Bakuriani Travel Guide

Find all the essential information about travelling to Bakuriani, including transport, hotels, ski areas, practical tips and how it compares with Gudauri.

Why ski in Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is Georgia's classic family ski resort, set in a pine-forested valley of the Lesser Caucasus at around 1,700 metres. Its slopes climb to about 2,700 metres at Didveli, with gentle, tree-lined runs that are ideal for beginners, children and relaxed cruising.

Skiing has a long history here: the Soviet national team trained in Bakuriani, and in 2023 the resort hosted the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships. Combine skiing with forest walks, Georgian food and a spa day in Borjomi, just 30 km away.

  • 1,700 mVillage altitude
  • 2,700 mTop of Didveli
  • ~30 kmOf marked slopes

Bakuriani ski resort at a glance

One of Georgia's oldest and most popular ski resorts, with several ski areas around the village — from modern Didveli to the quieter Kokhta-Mitarbi slopes.

  1. 01Pine-forest skiing in the Lesser Caucasus
  2. 02Gentle slopes for beginners and children
  3. 03Modern gondola and chairlifts at Didveli
  4. 04Ski and snowboard equipment rental
  5. 05Ski schools for kids and adults
  6. 06Night skiing at Didveli
  7. 07Quieter slopes at Kokhta-Mitarbi
  8. 08Hotels, chalets and apartments
  9. 09Cosy restaurants and Georgian food
  10. 10Borjomi spa just 30 km away

Tip: choose where to stay by ski area — Didveli and Kokhta are a short drive apart.

The Bakuriani ski areas and slopes

Bakuriani suits every level, but it is at its best for beginners, families and intermediate skiers.

  • Level 1BeginnersWide, gentle slopes and children's areas — like Crystal Park and the 25th Ski Park in town — make Bakuriani one of the best places in Georgia to learn. Lessons are recommended for your first days.
  • Level 2IntermediateDidveli is the largest and most modern ski area, with a gondola and chairlifts up to about 2,700 m, blue and red runs through the forest and snowmaking on key slopes.
  • Level 3AdvancedSteeper sections at Didveli and the runs of Kokhta-Mitarbi add variety. Freeride terrain is limited compared with Gudauri — go off-piste only with a guide and proper equipment.

When is the ski season in Bakuriani?

The season usually runs from late December to the end of March, depending on snowfall.

Sheltered by forest, Bakuriani is often calmer and less windy than high-alpine resorts.

Snow conditions in Bakuriani

With the village at around 1,700 m, snow in Bakuriani depends more on the weather than in Gudauri. Didveli's snowmaking helps keep the main slopes open.

The best snow is usually from late January through March. Check the current lift and snow conditions before you travel.

  • Late December – JanuarySeason openingThe resort opens around the holidays. New Year and Orthodox Christmas in early January are the busiest weeks.
  • February – MarchBest time to skiUsually the most reliable snow cover and good conditions in all ski areas.
  • End of MarchSpring skiingSofter spring snow and sunny days — the season usually closes at the end of March.
Plan your trip for late January, February or the second half of March — and avoid the New Year holidays, when the slopes are at their busiest.
Ski Holidays expert tip

Ski passes in Bakuriani

Passes for the main Didveli and Kokhta-Mitarbi areas are loaded onto a rechargeable ski card. Prices change from season to season, so check the current official rates before your trip.

Smaller private parks such as Crystal and 25th Ski Park sell their own tickets. Ski packages can include passes, accommodation, transfers, lessons and rental.

  • 55 GELOne-day pass≈ $20
  • 650 GELSeason pass≈ $240
  • ~50%Childrenreduced kids' price
  • 5 GELSki cardone-time card fee

Ski school and equipment

Instructors and rental shops are available in every ski area of Bakuriani — from Didveli to the town slopes.

  • Lessons in Bakuriani

    Bakuriani is one of the best places in Georgia to learn. Instructors teach children and adults, on skis and snowboards, in private and group formats.

    Children's areas with magic carpets make the first days easy, while intermediates can improve their technique on Didveli's blue and red runs. Book lessons early for the holiday weeks.

    Private lessons
    Individual attention
    Group lessons
    Learn with others
    Kids' ski school
    From first steps
  • Ski & snowboard rental

    No need to bring your own gear: rental shops at Didveli, Kokhta and in the town offer skis, snowboards, boots, poles and helmets.

    A full ski or snowboard set usually costs around 40 GEL per day. Beginners get help choosing equipment that matches their level.

    Skis & snowboards
    ~40 GEL / day
    Helmets
    ~10 GEL / day
    Location
    Near the lifts & in town

Where to stay in Bakuriani

Accommodation ranges from family guesthouses and apartments to modern hotels and chalets. Choose your area by how you want to spend your days.

Areas and what to look for:

  • Didveli & Crystal — next to the lifts
  • Town centre — restaurants & shops
  • Kokhta — hotels right on the slope
  • Family rooms and kids’ facilities
  • Ski storage and drying rooms
  • Transfer arrangements
  • Spa, pool and sauna

Didveli and Kokhta are a few kilometres apart — staying close to your main ski area saves time every morning.

How to get to Bakuriani

Fly into Tbilisi or Kutaisi — both airports are about 2.5–3 hours from the resort by car.

Airport → resortDoor-to-door private transfer available

Tbilisi AirportArrival130 km · ~2.5 h by carBakurianiSki resort · 1,700 m

  1. 01Travel timeThe drive takes about 2.5 hours on average, depending on traffic and winter road conditions.
  2. 02Private transferThe most convenient option, especially for families and groups travelling with ski equipment and luggage. We work with trusted local transfer partners and can include airport transfers in your package.
  3. 03Combine your tripPair skiing in Gudauri with Tbilisi city life, the wine regions and sightseeing for a trip that covers the capital, vineyards and mountains.

What Else Can You Do in Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is more than skiing — the pine forest, the village and nearby Borjomi offer plenty to do on a day off.

  • SnowmobilingRide through snowy pine forests.
  • Sledding & tubingFun for the whole family.
  • Cross-country skiingTrails through the forest around the village.
  • Horse sleigh ridesA classic winter experience in Bakuriani.
  • BorjomiMineral water park, spa and the national park.
  • Food & wineKhachapuri, khinkali and Georgian wine.

Greater Caucasus · up to 3,276 m

Gudauri

High-alpine skiing above the tree line: wide open slopes, long red and black runs and some of the best freeride in the region.

  • Intermediate & advanced
  • Freeride
  • Reliable snow into April
  • Lively après-ski

Lesser Caucasus · up to 2,700 m

Bakuriani

Classic family resort in a pine-forest valley: gentle tree-lined runs, kids’ parks and a cosy village atmosphere next to Borjomi.

  • Families & kids
  • Beginners
  • Forest scenery
  • Spa in Borjomi
GudauriKey factsBakuriani
Top altitude
3,276 m
2,700 m
Village altitude
2,200 m
1,700 m
Marked slopes
~35 km
~30 km
One-day ski pass
~70 GEL
~55 GEL
Distance from Tbilisi
130 km
180 km
Season
Dec–Apr
Dec–Mar

Choose Gudauri if…

  • You want long, high-altitude runs and freeride
  • You need the most reliable snow into April
  • You prefer the resort closest to Tbilisi

Choose Bakuriani if…

  • You are travelling with small children or learning to ski
  • You like a quiet village and pine-forest scenery
  • You want to add a spa day in Borjomi

Can't decide? Combine both in one trip — the resorts are about 4–5 hours apart by car, via Tbilisi.

Planning your ski holiday in Bakuriani

Bakuriani is a great choice for families, beginners and a relaxed ski trip — or a second stop after Gudauri. Accommodation, transfers, ski passes, lessons and rental all need to fit together.

We arrange everything from accommodation to ski lessons, equipment rental and excursions — and can combine Bakuriani with Gudauri, Borjomi or Tbilisi in one trip.

  • 12+ yearsof experience organising ski holidays in Georgia
  • Two resortsGudauri and Bakuriani in one trip
  • Lessons & rentalArranged for every level
  • Trusted partnersHotels and airport transfers we know well

EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Discover the beauty of Georgia with our recommended excursions and tours. From the iconic Kazbegi to historic sites and stunning natural landscapes.