Bakuriani: ski resort and the narrow-gauge railway

Bakuriani is a mountain village and one of Georgia’s main ski resorts, tucked into pine forest on the slope of the Trialeti range. In winter people come to ski, in summer to breathe the cool mountain air, and you can get there on the scenic narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi.

Why the resort is famous

Bakuriani sits in the Borjomi municipality, on the northern slope of the Trialeti range, at an altitude of around 1,700 metres. In winter it’s a sports centre with pistes and lifts; in 2023 the resort even hosted the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships. Historically, though, Bakuriani is also known as a summer climatic resort: its dry pine air and moderate altitude made it a holiday spot long before downhill skiing.

On the country’s ski map Bakuriani has a higher-altitude big brother, Gudauri: taller, larger and with freeriding, whereas Bakuriani is lower, more compact and gentler, which is why families with children tend to pick it.

What to see and do

In winter the main thing is the skiing: pistes and lifts run from roughly December to March. In summer Bakuriani turns into a quiet resort for walks in the forest and a break from the heat. A special experience is the narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi, the “Kukushka”: a little train crawls slowly through the mountain forest, and the ride itself is worth planning around.

What to keep in mind for a visit

The exact dates of the ski season depend on the snow and vary from year to year - check them before you travel. The altitude and mountain climate make themselves felt even in summer, so a warm layer won’t go amiss. The “Kukushka” runs slowly: allow extra time for the journey if you plan to take it.

Nearby

Bakuriani lies next to the resort of Borjomi, with its mineral waters, and from there the trails of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park begin. The region’s sights are easier to tour by car - for how to rent one, see the car hire section; other places are in the things to see section.