Bakuriani Ski Resort

Bakuriani is divided into three zones not connected by lifts. Didveli is the most popular: a gondola and chairlifts reach up to 2,700 m. 11 runs totalling 14.9 km, from green beginner slopes to black diamond. Night skiing here too (illuminated runs, Friday–Sunday, 17:00–21:30), a kids' park, and an alpine toboggan – Georgia's longest sled ride. Snowmaking covers the main slopes. Restaurant and bar at the top station.

Kokhta is the resort's oldest zone, reaching 2,157 m. 7.3 km of trails, including steep sections with up to 52% gradient. The Doppelmayr lift was reopened in 2016 after 30 years of inactivity. From the summit – panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Range. Kokhta connects via chairlift to Mitarbi (9.9 km of runs, intermediate to advanced). In the village at the base, the "25-metre" training slope (Joyland) has drag lifts for absolute beginners and children.

Off the slopes – ice skating in the central park (skate rental 5 GEL/30 min), horseback rides through snowy forest, snowmobiles, 4x4 tours to frozen volcanic Lake Tabatskuri (28 km away). In summer – hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. Borjomi with its mineral springs is a 30-minute drive.

Trails – 33 km of slopes, 23 runs from green to black, 1,061 m elevation drop

Lifts – 12 lifts: gondola, chairlifts, drag lifts. Capacity serves up to 20,000 riders/day

Night skiing – illuminated runs at Didveli, Friday–Sunday 17:00–21:30

Climate – average winter temperature −7°C, up to 210 sunny days/year, minimal wind thanks to mountain shelter

World Championship – hosted the 2023 FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships (30 medal events)

Snowmaking – artificial snow covers 70% of runs, ensuring consistent conditions even in low-snow periods

The first ski base on Mount Kokhtagori opened in 1932 with a 1.3 km track. In 1935, Bakuriani was officially designated a ski resort and became a training base for Soviet athletes. During the Soviet era, it hosted competitions in bobsled, slalom, biathlon, and ski jumping. In the 1980s, the resort served as a training base for the USSR Olympic team.

After the Soviet collapse, infrastructure deteriorated. Major modernisation began in the 2010s: the third Didveli cable car line was completed in 2012, the Kokhta lift reopened in 2016 after 30 years of closure, and the Mitarbi zone launched. In 2023, Bakuriani hosted the FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships – the first such event in Georgia (30 medal disciplines, February 19 – March 5). In 2025, the resort hosted the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. Investment in the resort reached 300 million GEL by 2023.

From Tbilisi (180 km, 2.5–3 hours):

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube metro – 15–20 GEL (~$6), departs when full (roughly every 1–2 hrs, 8:00–15:00). Limited space for ski gear

– SUV transfer – from 300 GEL (~$110). Book ahead during holidays

– Car rental – winter tyres mandatory. Road via Borjomi is clear; expect ice after Borjomi

From Borjomi (30 km, 30–40 minutes):

– Taxi – 20–25 GEL (~$8–9)

– Narrow-gauge "Kukushka" railway – not operating in 2025/2026 season

From Kutaisi (205 km, ~3 hours):

– SUV transfer – from 300 GEL

– No direct minibuses

Between ski zones:

– Didveli, Kokhta, and Mitarbi are not connected by lifts

– Between base stations – taxi 5–10 GEL or 10–15 min walk

Season: Mid-December to late March. Kokhta opens first (from December 20, 2025), Didveli and Mitarbi from December 27.

Best snow: January–February. Average depth at summit – 70 cm. December and March snow can be inconsistent.

Time of day: Mornings (before 11:00) – shortest queues. Weekends and holidays see queues from 11:00 to 15:00.

Avoid: New Year holidays (December 28 – January 8) – accommodation prices double, lift queues, parking congestion. March – warm days, wet snow after noon.