Bakuriani Ski Resort Georgia
Bakuriani ski resort has diverse terrain & a seriously modern ski lift system, located in south-central Georgia, midway between the major cities of Tbilisi & Kutaisi. Still not on the radar of the broader world ski fraternity; when it snows, Bakuriani has a festival of untouched powder skiing possibilities with no one else there to cross your lines! And with excellent 'learn to ski' facilities, fantastic local accommodation & non-skiing activities, Bakuriani has a reputation for being the best place for beginner skiers in Georgia.
Pros & Cons for Bakuriani Ski Resort
Pros
- Receives loads of snow in the right weather conditions
- Unlike some Georgian resorts, has great terrain for skiing during winter storms.
- Super-modern lift system.
- Skiable vertical of up to 1,000m off-piste.
- Reputedly Georgia's best beginner lifts and terrain.
- Uncrowded (deserted even!) glade and alpine terrain off-piste freeriding.
- Quality on-piste trails for all abilities of skiers & snowboarders.
- Excellent value lift pass.
- Superb range of quality, well-priced lodging options near the ski lifts.
- You are in Georgia ……. so food and drink will be plentiful, tasty, and cheap!
Cons
- Powder days can be lonely here!
- Public transport options exist but are not worth the effort.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- Limited length of on-piste trails if staying for a week and the snow isn’t great, but that is being really picky!
- Main ski sectors of Kohkta & Didveli are not lift or trail connected, but again, that’s super picky!
Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain
Consisting of two separate sectors (Didveli & Kokhta), the resort has over 30km of sheltered piste trails, a mostly modern ski lift system, ridiculously cheap lift passes, gorgeous off-piste tree skiing and huge backcountry potential from the easily reached 2,816m high summit of Mt Sakvelo. Off-piste freeride skiable verticals of nearly 1,000m are possible into the lift base at Didveli, with shorter descents of around 600m vertical into the more sheltered glades of the Kokhta sector, providing fabulous storm riding terrain.Due to the sheltered natture of much of the terrain, the resort is also great for beginner skiers, particularly off the gondola in the Didveli sector.
Before we get there next season to sample it for ourselves, check out the ski trail map.
Note that most of the major chairlift infrastructure has been installed since 2015, including 3 new chairs in the Didveli sector in 2021 alone, creating an incredibly modern ski resort that doesn’t resemble the latest outdated (!) trail map shown above.
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Where is Bakuriani Georgia?
The Bakuriani ski resort is located in the ‘Lesser Caucasus’ of south-central Georgia, mid-way between the major cities of Kutaisi & Tbilisi.
The closest gateway airports are either Kutaisi (KUT) or Tbilisi (TBS). By road, the main resort town of Bakuriani is around 200km (3hr) from Tbilisi International Airport, and 175km (3¼hr) from Kutaisi’s ‘David the Builder International Airport’. Which airport one uses is largely dictated by the flights available from your preferred departure point.
The recommended mode of travel to the resort is either by private taxi/shuttle, or rental car direct from the airport.
For hints, tips & warnings about getting to Georgia ski resorts in winter, see our Travel in Georgia page.
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Bakuriani Accommodation
The holiday resort town of Bakuriani is filled with a vast number of hotel, rental apartment, guesthouse & holiday home accommodations. Whilst the standards may vary, the sheer amount of lodging options mean one shouldn’t have too much trouble finding last minute beds during the winter season. At least four hotels rate themselves as 5-star (no disrespect intended, but it may not be a 5-star in every country of the world!), with the Bakuriani Inn the pick of them near the main town. Beyond the town, loads of great quality hotels (and some not so great !) line the valley all the way up to base of the Didveli gondola. The 5-star(!) Crystal Hotel & Spa is an excellent option. Near the lifts of the Kokhta sector, absolute stand-out lodgings are the Rooms Hotel Kokhta, right at the base of the slopes.
Search & book here for all Bakuriani ski accommodation.
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Review
The Powderhounds will review Bakuriani next season. More information about this European ski resort will come after our visit. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how the European ski resorts compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.
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