Bakuriani

Bakuriani is the most economically accessible ski resort in Georgia, nestled at 1,700 metres in the foothills of the Meskheti Range in the southwest of the country. The resort is smaller in scale than Gudauri — shorter runs, less variety of levels — but makes up for it with a family atmosphere, considerably lower prices and a village that has its own life beyond skiing: wooden houses, churches, local market.

A daily lift pass costs around 35–45 GEL (12–15 EUR), almost half the price of Gudauri. Equipment can be hired in shops on the main village street. Snow arrives in December and the season lasts until March, with most reliable conditions in January and February. Outside ski season, Bakuriani is also a summer destination: the alpine meadows above the village have little-frequented hiking trails.

One of the particularities of the visit is the access: the Borjomi-Bakuriani scenic railway, called Kukushka by Georgians, covers the 24 km between Borjomi and Bakuriani in about 2.5 hours along a narrow-gauge line through forests and valleys. It is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the Caucasus.

Bakuriani developed as a rest and ski resort in the Soviet era, when the railway line from Borjomi was built to bring holidaymakers from the capital. The resort was popular with the Soviet elite and in the 1970s–80s hosted international ski competitions. After the USSR collapsed, the infrastructure deteriorated; recovery was gradual from the 2000s with Georgian and foreign investment.

• Bakuriani ski slopes Several lifts with runs at different levels, mainly suited to beginners and intermediates. The best descents are in the Kokhta sector, accessible by cable car.
• Borjomi-Bakuriani scenic railway (Kukushka) The narrow-gauge train that covers 24 km between the two towns in 2.5 hours, passing through wooded valleys and villages. Runs daily; very cheap tickets.
• Bakuriani village The village centre has wooden houses, some restored, the Bakuriani Orthodox Church and a morning market with local products.
• Summer hiking trails In summer, the meadows above the village offer hiking with views over the Meskheti mountains. Less crowded than those in Gudauri.

Photo gallery

Bakuriani is about 180 km from Tbilisi. The usual route is via Borjomi: buses from Tbilisi to Borjomi (2–2.5 hours), then the Kukushka train to Bakuriani (2.5 hours) or taxi (45 minutes). By own car, follow the E60 motorway to Borjomi then the mountain road up.

The ski season runs from December to March; January and February have the most reliable snow conditions. Summer (June–August) is cool and pleasant for hiking: 15–20 °C, green meadows. Spring and autumn have fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices.