- Bakuriani, ~30 km uphill from Borjomi, is Georgia's oldest ski resort and the easiest one for beginners and families, with three state-run areas: Didveli, whose highest lift reaches 2,702 m, plus Kokhta and Mitarbi, which top out at 2,157 m and 2,207 m.
- The operator, the Mountain Trails Agency, lists 12 lifts serving 33 km of trails; one Multicard pass opens every lift in all three areas, and children under 6 ride free.
- The lifts usually turn from late December to late March: in 2025/26 they opened on 20 December and stopped on 29 March, and no 2026/27 dates had been announced by 18 October 2026.
- Tbilisi to Bakuriani is 180 to 190 km, about 3 to 3.5 hours by road via Borjomi; the narrow-gauge Kukushka train from Borjomi is due back in December 2026, the Economy Minister said, after six years out of service.
- Sleep at Didveli for beginners and night skiing, at Kokhta for quieter and steeper runs, or down in Borjomi to save money.
Skiing in Bakuriani suits beginners, families and relaxed intermediates better than any other resort in Georgia. The Bakuriani ski resort spreads over three state-run areas in spruce forest about 30 km above Borjomi, with lifts up to 2,702 m, floodlit runs every evening last winter and a lived-in village of shops, rinks and sledging slopes around them. Plan on a season from late December to late March and about three hours on the road from Tbilisi. Our Bakuriani place page covers the village itself; this guide is about the snow.
We go through Didveli, Kokhta, Mitarbi and the two private slopes one by one, then lift passes and hours, the season and its crowds, every way from Tbilisi to Bakuriani including the returning Kukushka railway, where to sleep, ski schools and hire, and what children and non-skiers can do. Figures come from the operator, the Mountain Trails Agency (MTA), and from Georgia's national tourism administration, checked in October 2026. Prices are from the 2025/26 winter, because no 2026/27 tariff had been released when we wrote this.
Bakuriani ski resort at a glance
Bakuriani is a resort village of hotels, guesthouses and wooden chalets on the northern slope of the Trialeti range in Samtskhe-Javakheti, lived in all year and busy in both winter and summer. People have skied here since 1932, earlier than anywhere else in Georgia, and in recent winters the resort has been the venue for the 2023 freestyle and snowboard world championships run by FIS and for the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival. The lifts belong to the Mountain Trails Agency, the state company that also runs Gudauri, Goderdzi and the two Mestia areas. Where the operator and the tourism administration count things differently, the table gives both.
| Item | Bakuriani |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Village ~1,700 m; highest lift station 2,702 m at Didveli |
| Ski areas | Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi (MTA), plus the private Crystal and 25 Ski Park slopes |
| Lifts and runs | 12 lifts and 33 km of trails by MTA's count; 23 runs of about 27 km by the tourism administration's |
| Usual season | Late December to late March (20 December 2025 to 29 March 2026 last winter) |
| Lift hours, 2025/26 | About 10:00 to 17:00 daily; night skiing about 17:00 to 21:30 every evening |
| From Tbilisi | 3 to 3.5 hours by road, a drive of 180 to 190 km |
| Best for | First-timers, children, mixed groups, intermediates on a short trip |
| Less good for | Experts and freeriders wanting a full week of steep terrain |
Next to Gudauri the runs are lower, shorter and lined with trees, a help on flat-light days, and the village around them keeps non-skiers busy. To see how Bakuriani measures up against the rest, read our guide comparing the ski resorts in Georgia.
Skiing in Bakuriani: Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi area by area
No lift joins the MTA areas to each other. Didveli sits ~3 km south of the village centre and Kokhta ~4 km east of it, which puts the two bases ~8 km apart by road, around 20 minutes by car or local bus. Kokhta and Mitarbi, on the other hand, connect on the mountain. A single MTA pass covers every lift on all three.
Didveli: the main area
Most visitors spend most of their days at Didveli. Its lifts, the Nodo and Deka lines among them, climb ~1,000 m from the forest edge to 2,702 m, just under the lift-free summit of Mount Sakvelo (2,816 m), and snowmaking backs up the natural cover. The kids' park, the ski schools and the Half Pipe run sit at the bottom, and Half Pipe is in fact a long, gentle trail for first days. Higher up the runs turn blue and red, and two competition courses, Slope Style and Lado, are off limits to holiday skiers.
Kokhta and Mitarbi: quieter and steeper
Kokhta rises east of the village to 2,157 m, and its neighbour Mitarbi tops out at 2,207 m. A trail through the trees links them into one area of mainly blue and red runs, with fewer ski-school groups and shorter lift lines than Didveli. Kokhta opened two days before Didveli in 2025/26, with its Kokhta Plateau run, but this side also loses its snow first: in the dry winter of 2024/25 both areas had shut by mid-March while Didveli ran on.
The private slopes: Crystal and the 25 Ski Park
Two areas outside the MTA network sell their own tickets, so the Multicard does not work there. Crystal, a hotel and leisure complex between the village and Didveli, has its own chairlift and gondola, a run of ~2.5 km, a short children's slope and long evening hours. The 25 Ski Park on the south-eastern edge of the village is an informal nursery hill with short tows paid for ride by ride, in cash; its name reportedly comes from an old 25 m ski jump nearby. Both are crowded with sledges and snow tubes, so keep small children close. Some guides and lift databases also use the name Tatra for part of the Kokhta and Mitarbi side, but MTA's own material speaks only of Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi.
| Area | Top station | Run by | What it is like | Evening skiing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Didveli | 2,702 m | MTA | Biggest mix of runs, kids' park, schools, snowmaking | Yes, daily in 2025/26 |
| Kokhta | 2,157 m | MTA | Blue and red runs east of the village, first to open in 2025/26 | No |
| Mitarbi | 2,207 m | MTA | Forest trails, linked to Kokhta on the mountain | No |
| Crystal | Not published | Private | Hotel-complex slope with its own lifts and a kids' area | Yes, own ticket |
| 25 Ski Park | Low, at the village edge | Private | Busy nursery hill, tows paid per ride | Varies |
Bakuriani lift passes, opening hours and night skiing
MTA passes for Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi are loaded onto its plastic Multicard. The card costs about 5 GEL (about $2) once and can be topped up in any later season, here or at the other MTA resorts. Carry the card itself: the turnstiles do not read a QR code or an e-ticket on your phone.
- Hours: in 2025/26 the lifts turned from roughly 10:00 until 17:00 daily, and Didveli switched on its floodlights for a second session, roughly 17:00 until 21:30. That evening session needs its own night ticket; only seasonal passes include both.
- Ages: free under 6; ages 6 to 12 pay the child rate and 13 to 18 the junior rate.
- Price: reports from 2025/26 put an adult day pass at about 55 GEL (about $20) and a child's at about half that. MTA had not released the 2026/27 tariff by mid-October 2026.
- Several resorts: a 7- or 10-day MultiSki pass also works at Gudauri, Goderdzi and the Mestia areas, on whichever days you choose, so a two-resort trip needs only one pass.
- Buying: every lift base has a ticket desk, and Smart supermarkets in Borjomi and Tbilisi sell passes too. Online, use the SKIPASS.GE app, Biletebi.ge, TKT.GE or Super App. The desks close about half an hour before the last lift.
- Toboggan: a Bakuriani seasonal pass also gives unlimited rides on MTA's toboggan.
- Small print: no refunds, one card per person, and a lost personal pass is restored only if you report it at a ticket desk within 24 hours.
When to ski in Bakuriani: season dates, snow and crowds
The Bakuriani ski season usually runs from late December to late March. MTA posts each winter's dates only days before the first lift turns, and as of 18 October 2026 nothing about 2026/27 had appeared on its site. One travel blog has reported 20 December 2026 for Didveli and Kokhta; read that as a forecast until MTA confirms it.
| Season | First lifts | Last day | What happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 7 Dec 2024, on machine-made snow | Didveli past mid-March; Kokhta and Mitarbi shut by 16 Mar 2025 | A thin winter, saved by snowmaking |
| 2025/26 | Kokhta 20 Dec, Didveli 22 Dec 2025 | 29 Mar 2026, all three areas | Mitarbi opened in stages as snow was made |
| 2026/27 | Not announced by MTA (18 Oct 2026) | Probably late March | Watch mta.ski and MTA's social pages from late November |
With the village at ~1,700 m and the top station at 2,702 m, Bakuriani gets less natural snow than Gudauri or Goderdzi. Snowmaking opens the main runs early, but the deepest natural base usually builds between mid-January and early March, and a dry March can close Kokhta and Mitarbi first.
Holidays and weekends
Georgian families pack the resort from New Year's Eve until about mid-January, a stretch that takes in Orthodox Christmas (7 January) and the Old New Year (14 January), and cars from Tbilisi roll in every Saturday morning. For short lift lines and better room rates, ski on weekdays between late January and early March. If you want New Year in the snow, book two to three months ahead with free cancellation, since the snow can still come late.
How to get from Tbilisi to Bakuriani
Whichever way you travel, the last stretch is the same: ~30 km of mountain road climbing from Borjomi, roughly 40 minutes in normal winter weather. Reaching Borjomi is simple, on the E60 motorway west past Gori to Khashuri, then south into the Borjomi gorge.
| Option | Time from Tbilisi | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 3 to 3.5 h from the city, about 3.5 h from the airport | Families, ski bags, stops on the way | Book early for New Year |
| Rental car | 3 to 3.5 h, 180 to 190 km | Hopping between Didveli and Kokhta | Winter tyres, chains, icy lanes in the village |
| Direct minibus (marshrutka) | About 3 to 3.5 h | Low budgets | Few departures, mostly in the morning, from Didube |
| Minibus or train to Borjomi, then a local van | 4 to 6 h in all | Adding a night in Borjomi | The train alone takes over 4 h to Borjomi |
| Kukushka train from Borjomi | Not running yet (October 2026) | A scenic ride once it returns | No timetable published |
By car or private transfer
From Tbilisi follow the E60 to Khashuri, drop into the Borjomi gorge and climb south from Borjomi on the Bakuriani road. It is ploughed through the winter and a 4x4 is not essential, but the bends are tight and traffic crawls after snowfall. A 2024 law makes snow tyres compulsory between 1 December and 1 March on mountain roads named in a government list, and reports put the Borjomi to Bakuriani road on that list, so ask the rental firm for tyres with the snowflake symbol and keep chains in the boot. The southern road over the Tskhratskaro Pass towards Akhalkalaki and Lake Tabatskuri is not a winter route.
A car also lets you see things on the way. Uplistsikhe, the rock-cut town near Gori, and the fortress at Surami are short detours, and the springs in Borjomi's park make a good last stop on the drive home.
By minibus or train
Direct minibuses to Bakuriani leave Didube bus station in Tbilisi a few times each morning, and many more run to Borjomi, where local vans make the climb. Drivers load skis onto the roof rack or behind the last row, so check with yours before buying a seat, and confirm departure times at Didube the day before. Two slow trains a day also link Tbilisi and Borjomi in a little over four hours, better for rail fans than for skiers.
From Kutaisi, Batumi or Gudauri
From Kutaisi plan on about 3 hours for ~180 km via the Rikoti tunnel and Khashuri, and from Batumi 4.5 to 5 hours for ~290 km on the lowland road, since the shorter Goderdzi Pass route shuts in winter. Gudauri is 4 to 4.5 hours (~270 km) away. We drive all of these as private transfers, in winter-ready vehicles.
The Kukushka train from Borjomi to Bakuriani
Georgians call the little mountain railway the Kukushka, from the Russian word for a cuckoo. Opened in the early 1900s, the narrow-gauge track covers 37 km between Borjomi and Bakuriani, threading through spruce woods and tiny halts and over an iron bridge that many attribute to Gustave Eiffel's firm. Its small electric trains were slow, about two and a half hours for the climb, and that was the point. Passenger services stopped in 2020.
In April 2026 the government ordered a complete rebuild of the track, the rolling stock and the stations. On 9 October 2026 the Economy Minister said the works were almost done and that trains should run again in December 2026, with carriages chosen to suit the line's historic character. By mid-October Georgian Railway had not published a timetable or fares.
Once it is back, treat the Kukushka as a rest-day outing rather than your ski shuttle: the road is quicker, and nobody has said how much room the rebuilt trains will have for skis.
Where to stay in Bakuriani for skiing
Pick the base by the slopes you will ski most. Walking between areas in ski boots is no fun: pavements come and go, and the side roads are icy for much of the winter.
| Area | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Didveli | Beginners, families, night skiing; from the southern end you can walk to the lifts | The busiest base at weekends and holidays |
| Between the centre and Didveli (Crystal side) | Apartments, restaurants, the private kids' slope and a rink | Bus or car to the MTA lifts |
| Village centre | Guesthouses, cafes, shops, the park and the 25 Ski Park | Bus or taxi to both main areas |
| Kokhta | Confident skiers, calmer evenings, lifts at the door | Less choice of food than the centre; Didveli is ~8 km away |
| Borjomi | Lower prices, the spa park, a break from the snow | ~40 minutes up the hill every morning |
Two local bus routes link Didveli, the centre and Kokhta through the day and take bank cards, taxis (Bolt included) are easy to call, and parking at the lift bases is paid. Mixed groups often do well with a few nights at Didveli while the children learn, then a move to Kokhta.
Ski schools, lessons and ski hire in Bakuriani
Georgians have been learning to ski in Bakuriani since the 1930s, and it is still the classic place for children's ski camps. Several schools teach private and group lessons from the Didveli and Kokhta bases. Instructors who speak English or Russian are easy to find; other languages need more notice. Over New Year and in early January the good instructors are booked weeks ahead.
- Hire shops line the main streets and stand at every lift base. Skis, boots and poles cost between 40 and 50 GEL (about $15 to $18) a day in 2025/26, a snowboard set about the same, with helmet, goggles and clothing on top.
- Quality ranges from new to well used, so check that the boots fit and the bindings are set for your weight before you walk out of the shop.
- Wear a helmet, children above all: Georgia's tourism administration lists helmets among the mandatory safety rules at Gudauri, and the same sense applies on Bakuriani's slopes.
Book through us and a ski or board set costs from about 43 GEL (about $16) per day on longer rentals, fitted in advance and waiting in Bakuriani along with your lessons and passes, so the first morning starts on the snow instead of in a queue.
Bakuriani for families and first-time skiers
For a first ski holiday with children, Bakuriani is the easiest choice in Georgia: under-6s ride the MTA lifts free, the kids' park sits beside the schools and cafes at Didveli, and the forest takes the edge off the wind. When small legs have had enough, try these:
- Sledging and snow tubing on the lower slopes and in the private areas.
- MTA's toboggan, a mountain coaster of about 960 m that runs in winter and in summer.
- Ice skating at outdoor and hotel rinks.
- Snowmobile rides with local operators; agree the route and price first.
Start beginners on the gentle runs at the foot of Didveli, and save the crowded private slopes for sledging rather than first turns, since skiers, tubes and quad bikes share the ground there. A rhythm that suits most families: lessons in the morning, a long lunch, then the toboggan or the rink. Children of every age are welcome on our private trips: we fit rooms, lessons and drives around naps and school holidays, for a group of any size and on any date.
Bakuriani or Gudauri for a mixed group?
Gudauri, two to two and a half hours' drive north of the capital, is higher and bigger, and its runs are almost all above the trees. A mixed group can have both: three or four days in Bakuriani while the beginners find their feet, then on to Gudauri for its long open runs. One 7- or 10-day MultiSki pass covers the two resorts, and our six-day Gudauri ski week can start or finish in Bakuriani on whatever dates suit you, with a guide who speaks your language.
Bakuriani off the slopes and in summer
Bakuriani fits well into a wider trip through southern Georgia. Borjomi's spa park is 40 minutes below, Timotesubani monastery and its early 13th-century wall paintings are an easy detour, and the cave monastery of Vardzia is a long half day south. Add a night or two in Bakuriani to our two-day Borjomi and Vardzia trip; between about November and April it may come back through Borjomi instead of crossing the snowbound Javakheti plateau.
From June to September the slopes turn green and the air stays cool. In summer 2026 MTA ran the Nodo and Deka lifts at Didveli every day from 6 July, roughly 11:00 to 18:00, for walkers and sightseers, while the toboggan, horse riding, camping and forest trails filled the rest of the season. The Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden, set up early in the 20th century, grows high-mountain plants of the Caucasus, and a rough track over the Tskhratskaro Pass leads to Lake Tabatskuri at 1,991 m, a 4x4 trip once the snow has melted.
Skiing in Bakuriani: FAQ
Is Bakuriani good for beginners?
Yes, it is the best Georgian resort for a first week on skis. Didveli has a kids' park and the long, easy Half Pipe run beside the ski schools, children under 6 ride free, and the trees help in poor visibility. Move on to Kokhta and Mitarbi once you can link turns on blue runs.
When does the ski season in Bakuriani start in 2026?
MTA had not announced 2026/27 dates as of 18 October 2026. The lifts usually start in the second half of December: Kokhta opened on 20 December in 2025 and Didveli two days later, and in 2024 snowmaking allowed an opening on 7 December. Closing is usually at the end of March.
How do I get from Tbilisi to Bakuriani?
The road trip takes 3 to 3.5 hours and covers 180 to 190 km, through Gori, Khashuri and Borjomi. Direct minibuses leave Didube bus station in the morning, or take one to Borjomi and a local van up the last 30 km. A private transfer is the easiest choice with ski bags or children.
Can you take the train from Borjomi to Bakuriani?
Not yet. Passenger trains have not run on the narrow-gauge line since 2020 while it is rebuilt, and in early October 2026 the Economy Minister gave December 2026 as the restart. With no timetable or fares out by mid-October, plan on the road and treat the train as a bonus.
How much is a ski pass in Bakuriani?
For 2025/26, travellers paid about 55 GEL (about $20) for an adult day and roughly half for a child, plus about 5 GEL once for the reusable Multicard. Children under 6 ride free. The 2026/27 prices are usually published in December, so check at the ticket desk.
Which is better, Bakuriani or Gudauri?
Gudauri is better for strong skiers and freeriders: it is higher, larger and closer to Tbilisi. Bakuriani is better for beginners, children and groups with non-skiers, thanks to its sheltered forest runs and a village with rinks, sledging and a toboggan. A 7- or 10-day MultiSki pass is valid at both.
Is there night skiing in Bakuriani?
Yes, at Didveli. Last winter the floodlit runs opened nightly, roughly 17:00 until 21:30, on a separate night ticket, because day passes stop at the afternoon close. Kokhta and Mitarbi close at the end of the afternoon.
Where should I stay in Bakuriani for skiing?
Didveli suits beginners, young children and night skiing; Kokhta suits quieter, steeper skiing. The centre has the most guesthouses and cafes but needs a bus to the lifts, and Borjomi, 40 minutes below, costs less.
