shops around.

Mitarbi is a new product of the Bakuriani ski resort

At the end of 2016, a new track was opened at the resort, which had not been used for more than 30 years. It bears the name of the village of the same name, which is located about 2 km from Bakuriani. A new descent runs away from the top of Kokhta 2 and ends near Mitarbi. Its length is about 3.5 km. Difficulty level – red. A modern cable car was built, on which more than 17.4 million dollars were spent.

Equipment rental in Bakuriani

You can come to the resort light. Here you can rent any equipment, and also bargain! Almost every lift station has a “rental” station. You can rent skis from Didveli for 10 lari ($3.7) for 60 minutes of skiing. It’s more profitable to rent for the day – it will cost 20 lari ($7.4). If you need a snowboard, the price for a day of use starts from 25 lari ($9.25). The services of a professional instructor will cost from 45 GEL ($16.65) for 2 hours.

Near the Tatra track, skis cost 25 lari for the whole day ($9.25), snowboarding - from 30 lari ($11.1). But the instructors here are the most expensive - from 35 lari for 1 hour ($12.95). There is also a rental service near Kokhta, the prices are almost the same as in Didveli, however, there is a much larger selection of equipment here. Backpacks, goggles, poles, freeride boards, etc.

The cheapest equipment rental is near the 25-meter highway. To learn to ride with an instructor costs 17 lari ($6.29). Rent skis – 5 GEL ($1.85). You can rent a sled for only 3 GEL per hour ($1.11), but it’s more profitable to rent for a day – 9 GEL ($3.33). A snowboard will cost 10 lari ($3.7) for an hour, for a day – 20 lari ($7.4)

Important! Prices tend to change every year. Therefore, do not be surprised if they are different in place. This year I was in Bakuriani when all the rental offices were still closed and it was not possible to clarify the cost. If you have up-to-date information on prices, write in the comments.

Have you come to Bakuriani with children and want to teach them to ski? No problem, the resort has a ski school just for children. It won’t be difficult to find an experienced instructor for adults either – you can check the contact information at the information center in the village.

Ski pass 2018/2019

Some cable cars at the resort operate year-round, because the resort is highly valued for its crystal clear mountain air and excellent comfortable climate. The lifts begin their work in the summer at 10.00, and in the winter (though not all) at 9.00. They turn off at 17.00, except for night descents, which operate until 22.00.

To climb the desired mountain, take care of purchasing a ski pass in advance. This can be done near any station at the resort or cinema building.

If you climb Didveli, a one-time “ticket” will cost 7 GEL. For three lifts you will pay 21 GEL. But the most profitable way is to purchase a “pass” for the whole day - it costs 15 GEL for children, and 25 GEL for adults.

A detailed table with prices in Bakuriani for the 2018-2019 season is given below. Prices are indicated in GEL. You can find out more about the Georgian currency and the current exchange rate .

For reference:

Barcode - a paper ticket with a barcode;

Multi pass - paper ticket;

Card - personalized refillable card;

To use the card, you must present a passport or driver's license;

Child tickets are valid for ages 6 to 18;

Student cards are valid only for citizens of Georgia;

Georgian pensioners can get a ski pass for one day – free of charge.

As you can see, prices in Bakuriani are quite reasonable, an order of magnitude lower than in Europe, but the atmosphere here is simply amazing.

Bakuriani Hotels

Choosing a hotel in Bakuriani is not an easy task. Every year a dozen new hotels appear here. The resort is actively being built and growing. New, modern hotels in Bakuriani delight the eye with their beautiful views and are comfortable inside. Accommodation here can be found to suit every taste: from simple rooms in the private sector to beautiful luxury hotels or villas.

I chose this year for an overnight stay The Valley Resort Bakuriani . The hotel is new. Reviews are good. Well, the most important thing is the location. There is nothing closer to Didveli. Literally 5 minutes walk and you are at the ski lift. The rooms are new and spacious. There is a kitchen corner: stove, dishes, kettle, sink, etc.. The Internet worked stably and quickly. There is a large selection of channels on TV. In addition to a soft and comfortable bed, there is a table and a sofa. It seems that everything is quite simple and without pathos, but at the same time everything you need is there. And most importantly, clean and comfortable. Perhaps the only drawback, and even then with a stretch, could be called the distance from the center. But what to do there? The only entertainment is the cinema. Grocery stores are within walking distance. It seems to me that it’s easier to go to the center once or twice than to travel a long time to the highways every day.

The Valley Resort Bakuriani

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The following housing options are also popular:

Hotel BM Plaza. If Valley Resort is located near Didveli, then this one is suitable for those who like Kokhta. Close to the ski lifts, excellent and friendly staff. Booking rating 8.6.

Orbi Palace Apart Hotel & Spa. Orbi is one of the largest construction companies in Georgia. Her buildings are always stylish and of excellent quality. It is not surprising that here their hotel is one of the most popular and has a high rating. Some of the premises have been sold into private hands and are being rented out as separate apartments. So don't be surprised when you search for a huge number of Orbi titles. As a rule, they are all new studios with high ratings and good reviews. Located near Didveli. 10 min walk.

Hotel Apollo . An excellent triple in the center of the resort with a very high booking rating of 9.2. A small minus - it’s a bit far from the ski lifts. It's a long walk. Otherwise - a great option!

Hotel Crystal. Another good option within walking distance from the Tatra and Didveli ski lifts. Stylish, small. With a large selection of services and entertainment at the hotel. Something between three and four with a rating of 8.6.

During the season, it often happens that the above hotels are fully booked. Therefore, it is most convenient to simply choose from the available options. Here link for all housing options in Bakuriani. Enter the desired dates, add search filters and choose to your taste!

Where to eat deliciously?

Most tourists eat in restaurants at the hotels where they stay. Therefore, you don’t often see individual restaurants on the streets. Of those that exist, it is worth noting the restaurant of Ukrainian cuisine and the number one khinkal restaurant. I’ll tell you about the second one in a little more detail.

Firstly, this is a very budget establishment. Here you can get enough for 4-5 dollars.

Secondly, it's crazy here. I have never seen such delicious ones either in or in! And in my life, I’ve tried them in many places. But keep in mind that they are slightly spicy. Although, in the cold season this is even relevant. You warm up faster))

The menu in the cafe is modest: khinkali for 0.8 lari, and pasties for 2.5 lari.

It is located near the information center. Literally fifty meters away. I marked it on the map.

Bakuriani on the map

The resort is not large geographically. There are not many attractions. Still, the Bakuriani map may be useful to you. At least for the purpose of visually assessing the above-voiced descriptions. Exchangers with good rates are located in the center, not far from the information center.

Click on the button at the top right and a list of all locations marked on the map will open.

Sights of Bakuriani

Since Bakuriani is a small village. It is very difficult to get lost, because there are signs everywhere that will “direct” you to the ski lifts and ski slopes. To be honest, there is basically nothing to see in Bakuriani itself. You can only name a cinema, a botanical garden, a children's playground and an ice skating rink. But there are a lot of attractions outside of it. Samtskhe-Javakheti is one of the most beautiful corners of Georgia.

By the way, in the village there are several stands with detailed maps of the entire resort. One of them is next to the information center.

If you move north, you will find yourself in the botanical garden, where it is pleasant to stroll both in winter and in summer. Various types of trees grow here and stunning flowers bloom in summer. Its peculiarity is that in the middle of the grandiose mountains there are many small clearings overgrown with ferns and shrubs; in the summer you can see berries.

Tourist Information Center

There is a cinema in the center of the village. In it, in addition to showing films in three languages (most often in Russian and Georgian), you can buy a ski pass. The tourist information office is also located there. Here they give out maps for free, tell you about the routes, and equipment rental services. The center is open from 9.00 to 17.00 (in season), in summer - from 10.00 to 15.00.

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What to see nearby

Excursions, hiking in the mountains, visiting mineral springs, exploring grandiose gorges and climbing the peaks of Bakuriani - get ready for an active holiday, because you will never be bored!

This amazing resort can safely be called multifaceted. In addition to rich ski programs, the resort is ready to surprise its guests. And both in winter and in summer. Very close (30 km) is the most picturesque

First-class ski resorts in Georgia are famous for their variety of slopes, snow quality, and developed infrastructure. Winter in this country is no less attractive time for a vacation. The ski season lasts from November to April, and you can ski on some slopes until May. This country becomes attractive for skiers and snowboarders when the hills of the mountains are covered with snow.

The mountains of Georgia are unique in that a mild climate prevails throughout the season; there are no severe frosts here. The most famous winter holiday destinations are Bakuriani, Gudauri and Mestia.

Bakuriani

The most famous ski resort in Georgia. Built back in Soviet times, it was the central base for training athletes for the Olympics in winter sports - bobsleigh, biathlon, slalom and ski jumping.

Compared to Gudauri, the mountain slopes are covered with forests, where you can enjoy the clean mountain air.

The place is ideal for couples with children, as there are many children's trails for children. But even professional skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the slopes; the Bakuriani slopes are the steepest, with a slope of up to 50 degrees. There are several jumps.

There are several schools for children with instructors who will professionally help children get on skis for the first time. Also, children will have fun on the playgrounds, ice skating rink, and sledding.

The climate is mild without strong winds and frosts. Despite the fact that Bakuriani was built a long time ago, today the infrastructure here is very developed. Bakuriani is a health resort, next to which there are healing springs with mineral water.

If you want to take a break from skiing on the slopes, allow yourself to arrange excursions - a jeep tour of the Borjomi Gorge, visit the ancient fortress of Rabat, enjoy Georgian cuisine in numerous restaurants in Bakuriani.

Gudauri

A fairly young and modern ski resort with a mild climate. The average temperature in January is minus 6-8⁰С, there are no strong winds or frosts.

A variety of trails for skiing, snowboarding and sledding.

Gudauri is located just 120 kilometers from Tbilisi. You can get there by minibus, bus, taxi.

The resort has more than twenty ski trails of varying degrees of difficulty, suitable for both professionals and beginners. For the convenience of those who are starting to ski for the first time, a training track with experienced instructors has been created separately from the professional slopes.

In addition, the resort keeps up with the times, so it offers other types of entertainment - snowmobiles and snowbikes, paragliding.

A variety of hotel complexes with bars, restaurants, SPA centers. And that’s not all: bowling, swimming pools, billiards, table tennis, and where would we be without tasting the famous Georgian cuisine and wine.

Mestia

Since ancient times, Mestia has been the religious and cultural center of Svaneti. This resort has a colder climate. Sometimes frosts reach 16-20⁰С.

In addition to extreme recreation, you can enjoy ancient fortresses and ancient towers. Fantastic beauty of nature, a serpentine mountain road that will take your breath away.

There are no ski slopes in the city itself; they are located a few kilometers away - this is the tourist center of Khatsvali and Tetnuldi. Hatsvali is a young ski resort with small slopes that is just beginning to develop.

In Tetnuldi there are more difficult slopes, suitable for professionals. When you come here to ski, take a couple of days to get acquainted with the history of this ancient region. Visit the National Museum of the History of Svaneti.