The Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Bakuriani, Georgia 🇬🇪

We had the opportunity to go snowboarding and skiing in Bakuriani, Georgia in late January 2024. Coming from Gudauri, we were a little bit worried that Bakuriani wouldn’t stack up. And, in some ways, it didn’t, but in many others, Bakuriani proved to be an awesome skiing destination well worth the journey off the beaten path.

While it may not be a household name outside of Georgia, Bakuriani is a beacon for winter sports enthusiasts throughout the Caucasus. With its picturesque wooded mountain slopes and powdery snow, this ski resort has evolved from a quaint mountain village into a hub of winter activities.

Originally developed as a training ground for Soviet athletes, over the years, it has transformed into a popular destination for recreational skiers and snowboarders, catering to all levels as well as families and friends seeking a winter vacation surrounded by the serene natural beauty of the Trialeti mountains. However, it could be said that Bakuriani hasn’t matured into a world-class skiing destination, at least not yet.

If Bakuriani is on your radar, then you may have noticed there’s not a ton of accessible information out there, especially for English speakers. We set out to uncover everything you need to know to make your trip to Bakuriani an unforgettable experience.

Our Honest Bakuriani Ski Resort Review

From our perspective, which is that of intermediate skier/snowboarders who spend time each season exploring “lesser known” (and usually “lesser-priced”) ski resorts like Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, Bakuriani has a lot to offer and few drawbacks to consider as well.

On the whole, we would definitely come back and spend a couple of weeks. However, you might feel differently trying to decide where to spend your ski trip as it’s fair to say Bakuriani might not be the complete package compared to some other similar options (like nearby Gudauri).

Let’s start with the things we loved about skiing Bakuriani…

This is the quietest resort we’ve ever skied! Especially Monday to Friday. Weekday afternoons spent running laps of the Mitarbi Lift, with only a handful of skiers and snowboarders as the sun set behind the mountains, is a surreal and special experience. There are no lift lines, and often, you are the only one on the chairlift, which can be peaceful or lonely depending on your point of view (I certainly didn’t mind it). Another benefit of the quiet slopes is that the off-piste and free-ride sections stay relatively untracked for a few days after a dump.

One of the biggest drawcards to skiing here has to be the unbeatable affordability. Budget-conscious skiers will rejoice at lift tickets priced at under $20 per day and cozy ski-in-ski-out accommodation options available for under $50 per night. It’s a remarkable value proposition, considering the amount of infrastructure and amenities provided at this resort (even if it isn’t the most modern or well-organized).

We were happy enough but not blown away by the level of infrastructure here. We weren’t expecting brand-new state-of-the-art equipment, but the resort has modern gondolas and chair lifts.

While it may not be the biggest ski resort, there is a nice balance to the variety of beginner slopes, intermediate sections, and a few trails that are a little bit more challenging. Additionally, I really enjoyed some of the interesting, untracked off-piste terrain to explore between the trees here, something missing in the Gudauri resort which is above the tree line.

Bakuriani feels very local, which we always appreciate. It seemed like many people here were Georgian, with just a handful of international visitors.

Bakuriani is very family-friendly, with a section of mountains devoted to bunny slopes and a learning area. There are carnival games and rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, and even snowmobiling to keep younger and older kids occupied if they get sick of skiing. There are also family-friendly restaurants and ample self-contained accommodations such as villas available to cater to families and large groups.

The last major drawcard of Bakuriani has to be the beauty of the wooded mountains in the snow. The resort is relatively low altitude, and the mountains are covered with coniferous forest, creating a picturesque landscape, especially after fresh snow.

Some of the things we didn’t love about skiing Bakuriani…

The biggest gripe I have with the Bakuriani Resort is the layout. The lifts that make up the Bakuriani mountain resort are not well connected, and the ski area is essentially divided into four sections, two of which (Kokhta and Mitarbi) you can ski between and another two Didveli, and the learning slopes known as the 25s which are isolated. We’ll talk a little more about the layout of the resort below, but essentially, it means that you need to spend your day in one area of the resort or drive or take a cab to the other. The resort has a lot of potential as the mountain gets linked up with further development. I’m not sure whether that’s in the pipeline, although with the scarcity of guests here, the question may be, for whom?

Even with the different sections that make up the Bakuriani Resort. The resort only has about 30 kilometers of groomed runs. Combined with the good access to off-piste terrain, it was definitely enough to keep us entertained for a couple of weeks; however, it might get boring if you are looking for a variety of groomed trails to explore for more than a few days.

The snowfall in the region is as reliable as it is in some other regions and resorts. We had fresh snow falling when we arrived in Bakurinai in the last week of January. Unfortunately, that was the last fresh snow we saw for a week before we got another dump.

Another frustrating aspect of skiing in Bakuriani was the quality of rental equipment. The available gear to rent in the shops here was really, really ordinary, and I had to go to a few shops before I found anything close to rideable.

You might be disappointed if you come to the slopes for your apres ski as much as your actual skiing. While there are a couple of restaurant bars and hotel bars, the quietness of the mountain carries over to the quietness of the apres ski culture here.

The overall quality of restaurants in Bakuriani is also lacking. While a couple of restaurants serve quality Georgian food, there are more instances of average restaurants with below-average service.

Another drawback is the limited access to information here. It was hard to work out where to stay, how to move around the resort when things opened, and how the public transport system worked (we still haven’t figured it out). Resort updates are given through a Facebook page once daily, but information on navigating the different parts of the resort using lifts or public transport is scant.

Final Verdict…

We enjoyed our two weeks in Bakuriani. Despite a couple of stumbling blocks, it was a unique experience in a beautiful part of the world for a fraction of the price you might expect to pay elsewhere. That being said, if you are sizing it up for your one winter trip of the year, the missing pieces might reduce the appeal of Bakuriani.

Where is Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is located in the heart of Georgia in the South Caucasus region. It is part of the Borjomi district, approximately 180 kilometers northwest of Tbilisi, 150 kilometers southeast of Kutaisi, and a 300-kilometer drive east of Batumi.

The town sits amongst alpine forests in the Trialeti Range at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level.

It is one of Georgia’s most scenic ski destinations, with coniferous forests and mountain peaks.

Getting to Bakuriani, Georgia

By Air

The journey to Bakuriani begins with arriving in Georgia. The nearest major airport is Tbilisi International Airport, located about 180 kilometers away. Alternatively, Kutaisi and Batumi airports are other options, though further away.

• Nearest Airport: The closest major airport to Gudauri is Tbilisi International Airport. Located approximately 120 kilometers away, it offers a range of international and domestic flights. Tbilisi, Georgia’s modern and historic capital, is well worth a visit in its own right.
• Alternate Airports: Kutaisi and Batumi
• Direct Flights: Direct flights to Georgia are available from major cities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Russia.

Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Visitors from many countries can enter Georgia visa-free, making it an accessible destination. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements before planning your trip.
• You can get tourist SIMs in the airport, or if you can wait, you’ll get better value plans from official retail stores of the major telcos in the city. The biggest telcos are Silknet, Magti, and Beeline. Of the three, Magti is the best. Data is cheap in Georgia, with unlimited data available for around 30 GEL / $12 USD for 30 days.
• Uber is not available in Tbilisi or anywhere else in Georgia, but alternative apps, YandexGo and Bolt, work well here and in many regions. In Bakuriani, only Bolt is available.
• Having some local currency (Georgian Lari / GEL) is recommended. Currency exchange is available at the airport, and ATMs are widely accessible in major towns. There are several ATMs in Bakuriani as well.

By Road

Bakuriani is accessible by car from many parts of the country, including Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.

Renting a car

Renting a car is a viable option if you are up for a winter road trip.

• The roads to Bakuriani are generally well maintained, although they may be narrow in places.
• Always make sure your car has winter tires or snow chains (police often check cars for proper tires in winter) and, ideally, use a four-wheel drive when driving in winter.

🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Localrent to find cheap local car rentals, or DiscoverCars to search, compare, and save with brand-name rental agencies!

Tblisi to Bakuriani

Private Transfer

The simplest but not necessarily the cheapest transport option for reaching Bakurinai is a private transfer. A one-way transfer should start around 200 GEL or $70 USD. You can compare drivers and book a ride with GoTrip.

By Public Transport

Marshrutkas (minibusses)

Although it might seem daunting for first-time visitors, at 15 GEL / $6 USD the marshrutkas are an economical and authentic way to travel, providing an opportunity to mingle with locals. Marshrutkas run four times a day directly to Bakuriani and leave from Didube Bus Station platform Nige. ickets can be purchased at the station.

Alternatively, an hourly service (7 am – 7 pm) runs from Tbilisi to Borjormi, where you can catch another Marshrutka or a taxi 45 minutes onward to Bakuriani. If you want to arrange a return journey, it is best to check with the driver.

Just be aware, marshrutkas have a reputation for being a little unreliable and a bit dangerous.

For more information on taking this local transport option, check out this detailed post about getting from Tbilisi to Bakuriani.

The Slow Train

One train to Borjomi departs daily from Tbilisi Central Station (near Station Square) at 6:20 pm in the evening and arrives at 10:40 pm at night. Tickets cost just 2 GEL and can only be purchased on board the train from the machine (be sure to have enough coins on you). The train is uncomfortable and slow.

From Borjormi, you’ll need to take a taxi. Booking via the Bolt app is the safest, cheapest and most reliable way.

Kukushka Borjomi–Bakuriani Railway

Until recently, a popular local way to reach Bakuriani was to take the Kukushka. Meaning ‘little cuckoo’ in Russian, this little train ran from 1897 to 2022. It was originally pulled by a steam engine, and later by an electric locomotive.

The rail line connects Bojormi to Bakuriani, some 40 kilometers away. The slow and scenic trip took two and a half hours as the little train slowly made its way up into the range.

The railway crosses the Tsemistskhali River via the Eiffel Bridge, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

A return to service is apparently in the works; hopefully, that will happen soon. If you’re planning a trip to Bakuriani, it is worth investigating if the train has been reinstated, as it is an iconic Georgian experience. If you manage to take the Kukushka, let us know so we can update the blog.

Kutaisi to Bakuriani

Private Transfer

Private transfers are also available between Kutaisi and Bakuriani. The journey takes around 2 hours, and a one-way transfer starts at around 200 GEL or $70 USD. You can compare drivers and book a ride with GoTrip.

Marshrutkas (minibusses)

From Kataisi, you can also take a Marshrutka from the central bus station located at Chavchavadze Street 67, next to McDonald’s. Tickets cost around 15 GEL and can be purchased at the station with cash. For the most up to date departure times, check at the station and confirm return details with the driver.

Train

It’s possible to catch a combination of train and local taxis between Kutaisi and Bakuriani; however, the journey is probably more hassle than it is worth.

The #17 train leaves daily from Kutaisi at 12:25 pm for Khashuri and takes almost three hours. Tickets cost about 15 GEL / $5 USD and can be purchased online or at the station.

Once you reach Khashuri, you’ll need to take a local taxi to Bakuriani, which is about 50 kilometers or one hour away.

The return journey on train #18 leaves daily from Khashuri at 10:48 am and takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

For more info, visit Georgian Railway.

Batumi

Private Transfer

Private transfers are also available between Batumi and Bakuriani. The journey takes around 4.5 hours, and a one-way transfer starts at around 300 GEL or $112 USD. You can compare drivers and book a ride with GoTrip.

Marshrutkas (minibusses)

Marshrutka is an economical but not necessarily comfortable way to make the long journey to Bakuriani and will usually involve a transfer to Borjormi. Marshrutkas lease from the new Batumi Intercity Bus Station which can be found here. Tickets cost around 25 GEL / $9 USD and can be purchased at the station. The journey takes around five and a half hours between Batumi and Borjomi and a further hour to Bakuriani. Check departure times at the station in advance.

Train

There are a number of options for traveling from Batumi to Khashuri or other towns nearby to Bakuriani. You can travel to Kutaisi and transfer, or even travel back to Tbilisi on the high-speed train and travel back to Kutaisi from there, or use the slow train to Borjomi.

Check out Rome2Rio or Georgia Railways for options.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Bakuriani Resort:

• Weather Check: Check the weather conditions and road closures before departing, especially in winter.
• Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to have some Georgian Lari (GEL) on hand.
• Language: Knowing a few phrases in Georgian can be helpful, although many people in the tourism sector speak at least a bit of English and Russian.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers winter sports, particularly if you plan to ski.

Getting Around Bakuriani

Once you arrive in Bakuriani, you will need to figure out how you are going to get around.

One of the downsides of Bakuriani is that the bottom stations for the mountains that make up the resort are spread out and not connected by lifts or runs.

Additionally, pockets of hotels, restaurants, and attractions are scattered throughout the town. As a result, getting around the town can be a bit of a pain, especially in lugging ski equipment.

Car Rental

If you’re confident driving on the often icy roads around Bakuriani in winter then renting a car can be a convenient and economical decision.

• Localrent offers cheap rentals through small local agencies.
• Discovercars is an aggregator that compares car rentals offered by larger agencies.

Taxi / Bolt

Taxis are widely available in Bakuriani. The easiest way to book taxis is using the Bolt App, which also provides transparent pricing and tracking.

Walking

The town is a little bit too spread out to comfortably walk everywhere, especially during winter when the streets are icy or if you are lugging around skis. However, if you are careful to stay near the attractions and amenities you’ll need most, you can eliminate some driving.

Bus

There is a bus that seems to loop around the town, connecting the different parts of the ski resort. However, information on the schedule is hard to come by. The YandexGo app shows the different routes available and indicates frequencies, but exact times remain a mystery to me.

Snowboarding and Skiing in Bakuriani

History of Skiing in Bakuriani

Bakuriani has been a focal point for skiing in Georgia since the early 20th century, with significant developments during the Soviet era. The 1930s marked the beginning of its transformation into a central winter sports hub, thanks to the construction of ski jumps and the establishment of skiing infrastructure. It rapidly became a training ground for Olympic athletes and hosted numerous national and international competitions.

Since then, post-Soviet era investments have modernized the resort, maintaining its status as an important destination for both competitive and recreational winter sports for Georgians and increasingly for international visitors looking for untracked lines.

Key Statistics of the Bakuriani Ski Resort

• Elevation: The base elevation starts at around 1,700 meters above sea level, with the highest skiing points reaching up to approximately 2,700 meters.
• Trails and Slopes: The resort caters to all skill levels, featuring a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. There are over 20 kilometers of ski runs, with around 25% beginner level, 40% intermediate and 35% advanced.
• Number and Types of Lifts: Bakuriani is equipped with around 20 different lift systems, including chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts.
• Season and Operating Times: The ski season in Bakuriani typically runs from mid-December to March, with operating times varying by lift, but generally, lifts open between 10 am and 11 am and close between 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm. Night skiing is regularly available at Didveli.
• Snow Conditions: Once the snow starts to fall and the resort opens, it enjoys reliable snow cover throughout the season.
• Additional Features: Bakuriani also offers cross-country ski trails, a snow park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and facilities for ski jumping.
• Accommodation and Facilities: A wide range of accommodation options is available, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Facilities include ski schools, equipment rentals, and childcare services.
• Restaurants and Bars: Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, including local Georgian cuisine and international dishes, across multiple restaurants and bars in the resort area.

RESORT DESCRIPTION AND BAKURIANI SKI MAP

Bakuriani boasts a wide range of ski slopes suitable for all skill levels. As mentioned, different areas that make up the Bakuriani Ski Resort are isolated from one another, and generally, you need a vehicle to travel between the different sections.

The Twenty-Fives

For those stepping on skis for the first time, the 25s Ski Park near the center of town offers a short bunny slope surrounded by ski rental shops, ski instructors, cheap and cheerful food options, and kids’ rides and attractions.

Kokhta & Mitarbi

Kokhta

Three kilometers east of town along April Street, you’ll find the Kokhta-Plato 6-person Chair Lift, parking, toilets, a lift ticket office, restaurants, ski rental (with average equipment), and some nice hotels.

In my experience, there was never a queue for the Kokhta-Plato, and I was often riding the lift by myself. From the top of the Kokhta-Plato, you can ski back along a gentle blue run or continue up the mountain on the 6-seat Kokhta-Gora lift.

The Kokhta-Gora lift travles to the north peak of Mt. Kokhta. There is a restaurant at the summit. From here, you can take a gentle and, at times, flat trail to the left, a steep run to the right, or navigate through the trees. Once you reach the bottom of the Kokhta-Gora trail, you can either return to the Kokhta-Plato or take the Kokhta-Mitarbi trail to the right to link up to the next section of the resort, the Mitarbi area.

Mitarbi

The bottom station of Mitarbi has a car park for those who drive here, a small snack shack, toilets, and the 6-seater Mitarbi 1 chair lift. There is a restaurant at the top of Mitarbi 1. Three groomed “intermediate” trails lead back to the bottom of Mitarbi. From here, you can also take the Mitarbi-Kokhta trail back to the Kokhta section. This is the only return connection with Kokhta, and it utilizes a drag lift.

Lastly, you can take the four-person Mitarbi 2 chair lift up to the southern peak of Mt. Kokhta. From here, there are several routes back down to the middle station, including some nice free-riding terrain. There is also a trail named Tatra that leads down the other side of the mountain to a drag lift (also named Tatra), but the lift doesn’t seem to be running.

Divdeli

Didveli is perhaps the most developed and popular section of the Bakuriani Resort.

The bottom lifts for Didveli are about three kilometers south of the town center and around 5 kilometers from the Kokhta lift. There is one gondola and three chairlifts at the bottom station. From the top of the gondola, there is another chair that runs to the summit and a long drag lift that services a slalom.

There are a variety of routes back to the base of the mountain, including opportunities for off-piste skiing. There is a restaurant at the middle station and a couple more at the base. There are also ski- rentals, ski passes, and ski schools available at the base station.

Crystal

Another privately owned lift runs on the western face of Mount Kokhta. It is not part of the Bakuriani ski resort but is part of the Crystal Hotel & Spa Ski Resort.

Ski Lifts and Passes

• Bakuriani features a well-developed network of ski lifts, including chairlifts and surface lifts, facilitating easy access to various parts of the mountain.
• Ski pass prices are generally affordable and vary based on duration (day passes, multi-day, or seasonal) and age (discounts for children and seniors).
• Up-to-date information on ski pass prices and packages can be found on the official Bakuriani Ski Resort Facebook or at the resort’s ticket offices.

Ski Passes for 2023 / 2024

BAKURIANI – 2023/2024 SKI PASS PRICE LIST

Equipment Rental and Ski Schools in Bakuriani

For those who do not have their own ski equipment, there are numerous rental shops in Bakuriani. These shops offer a range of ski and snowboard equipment for all ages and skill levels. Unfortunately, we found the quality of the rental gear to be very ordinary.

The price of the Bakuriani ski rental, however, is very affordable. It costs us 50 GEL per day to rent snowboards and boots or skis and boots plus 10 GEL per day to rent a helmet with a 15% discount for long-term rental.

Professional ski and snowboard lessons are available in Bakuriani. The resort hosts several ski schools with qualified instructors offering individual or group lessons in multiple languages. Be sure to confirm the school has a teacher who is fluent in your language before booking!

Xtreme Ski Club – Has a great reputation and offers lessons in English, Georgian, and Russian.

The Best Time to Ski in Bakuriani

Ski Season in Bakuriani

The ski season in Bakuriani typically runs from December to early April, offering a long window for snow enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes. Beware, because of the the conditions and lower altitude, the snow is not assured early or late in the season. The best conditions are usually found from late January to March when the snow is most reliable.

Weather Considerations

The weather in Bakuriani can be quite varied. While temperatures generally remain below freezing. Checking the forecast and preparing appropriate ski wear and equipment is essential.

Snowfall can be heavy, particularly in January and February, creating excellent conditions for skiing but occasionally leading to road closures or delays.

Choosing Your Visit Time

Peak Season: December to February are the busiest months. This period offers the best snow conditions but also means more crowds and potentially higher prices for accommodation.

Off-Peak Visits: Late November, early December, and late March to early April are considered off-peak. These times can offer quieter slopes (if that’s possible) and lower prices, though snow conditions might be less predictable.

Festivals and Events

Bakuriani often hosts winter sports events and festivals. Check out the MTA Bakutiani Facebook to find out what’s happening on the slopes and around town.

Accommodation in Bakuriani

Bakuriani offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. This includes luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. For budget-conscious travelers, there are numerous guesthouses and B&Bs that offer comfortable lodging at affordable prices.

Ski-in/Ski-out Accommodations in Bakuriani

For those looking for the ultimate convenience, several ski-in/ski-out accommodations are available. These properties allow guests to access the ski slopes directly from their lodgings, maximizing their time on the snow.

These accommodations range from high-end resorts to more modest lodges, catering to different tastes and budgets.

There is ski-in/ski-out at both the Kokhta and Didveli stations of the resort.

Booking Tips for Accommodation in Bakuriani

• During peak season, especially around New Year and Orthodox Christmas, Bakuriani can get quite crowded. It’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance during these times.
• Many hotels and guesthouses offer ski storage and possibly even equipment rental, which can be a convenient option for skiers.
• Online platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and local Georgian tourism websites can be used to make reservations and compare prices.

Family and Group Accommodations

For families and larger groups, renting a chalet or an apartment can be a great choice, offering space and the flexibility to cook meals. Some properties cater specifically to families, offering amenities like childcare, playrooms, and family-friendly activities.

Where to Stay in Bakiriani

Bakuriani has a range of accommodation options to suit most budgets and styles. However, knowing where to stay can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the layout of the town or how it relates to the ski map and the location of lifts and runs.

The map above shows the best place to stay for each part of the resort.

1. Marks the best place to stay to be close to the Kokhta and Mitarbi Lifts.
2. Marks the best place to stay to be close to the Didveli Lifts (or the privately controlled Crystal Lift).
3. Marks the closest place to stay to the 25 ski park, a bunny slope great for kids and beginners to learn on.

Of course, if you have a car or want to use public or private transport to travel to and from the ski lifts, you don’t need to stay right next door, but it helps to know where everything is!

Here are our picks for accommodation.

Accommodation Near Didveli, Bakuriani

The Valley Bakuriani – Just 300 meters from the Didvelli lifts, The Valley Bakuriani offers an air-conditioned apartment with a private pool, balcony, free WiFi, and access to a spa, wellness center, and restaurant. Comfortable apartments Comfortable apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, and a patio.

Orbi Palace Hotel – offers a bar, restaurant, garden, indoor pool, sauna, and free WiFi. Rooms are well equipped and include a seating area, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and some have balconies. The Orbi Palace Hotel is just a few hundred meters from the Didvelli cable car. Rooms start from less than $50 per night.

Villa in Didveli – For those looking to relax with family and friends, this spacious and modern Villa is 2 kilometers from the Didvelli lifts. It features four bedrooms, a living room, and a well-equipped kitchen and can sleep up to 9, making it an economical option for a family or groups of friends.

Accommodation Near Didveli Kothka and Mitarbi Bakuriani

Rooms Kokhta – Right beside the Kokhta lifts, this luxurious ski-in/ski-out property includes a restaurant, private parking, and a daily buffet breakfast. Rooms start from around 400 GEL / $150 USD.

Kokhta Plaza Boutique Hotel – With ski-to-door access and mountain view rooms, this 4-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk, buffet breakfast, and an onsite restaurant. Double rooms start from 180 GEL per night.

BM Plaza – Overlooking the Kokhta ski run, the BM Plaza is another ski-in-ski-out luxury 4-star hotel featuring rooms with seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms, along with services like onsite restaurant, ski equipment rental, bike hire, and car hire for guests interested in skiing and exploring the area.

Accommodation Near the 25s, Bakuriani

GreenWood – This cozy wooden lodge close to the 25s and the Bakuriani town center offers a range of amenities, including a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and on-site restaurant. The hotel provides free WiFi, room service, and luggage storage, and guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and the option of a balcony, with complimentary breakfast options available.

Hotel King David Bakuriani – This charming hotel …Hotel King David Bakuriani, a 4-star accommodation in Bakuriani, offers rooms with mountain views, a garden, and a shared lounge. They provide a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, free WiFi, and various breakfast options, and guests can also enjoy amenities like a children’s playground and table tennis, making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and outdoor activities.

Villa Mtashi – Offers cozy, two-bedroom villas. Featuring a well-equipped kitchen and living space, it is situated close to the town center and Bakuriani’s bunny slopes.

Greenfield Bakuriani – Greenfield Bakuriani, located in Bakuriani, offers a holiday home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy inner courtyard views, free WiFi, private parking, outdoor play equipment, and a garden for relaxation.

More Accommodation in Bakuriani

Use the map below to search, compare, and book accommodation in Bakuriani through your favorite platform.

Dining and Apres-Ski in Bakuriani

The dining and apres-ski scene in Bakuriani leaves a bit to be desired, and if apres-ski is a major focal point of your ski holiday, then Bakuriani may not be for you. In our opinion, the overall quality of restaurants was much lower than that of other places in Georgia.

Apres-Ski Activities

The après-ski scene in Bakuriani is a little subdued, with a noticeable lack of bars. However, if you’re ok with a quiet approach to ski apres, you’ll likely be able to entertain yourself when you’re not skiing.

Local Dining and Restaurants in Bakuriani

Bakuriani offers a range of dining options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Most restaurants here serve traditional Georgian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. There are a couple of restaurants that serve more international fare, like burgers and pizza.

Popular local dishes include Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Khinkali (Georgian dumplings), Stews like lobio with beans or Ostri with beef, chicken in rich sauces like walnut sauce and a variety of grilled meats.

• Some recommended restaurants include
  • Mimino – Serving hearty Georgian fare in a cozy traditional restaurant with a fireplace.
  • Ellas – This low-key cafe in town serves understated local classics like kinkhali and chachupuri alongside delicious pizza.
  • Mapa – This rustic family-run cafe serves home-cooked traditional meals.
  • Burger Shop – If you’re looking for a change of pace from Georgian cuisine, the Burger Shop does one thing, and it does it well.
  • Sazandari Bakuriani – With a fireplace and occasionally live music, this is a popular restaurant in town.
  • Taverna Mari – In town, this cozy lodge-style restaurant has a good atmosphere and is a good pick to wind down with a local Georgian wine after a day on the slopes.

Bars

While there are a lot of restaurants, Bakuriani has a distinct lack of bars in Bakuriani. There are a few bars and cafes on the slopes where skiers can unwind in between runs or before the lifts shut down around 5.

• მიტარბის “ხიჟინა” / Mitarbi “Khizhina”
  • At the middle station in Mitarbi, this lodge-style bar and restaurant is an excellent on-piste option while the lifts are running. It gets crowded and lively on weekend afternoons.
• Khizina by Kari
  • Another option on the slopes can be found along the Kokhta Plato run.
• Club Tbilisi
  • There is a club in town…we did not try it.

Non-Skiing Activities in Bakuriani

Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are several popular winter activities to try here, such as:

• Snowmobiling
• Sledding and tobogganing
• Ice skating
• Snowshoe hiking
• Riding the gondola

Cultural Experiences

Visit the nearby Borjomi, famous for its natural springs, and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. This park offers beautiful walks and a chance to experience the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

Bakuriani’s location makes it ideal for day trips to explore the rich history and culture of Georgia. The ancient cave city of Vardzia and the historic town of Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, are within reach for a day trip.

For those interested in religious history, the area is dotted with old churches and monasteries, offering a glimpse into Georgia’s Orthodox Christian heritage.

Safety in Bakuriani

Medical Facilities

While Bakuriani is equipped with basic medical facilities for emergencies, it’s advisable to carry a first-aid kit for minor injuries. For serious injuries, the closest hospital is in Borjomi, 30 kilometers away.

Visitors with specific medical needs should bring sufficient supplies of their medications, as not all medicines may be readily available. Although there are a few pharmacies in town for basic needs.

Safety on the Slopes

Always make sure to ski within your limits. Be aware of other skiers and snowboarders around you and maintain a safe distance.

Insurance

It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers winter sports activities. Ensure that your policy covers ski accidents and emergency evacuations, which can be costly without insurance.

General Safety Tips

In case of emergency, know the contact details for local emergency services. The Georgia emergency number 112.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.

Where to Next? Exploring Ski Resorts Beyond Bakuriani

Are you looking to explore more ski destinations in Georgia and its neighboring countries? The region has a range of underrated skiing destinations. Offering unique experiences, landscapes, and cultural elements.

Other Ski Resorts in Georgia

1. Gudauri: Located on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, Gudauri is known for its free-riding opportunities.
2. Mestia: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Mestia in the Svaneti region offers a blend of ancient culture and unspoiled skiing terrain. It’s less crowded and provides a glimpse into the traditional Georgian highland life.
3. Goderdzi: Situated in the Ajara region, Goderdzi is emerging as a popular ski destination known for its deep snow and beautiful alpine landscapes. It’s a quieter alternative to the more popular resorts.

Beyond Georgia

If you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path skiing destinations in the region, consider these regions.

1. Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan has a number of ski resorts and destinations, including Shymbulak, the largest ski resort in Central Asia.
2. Kyrgyzstan – While the main ski resort, Karakol, is not as developed as Kazakhstan’s main resort, Kyrgyzstan has some beautiful and accessible backcountry.
3. Bulgaria – Offering a great balance of modern skiing facilities and affordable prices, Bulgarian resorts like Bansko are becoming more and more popular each year.

Tips for Planning Your Bauriani vSki Adventure

• If renting equipment, do your research. The quality and the price of equipment rental varies dramatically here. It’s worthwhile visiting a few shops to get an idea of the available gear and prices.
• Ski passes are cheap here at only 55 GEL per day but there are big discounts available for multi-day passes, as much as 25% off.
• If you plan on skiing in Bakuriani for more than 15 days, a season pass offers better value and access across any of the 4 MTA-controlled ski resorts in Georgia for the whole season!
• The supermarkets can be a little bit limited in Bakuriani and expensive as well, stock up on essentials and specialty items.
• Consider renting a car, prices are affordable and will make getting around a lot easier.

Final Thoughts on Skiing in Bakuriani, Georgia

Skiing in Bakuriani is definitely an adventure worth seeking out. But to compare it to other more developed resorts around the world, or even Georgia’s own Gudauri, would be unfair. Bakuriani does not yet have the organization, infrastructure, or supporting amenities to make it a world-class skiing destination.

On the other hand the, following a dump of fresh snow, the opportunity to ski the tree-lined trails virtually alone here is pretty special. Despite not having the best layout, the separation of the areas means that if you venture to some of the further lifts you will likely have chairlifts and runs all to yourself.

Let us know if you have any questions about skiing Bakuriani or if you have some of your own tips, info, or updates to share!