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Geotour

Bakuriani

Samtskhe-Javakheti · Sports

Getting there
About 190 km (3–3.5 h) from Tbilisi via the E60 motorway and Borjomi
Best time
Late December–March
Recommended stay
2–3 days

About Bakuriani

Bakuriani is Georgia's main family ski resort, at about 1,700 m in the pine forests of the Lesser Caucasus, 30 km above Borjomi and about 190 km (3–3.5 h) from Tbilisi. In winter the gentle slopes of Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi suit beginners and intermediate skiers, and Didveli has night skiing; in 2023 the resort hosted the FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships. In summer it is a cool base for forest walks, the alpine botanical garden and trips down to Borjomi.

Tours Including Bakuriani

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Must-See Attractions

  • Didveli

    The main ski area, reached by gondola from the edge of town, with long easy and intermediate runs and night skiing.

  • Kokhta and Mitarbi

    Smaller ski areas linked by the same lift pass; Kokhta is close to the centre, and Mitarbi is a quieter, forested area a short drive away.

  • Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden

    Founded in 1910, with plants of the Caucasus on the western side of town; best in summer.

  • Forest walks

    Paths through the spruce and pine forest around town make easy half-day walks in summer.

Nearby

  • Borjomi

    The mineral-water spa town, about 30 km (40–45 min) down the gorge.

  • Tskhratskaro Pass and Tabatskuri Lake

    A high pass and mountain lake south of Bakuriani on a rough summer-only road, about 1–1.5 h by 4x4.

  • Akhaltsikhe and Rabati Castle

    About 80 km (1.5 h) south-west via Borjomi.

Location41.7507° N, 43.5283° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 190 km (3–3.5 h) from Tbilisi via the E60 motorway and Borjomi; the last 30 km from Borjomi is a paved mountain road that can be snowy in winter.

Best time

Late December–March; June–September

Best time

Winter brings reliable snow for easy, family-friendly skiing, while summer is cool and green for walking when Tbilisi is hot.

Recommended stay

2–3 days

Fees

Adult ski pass 55 GEL a day, valid on Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi; night skiing at Didveli (usually weekends; we check the schedule) 40 GEL (2025/26 price; the new season's price is published in December).

Getting there

About 190 km (3–3.5 h) by car from Tbilisi via Borjomi; the Kukushka narrow-gauge train from Borjomi is not running.

Season/Access

The ski season usually runs from late December to March; winter tyres or chains are needed on the Borjomi road after snow.

Heads-up

New Year and the first week of January are the busiest time, with queues at the lifts.

History & culture

History

Bakuriani became a mountain resort at the turn of the 20th century, when the narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi, nicknamed the 'Kukushka', opened in 1902 over a bridge built to a design from Gustave Eiffel's company. In Soviet times it grew into a winter-sports centre and training base. The Kukushka stopped running in 2020; in 2026 the government announced a full restoration, but the line is not running yet. New gondolas and snowmaking were added before the 2023 World Championships.

Accommodation

A wide choice: large ski hotels with pools and spas, mid-range family hotels, apartment buildings and simple guesthouses. Rooms sell out around New Year and the January holidays, so book early for those dates.