Bakuriani is one of the most beautiful winter resorts, with coniferous forests covered with snow, ski routes, cozy guest-houses, little cafes, narrow streets with people selling honey and cone jam, the lovely “cuckoo” train and the fresh mountain air which is so health-giving, for lungs in particular.
Bakuriani is located 180 km from Tbilisi in Borjomi gorge, 1700 meters above sea level. It is only 30 km from Borjomi to Bakuriani and on your way there you have a brilliant chance to catch a glimpse of some truly magnifi cent views.
The entertaining and vacationing season starts in December and lasts to the end of March in Bakuriani, the remarkable nature, climate and awesome location of which attracts visitors in summer, too. The fi r-grove is a wonderful asylum to escape the summer heat while the blossoming of pine-trees in May is special time of respite for people with lung and bronchi problems.
The Bakuriani resort became famous in the 1930s for its children’s sanatorium and skiing infrastructure. There is also a botanical garden founded with a remarkable collection of Alpen flora.
It is an ideal place for family holidays and active relaxation – skiing, snowboarding and skating. Extremists can enjoy the ATV and snowmobile tours. For entertainment, you can also ride in a hot air balloon, enjoy horse riding, and visit the cinema. The amusement park, with three entertainment zones: Tubing land, Ski land and Baby land is a true delight for children.
The special highlight of Bakuriani is the narrow gauge railway Borjomi-Bakuriani “Cuckoo Train” constructed in 1898-1901. It is really impressive to take this train and venture through the mountains. Special “Porter” type steam-engines were fi rst brought from England for this purpose, though since it has been replaced with a motor engine.
If you decide to spend your winter holidays in Bakuriani, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance. There are a number of hotels and guest-houses, and it is also possible to rent a flat or cottages. Most hotels serve delicious food and have a cozy atmosphere. Prices in guest-houses range from 40 to 120 USD.
Bakuriani is a place to get unforgettable skiing memories and if you are a beginner or need to get more experience, it is possible to take lessons with skiing instructors.
THERE ARE SEVERAL SKI ROUTES WITH MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE:
KOKHTA HILL
Kokhta Hill is located at an altitude of 2,155 meters above sea level and is served by a two-seat chairlift and two drag lifts- the so called Bugels. Red and black runs are located here and descend from the top of the peak down to the mid-level cable car, where blue runs and beginners nursery slopes can be found. Kokhta 2 (Tatra)
The mountain of Kokhta 2 (2,255 m) is known in Bakuriani as Tatra. The red and blue pistes here run for 1.8 km. 25 meter
Twenty-fi ve is an area of easy skiing located on the Circular, near the old 25-meter ski-jump which gives the area its name. Here, beginners and children can learn to ski in a safe and pleasant environment, surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains. You can also toboggan and sledge here, or take a horse drawn sleigh-ride through the ancient forests.
DIDVELI
Didveli, on one of Europe’s highest mountains, Mount Sakvelo, holds one of the most picturesque views. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mount Sakvelo, and ski down on a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste here stretches to around 4 km. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola to almost the very top of Mt Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski-legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.
