Bakuriani Ski Resort – Bakuriani is one of the most picturesque mountain resort areas in Georgia. Situated in the Borjomi Gorge on the northern slopes of the Trialeti Ridge, at an altitude of 1700m it is below Mt. Kokhtagora (2155 m), from which there is a panoramic view of the Greater Caucasus. Bakuriani has almost a century-old history as a mountain resort. The first Borjomi-Bakuriani narrow-gauge railroad was built between 1902 and 1910. This railroad, nicknamed the “Cuckoo train” still serves vacationers and locals all year round.
Ski enthusiasts began coming to Bakuriani in the 1930s and have gradually helped turn the town into a centre of winter sports. It is a superb venue for small children to make their first ski experience on the slopes, and is also popular with adults. The impressive range of winter sports activities and growing entertainment facilities includes alpine ski runs, skating, snowmobile tours, sledding and alpine hiking.
In fact Bakuriani offers vacations year around. Summers here are cooler than in lower areas, with many hiking and horseback riding routes and paths within the Borjomi-Kharagauli and Ktsia-Tabatskuri protected areas that harbour endemic and rare flora and fauna. It is a beloved and traditional family destination, famous for the recreational and healing qualities of the mountain air and the thick coniferous forests surrounding the town. The resort impresses Georgians and foreigners alike with its romantic horse-drawn coach rides, horseback riding and marketplace where, as in old times, visitors buy pine chewing-gum and locally made traditional sweets such as chiri, tklapi, dried mushrooms, berry jams, pine pollen-based folk medications, and other products.
Kokhtagora
Kokhtagora is located at an altitude of 2,155 metres and is served by a two-seat chair lift and 2 drag lifts, the Bugels. Red and black runs are located here and descend from the top of the peak down to the mid-level cable car, where blue runs and beginners nursery slopes can be found.
Kokhta 2 (Tatra)
The mountain of Kokhta 2 (2,255 metres high) is known in Bakuriani as Tatra. The red and blue pistes here run for 1.8km.
25 Meter
Twenty-five is an area of easy skiing located on the Circular, near the old 25 metre ski-jump which gives the area its name. Here, mighty Caucasus Mountains creat a safe and pleasant environment for beginners and children. You can also toboggan and sledge here, or take a horse drawn sleigh-ride through the ancient forests.
Didveli
Didveli, at one of Europe’s highest mountains, Mt Sakvelo, has one of the most amazing views in any ski resort anywhere. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mount Sakvelo, and ski a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste is around 4km long. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola almost to the very top of Mt Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski-legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.
Cross country – Bakuriani’s cross-country trails attract experts as well as beginners. Two of the most challenging runs begin on Mt. Kokhta (2,155 metres) and Mt. Didveli.
Skating – If skating is your winter pastime, Bakuriani offers plenty of perfect locations, among them Bakuriani Park.
Snowmobiles and Sleighs – The hills and valleys around Bakuriani are ideal for snowmobiling, but if you prefer to get around the old-fashioned way, horse-drawn sleighs are the traditional way of winter transportation in Bakuriani, so for a romantic treat, take a romantic sleigh-ride around the picturesque village.