Samtskhe–Javakheti · Ski Resort

Bakuriani — Georgia's Family-Friendly Ski Resort

Located 180 km from Tbilisi at 1,700 meters above sea level, Bakuriani is ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed winter holiday among pine forests and snowy meadows.

Overview

Originally built as a national training base for Olympic athletes, Bakuriani today blends tradition with comfort and modern facilities — one of Georgia's most approachable ski destinations.

Set in the Trialeti Mountains above Borjomi at 1,700–2,700 meters, Bakuriani earned its reputation as Georgia's original ski resort decades before the country's other resorts existed, and its gentler, family-friendly terrain still makes it the country's go-to choice for beginners and children learning to ski.

The resort is reachable by the Kukushka — a UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge railway that has climbed from Borjomi to Bakuriani since 1902, winding through forest before ascending into the mountains, a scenic alternative to the road that's become an attraction in its own right.

Outside the winter season, Bakuriani turns green and mild, drawing hikers, mountain bikers, and travelers looking to combine a night in the mountains with Borjomi's mineral springs, just 40–60 minutes away by road.

Georgia's Original Ski Resort

Built as a national training base, still the country's most approachable resort.

The Kukushka Railway

A UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge train from Borjomi, running since 1902.

Family-Friendly Terrain

Gentle slopes across Didveli, Kokhta, and Mitarbi ski areas.

Year-Round Appeal

Green summers for hiking, minutes from Borjomi's mineral springs.

Ski Area & Terrain

Elevation

1,700–2,700 m

A vertical range spanning the Didveli, Kokhta, and Mitarbi ski areas.

Terrain

30+ km of Runs

Gentle, family-friendly slopes — Georgia's most approachable ski resort.

Lifts

15 Modern Lifts

Gondolas, chairlifts, and drag lifts across three linked areas.

Family

Snow Park & Kids' Zones

Dedicated beginner terrain and tubing parks for younger skiers.

Ski Season

December through March, extended by artificial snow.

Snow Depth

Up to 1.5 m during December–February.

Night Skiing

An illuminated evening slope at Didveli.

High-Speed Links

Fast connections between the Kokhta and Mitarbi areas.

Sights & Activities

Landmark

Kukushka Railway

A UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge train climbing from Borjomi since 1902.

Winter

Horse Riding & Snowmobile Tours

Guided winter activities through the surrounding forest.

Summer

Hiking & Mountain Biking

Trails opening up across the ski areas from April to October.

Day Trip

Borjomi Mineral Springs

Central Park and the historic Firuza pavilion, 40–60 minutes away.

Sledding & Tubing

Family-friendly zones around the resort in winter.

Cross-Country Skiing

Marked trails through the surrounding pine forest.

Vardzia Day Trip

Georgia's largest cave monastery, a scenic drive through the highlands.

Local Market

Wool goods, honey, and mountain cheese sold in the town center.

Average Temperatures & Seasons

SeasonAirHighlights
Spring (Mar–May)−2 to 12 °CMelting snow, muddy trails, quiet shoulder season
Summer (Jun–Aug)13–23 °CCool, comfortable mountain summer, ideal for hiking
Autumn (Sep–Nov)5–17 °CMild and scenic, the Kukushka ride at its most colorful
Winter (Dec–Feb)−10 to 0 °CPeak ski season, reliable snow from December

At 1,700 m, Bakuriani stays noticeably cooler than Tbilisi year-round — summers rarely exceed 23°C, and snow cover is consistent through the winter months.

Distance & Accessibility

Tbilisi 180 km · ~2.5–3 hrs by car Bakuriani

Nearest airport: Kutaisi International (KUT), 170 km. Rail and shuttle connection via Borjomi.

Book Transfer with Legend Travel

Accommodation

Family Resorts

Cozy hotels near slopes with play areas.

Boutique Chalets

Mountain-view lodges with fireplaces.

Spa Hotels

Wellness and pool facilities.

Budget Guesthouses

Affordable, warm hospitality.

Book a Hotel with Legend Travel

Dining & Local Cuisine

Warm Georgian mountain flavors served in family-friendly restaurants with hearty stews and hot chocolate.

Khinkali

Hot dumplings, a favorite après-ski meal.

Elarji

A stretchy cornmeal-and-cheese dish.

Kupati

Spiced Georgian sausage, grilled or fried.

Local Honey Wine

A warming regional specialty.

Mtsvadi

Grilled meat skewers over an open fire.

Kharcho

A spiced beef and walnut soup.

Khachapuri

Cheese-filled bread served across resort restaurants.

Mchadi

Cornbread served alongside cheese and stews.

Chacha

Grape spirit, often served after dinner.

Herbal Mountain Tea

Brewed from wild herbs gathered nearby.

Useful Information & Travel Tips

Currency

Georgian Lari (₾); cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.

Language

Georgian; English spoken at hotels and ski schools.

Power Outlets

Type C and F (220V / 50Hz).

Emergency Number

112 for all emergency services.

Equipment Rental

Available at both ski areas and in the town center.

Booking Tip

Reserve hotels well ahead during peak ski weeks.