Kokhta

The Kokhta lift is a 6-seat high-speed Doppelmayr chairlift with a mid-station. The lower section (Plateau, 1,725–1,900 m) is a gentle area suitable for progressing skiers. The upper section reaches 2,157 m, where red and black runs begin. The top slope has a gradient of up to 52% over approximately 400 m – experts only. The mid-section descends through spruce forest – a scenic run with views of snow-laden trees.

From the summit of Kokhta, the Greater Caucasus Range stretches across the northern horizon. On clear days, snow-capped peaks are visible for dozens of kilometres. The north-facing aspect preserves snow better than other exposures. A chairlift from Kokhta leads to Mitarbi – 9.9 km of wide intermediate-to-advanced runs reaching 2,269 m.

At the base station – ticket offices, equipment rental, and several cafés. Rooms Hotel Kokhta is 50 m from the lift – the only hotel in Bakuriani with direct ski-in/ski-out access. Unlike Didveli, Kokhta has no night skiing or toboggan, but queues are shorter and the atmosphere is calmer.

Trails – 7.3 km on Kokhta + 9.9 km on Mitarbi, red and black runs

Steepness – upper section with up to 52% gradient, for experienced skiers

Panorama – Greater Caucasus Range views from the 2,157 m summit

Lift – 6-seat high-speed Doppelmayr chairlift, reopened in 2016 after 30 years

Mitarbi connection – chairlift links Kokhta to the Mitarbi zone (9.9 km of runs)

Heritage – Georgia's first ski base (1932), Olympic athlete training ground

The first ski track on Mount Kokhtagori opened in 1932 – marking the start of organised skiing in Georgia. During Soviet times, Kokhta was the main ski zone: national slalom and biathlon teams trained here, and union-republic championships were held. Tatrapoma lifts served the slope until the early 1990s.

After the Soviet collapse, lifts stood idle for 30 years. In 2016, a new 6-seat Doppelmayr chairlift with a transfer station was installed – bringing Kokhta back onto the ski map. The neighbouring Mitarbi zone launched simultaneously, connected to Kokhta by chairlift. Today, Kokhta attracts intermediate and advanced skiers, and the Rooms Hotel Kokhta near the lift base has become one of Georgia's finest mountain hotels.

From central Bakuriani (2.8 km):

– Taxi – 5–10 GEL (~$2–4), 5 minutes

– On foot – 10 minutes

From Tbilisi (180 km, 2.5–3 hours):

– Shared minibus from Didube metro – 15–20 GEL (~$6), then taxi to Kokhta

– SUV transfer – from 300 GEL (~$110)

– Car rental – winter tyres mandatory

From Borjomi (30 km, 30–40 minutes):

– Taxi – 20–25 GEL (~$8–9)

To other zones:

– To Didveli – taxi 5–10 GEL or 10-minute walk

– To Mitarbi – chairlift from Kokhta summit (included in ski pass)

Season: Mid-December to late March. Kokhta opens first in Bakuriani – from December 20, 2025.

Lift hours: Daily 10:00–17:00.

Best snow: January–February. North-facing aspect preserves snow longer.

For panoramic photos: Clear mornings (before 12:00) – best Caucasus Range visibility.

Avoid: In strong winds, the lift shuts down. Mitarbi closes more frequently – check status each morning.