10 Things to Know Before You Visit Bakuriani Ski Resort: Practical Advice & Lessons Learned

Everything you need to plan a successful trip to Bakuriani Ski Resort.

Bakuriani is one of four government-run winter resorts in Georgia – the other three being Gudauri, Goderdzi and Mestia. It is located in the south of the country in the Trialeti Mountains (Lesser Caucasus), close to the town of Borjomi, at an elevation of 1,700 metres.

This is Georgia’s OG winter resort. The first ski tracks were established here in 1932 (as a training ground for USSR winter olympians), followed by the first ski school two years later. Today, Bakuriani remains a popular place for children’s ski camps. It is generally considered to be the most family-friendly resort, and the most suitable for novice skiers.

There are five ski areas in Bakuriani with a total of 11 lifts and 26 groomed runs that range from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert courses. Off the slopes, Bakuriani is something of a winter wonderland, with gorgeous coniferous forests, a cute town with A-frame houses, and a fair range of non-skiing activities for kids and adults alike.

Based on my own experiences in Bakuriani, this guide is framed as a series of frequently asked questions and travel tips. It covers everything you need to know about visiting Bakuriani in winter, from where to stay and how to get around, to the differences between the ski areas and etiquette tips.

If there is something I’ve missed, please leave me a comment below and I will do my best to help.

1. When is the best time to visit Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is a year-round destination in Georgia. In summer, people flock here for the cooler temperatures, fresh air and mineral waters. Generally speaking, July/August and December/January are the busiest times of year.

When does it snow in Bakuriani?

If you’re looking for snowy landscapes and winter sports, then the best time to visit Bakuriani is from the end of January until the end of March.

Bakuriani is snowsure, and most years there is meaningful snow between late November and the end of March. According to historical data from the past decade, the snowiest week of the year is usually the third week of March, with 26cm of snowfall on average.

There are three snow cams in Bakuriani that you can now monitor: access the live feeds here on Kamrebi Live.

When do the ski lifts start operating?

The ski lifts in Bakuriani operate in both winter and summer.

In 2024, Bakuriani was the first of Georgia’s four ski resorts to open for winter. The lifts are normally closed for several months over spring and autumn for maintenance before launching for the next season.

Dates for 2024/2025 are as follows:

• Winter season opening date: December 9, 2024
• Winter season closing date: March 30, 2025 (anticipated)
• Summer season opening date: June 25, 2025 (TBC based on last year’s date)
• Summer season closing date: September 13, 2025 (TBC based on last year’s date)

You can easily check the status of the lifts using this website: Status.MTA.Ski. More details about riding the ski lifts – including opening hours and ticket prices – can be found below in section #5.

Why you should avoid visiting Bakuriani during school holidays

The holiday period is normally very busy in Bakuriani, with queues for the lifts and congestion on the roads. I would highly recommend you avoid visiting during the New Year break (approximately December 30 to January 13).

The middle week of February can also be busy, as many families from the UAE visit Georgia for their mid-term break. Spring school holidays in Georgia fall between March 8 and March 14 approximately. This period can also be busy.

For the best chance of fresh snow and clear weather without the school holiday crowds, I recommend visiting Bakuriani from late January to early February, or during the last two weeks of March.

2. What is the best way to get to Bakuriani?

Bakuriani is located in the southern part of Georgia in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region. The closest major town is Borjomi, which is 30 kilometres (19 miles) away.

Bakuriani is virtually equal distance from Georgia’s two main hubs and international airports in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, with travel time from either city 2.5-3.5 hours depending on weather and road conditions.

The distance from Tbilisi to Bakuriani is 180 kilometres (112 miles) and the distance from Kutaisi to Bakuriani is 150 kilometres (93 miles).

Getting to Bakuriani by car

Driving to Bakuriani is a great idea for anyone who wants maximum flexibility. We drove our own car to Bakuriani recently.

The road to Bakuriani is fully sealed and very manageable. A 4WD is not needed, but in winter, you will need winter tires. Winter tires are mandatory for this mountain area, and police do set up checkpoints.

My preferred rental company in Georgia, Local Rent, supplies winter tires with its rental cars free of charge.

The road to Bakuriani that approaches the resort from the south via Akhalkalaki is not open during winter. It remains partially unsealed around the Tskhratskaro Pass. Instead, you will need to approach the resort from the west via Borjomi.

If you are coming from Tbilisi, you will be driving west along Georgia’s main Rikoti Highway. This road (the E60) is currently being reconstructed and while most of the new bypasses, bridges and tunnels are open, there are sometimes delays due to ongoing works.

If you are coming from Kutaisi or Batumi, you will follow the same highway east, passing through Zestafoni.

Turn off at Khashuri to head towards Borjomi, but before entering the resort, take the turn off onto the mountain road that strikes out south-east. I recommend following the main Borjomi-Bakuriani-Akhalkalaki Road (it is cleaned in winter) rather than the second village road (which is not fully cleaned).

Potential places to stop along the way include: Surami and Khashuri (for the legendary fortress and a piece of nazuki sweet bread), and Restaurant Kevri (for lunch).

Getting to Bakuriani by taxi

If you prefer not to self-drive, a private transfer to Bakuriani is the next best option. As always, I recommend using the GoTrip website to pre-book a transfer from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi or any other location in Georgia.

This is a door-to-door service (airport pick-up is also available), and you are free to make as many sightseeing stops as you like along the way. The price quoted is for the entire car and is fixed at the time of booking. All cars are equipped with seatbelts and winter tires.

Getting to Bakuriani by marshrutka van

Shared transport to Bakuriani is available from Tbilisi or Kutaisi. Direct vans from both cities do exist, but in most cases you will need to transit through Borjomi.

For full details on the journey from Tbilisi (either by marshrutka or train/marshrutka combo), see my dedicated transport guide for travelling from Tbilisi to Bakuriani.

If you are coming from Kutaisi, there is one direct van to Bakuriani at 10am from Kutaisi Central Bus Station. Vans to Borjomi (they continue on to Akhaltsikhe) depart at 8.20am, 8.50am, 9.30am and 11.30am daily. The fare is 15 GEL.

Vans to Bakuriani are scheduled to depart from Borjomi Bus Station at 8.30am, 9am, 10.30am, 12.15pm, 3pm, 4.30pm. The fare is 3 GEL. Taxis are also available at the same location for 50-70 GEL.

Vans terminate at Bakuriani Bus Station, which is located in the town. Schedules for the return trip are posted there on the ticket office window. Double-check all times and prices locally.

3. How to move around the resort

Bakuriani is relatively spread out, with five separate ski areas plus a town centre. Compared to Gudauri, it is quite easy to move around Bakuriani either by car, bus or on foot.

Driving in Bakuriani

A car is not mandatory for Bakuriani, but having your own wheels does make it a lot easier to get around. The two main ski slopes at Didveli and Kokta-Mitarbi are 8 kilometres (around a 20-minute drive) apart.

The roads within Bakuriani are a bit of a mixed bag. Most of them are sealed (potholes are common), but the dirt/mud road into Kokhta is particularly awful. Some roads around the town can be icy in winter. Overall though, driving in Bakuriani is a breeze (provided you avoid school holidays when traffic is very heavy).

Parking is ample, with paid lots at all the ski lifts and street parking available in town. At Kokhta, there is an undercover parking area for 5 GEL/24 hours. Expect to pay 3-5 GEL/24 hours to park in one of the open 24-hour lots at Didveli or in town. All these lots have terminals, so you can either pay with card or cash. Payment is always made on arrival (not on exit).

There are several petrol stations in Bakuriani, but prices might be higher here. I recommend filling up at the bottom of the mountain either in Khashuri or Borjomi.

Buses in Bakuriani

Green Isuzu city buses run between the ski lifts at Didveli (south) and Kokhta (east) via Bakuriani town throughout the day. Stops are marked with a blue bus sign, or you can hail the driver from anywhere along the route.

There are two bus routes:

• Kokhta – Bakuriani Inn – Didveli
• Kokhta – 25 Ski Park – Didveli

Each bus has an A4 sheet of paper on its windshield with the route written in Georgian. Look for the number 25 to distinguish between the routes.

The bus fare is 1 GEL per person per ride, payable by card only. Tap on using your credit/debit card as you board.

I couldn’t find a precise schedule for the buses, but they did appear to be relatively frequent. If the roads are icy, there might be fewer services.

Taxis in Bakuriani

Taxis are also available in Bakuriani. Bolt app works here, and I highly recommend using it to book a taxi (or at the very least, to get a price quote). If you are hailing a street taxi, always confirm the price before you set off.

To give you a rough idea of prices, the 20-minute ride from Didveli to Kokhta costs 20-25 GEL.

Walking in Bakuriani

Another point of difference with Gudauri is that it is relatively easy to get around Bakuriani on foot (no truck-heavy Military Highway to contend with). There are footpaths in town and on the main Circle Road.

Take care if you are walking around Kokhta – as mentioned, the roads here are terrible and there is no sidewalk.

We walked between Didveli and Crystal Park several times. There is no footpath here, but the road is wide enough that you can keep a safe distance from traffic. At night, most of the roads are lit by street lights.

4. Where is the best area to stay in Bakuriani?

Given that it is relatively easy to get around Bakuriani, you do have more choice when it comes to the area you stay in. Bakuriani has a huge range of accommodations at different price points, from ski-in resorts to hotels, guesthouses and self-contained apartments.

If you are here solely to ski, I would recommend choosing accommodation close to the lifts of your choice (see point #5 below for a break-down of the different slopes). If you want to experience a mix of areas plus non-ski activities, I would suggest staying somewhere central (close to or in town).

We structured our trip to Bakuriani so that we could be out during the day and back at our accommodation in the late afternoon. Thus we looked for an area with restaurants and supermarkets within walking distance (we didn’t want to have to go too far at night). Services are sprinkled everywhere (more below in section #8), so no matter where you stay, you won’t have to travel far for the basics.

Based on my experience, here are the three areas that I think are ideal bases.

Option 1: Didveli/Crystal

Didveli is the area 3 kilometres south of Bakuriani town centre. It is an ideal base for beginner skiers and those who want to do a mix of activities on and off the slopes.

Apartments and resorts are located all along Aghmashenebeli Avenue along with restaurants and markets. This street is also served by the Isuzu buses. If you stay towards the southern end of Didveli, you can get to the Didveli ski lifts on foot.

We stayed in a new Didveli building called The Valley in this apartment we found on Booking. We were very happy with the location and the availability of onsite parking.

One of Bakuriani’s most popular resorts, Crystal Hotel & Spa, is also located in this area, just up the road from where we stayed. Crystal is a self-contained resort with accommodations, restaurants, and its own set of ski lifts/gondolas plus other activities including an ice rink. If you have limited time in Bakuriani, you have young kids and/or you are looking for an ‘all-in-one’ place to stay, Crystal could be a good option.

Option 2: In town near Amirani’s Park

Amirani’s Park is a recreational area at the southern end of Bakuriani town (more below in section #6). If you are looking for a snow-focused trip rather than a ski-focused experience, then I would definitely consider staying here.

I really liked the look of this area – there are lots of apartments and hotels surrounded by beautiful trees. It is walking distance from the centre of town, where there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops.

The family-friendly 25 Ski Park is a 20-minute walk away. From here, you can pick up an Isuzu bus to Kokhta or Didveli.

Area Park Bakuriani is one example of a new building near Amirani Park. It offers modern studio apartments. Villa Mtashi has cute cabin-style houses near the 25 Ski Park, with the largest sleeping up to 8 adults and 4 children.

Option 3: Kokhta

Kokhta-Mitarbi is 4 kilometres east of Bakuriani town. It might be suitable if you are a serious skier looking for more advanced runs and a resort vibe that is perhaps less family-focused and closer to a European resort.

Rooms Kokhta has direct access to the ski lifts and is the obvious choice here. I have stayed here in the past – and while I was a bit disappointed by the room amenities and lack of soundproofing (I was staying in the cheapest room, though!), I love the cosy vibe of the lounge, the low lighting, and the impeccable design of this hotel. The onsite restaurant-bar-terrace is every bit as wonderful as its counterpart, Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi.

5. What do I need to know about skiing in Bakuriani?

Bakuriani has several separate ski areas geared towards different levels. As I alluded to above, the resort has a family-friendly, entry-level feel for the most part. Kokhta-Mitarbi is a bit different and has more of a ‘European’, advanced skier vibe. But strangely, I only saw half a dozen snowboarders the entire time I was there.

MTA ski areas

Mountain Trails Agency (MTA) is the government-owned organisation that manages the ski facilities in Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi and Mestia.

In Bakuriani, MTA oversees three ski zones: Didvel, Kokhta, and Mitarbi. MTA ski passes are valid for all the lifts here, and the runs are patrolled by police and mountain rescue teams.

Didveli (max 2,702 metres) has five modern lifts (one gondola, three chair lifts and one platter lift) servicing 36 kilometres of runs. There is also a panoramic funicular, but it appears to be out of service at the time of writing.

We saw lots of ski schools, families and groups of kids at Didveli. The vibe here is pretty relaxed. Bakuriani’s only green (beginner) run is located here. Called the Half Pipe (don’t worry, there is no jumping involved!), it is a long, smooth piste that is ideal for first-timers to practice on. For more advanced skiers, there are 3 intermediate blue runs, and 8 red and black runs. Note that there are two runs in Didveli, Slope Style and Lado, that are reserved for competitions and closed to the public.

Kokhta and Mitarbi are two mountains at 2,175 metres and 2,207 metres respectively. These resorts were redeveloped in 2015 and have newer lifts. They are generally considered to be more suitable for advanced skiers. This area has a different feel, with fewer kids around. Neither Kokhta nor Mitarbi have any green runs, but there are 6 blue runs between them.

Privately owned ski areas

In addition, there are two privately owned ski areas in Bakuriani: Crystal Park, and the 25 Ski Park. These have different operating hours, and different ticketing systems and prices.

Crystal is located between Bakuriani town and Didveli. It has a 2.5 kilometre ski run (with its own private chairlift) plus a 350-metre slope designed specifically for children. In our experience, this area can be very crowded – but it has a nice, very local atmosphere. I have heard people say the runs here are not particularly well-maintained, but I did not ski here so I can’t speak to that.

25 Ski Park is the most informal (and frankly chaotic) ski area in Bakuriani. It is located on the edge of town, at the south-eastern end of the Circle Road. There are platter lifts here that cost a few GEL to ride, plus chair lifts. The main run is long and flat and unlike the other areas, there are no trees to collide with. But you do have to be mindful of other skiers, kids tubing, dogs, etc.– and especially snowmobiles and ATVs.

Lift operating hours, prices & passes

Each ski area in Bakuriani has different opening hours. The operating hours for the lifts are as follows:

• Didveli: Open daily from 10am-5pm + night skiing daily until 10pm
• Kokhta & Mitarbi: Open daily from 10am-5pm (no night skiing)
• Crystal: Open daily from 10am-10pm
• 25 Ski Park: Open daily from 10am-late

The three MTA slopes (Didvel, Kokhta and Mitarbi) are priced as follows:

• 1 ride: 15 GEL (adults & kids; up and back)
• 1 day: 55 GEL (or 28 GEL for kids)
• 2 days: 110 GEL (or 55 GEL for kids)

Options go all the way up to 7 days/season for 296/148 GEL. Seasonal passes cost 650 GEL for adults or 325 GEL for kids. Family passes are also available for 135 GEL (2 adults, 2 kids) or 160 GEL (2 adults, 3 kids).

Multi-ride and daily passes can be used across all three MTA zones in Bakuriani, and season tickets are valid at all MTA resorts in Georgia.

Note that you must also purchase a plastic Multicard (one card for each person) for an additional 5 GEL.

Crystal and the 25 Ski Park have separate pricing structures. For the latter, you pay per ride – 1-3 GEL depending on the lift, cash only. Crystal charges 55 GEL for day skiing, 30 GEL for night skiing, or 80 GEL for the full 12 hours. It costs 25 GEL per person to ride the gondola up to Cafe Skyline and back.

Ticket desks are located at all bottom lift stations. Both cash and card are accepted. At Didveli, the ticket office is open from 10am-4.40pm and again from 5pm-9.30pm. For all other resorts, the ticket office has the same opening hours as the lifts.

When boarding a lift, swipe on by touching your card to the reader on the left-side of the turnstile. You do not have to swipe on for the return journey. Joyriders are welcome on all lifts – none of the lifts are exclusively ski-off, meaning you can jump out and walk off as long as you are wearing appropriate winter shoes.

Renting ski gear & clothes

There are dozens of ski rental shops in Bakuriani, including at the bottom stations for all ski lifts. Prices are pretty consistent between the different vendors, and honestly we couldn’t see much of a difference between their offerings. I recommend checking the recent reviews on Google Maps before choosing a shop.

Gear is available for both adults and kids. Note that some items might be a bit older or more worn-in than you’re used to.

The going rate for gear rental in Bakuraini per day is:

• Skis, boots & poles: 40 GEL
• Snowboard & boots: 40 GEL
• Helmet: 10 GEL (not mandatory in Georgia, but highly recommended)
• Goggles: 10 GEL
• Waterproof jacket: 15 GEL
• Waterproof pants: 15 GEL
• Gloves: 10 GEL

If you bring nothing with you and rent everything on the spot, you are looking at 100 GEL/day.

If you prefer to buy your own gear, there are markets in Bakuriani where you can pick up second-hand or possibly new ski clothes. This includes jackets, pants and overalls, waterproof shoes, and hats, gloves and scarves.

There is a big clothes bazaar in town at this location, and a second market selling winter accessories a few blocks away at this location. Just keep in mind that prices here are probably inflated. You are almost guaranteed to find better prices on similar items in Tbilisi at retailers such as Snowy Mountains.

Ski instructors in Bakuriani

There are several ski schools in Bakuriani that offer both private and group lessons for all ages and levels. Bakuriani Ski Academy is a reputable outfit with English, Russian and Georgian-speaking instructors. Skinane and Xtreme Ski-School offer group lessons for kids starting from around 100 GEL.

6. What else is there to do in Bakuriani apart from skiing?

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there are other activities on offer in Bakuriani both on and off the slopes.

Go for a walk in the forest at Amirani’s Park, visit Trinity Church, ride the gondola up to Cafe Skyline for sunset, or go urbexing in nearby Libani.

Events take place in Bakuriani across winter, and include ski championships, an ice festival, and apres-ski parties with live DJs.

See my full guide: 12 things to do in Bakuriani aside from skiing

7. Restaurants & apres-ski

Bakuriani has a pretty solid food scene, with lots of Georgian and a few international eateries to choose from. Prices are naturally a bit higher here (and portion sizes noticeably smaller at some venues), but I still thought Bakuriani was much better value for money compared to Gudauri.

Because Bakuriani is more of a family resort, the alcoholic apres-ski options are definitely more limited. There are only a small handful of dedicated bars in Bakuriani. Instead, I recommend grabbing a drink at one of the restaurants listed below.

Best restaurants in Bakuriani

The restaurants we ate at and can recommend in Bakuriani are:

• 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.
• The Kitchen at Rooms Kokhta: The lounge here is simply the best apres-ski location in Bakuriani. 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. We always go for the Rooms Burger.
• Cafe Skyline: Panoramic restaurant-bar at the middle gondola station at Crystal Park, with a big indoor space and outdoor terrace.
• Baron: Another great restaurant in the bottom of a block opposite Crystal, with a nice view of the forest. It has a solid Georgian menu and reasonably priced spirits and cocktails.

8. Services & facilities

Because Bakuriani is a town (or more precisely a daba – meaning something between a small city and a large village) that people live in year-round, there is a big selection of supermarkets and corner shops, pharmacies, banks and other services. Prices are the same as you would find in Kutaisi or Tbilisi.

Grocery shops, pharmacies, etc.

Nikora has several branches in Bakuriani, including a shop near Crystal/Didveli, and a 24-hour market in town. Ori and Spar also have branches here, and there is even a Europroduct specialty grocer (in case you’re craving Belgian chocolate or organic herbal tea).

There are PSP and Aversi pharmacies located in Bakuriani town. If you need medical assistance, there is a 24-hour clinic near Bakuriani Inn.

Magti has a branch in Bakuriani if you need to buy a local SIM card (note that it is only open on weekdays).

Banks & ATMs

There are plenty of ATMs in Bakuriani town (TBC, Bank of Georgia and Liberty Bank), plus several bank branches and exchange offices.

Card is widely accepted in Bakuriani at all restaurants, shops, ski pass offices, etc.

Restrooms

The almost complete lack of public bathrooms seems to be an issue at every winter resort in Georgia. There are toilet blocks at some of the upper and lower lift stations, but not all. Strategic planning is definitely required for bathroom breaks – I recommend using the facilities at a restaurant when you can.

9. Staying safe in Bakuriani

Like the rest of the country, Bakuriani is generally a very safe destination in terms of personal safety.

There are several things to be mindful of.

Safety on the ski fields

The recreational areas in Bakuriani can get very crowded and a bit chaotic. This is especially true of 25 Ski Park and Crystal, where you have a mix of levels and a range of activities (ATVs, sleds, skiers) all sharing the same territory.

Unfortunately I have heard of several accidents involving pedestrians being struck by skiers. Take extra care when you are in congested areas, and try to avoid places where there are ATVs and snowmobiles on the loose.

You should never ski or snowboard without the appropriate insurance. If your travel insurance does not include winter sports/adventure coverage, or if you live in Georgia, then you might wish to take out a policy with local provider Ardi (this is what I usually do). Ardi’s Welcomer X-treme package covers skiing and snowboarding (emergency medical care and evacuation) and costs 15 GEL/day. Email them for a quote and policy wording in English.

Road safety

The roads in and around Bakuriani feel pretty safe because they are relatively wide in most places. Due to traffic and conditions in winter, everyone tends to move pretty slowly through the resort – but of course, you still need to be extremely wary of people speeding.

Take care on the roads (whether you are driving or walking), and try to avoid being out on the roads after dark.

10. Prices in Bakuriani: Is Bakuriani expensive?

I was pleasantly surprised at just how affordable accommodation in Bakuriani is. Food and drink are also quite reasonable (especially if you stick to Georgian cuisine), and the price of groceries is on-par with anywhere else.

Ski passes are cheaper than in Gudauri – for example, a day pass in Bakuriani will set you back 55 GEL compared to the 70 GEL you pay in Gudauri.

Our travel budget for Bakuriani

To give you an idea of how much you should budget for Bakuriani, here are some example costs based on our daily spend.

• Accommodation: 140 GEL/night
• Lift pass: 55 GEL/day per person
• Gear rental: 40 GEL/day per person
• Parking: 5 GEL/day
• Restaurant lunch (e.g. soup & khachapuri): 60 GEL
• Restaurant dinner (e.g. khinkali, meat dish, salad & wine): 80 GEL
• Ride on the Crystal cable car: 25 GEL/person

= 520 GEL for 2 people

Bakuriani map

Here is a basic map I created with the locations of the ski lift bottom stations, restaurants, shops, parking lots, and other points of interest in Bakuriani.

Maps of the ski lifts/runs are hard to come by onsite, so I highly recommend you download this high-res map from the MTA website and print it off to take with you. Note that in Georgia, the standard European colourgrades are used for the runs, with green for beginners and black for experts.

More travel resources for winter in Georgia

• The best things to do in Georgia in winter
• Bakuriani vs Gudauri vs Mestia – which resort is best?
• Everything you need to know before you visit Gudauri
• Guide to the Kobi-Gudauri Cable Car
• Visiting Mestia & Svaneti in winter
• How to visit Subaduri snow forest near Tbilisi
• The best things to do in Tbilisi 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