Georgia – Little town Bakuriani is located on the west side of Georgia, in the Borjomi region, well known as a ski resort and a great place for the whole season of the Summer because of the coniferous forest around.
Bakuriani is 205 km away from Tbilisi, 30 km from Borjomi, you need approximately 2.5-3 hours from Tbilisi, but the climate is a lot different, the winters are cold and experience significant snowfall while the summers are long and warm. The average temperature in January is -7.3 degrees Celsius, some days -20 and more, especially in February, while the average August temperature is 15 degrees Celsius.
The first ski slope was opened in 1932. Now there are two ski areas, Didveli and Kokta-Mitarbi, Kokta mountain highest skiable altitude is 2.269, while Didveli reaches 2.702 Metres. Ski trace usually is open from the end of December till the first half of March, if there is not much snow, no worries about it, on Didveli slop there is artificial snow, so it will be still open no matter of weather. You can choose different difficult slopes, whenever your skiing experience is, even if you don’t know skiing at all, you can easily start your first ski experience here, find beginners slopes and choose instructor which will help you with ski, snowboard. for the night ski lovers, on the weekends there is a night skiing till the 23 o’clock.
Bakuriani is the most favorite place for a family holiday, not only because of the snow and ski resort but also amazing fresh air which is so less in today’s city life. This is the place with lots of entertainment besides skiing-here is children park, ice skating rink, horse riding, hiking, people of all tastes can find something interesting.
The city center is close to Kokhta Mountain, and twenty-five slopes, I personally more like the Didveli part, it’s a little bit higher, more quiet place, and more beautiful in my opinion. on the main street of the city, (Agmashenebeli street) you can find Tourist Information Centre of Mountain Resorts, where you can get information about ski passes, weather, activities, accommodation, map, information about transport, plan your trip or day. That might be very helpful if you it is your first visit.
In the whole town, locals are selling different kind of healthy things, natural honey, sweetness, pickles and marinades, not only well known fruits and berries, but different kind of corn marinades, Spruce dust-which is very healthy for cough or cold, here you can find many interesting, natural home treatments.
Another amazing experience is Bakuriani-Borjomi Kukushka railway, which is on the rails since 1902, originally it was imported from America, and it was open carriage protected by handrails. Then it was electrified in 1966, made by Skoda works in Czechoslovakia, nowadays kukushka have an old Appearance but comfy chairs and heating, its very popular for the tourists and locals, the train move quite slowly, even if it needs 2.5 hours for the final destination, the stunning view doesn’t make you bored during the passage. The lovely little train will make you travel in time..
For me kukushka train was an amazing experience, also I love to go up on the top of the mountain with a cable car, visit local cafes, enjoy the view or just walk in the beautiful forest area. I love to visit this place whenever I have a chance, especially in the wintertime. If you ever decide to go to Bakuriani, don’t forget to take with you warm cloth, boots, sun cream and sunglasses.