Bakuriani
Georgia's family ski resort: gentle slopes, forests, and Borjomi 30 minutes away
Bakuriani. Overview
About the city
Bakuriani is a ski village at 1,700 m elevation on the northern slope of the Trialeti Range, 180 km from Tbilisi and 30 km from Borjomi. Founded as an Olympic training base in the 1930s. Today it's Georgia's main family winter resort: gentle slopes for beginners, minimal avalanche risk, mild microclimate (average winter temperature −7°C, up to 210 sunny days per year). Three ski zones: Kokhta (up to 2,180 m, 3.1 km of runs), Didveli (up to 2,500 m, 14 km of runs, night skiing), and the '25-metre' slope for absolute beginners. Artificial snowmaking covers 70% of runs. Summer offers hiking, horseback riding, and quad biking.
From Tbilisi: marshrutka from Didube – 15–20 GEL, 2.5–3 hours (departs when full). SUV transfer – from 110 EUR. Via Borjomi: taxi 20–25 GEL, 40 min. The narrow-gauge 'Kukushka' is not operating (closed since the pandemic). Season: mid-December to March. Budget 3–5 days for skiing. Accommodation: guesthouses with full board from 40–45 USD; hotels from 90 GEL. New Year's prices double – book well ahead.
Weather now · Bakuriani
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RegionSamtskhe–Javakheti
When to goApril – October
AirportKutaisi (KUT)99 kmLocal time—Georgia
Bakuriani. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Bakuriani Ski Resort
Georgia's oldest ski resort at 1,700 m – family-friendly slopes, pine forests, and 33 km of runs
Didveli
Bakuriani's main ski zone with a gondola to 2,700 m, night skiing, and Georgia's longest alpine coaster
Kokhta
Bakuriani's original ski zone since 1932 – steep slopes up to 52% gradient and Caucasus panoramas
Bakuriani. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Bakuriani. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Bakuriani. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
Who is this resort for?+
Families with children and beginners. Slopes are gentle, with kids' areas, tubing, and ice skating. Advanced skiers will find it limited – head to Gudauri or Tetnuldi for serious freeride.
How much is a ski pass?+
How do I get from Tbilisi?+
Marshrutka from Didube – 15–20 GEL, 2.5–3 hours. Transfer – from 110 EUR by sedan. Winter tyres are mandatory if driving. The road to Borjomi is clear; after that, expect ice.
Is the Kukushka running?+
The narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi is closed. No reopening confirmed for the 2025/2026 season. From Borjomi: taxi 20–25 GEL.
Where should I stay?+
Guesthouses with full board are the most popular format: hosts serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner timed to your ski schedule. From 100–150 GEL/day. Hotels cost more but offer pools and spa.
What's there for non-skiers?+
Tubing, sledding, horse riding, jeep tours, ice skating, Joyland amusement park, snowmobiles. Borjomi with its mineral springs is 30 minutes by car.
What's the winter weather like?+
Average temperature −7°C, sunny. Minimal wind – the resort is sheltered by mountains. Best snow: January–February. December and March are milder but snow can be inconsistent.
Is travel insurance required?+
Insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia since 2026. The ski pass does not include insurance. Get sports coverage separately – helicopter evacuation is paid.
Is there night skiing?+
Yes, at Didveli – Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 17:00 to 22:00. Slopes are illuminated.
How's the internet?+
4G works in the village. On the slopes – patchy. Some runs have free Wi-Fi. Get an eSIM in advance.
Bakuriani. Helpful resourcesblog
Articles
Tips
Is Georgia Safe in 2026? Level 1 Advisory, But 5 Things Guidebooks Won't Tell You
Georgia ranks in the top 30 safest countries globally and Tbilisi sits in the top 50 safest capitals. The real risks aren't crime – it's mountain roads, Batumi nightclub scams, and mandatory insurance enforced from January 1, 2026.
April 25, 2026
Accommodation
Best Family Hotels in Georgia – Where to Stay With Kids
Complete guide to the best family-friendly hotels in Georgia: from Tbilisi and Batumi to mountain resorts in Bakuriani and the Black Sea coast. Pools, kids' clubs, prices, and honest tips.
February 26, 2026
Accommodation
Most Atmospheric Apartments in Georgia: Best Areas, Views and Prices
Where to rent atmospheric apartments in Georgia – Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi, Sighnaghi. Prices, neighborhoods, booking tips and hidden rental pitfalls.
February 27, 2026
Tips
Georgia vs Turkey – Which Vacation to Choose in 2026
A detailed comparison of Georgia and Turkey for your next vacation: flights, accommodation costs, food, beaches, mountains, culture and practical tips for 2026.
March 06, 2026
Accommodation
Best Mountain Hotels in Georgia – Where to Stay in Gudauri, Kazbegi, Bakuriani and Svaneti
Curated guide to mountain hotels in Georgia for 2026 – from budget guesthouses to premium resorts in Gudauri, Kazbegi, Bakuriani, Borjomi and Mestia. Prices, features and practical tips.
February 26, 2026
Tips
Georgia With Kids: 7 Destinations, Real Costs & What Guides Don't Tell You
Where to take your family in Georgia – from Batumi's coast to Borjomi's parks and mountain day trips. Mandatory insurance since 2026, family-friendly tours, honest pricing.
March 28, 2026Bakuriani. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
19 km
Borjomi
Spa resort, mineral water, and gateway to Georgia's largest national park
108 km
Gori
Stalin's birthplace, a cave city, and the shadow of South Ossetia
155 km
Kutaisi
Low-cost flight hub and gateway to western Georgia's canyons
162 km
Mtskheta
Georgia's ancient capital and religious center, 30 minutes from Tbilisi
187 km
Tbilisi
Capital city, transport hub, and the starting point for any Georgia itinerary
247 km
Gudauri
Georgia's main ski resort and transit point on the Georgian Military Highway
272 km
Telavi
Capital of Kakheti, winemaking center, and the best base for exploring the region
282 km
Kazbegi
High-mountain village at the foot of Mount Kazbek: trekking, Gergeti Church, and the Georgian Military Highway