Things to Do in Bakuriani, Georgia: Winter and Summer Activities

Bakuriani is one of the main mountain resorts in Georgia — the country in the South Caucasus — best known for skiing and its family-friendly winter scene. At around 1,700 meters, surrounded by forested mountains, it offers different activities depending on the season. Most people come in winter for the snow, but the town stays active year-round; the experience just changes a lot between seasons. Below is what's worth doing in each, with honest notes on who it suits.

What is there to do in Bakuriani?

In winter (December–March), the main things to do in Bakuriani are skiing at the Didveli and Kokhta ski areas, taking ski or snowboard lessons, and non-ski snow activities like sledding and snowmobiling. In the warmer months, it shifts to forest walks, light hiking, and mountain biking, plus the scenic Kukushka railway and an easy trip to nearby Borjomi. It's a versatile base, but not a place for extreme terrain — that's the trade-off for how accessible and relaxed it is.

Winter: ski at Didveli

Didveli is the main and most modern ski area in Bakuriani, with wide, well-prepared slopes, modern lifts and gondolas, and routes for beginners and intermediates plus a few more challenging runs. The slopes are mostly open and not too steep, which makes Didveli good for learning and improving. Compared with more demanding resorts, it feels relaxed and accessible — the reason most first-timers in Georgia start here. Advanced skiers should know upfront that the terrain is limited.

Winter: ski at Kokhta

Kokhta offers a different feel from Didveli. The slopes run through forest, which makes for a more natural, scenic setting, and it's generally quieter and less developed. That appeals if you want a more traditional mountain atmosphere, though it has less vertical and variety than strong intermediates or advanced skiers might want.

Winter: learn to ski or snowboard

Bakuriani is one of the best places in Georgia to learn skiing or snowboarding. It suits beginners, families with children, and anyone who wants a relaxed learning environment rather than intimidating slopes. Ski schools and instructors are widely available, and rental equipment is easy to arrange in town.

Winter: snow activities for non-skiers

You don't have to ski to enjoy Bakuriani in winter. The town offers snowmobiling through the forest, sledding on smaller slopes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and walks through snow-covered landscapes. That makes it a workable winter trip for mixed groups where not everyone skis.

Summer: walk and hike in the forests

In the warmer months Bakuriani turns green, with forest walks, light hiking trails, and open mountain views. The terrain is gentler than Kazbegi or Svaneti, so this is relaxed walking rather than serious trekking — a strength if you want easy days out, a limitation if you're after demanding routes.

Summer: mountain biking and the cooler climate

Bakuriani also suits active travelers in summer. You can ride the mountain biking routes, walk between open and forested areas, and enjoy temperatures noticeably cooler than the lowland cities. At 1,700 meters it's a genuine escape from the July–August heat, which is much of why Georgians come up here in summer.

Ride the Kukushka railway

The historic narrow-gauge railway between Borjomi and Bakuriani — known as the Kukushka — is one of the more distinctive things to do in the area. The train moves slowly through forest and mountain scenery, giving a different perspective on the region. It's about the journey rather than the speed, so treat it as an experience in itself rather than efficient transport. The schedule is limited, so check times before planning around it.

Visit nearby Borjomi

Bakuriani connects closely to Borjomi, about 30–40 minutes away by road. Borjomi adds mineral water springs, parks and walking areas, and access to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest protected forests in the Caucasus. Combining the two gives a good mix of mountain activity and lower-altitude nature, and many visitors base in one town and day-trip to the other.

Slow down and enjoy the mountain air

Beyond the activities, Bakuriani is a place to slow down. In winter or summer, plenty of people come mainly for the fresh mountain air, time in nature, and a break from city life. The atmosphere is calmer and less intense than at some other mountain destinations — worth knowing whether you're looking for that or for a livelier scene.

Best time to visit Bakuriani

Winter (December–March) is best for skiing and snow activities, with January and February the most reliable for snow. Summer (June–September) is best for hiking and outdoor relaxation, and busiest in July and August with people escaping the heat. Spring and autumn are quieter transitional seasons; some facilities run reduced hours then, so check what's open before a shoulder-season trip.

Why Bakuriani is worth visiting

Bakuriani offers a balanced mountain experience: accessible skiing for most levels, a family-friendly atmosphere, year-round outdoor activities, and an easy combination with Borjomi. It's one of the more versatile destinations in Georgia — best suited to travelers who want approachable mountains and a relaxed pace rather than challenging terrain or nightlife.