A complete guide to the best alternative things to do in Bakuriani ski resort off the ski slopes.
The oldest of Georgia’s four developed winter resorts, Bakuriani is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders between January and March.
The resort’s unique topography and coniferous forests – and its proximity to other villages and towns – means there are plenty of things to do in Bakuriani in winter aside from adventure sports.
There is a greater diversity of activities on offer in Bakuriani compared to Gudauri, which is one of the reasons why I recommend Bakuriani as a winter destination in Georgia for those looking for a snow-and-scenery-focused trip rather than a skiing holiday exclusively.
Whether you don’t ski or you’re looking for alternative things to do on a down day, this guide will show you 12 fun non-skiing activities for Bakuriani, including sunset gondola rides, snow forest walks, and urbexing opportunities.
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4 quick tips for visiting Bakuriani in winter
1. How to get to Bakuriani from Tbilisi: Private transfer with GoTrip (starting from 200 GEL) or marshrutka minivan. See this Bakuriani Transport Guide for full details. If you are self-driving, note that winter tires are mandatory for this road.
2. The best time to visit Bakuriani: Last two weeks of January, late February or early March. Avoid the busy holiday period around New Year (December 31-January 13).
3. Where to stay in Bakuriani: If you are not in Bakuriani specifically to ski, consider staying close to the town, which is about equal distance to Kokhta and Didveli. The area around Amirani’s Park is quite pleasant with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and shops nearby. Find my specific hotel recommendations below.
4. How to move around: Make use of the green Isuzu buses that connect Didveli with Kokhta and Bakuriani town for 1 GEL per ride. Taxis are widely available and the Bolt app works in Bakuriani. If you are self-driving, paid parking is available across the resort for 3-5 GEL/day.
For full details on how to get to Bakuraini, where to stay, more restaurants, and all the skiing tips you could possibly need, see this guide: 10 Things to Know Before You Visit Bakuriani.
Map of things to do in Bakuriani
Where to stay in Bakuriani
Ski-in resort: Rooms Hotel Kokhta is a boutique-luxe chalet hotel with ski-in access to the Kokhta lift and a wonderful lounge-bar. Check rates & availability here on Booking.com.
Mid-range hotel: Area Park Bakuriani offers modern studio apartments close to the leafy Amirani’s Park and Bakuriani town. Check rates & availability here on Booking.com.
Private house: Villa Mtashi offers cute cabin-style houses near the 25 Ski Park, with the largest sleeping up to 8 adults and 4 children. Some villas have private saunas, while all have separate living rooms, fully appointed kitchens, and balconies. Check rates & availability here on Booking.com.
Self-contained cottage: Wooden Cottage Green House is a cosy mountain cabin in Bakuriani town with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. Check rates & availability here on Booking.com.
12 things to do in Bakuriani in winter apart from skiing
1. Go for a joyride on the ski lifts
If you’re not interested in hitting the slopes but prefer to stay on solid ground, you can still ride on the 11 open chairlifts and enclosed gondolas in Bakuriani alongside the skiers and snowboarders. Scenic riders are welcome to jump off at any top station or to stay on board the lift and do a full loop without disembarking.
Most of the lifts in Bakuriani are not ski-off, meaning you can (carefully) hop on and off wearing shoes. The ground around the lift stations is sometimes icy and slippery, so you definitely need shoes that have a solid grip.
Whenever we went for a joyride, the lifties were very helpful in slowing down the lift so that we could get on and off more easily.
Didveli in the southern part of the resort is a great place for scenic riding. We rode all the available lifts here with the exception of the Panorama Funicular, which was closed every day during our visit (and remains closed now). There is a nice view from the top of the Nodo Gondola, plus a Snow Park that you can walk around. There is nothing much in the way of food or drinks, though.
In Kokhta, another ski area east of Bakuriani town, we rode both the Kokhta Plateau and the Kokhta Gora (Kokhta Hill) lifts. The views on the way up to the middle station are really lovely as you sail directly above the forested mountainside.
Both these chairlifts are open and do not have bubbles, and it was absolutely freezing on the second stage. I’m sure there is a nice view from the upper Mount Kokhta Station (at 2,157 metres), but the day we went, it was too foggy. There are not really any apres-ski venues (with the exception of one restaurant) or activities at these stations – it’s all about the ride up and the views down.
Didveli and Kokta-Mitarbi are both administered by MTA Resorts, so you can use the same ticket for all three sets of lifts. If you want to make a day of riding the lifts, then I suggest you buy a One Day Pass for 55 GEL (28 GEL for kids aged 6-12).
Ticket booths are open from 10am daily and are located at every bottom station. Both cash and card are accepted. When boarding the lift, swipe your card on the electronic reader located on the left side of the turnstile at knee level.
Crystal Resort is separate from MTA and uses a different ticketing system. It is also well worth riding the gondola here – see #2 below.
2. Ride the gondola to Cafe Skyline for the sunset
Cafe Skyline is the best place to go for a view in Bakuriani. It is located on the eastern side of Mount Kokhta at 2,056 metres above sea level, and boasts panoramic vistas of Bakuriani town and the surrounding mountains.
The cafe is located within Crystal Park, a privately owned ski area that has its own runs and lifts. To reach the cafe, you must take the enclosed gondola from the bottom station (near Didveli) up to the middle station. This gondola runs every day between 10am and 10pm, and costs 25 GEL per person (return) to ride.
I highly recommend going up for the sunset. Aim to be boarding the gondola roughly an hour before the sun is scheduled to go down.
The all-glass cafe has both indoor seating and a wrap-around terrace. Prices here are not too bad if you want to grab a drink or dinner – but if not, nobody seems to mind if you just walk around the terrace and take photos.
Pedestrians are free to walk around the area. From the side of the building, you can watch the gondolas moving up and down the line, and see night skiers taking off down the slopes.
3. Wander through a pristine snow forest in Amirani’s Park
Bakuriani is surrounded by picturesque forests of spruce, pine and beech trees. These coniferous trees hold their needles throughout the winter months and look absolutely spectacular when dusted with fresh snow. We were lucky enough to get a perfect powder day towards the end of our visit to Bakuriani.
Amirani’s Park is a great place to take photos, build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Towards the back of the park there are meandering trails that lead you deep into the forest. We arrived in the early morning and found ourselves completely alone. Magic!
Amirani’s Park is free to enter if you are just walking around. They also offer sledding, tubing and other kids activities, plus amusement park rides.
The first section of the park can be a little hectic if it’s crowded, so I recommend making a beeline for those trails (off to the right as you enter) where you will surely find some peace and quiet amongst the trees.
4. Walk up to Holy Trinity Church
In stark contrast to the Tbilisi Cathedral of the same name, Bakuriani’s Sameba Church is a tiny, very humble building. It sits on a forested hill in the centre of Bakuriani town atop the dormant Mukhera Volcanic Crater whose lava flows shaped the topography of this region centuries ago.
In front of the church, you will see a little altar nestled in the hollow of a tree. It reminds me of the ‘Church in a Tree’ in Kutaisi. We found some gorgeous icons here, hand-painted on pieces of scrap wood.
The church is partially fenced. To get inside, you should use the path that starts from the northern side of the base of the hill (around this point). It takes less than 10 minutes to walk up.
The southern side of the hill is more wild, with beautiful slender trees and a big clearing that was covered with a thick layer of snow when we visited. If you are looking for a place to play or build a snowman, the snow here is virtually undisturbed and very clean.
5. Apres-ski all day long at Rooms Kokhta
Adjara Group (known for Fabrika and its clutch of boutique hotels in Tbilisi) opened a hotel next to the Kokhta ski lifts a couple of years back. We first stayed here soon after the launch. In true Rooms style, Rooms Kokhta sports a great retro-lodge-inspired design and a moody lighting plan.
If you are not staying here, I still recommend dropping in to enjoy the public bar-restaurant, which is without a doubt the best apres-ski venue in Bakuriani. The main lounge has a giant fireplace with the hearth set beneath a metal mantle embossed with different symbols.
The restaurant menu includes Georgian classics plus some regional Meskhetian specialties and dishes made with produce grown at Adjara Group’s Udabno Regenerative Farm in Kakheti.
If you have been to Rooms in Kazbegi, this hotel has a similar vibe. It also has a big outdoor terrace and direct access to the ski lifts.
6. Go snowshoe hiking in the Trialeti Mountains
In summer, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a popular spot for forest hiking. In winter, some of the mountain trails around Bakuriani and the lowland trails near Borjomi are open for snowshoe trekking.
Ski Club Georgia organises five different routes that are suitable for beginners, including a tour of local farms, a cultural route that visits a historically Greek village, and a ‘moonlit slopes’ after-dark hike. The price includes all equipment plus hotel transfers and the company of a local guide.
7. Urbex at the majestic Libani Sanatorium
Before it was established as a training ground for winter olympians from the USSR in the 1930s, Bakuriani was already a popular destination for health tourism. The clean air and healing minerals waters in this region have been used to treat many different illnesses, including tuberculosis.
In the Romanov period and into Soviet times, sanatoriums were built in the small alpine towns between Borjomi and Bakuriani. Libani Sanatorium, established in 1926, is one of the most impressive.
The sanatorium is located off the highway after Tsemi and Tba villages. The village road is open throughout winter – we found it was a bit steep and icy in places, but it was manageable. You might also be able to hike here from Tsemi with snowshoes and proper gear.
Even though work to restore the long-abandoned TB sanatorium has already begun (it was sold at auction back in 2018), it is still possible to discern the contours of the past here. The scale and decorative details of the building are awe-inspiring – it is truly one of the most impressive buildings of this ilk that I have visited in Georgia.
If you’re into urbex, photography and interested in Tskaltubo-style architecture, this should be at the top of your list of alternative things to do in Bakuriani.
If you are driving to Libani, be sure to stop at the marked viewpoint just off the main road for a view of the Eiffel Bridge on the way. Part of the 1902-built railway that connects Borjomi and Bakuriani (unfortunately it is currently out of commission and the ‘Kukushka’ scenic train has not been running since 2020), it was commissioned by Grand Duke Nikolas II and designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
8. Spend the day in Borjomi
If you need a break from the ski slopes, Borjomi is less than an hour’s drive from Bakuriani. I highly recommend coming down to the mineral water town on a snowy day – I have been to Borjomi dozens of times, but I have never seen it look as beautiful as this. The crisp white snow really makes the colours pop!
Photograph the gorgeous Golden Tulip Hotel, originally built as a summer dacha for the Iranian Consul, ride the retro cable car, and admire the pretty architecture around the park before stopping for lunch at my favourite restaurant in Borjomi, Cafe Iggy.
Try Borjomi’s famous mineral water straight from the spring inside Central Park, and if you have time, walk for about 40 minutes through the forest to reach the open-air hot springs.
Find more things to do in Borjomi here in my detailed guide.
9. Ride an ATV to Tabatskuri Lake
Snowmobiles, skidoos and ATV vehicles are very popular in Bakuriani and widely available to rent. If you are considering a winter tour, I would caution you to choose a certified company with guides who know what they are doing when it comes to safety.
I can’t imagine a more thrilling experience than piloting (or riding pillion on) a quad bike bound for Tabatskuri Lake, 30 kilometres southeast of Bakuriani. The unsealed road to the lake via the Tskhratskaro Pass and Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve takes you through some of the most remote and stunning scenery in this part of Georgia.
Having recently visited Tabatskuri Lake and the village of the same name in summer, I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in winter. I will definitely be signing up for this tour next time I visit.
10. Take a sled ride at the Husky Park
Bakuriani Husky Park is home to a team of 17 adorable Siberian Huskies. In winter, they offer sled rides and in summer, you can sign up for a long-distance dog walking expedition. It is also possible to visit the park just to meet the dogs and have your photo taken.
I didn’t get to go this time around, but I am eager to visit next time. Reservations are absolutely essential – the huskies are on a strict schedule for their own wellbeing, and walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated.
Contact staff through Instagram to make a booking. I recommend getting in touch at least one week prior to your visit.
11. Ice skating, sledding & tubing
Softer winter adventures including sledding, tubing and ice skating are all available in Bakuriani, too. I recommend heading to the 25 Ski Park in town, where you will see plenty of vendors hiring out various pieces of equipment by the hour. There is an ice skating rink at Crystal Park.
This is also a fine place to dip your toes into skiing if you’re a complete novice. The run here is wide and clear of trees, and the platter lift only costs 1 GEL per ride. Just be cautious of other people as the area can get quite crowded.
There are two toboggans in Bakuriani at Didveli and Crystal, but both tracks only operate in summer and are closed in winter.
12. Attend a special event in Bakuriani
Various events are held in Bakuriani throughout the winter season. The resort usually hosts at least one championship event every season (in 2025 it was the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival and the year before that, it was the Mogul World Cup). If your travel dates happen to coincide, it would be great fun to be a spectator.
In 2025, the resort hosted its inaugural Ice Festival at Mitarbi featuring ice sculptures and live music. Kari often organises DJs and apres-ski events in February. Check the Facebook Page for announcements.
Where to eat in Bakuriani
- The Kitchen at Rooms Kokhta: The lounge here is simply the best apres-ski location in Bakuriani (see above). The bar is well-stocked with top-shelf spirits, Georgian wine and craft beer. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available to walk-ins. The menu features products from Adjara Group’s Udabno Regenerative Farm. Both the Rooms Burger and the sandwich we ordered here (pictured below right) were top-notch.
- Mimino: Super cosy restaurant near the 25 Ski Park with an open fireplace, friendly staff, and all the Georgian classics.
- Vartsikhe Cellar: Popular restaurant with two branches (one near Kokhta and a new one near Didveli) run by a winery outside Kutaisi, with a wide-ranging menu and amazing khinkali dumplings (for 1.80 GEL a piece). There is also a nice Imeretian wine card here.
- Baron: Another great restaurant in the bottom of a block opposite Crystal, with a nice view of the forest (pictured above left). It has a solid Georgian menu and reasonably priced spirits and cocktails.
More travel resources for Georgia in winter
- The best things to do in Georgia in winter
- Bakuriani vs Gudauri vs Mestia – which resort is best?
- Tips for visiting Bakuriani Resort in winter
- Everything you need to know before you visit Gudauri
- Guide to the Kobi-Gudauri Cable Car
- How to visit Subaduri snow forest near Tbilisi
- The best things to do in Tbilisi in winter
- Visiting Mestia & Svaneti in winter
- The best things to do in Kutaisi in winter
- How to celebrate Christmas & New Year in Georgia
- Visiting the frozen Javakheti Plateau for Orthodox Epiphany
Hi!
Your information is always useful since it may be difficult to find it elsewhere in the web.
Do you know if it’s possible to do cross-country (nordic) skiing in Bakuriani? Or I believe it is since they just opened new biathlon & cross arena there, but is it possible to rent equipment there? Or maybe somewhere from Tbilisi?
Thanks, Vesa! Yes, the track opened a few days after we left so unfortunately I didn’t get to see it. I think they should have equipment available at the resort. I would try reaching out to one of the shops there – Wintersport Bakuriani has active FB and Instagram pages, I would try sending them a DM.