Bakuriani, the great mountain resort of Georgia, is a feast for snow lovers and skiers. It is an internationally known winter sports centre, built to Olympic standards and Novices and children equally enjoy their first winter sports steps in this winter paradise. Off the slopes, one of the most interesting places to visit in Bakuriani is the Botanical Garden, which opened in 1910. Over 1,500 species of plants provide a rich collection of Alpine and Sub-Alpine vegetation.
Skiing
Over a dozen alpine runs and pristine off-trail slopes make Bakuriani a skier’s paradise. Short family-runs are also available. The highest mountain of the resort used for skiing is called mount Kokhta 2. It stands at around 2 255 meters above sea level. Here the ski-track is of average difficulty (red). The length equals to 1 800 meters.
Another high mountain of the resort is Kokhtagora, that is located at an altitude of 2 155 meters. Ski-tracks of average difficult and difficult level are located here (two black and one red). The “25 meter trail” is a favorite place of beginner skiers and children for skiing and tobogganing.
The Kokhtamountain and Didveli ski-runs are superb, while the region as a whole carries the best cross-country skiing in Georgia.
Snowmobiles & Sledges
The hills and valleys around Bakuriani are ideal for snowmobiling. They can be rented nearly anywhere. Bakuriani has several hire centers, for both single and double-seat snowmobiles. The open hills offer deep snow and almost unlimited scope for adventure. Snowmobile hunting or ice fishing trips can also be arranged.
Prefer to get around the old-fashioned way? Horse-drawn sledges are the traditional mode of winter transportation in Bakuriani. For a real treat take a romantic sledge ride around the resort.
Ice Skating
Skating is another great pastime in Bakuriani. The valley offers a variety of opportunities, including in Bakuriani Park and in the gardens of the Hotel “Edem”.
Cabel Ways
Two cable-ways operate on Didveli. First, a gondola ski-lift takes you up to the slope of Mount Sakvelo, where ski tracks of easy and medium difficulty begin. The length equals 3 800 m. At the upper station of the gondola ski-lift the lower station of a chairlift is located. This route will take the visitors onto the tip of a much difficult, very steep ski track, almost near the peak of mount Sakvelo.
Kokhtagora is served by two-seat cable-ways and two tow-ways (so called Bugel). The Bugels are located in parallel to the chair cable-way, alongside the easy section of the Kokhtagora track to the right and to the left.
Park
The park is located in the centre of Bakuriani and is easily accessible for the vacationers. Here, near the ice rink, skiers are served by two tow-ways: the shorter one takes the skiers to the easy (blue) track, while the other reaching the top of the slope serves the difficult (black) track. Both of the tracks are quite short in length. In the park visitors can also enjoy driving snowmobiles. The park offers different attractions, especially for children.
