Skiing in Bakuriani: how to get there, routes, where to live. Open left menu bakuriani Ski resort in georgia bakuriani
Bakuriani is a village in Georgia, in the municipality, the center of which is the city of Borjomi.
Nearby is a settlement called Bakurian andesite, which was formed near the rich andesite deposits discovered here.
Bakuriani is a village with one central street, which has comfortable hotels, large restaurants and cafes, supermarkets and even a casino.
Hotel complexes, hotels are mainly located on the edge of the settlement, forming a kind of ring.
The most luxurious hotels are located in the west of the village. On the south side is the entrance to the Didveli cable car.
More than 150 accommodation options are offered in Bakuriani.
You can rent a villa, for example, Villa Sun Valley, stay in a spa hotel, for example, Victoria Hotel & Spa, Happy House Chalet, etc.
Guest houses and hotels located at the foot of the mountains, closest to the ski lifts, are popular.
In Bakuriani you can stay in apartments:
Apartments in Bakuriani on Didveli;
Mariam Cristalville Apartment;
Ana Apartment at Orbi, etc.
Guests are invited to 4-star hotels with swimming pools, luxurious terraces, home appliances in cozy spacious rooms:
Hotel Villa Palace;
Orbi Palace Eleonora and others.
Most hotels in Bakuriani provide free parking, Internet access, comfortable rooms are equipped with all necessary equipment, saunas and massage parlors are equipped on site.
The village attracts vacationers with children. The most frequent tourists are residents of Georgia and Armenia.
Restaurants and cafes offer Georgian, Ukrainian, European cuisine.
Many hotels accept free of charge children under 4 years old, organize a free transfer from the airport of the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi.
Bakuriani prices.
The average cost of living for one person in a standard room is 100-130 GEL per week.
Accommodation in rooms of 4-star hotels in Bakuriani will cost on average 200-250 GEL per week.
Bakuriani is a resort that gained fame after Borjomi. Doctors prescribed here treatment with the purest air and healing waters.
The resort attracts with its pristine nature, herds of cows and goats, herds of horses graze in its vicinity and on the mountain slopes.
In Soviet times, several institutions for sanatorium treatment, boarding houses, etc. were built here.
After 1990 they were abandoned, but now new sanatoriums and hotels are being built.
Bakuriani reviews.
Until 1917, members of the royal family came to Bakuriani to rest. The palace for representatives of the Romanov dynasty tells about these times.
Tourists are attracted by the fact that in winter the average air temperature is 5-7 ° C below zero, most often at this time in Bakuriani there is a lot of sun and a fairly high, at least 0.5 m, snow cover, and there is almost no wind.
In the reviews, it is noted as a big plus that in the summer there is no scorching heat due to the high-altitude location of the village at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level.
This urban-type settlement is located to the north of the famous Trialeti ridge, part of the Caucasus mountain range.
In the 20th century it was a center for competitions of various levels in winter sports: slalom, bobsleigh, biathlon and ski jumping.
Bakuriani is very popular among tourists who are fond of skiing and come here to the ski resort, located at an altitude of 1 km 700 m above sea level in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge.
Bakuriani photo.
In the summer, lifts operate here, allowing travelers to get acquainted with the beautiful region and see it from the height of the mountain peaks.
Tourists are attracted by sights in the vicinity of Bakuriani:
Lake Tabatskuri located near the village;
extinct volcano Tavkvechili;
Timotesubani Monastery;
several medieval fortresses;
Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Georgia, located on the north side of Bakuriani;
Borjomi National Park.
The mineral water springs brought fame to the village.
Mineral water springs are located on the tops of the mountains near Bakuriani, half an hour drive from the village. It is believed that this water rises from a depth of 10 km, therefore it has a temperature of about 40 ° C.
Plants were built near the springs, bottling healing waters.
There are several health centers for children in the village.
The resort is distinguished by an abundance of pines and larch trees, not only in the vicinity, but in the center of the town.
Guests are invited to entertainment centers for every taste.
In Bakuriani, you can learn to ride a horse and take part in horseback riding.
Bicycle trips through the Trialeti Range are very popular.
Tbilisi - Bakuriani.
The distance from Tbilisi to Bakuriani is 180 kilometers.
You can come to Bakuriani by car or by bus, as well as by narrow-gauge railway line from the city of Borjomi.
The most popular type of transport is a fixed-route taxi departing from Bakuriani regularly in two directions:
leaves for Tbilisi with an interval of 1 hour, the ticket price is 10 GEL;
to Borjomi - with an interval of 1 hour, ticket price - 3 GEL.
From Bakuriani, you can take a bus to the cities of Kutaisi, Khashuri, Akhaltsikhe, as well as to Lake Tabatskuri, but you need to find out specifically about the days and times of departure.
The idea of building a narrow-gauge railway Borjomi - Bakuriani arose in the second half of the 19th century.
From Bakuriani to Borjomi.
First, the tracks were laid, then the stations were built.
The first locomotive was purchased from Great Britain in 1897.
Daily train traffic between Borjomi and Bakuriani has been carried out since 1902.
Since 1966, the first electric train produced at the Czechoslovak plant was launched on the road. There are now 12 such rare trains all over the world.
In the 20th century, after the construction of a plant for the extraction of andesite, this valuable mineral was transported by road.
Each train has only one locomotive and two carriages. The first carriage is first class, it is more modern, the ticket price is 2 lari; the second - second class, ticket price - 1 GEL.
The length of the narrow gauge railway is 37 km.
From Borjomi to Bakuriani, the train goes uphill to a height of 870 m.
The train travels at a speed of about 25 kilometers per hour.
It is more pleasant to travel by train than by bus, because you have the opportunity to admire the scenery.
The most charming views open from the train window when approaching Bakuriani.
You can go by train from Bakuriani to Borjomi daily at 10.00 and 14.15, the journey time is 2.5 hours.
There is one bridge and one tunnel on the route.
Despite the fact that the trains are quite old, their safety is checked every day.
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By taxi
You can get from Bakuriani by minibus, which departs from the bus station located near the Didube metro station. After leaving the subway, you need to go through the market and turn right. There, on the square you will see a huge number of minibuses.
The minibus to Bakuriani leaves from platform number 25, but it's better to ask someone. Only, in order to be understood, choose an older person who studied Russian at school. You will definitely be advised. Minibuses do not have timetables, they leave as they fill up from 7:00 to 17:00. The trip to Bakuriani will take about two and a half hours.
Buying a ticket
The ticket can be bought from the driver.
Ticket price
A ticket to Bakuriani costs 8-10 lari (3-3.8 euros).
By train
From Tbilisi to Bakuriani can be reached by train with a change in Borjomi. The train schedule can be found on the Georgian Railways website.
In order to transfer to the train to Bakuriani, you need a train leaving at 6:35. Trains in Georgia are quite comfortable and clean, the seats are soft, air conditioning - as lucky. The train runs until four o'clock.
Departing from the central railway station (Station Square metro station), you will need to get off at Borjomi at the Chernaya Rechka station. From here begins the narrow gauge railway, along which the famous old cuckoo train runs.
The train schedule is adjusted to the schedule of the Tbilisi train, ten minutes is enough for a transfer. In any case, do not worry, you will definitely have time to transfer - they will wait for you. 
The road to Bakuriani is very long - two and a half hours, but the resort is less than 30 km away. The road often goes under a big slope, the speed does not exceed 15 km/h. On the one hand, she cannot boast of some gorgeous views, because these views are covered by trees. On the other hand, this trip gives some extraordinary feeling of moving in time. You go and you go in such a trailer.
However, no matter how atmospheric such a trip may be, I advise you to return by minibus. In Borjomi or in, depends on your future plans.
Buying a ticket
You can buy a train ticket at the ticket office of the station, theoretically you can also online, but it seemed to me that you need to know Georgian for this.
Ticket price
The ticket price for the Tbilisi-Borjomi train is 2 lari (0.8 euro).
A ticket for the Borjomi-Bakuriani train costs 1 (0.4 euros) or 2 (0.8 euros) lari, depending on the car. There are only two cars: old and new, and two prices.
By car
Traveling by car is undoubtedly the most comfortable, especially for the passenger. You can rent a car in Tbilisi using the Internet search, through this type, or directly on the rental website. A distance of 184 km can be covered in less than three hours. If you do not stop to take pictures or just admire.
The road to Khashuri is just excellent, a two-lane highway with a limit of 120 km, and the further road to Borjomi is not bad, albeit a one-lane one. The road from to Bakuriani is also quite decent and pleases with views.
Happy journey!
The unforgettable ski resort of Georgia Bakuriani is the place where you want to constantly return. True connoisseurs of the beauty of natural nature will be able to enjoy all the splendor of this resort town.
Wonderful climate, clean air, developed infrastructure, the opportunity to ski and explore the slopes - that's what Georgia can give.
Despite the small area of this village, it is quite popular both among local residents and among other populations of our globe. It is worth talking about what is so unique and interesting you can find there.
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Description
What is Bakuriani? This is not a very large village located on the territory of Georgia. It is located in the very center of this country and boasts the majestic scenery of the Caucasus Mountains.
Many people who were lucky enough to visit this area note the hospitality of the locals, the wonderful friendly atmosphere.
In order to attract as many tourists as possible to the territory of the complex, the locals tried to make the territory attractive in terms of active recreation and pleasant pastime - convenient roads, waypoints to excellent ski slopes, an area for leisure and living, and much more.
Geographic location
Officially, the urban-type settlement is located at 1700 meters above sea level. Spread on the slope of the Trialeti Range in its northern part.
As mentioned above, the complex is located in the very center of the country in a picturesque place.
Geographically, this settlement is located in the Borjomi municipality, which in turn is part of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of a beautiful mountainous country - Georgia. Very favorable geographical position - only 190 km from Tbilisi airport.
Climate and weather
Georgia and its centers for mountain skiers are associated primarily with beautiful sunny weather. The sun over the Caucasus Mountains shines here for more than 210 days a year.
Remarkable is the fact that the village receives relatively little precipitation per year - only about 800 millimeters.
This indicates that the summer period in this area is quite cool. The temperature during this period averages up to 15 degrees with a plus sign on the Celsius scale.
Winter here is slightly warmer than the average in other regions of the country, but still cold. The thermometer usually does not rise to minus 7 degrees. The weather in the center is almost always calm. The height of the existing snow cover is on average about 65 cm.
Characteristic
It is the oldest resort in the Caucasus. Even the imperial family loved to relax in this beautiful place, enjoying the beauty of the majestic nature, the purest mountain air and silence. The royal palace located here is more than 100 years old.
In the Soviet years, it was a recreation center for politicians and leaders. The first skier who got up on skis and descended the mountainous area was a party member and statesman A. Zhemchuzhnikov.
Interesting fact: The center differs from many others in that it has a favorable location. It will take only a couple of hours to spend on the road from the Tbilisi airport to move to the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains.
Both weather and climatic conditions are very favorable for staying even for a long time in Bakuriani. Has its own official website. Here, those who are interested can see beautiful photos, learn a lot of useful information.
Tracks
Mount Kokhta, which literally means "beautiful", has become a place for skiing. Its slopes are perfectly adapted for the Kokhta-1 and Kokhta-2 sections. Currently, the study and development of another mountain, Didveli, continues.
"Kokhta-1" has a length of one and a half kilometers. It is believed that it is intended for more advanced skiers, as it has a two-stage structure.
Trail map can be found in any hotel. It looks like the photo below.
Kokhta-2 is another site suitable for those ski lovers who can confidently stand on this sports equipment. Its length is already a larger indicator - 3 kilometers.
The areas for beginners include a few more very short segments. There is also a trail for lovers of luge and cross-country skiing.
Lifts
According to reviews, there are very comfortable lifts. For example, a double with armchairs (chair), with a length of 1 kilometer 200 meters. There is also a tow ropeway, which is 1400 meters.
Among the lifts, one can note the Tatra cable car, with a length of 1 kilometer 600 meters. For children and teenagers there are 4 tow roads.
All this diversity suggests that Bakuriani was created for a comfortable stay for people of any age and level of skiing.
Hotels
This center boasts a large number of hotels and hotels of various stars. Here you can find both prestigious hotels and hotels that have their own zest in the architectural structure, originality and local flavor.
There are also five-star hotels that give their visitors an atmosphere of luxury and maximum comfort. The convenient location of cafes and restaurants near the hotel is a distinctive feature of the five-star apartments.
Hotel guests at any time can use the rental of the best sports equipment, as well as a personal trainer for beginners ski holidays. The decoration of hotels is most often made of the finest woods and high-quality marble.
Note: in Bakuriani there are hotels with a lower star rating, as well as economy class hotels. Thus, the center is accessible to many people who are representatives of different social groups.
Three-star hotels are also distinguished by world-class comfort conditions. Guests wishing to stay in hotels of this level will be greeted by friendly staff who will certainly help to spend an active holiday without any hassle and worries.
Distinctive features
Among the entertainment available to guests are cafes, and restaurants, and taverns, and bars for those who wish to have a tasty meal in their free time. Fans of nightlife can have fun in a few clubs.
There is also a cinema where you can watch the latest world cinema.
Holidays with children are possible here, as there are various interesting establishments, special slopes, lifts and many entertainments available for kids.
There are also excursions to neighboring villages with the opportunity to see some sights, for example, mineral springs, which will not leave indifferent either children or adults.
Prices
Speaking about prices, they can be divided into several categories:
- for accommodation in hotels and inns;
- for slopes and lifts;
- for the rental of ski equipment;
- for entertainment, excursions, etc.
So, depending on which route is chosen, guests can pay from 4 GEL (about 2 USD) for 1 climb. Use for 1 day can cost about 20 GEL. And for 10 days you can give about 160 GEL.
The cost of hotels depends on their star rating. At the same time, it is better to find out the final price by directly contacting a specific hotel, since the level of rooms ultimately determines the pricing policy. Tbilisi is a maximum of just over 180 km.
From St. Petersburg there is a flight to Kutaisi Airport. Further, you can go to the village in one of the ways described above - by bus, taxi, train to Borjomi, and then by public transport.
On the way to the ski village of Georgia, you can enjoy the beauties of Georgia, in particular, the beautiful view of the majestic Caucasus Mountains.
What to do in summer
When it comes to a ski resort, the question immediately arises, what can you do here during a period when it is warm and there is no way to ski:
- in the summer, you can make hikes and high-mountain ascents, engage in trekking;
- Timotesubani is a monastic complex that attracts many tourists during the summer;
- Also, many people are interested in Tabatskuri lakes and mineral water springs in Mitrabi.
- The Botanical Garden of the Georgian Academy of Sciences is loved by both adults and children who stay here for outdoor activities, but who want to see all the beauties of the area;
- Not far from the resort village you can visit an interesting place - andesite deposit. Another settlement was formed near it, which bears a modest but telling name - Bakurian andesite;
- Borjomi sources are known all over the world and do not need their own introduction. Different generations of people know why the water extracted from Borjomi wells is so valuable.
Botanical Garden of the Georgian Academy of Sciences
The unique Georgian ski resort has a number of interesting sights:
Tourists can visit the bottling plants of this place at any time, since the road from the resort is only about half an hour.
The ski resort of Bakuriani (Georgia) is one of the most famous villages in the country. Thousands (or already tens of thousands?) people come here to ski here every winter. In the village itself, only 2,500 residents live permanently, every second first is involved in tourism. The ski resort offers winter sports enthusiasts several trails that are suitable for beginners and professionals. There are slopes for cross-country skiing and simple hiking. There are even mineral springs here, and a botanical garden is open nearby.
It is best to go to the Georgian resort of Bakuriani in winter. The trails operate from late November to early April. It is convenient to get from Tbilisi, the distance to the Georgian capital is 180 kilometers. Very close, half an hour away, there is a no less famous mineral resort. Then I will tell you in detail about transport, the weather in the resort, and what sights of Bakuriani are worth visiting. Reviews and tips on how to get to the ski resort are replaced at the end of the article.
Let's start, according to tradition, with the history of Bakuriani.
History of the ski resort
Bakuriani is geographically located in the central part of Georgia, in the Caucasus Mountains. Representatives of the Romanov dynasty were the first to pay attention to this area at the end of the 19th century. Aristocrats vacationing in Borjomi chose the mountain slopes nearby and decided to build a residence here. Royal Palace! But the Bakuriani ski resort in Georgia arose a little later.
In the 1930s, the value of the village and the surrounding nature was appreciated by the Soviet authorities. One of the founders of the resort is called the Soviet party leader Zhemchuzhnikov. He and his friends skied here, and enjoyed it so much that he promoted the idea of a ski resort. So he remained, rest in Bakuriani in winter for many years was reduced only to skiing.
In the middle of the 20th century, competitions began to be held here, and later the village became the base of the USSR Olympians. With independence, the country's authorities stopped supporting Bakuriani, and the resort fell into disrepair. But already in the new millennium, the ski resort of Bakuriani (Georgia) was restored. In 2014, the Borjomi-Bakuriani couple even claimed to host the Winter Olympics.
By the way! In order for the Romanovs to get to the new residence, a narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi was laid here. The bridge was built by Gustave Eiffel himself. This is another reason to visit the Georgian Bakuriani. But, basically, people come here for the main occupation - skiing. More about it - further.
Bakuriani in our time
A modern ski resort in the 21st century - several slopes of different levels and convenient infrastructure with roads, hotels and restaurants. All of the above, including the tracks, are in Bakuriani. There are 4 main areas for skiing:
- Didveli track, 4000 meters, 3 lifts. Suitable for amateurs at the bottom and for professionals at the top.
- Highway Tatra or Kokhta-1, 2300 meters, 1 lift. Suitable for advanced skiers only, black on top.
- Track Kokhta or Kokhta-2, 3400 meters, 1 lift. Very similar to the Didveli track, but shorter and easier at the bottom.
- Plateau trail, 300 meters, 4 lifts. Ideal for beginner skiers all the way. It is very popular with vacationers.
If we talk about Bakuriani, the tracks here are different, everyone will find the right one. Didveli opened recently. This is a three-level track with separate lifts: the first section, 2500 meters long, is equipped with cabins, the second, 700 meters long, with a seated lift, and the third, 800 meters long, with a tow bar. I recommend the second and third levels for experienced skiers, the first one is also suitable for beginners. There is a cafe with tea at every lift stop. The track is illuminated, so it is open until 22:00.
Tatra - she is Kokhta-1 - two-level. Experienced skiers ski on the lower section, 1800 meters long. Only professionals climb up to a section of 500 meters, since here the slope reaches 52 degrees. This ski slope in Bakuriani passes through the forest.
Kokhta-2 or simply Kokhta is identical to Didveli in terms of infrastructure and complexity. Here, below, on a slope of 1,400 meters, beginners ride, and at the top, on a section 2,000 meters long, more experienced vacationers. The trail leads to the top of Mount Kokhta. This height of the largest slope in Bakuriani is 2850 meters.
I advise absolutely green skiers and snowboarders to the Plateau track in the lower part of the mountain, next to the village. The track is very gentle, the slope is only 10 degrees. There are traditionally many tourists who learn to ride. Therefore, there are as many as 4 lifts and a separate one for sleds. Everything is cheaper on the Plateau, and there are more instructors.
Prices for lifts in Bakuriani
Prices for lifts in Bakuriani and ski passes depend on many factors, so I don’t see much point in bringing them all here. In December, one price, in January another, in February a third, and so on. I will especially note a few nuances that will be relevant not only for Bakuriani, but also for all other ski resorts in Georgia.
- At any Georgian ski resort, a single ski pass is sold, or, as it is also called, a multipass that allows you to use the lifts of all ski resorts - Bakuriani, Guduari, and.
- Children under 6 years old can use the lifts for free (accompanied by adults, of course), a child ticket must be purchased for children from 6 to 16 years old.
- A ski pass for a student will be sold upon presentation of a Georgian student card or with an ISIC (International Student Identity Card).
- Currency (dollars, rubles or euros) is not accepted for payment, only lari.
Winter entertainment in Bakuriani
In addition to the classic slopes, the ski resort of Bakuriani (Georgia) offers other types of winter recreation:
- Ski jumps 45, 70 and 90 meters high.
- The sledge track is 1350 meters long, which departs from the Didveli track.
- The cross-country skiing track is 13 kilometers long with a rise of 2780 meters.
- Snowmobile ride in Bakuriani park.
- Several skating rinks at the Edem Hotel.
- Extreme sports in the Borjomi Gorge: paragliders, jeeps, boats.
- Fishing in mountain waters.
- Horse riding.
If you are planning a vacation in Bakuriani in winter, it is better to check the prices for everything just before the start of the season. They change every year. I will tell you more about the infrastructure and après-ski - rest after skiing - in the section about the sights of Bakuriani.
Weather in the resort Bakuriani
Bakuriani is located at an altitude of 1700 meters in the subtropical climate zone. In summer, the air warms up to 20 °C. At this time, the resort is very sunny, it makes sense to come just to take a walk and look at nature. In summer, everything is traditionally cheaper, it is easy to find accommodation. In clear weather, you can see neighboring peaks and even Elbrus, the highest point of the Caucasus. If we consider these mountains to be European, then Elbrus will be the highest point of all of Europe.
The weather in Bakuriani is snowy in winter - usually, a layer of up to 60 centimeters is kept on the slopes. To prolong the season, machines with artificial snow are working. Therefore, you can ride here from late November or early December to mid-March or even April. The best month is February, when it is moderately snowy, cool and sunny. The resort, in general, is cloudless, and the air temperature is kept in the region of 6 - 8 degrees below zero. There are almost no avalanches, landslides and mudflows, which makes the resort compare favorably with.
If you are still going on vacation in Bakuriani in winter, the prices should not surprise you. In the high season, hotels and private guest houses raise prices several times compared to summer. Everything is more expensive in restaurants and cafes. But even in February, you can find budget options in inexpensive hotels or private traders. I advise you to study the cost before leaving, in order to know how much money to take with you.
The weather for skiers is of particular importance, especially when buying a ski pass. It is extremely disappointing to buy a weekly ski pass in order to save money and use it only 2-3 times due to bad weather. Therefore, before buying, carefully study the weather forecast, practice shows that the most truthful is given here: meteoblue.com.
Attractions and entertainment in Bakuriani
Bakuriani lives not only as a resort, but also as a simple town. Therefore, there are two main streets with a mandatory set of entertainment. Bakuriani's local attractions include restaurants and bars, nightclubs with shows, and even a casino. The hotels show movies and let you play ping-pong. I also advise you to look into the botanical garden and see (yes, from afar, but interestingly) the old palace of the Romanovs.
But the main interesting places are concentrated in the vicinity:
- Mount Kokhta. Hiking one-day trips are led to a height of 2155 meters. From the top there is an excellent view of Bakuriani.
- Mount Sekvelomta and lake Tabatskuri. Longer hike through picturesque surroundings. There are also car excursions to the lake.
- Tskhratskaro pass. I already mentioned it - ski trips are carried out here along a 13-kilometer track. There are beautiful views from the pass.
- Timotesubani Monastery. A complex that has been preserved since the 11th century with the central church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the ruins of ancient buildings.
- . Later monastic complex of the 12th century with rock cells. It is located 60 kilometers from Bakuriani.
Separately, I note the gorges of Borjomi and Tsagveri. Excursions are carried here, during which you can see rich nature and historical monuments. In the Borjomi gorge is the village of Daba with a cave temple 2000-year-old Georgian yew. Numerous springs with mineral water flow in both gorges.
And one more attraction, thanks to which the Bakuriani ski resort (Georgia) is famous. , the only one of its kind in the country. It stretches for 38 kilometers, travel time is 2.5 hours. It is slower than a minibus, but much more interesting. Take a ride on a narrow-gauge railway at least once - this is a real Georgian attraction. I talk about the trip in detail in a separate article (I left the link above).
Reviews of vacationers about Bakuriani
Basically, already prepared tourists go to the resort, so they know what to expect. Almost all vacationers are satisfied, but not without negative aspects. I will tell you about the pros and cons of Bakuriani so that you understand whether this place is right for you.
The resort is good because it does not focus only on skiing. A small village still somehow survives in the summer, so tourists here are used to entertaining in different ways. The choice for you: skiing, sledding, skating, extreme recreation in the Borjomi gorge, excursions in the vicinity and beyond Bakuriani. The trails will not let beginners or experienced skiers/snowboarders get bored. If you come with a family or a company, then someone can ride, while others can relax in the village.
Of the minuses, tourists note queues in winter during the high season. On the most popular lifts you can stand up to 40 minutes. Some professional skiers say that the slopes in Bakuriani are too easy and the claimed difficulty is too high. The weather in Bakuriani in November and April sometimes fails with snow, but the equipment on the tracks copes with this.
In the high season, there are also problems with free housing, so it is better to book it in advance (I will discuss the options below).
By the way, consider reviews when choosing Gudauri or Bakuriani. What is better specifically for you, anyway, you will decide for yourself, but at least you will find out the main differences.
When planning a trip to any ski resort in Georgia, do not forget to take out insurance! I wrote more about all insurances in, you can read about the nuances and prices there. Here I want to pay attention to, one of the most reliable and stable. There are a lot of positive reviews about insurance, including on the Vinsky forum. Want to compare insurance prices? help you! It presents more than 15 leading insurance companies.
Gudauri or Bakuriani: which resort to choose?
When answering the question, what is better than Gudauri or Bakuriani, think about how you want to relax. Gudauri (detailed article about) is a more youthful and more skating-oriented resort. There are not many other entertainments here, because everything is geared towards skiing. There is a unique heli-ski entertainment during which skiers land on a wild slope from a helicopter. It is more difficult to get to Gudauri, because in winter the Georgian Military Highway is often blocked.
Bakuriani is a more diverse village, that is, there are not only slopes, but also different options for après-ski. If you get tired of riding, you can always go from here to Borjomi and take a walk there. And there is always something to do at the resort itself. Family holidays in Bakuriani in winter are much better than in Gudauri. The resort is suitable for companies in which not everyone likes to ride. There are more hotels here, there are budget ones - rebuilt Soviet ones, and there are also luxury options.
So, when answering the question of Gudauri or Bakuriani - which is better, first decide on your priorities, and only then, based on the data I have given, make a choice.
Accommodation in Bakuriani: hotel or apartments?
There are more than 300 accommodation options in Bakuriani, in the resort, especially during the season, there are many hotels, apartments and guest houses from elite to budget. I recommend looking for apartments on Airbnb. Use the link to get a discount on your first booking (provided that you have not previously registered with the service). It is most convenient to look for hotels and guesthouses in Booking. Here are some highly rated accommodation options in Bakuriani.
Apartments and guesthouses in Bakuriani
On the site it is easy to choose and order a taxi to any direction within Georgia, including Tbilisi - Bakuriani. Prices start at $50, the price is final, there will be no additional costs. I wrote more about ordering a taxi at. Let me remind you that the distance between Tbilisi and Bakuriani is 180 kilometers.
In Bakuriani by rented car
The main thing that rent a car gives is freedom. You will not be tied to one place, and Georgia is beautiful even in winter. And if you come here to go skiing, do not forget about the cultural program. Of course, you can go to Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia and other interesting places nearby by minibuses, but it will take 3-4 times more time compared to a car trip. About all the nuances of car rental in Georgia, I. It also compares international and local offices that rent cars.
To Bakuriani from Batumi
It takes longer to travel from Batumi to the resort, since the distance is as much as 300 kilometers. But there are also direct minibuses between the cities. The flight departs at 10:00 every day from the old bus station in Batumi. Drive 5-6 hours. There is another way to get there. Bakuriani is connected with Khashuri and Borjomi by a network of minibuses. You need to leave Batumi on any flight towards Tbilisi, get off at the ring at Khashuri and find a stop 200 meters on the right. There, take a flight to Borjomi, from which you will immediately be transferred to a minibus in Bakuriani.
Taxi drivers also travel from Batumi to Bakuriani. But the price on the street will definitely call you overpriced. Compare their quoted prices with the prices listed on GoTrip. Taxi Batumi - Bakuriani when ordering on the website will cost from $ 80.
Ski resort Bakuriani (Georgia) I advise everyone who likes not only to ski in such places, but also to relax more diversely. Now the resort is actively developing, and will soon become the best in the country. Come, while there are still reasonable prices and Bakuriani has not turned into Georgian Sochi (yes, lovers of this Krasnodar resort ask me).
In love with Georgia, Igor OZIN.
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