დიდველი
Bakuriani's main ski zone with a gondola to 2,700 m, night skiing, and Georgia's longest alpine coaster
Didveli is the largest and most popular ski zone at Bakuriani Ski Resort, located on the slopes of the Trialeti Range, 3 km from the village centre. Elevation range – 1,780 to 2,700 m. 11 runs totalling 14.9 km, from green beginner slopes to black diamond. Modern lift system: 8-seat gondola, chairlifts, and drag lifts.
From central Bakuriani to the Didveli base station – taxi 5–10 GEL (~$2–4) or a 10–15 minute walk along the valley road. Free parking at the base. The ski pass covers all MTA zones – 55 GEL/day (~$20).
For sightseeing without skiing (gondola ride + lunch at the top + toboggan) – 2–3 hours. For skiing – a full day. Night skiing – Friday–Sunday, 17:00–21:30.
The Didveli gondola carries passengers from the base station (1,780 m) to the mid-station (2,100 m) in 8 minutes in enclosed 8-seat cabins. From here, the green-rated Didveli 1 run offers a long, gentle descent for beginners, while Didveli Nodo is steeper. Chairlifts from the mid-station continue higher – Didveli Deka and Panorama reach 2,500–2,700 m. At the top – panoramic views of the Trialeti Range and snow-covered spruce forests. A restaurant and bar operate at the upper station.
Snowmaking covers the main runs, ensuring skiing even when natural snow is scarce. Night skiing takes place on illuminated slopes: the gondola operates until 21:30 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Floodlights provide good visibility. Near the mid-station – Didveli Kids Park with training slopes and drag lifts for young children.
A separate attraction is the alpine coaster (toboggan): a rail sled ride down the mountainside, operating year-round. In summer, Didveli transforms into a hiking and mountain biking zone: the gondola takes cyclists and hikers up to trails with up to 920 m of vertical drop.
Trails – 14.9 km, 11 runs from green to black, 920 m vertical drop
Summit – 2,700 m, the highest lift access point in all of Bakuriani
Night skiing – illuminated slopes, Friday–Sunday 17:00–21:30
Snowmaking – artificial snow on main runs, 70% coverage
Alpine coaster – Georgia's longest rail toboggan, operates year-round
Gondola – 8-seat enclosed Doppelmayr cabins, 8-minute ride
Didveli developed as a modern alternative to the historic Kokhta zone. The first lifts were installed in the early 2000s. In 2012, the third cable car line was completed, extending the ski area to 2,700 m. Before the 2023 FIS World Championships, infrastructure was upgraded: the snowmaking system was modernised, additional lighting was installed for night skiing, and trails were improved.
Today, Didveli is Bakuriani's main ski zone and winter entertainment hub: it hosts the kids' park, toboggan, night skiing, and core tourist infrastructure. The zone hosts FIS World Cup events and serves as a training venue for professional athletes.
Ski pass (daily, all MTA zones including Didveli):
Adults: 55 GEL (~$20 / €19)
Children under 6: free
Single gondola ride:
Check at the ticket office – separate tickets available for non-skiers
Equipment rental (per day):
Skis + boots: 40–80 GEL (~$15–30)
Snowboard + boots: 40–80 GEL
Cheaper in the village than at the base station
Instructor:
Private lesson: 70–100 GEL/hour (~$25–37)
Ticket offices at the gondola base station. Cash (GEL) and card accepted.
Ski pass does not include insurance. Helmet recommended; mandatory for children in ski schools. The zone may close in strong winds – check M.T.A. Bakuriani Facebook page each morning. Minimum age/height for the toboggan posted at the entrance. Alcohol on slopes is prohibited. Photography unrestricted.
On-site:
Restaurant and bar at the top station (Georgian cuisine, snacks, hot drinks)
Didveli Kids Park near the mid-station
Equipment rental at the base station
Toilets at the base and mid-stations
Parking: Free lot at the base station. Fills by 10:00–11:00 on weekends.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available at some stations. 4G signal weak above the mid-station.
Accessibility: Gondola has enclosed cabins with level entry. Upper chairlifts are not adapted for reduced mobility.
From central Bakuriani (3 km):
– Taxi – 5–10 GEL (~$2–4), 5 minutes
– On foot – 10–15 minutes along the road
From Tbilisi (180 km, 2.5–3 hours):
– Shared minibus from Didube metro – 15–20 GEL (~$6), then taxi to Didveli
– SUV transfer – from 300 GEL (~$110)
– Car rental – winter tyres mandatory, free parking
From Borjomi (30 km, 30–40 minutes):
– Taxi – 20–25 GEL (~$8–9)
To other zones:
– To Kokhta – taxi 5–10 GEL or 10-minute walk through the village
– No lifts connect the zones
Season: Late December to late March. Didveli opens from December 27 in the 2025/2026 season.
Best snow: January–February. Snowmaking compensates for lack of natural snow.
For night skiing: Friday–Sunday 17:00–21:30. Fewer crowds than daytime.
Avoid: Weekends 11:00–15:00 – gondola queues. New Year holidays – peak capacity.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
Didveli has more runs (14.9 km vs 7.3 km), a modern gondola, night skiing, a kids' park, and a toboggan. Kokhta is the oldest zone with steeper slopes (up to 52% gradient) and Caucasus Range views. The zones are not connected by lifts.
Yes. Didveli 1 is a long, gentle run ideal for learning. The Kids Park near the mid-station is designed for young children. Instructors from 70 GEL/hour (~$25).
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 17:00 to 21:30. Slopes are floodlit. Gondola operates; check chairlift availability. Fewer people than daytime.
Yes. Separate tickets are available for non-skiers. Restaurant with mountain views at the top station. Return by gondola.
A rail sled ride down the mountainside – Georgia's longest. Operates year-round. Suitable for adults and children (minimum age/height posted on-site).
Restaurant and bar at the top station – Georgian dishes, snacks, hot drinks. Cafés and rental shops at the base. More options in the village – average meal 25–40 GEL ($9–15).
Free parking at the base station. Fills by 10:00–11:00 on weekends and holidays. Arrive early or take a taxi from the village.
Gondola operates for hikers and mountain bikers. Alpine coaster runs year-round. Trails with up to 920 m of vertical drop. Views of the Trialeti Range.
