5 Useful Tips for Planning a Winter Vacation in Bakuriani

These aspects are even more critical when visiting one of Georgia’s most popular and crowded resorts, situated 1,700 meters above sea level and 180 kilometers from the capital city.

This blog shares certain key tips specific to Bakuriani, helping you to plan your trip in a way that minimizes potential issues.

Tip #1: Sort Out Basic Logistics in Advance

Preparing specifically for the time of year you’ll be visiting is crucial when planning a trip to Bakuriani. It’s one of the most active winter resorts in Georgia all year round, with each season having its own unique appeal. That said, it is most popular as a winter destination, with the peak skiing season running from December to March. If going there to ski, book everything you need — from accommodation to equipment (if you don’t have your own of course) — at least a week in advance. January and February are particularly busy, so it’s best to finalize logistic matters even earlier during these months.

Traveling from Tbilisi to Bakuriani takes approximately 2.5 hours by road. Public transportation, including marshrutkas (minivans), depart from Didube Station every hour starting at 8 a.m., with fares ranging from 15 to 25 GEL depending on the season. During the busy winter period, it’s advisable to purchase tickets a day ahead to secure your seat(s).

Tip #2: Take Geography Into Account

Selecting the right place to stay is critical for a stress-free vacation in Bakuriani. If visiting during winter, seek accommodation located near the ski lifts. Heavy snowfall can make travel times in and around the town significantly longer, meaning that locations seemingly 20 minutes away on a map might take significantly more time to reach. Ensure that your accommodation includes a storage space for ski equipment (such a facility might not be readily available in smaller establishments).

Consider the season and the trip’s duration when choosing your accommodation. During the peak winter and summer seasons, prices tend to rise significantly. If you’re planning to visit around the New Year celebrations, book accommodation at least 2–3 months in advance, as the best options are highly likely to be fully booked thereafter.

Bakuriani offers the widest range of accommodation types of any resort in Samtskhe-Javakheti — from luxury hotels to family-run guesthouses. But the resort is still relatively small, and demand is high. For extended stays (two weeks or longer), renting an apartment may be more economical, while hotels are better suited for shorter trips.

When choosing a hotel or apartment, check they have essential amenities such as central heating, parking, Wi-Fi, and dining options (all of these are not always a given). The more your accommodation can provide on-site, the more convenient your stay will be.

Tip #3: Plan (and Book) Activities in Advance

Bakuriani has 23 modern ski runs with a cumulative length of 26,769 meters. There are also separate runs for beginners and the "Crystal Resort Zone" has private ski lifts and 6km-long private ski runs. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the available runs and decide in advance which ones you’ll ski down from — it’s important to pick runs suitable for your actual skiing level, and you’ll need to plan much of your logistics around their location.

Winter in Bakuriani is particularly busy due to the popularity of skiing and snowboarding. If possible, try to visit the runs earlier in the day when ski lifts are less crowded, to avoid long queues. You can purchase the Georgia Ski Resorts Multicard online, which is valid across all four ski resorts in the country. If you want to take a lesson with a professional instructor, book in advance, especially during peak season.

Tip #4: Get Your Equipment Ready Before Traveling

When planning a winter trip to Bakuriani, pay special attention to your equipment. While rentals are available locally at an average cost of 50 GEL per day, having your own equipment is obviously preferable. Be especially careful with ski boots — they’re the most important part of your gear.

If possible, have your skis prepped in advance, by having them waxed and sharpening their edges. If you’re renting equipment, verify with the provider that such preparations have been made recently. If you own your equipment, bring maintenance supplies with you as well.

You’ll need warm clothing and to dress in layers regardless of how warm your jacket might be. Bakuriani’s weather is unpredictable — it could snow heavily one day and be sunny the next. Therefore, bring multiple outfits to adapt to the conditions, including a waterproof jacket, warm trousers, thermal tops sticking tight to the body, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses either. Sunscreen is particularly important as the rays are stronger at higher altitudes, yet their effect often goes unnoticed due to the low temperature.

Tip #5: Have an Idea of What You’ll Do Other Than Skiing

In addition to skiing, Bakuriani offers other activities such as snow scooters, ice skating, and horseback riding. A standout alternative attraction is riding a toboggan — a large mountain sled — which is a favorite among adrenaline junkies.

You can also visit the Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden, home to rare high-altitude plant species. The garden has walking trails for visitors that offer spectacular panoramic views.

For families with children, the resort has specific areas where kids can enjoy activities tailored to them and learn to ski under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Bakuriani is also known for the therapeutic qualities of its climate. In addition to being a ski resort, it’s widely considered one of the best climatic health resorts in Country of Georgia. Many visitors come here simply to enjoy the fresh air. Surrounded by dense pine and beech forests, Bakuriani has a unique microclimate with air rich in ozone, known to have a strengthening effect on the immune system.

Thinking ahead, also research which restaurants or cafes to visit for lunch or dinner. While the number of eateries at the resort is growing, so is the presence of lower-quality “tourist traps.” Check reviews from other visitors online and, if possible, make reservations in advance — popular spots tend to fill up during peak season.

Don’t forget that Bakuriani is located near Borjomi. If time allows, it’s worth visiting the town for a few hours and taking a walk through Borjomi Central Park. Previously, you could travel between Borjomi and Bakuriani on the charming small railway known as the “Kukushka,” which passed through the beautiful Borjomi Gorge. Although it’s currently not operational, if and when it reopens, be sure to book a ticket and savor stunning views along its 37-km route.

Finally, remember that safety is paramount at any mountain resort. Always check the weather forecast, inspect your equipment thoroughly, and adhere to all safety rules.