Mountain resorts in Georgia: review, description, pros and cons

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Mountain resorts in Georgia are very well located throughout the country. They are considered one of the best since the days of the USSR. About the mountain resorts of Georgia, their features, diversity and the services they provide will be discussed in the article.

Bakuriani

One of the very first mountain resorts is Bakuriani. It is located next to the village of the same name. The Bakuriani ski resort was created on the northern slope in the Borjomi Gorge, on the Trialeti Range of the Caucasus Mountains.

The resorts of Bakuriani and Borjomi are connected by narrow-gauge railway and motor roads. An interesting fact is that the bridge connecting them on one of the sections of the road was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who is known to everyone for his Paris Tower. And in the 19th century, Bakuriani was the residence of the emperor.

At one time, this ski resort claimed to host the Winter Olympics.

Tracks and sports facilities

There are several sports facilities and tracks on the territory of the Bakuriani ski resort. Here arehigh-mountain indoor and outdoor skating rinks where hockey matches and speed skating competitions are held.

The height difference here is from 1,780 to 2,850 m. For experienced skiers, Mount Kokhta is suitable for skiing. Its descents have sections of varying difficulty, for example, the Kokhta-1 track, reaching a length of 1.5 km, consists of red and black segments, which indicate its high complexity. The degree of slopes on it is 52 °, riding here is not recommended for beginners.

The track "Kokhta-2" reaches a length of 3 km and also has a red section, and therefore it is better to ride on it for professionals or those who are good at skiing or snowboarding. For beginners, the Plateau trail is best suited, which has short and gentle slopes. On it, even those who got up on skis for the first time will feel quite comfortable.

Infrastructure

The general infrastructure of the Bakuriani ski resort is under development and currently does not reach the European level. However, the hotels have 4 stars and meet European standards. A room in such a hotel will cost from 5 to 7.5 thousand rubles, there are also hotels in which the price per room varies from 2.5 to 3.5 thousand rubles. Most often, the cost of living includes three meals a day.

The resort has a library, indoor tennis courts, restaurants, cafes and antique taverns. Guests are offered a wide range of services related not only to ski holidays, but alsotourist destination. So, for example, if you wish, you can go to the sources of Borjomi, to the mountain lake Tabatskuri, to the ancient Georgian temple Timotesubani or the medieval monastery located in the caves - Vardzia.

Tetnuldi

At the beginning of 2016, a new tourist complex was opened on the slope of Mount Tetnuld. It became the youngest ski resort. Tetnuldi has a height difference from 2,260 to 3,040 m. This resort is a developing resort, at the moment its capacity is 7 thousand guests per season, which lasts from early December to late March.

This place differs from Bakuriani in that the tracks here have a high level of difficulty. In other words, they are more suitable for professional riders. Beginners are advised to ride here with an instructor who will tell and show all the difficult sections. The longest run is 9.5 km long.

Infrastructure

A distinctive feature of Tetnuldi is its modern infrastructure. On the territory of the resort there are: a spa center, massage parlors, upscale restaurants, a sports complex and billiard rooms. Services are provided here at the highest level.

However, it should be noted that there are currently no hotels directly at the resort itself. You will have to rent a room in Mestia and get to Tetnuldi by your own car or by a hotel transfer. A hotel room will cost from 2 to 3 thousand rubles. Into the cost of livingbreakfast and dinner will be included.

Soon the resort administration promises to build a comfortable hotel and guest houses so that tourists do not waste their time on the road to the ski resort.

Khatsvali

In 2011, the Hatsvali ski resort was opened. It is small (chamber), for which a certain category of vacationers like it. Here you will not meet a large number of tourists, the majority prefer Tetnuldi, which is located nearby.

The elevation difference in Hatsvali ranges from 1,865 to 2,447 m. For the convenience of vacationers, a small hotel was built near the lower ski station, there is a cozy restaurant with national cuisine, as well as ski equipment rental.

As noted earlier, this resort is very compact, but this is not the only reason why vacationers like it. There are quite interesting tracks here that attract freeriders and snowboarders. There is also a so-called wild track passing through the forest, however, due to fallen trees and elevation changes, it is very dangerous.

Prices for accommodation in hotel rooms are almost the same as in Mestia. The cost of lift services is 150 rubles. at a time, and the price of a ski pass for a day is 650 rubles, for a week - about 3.5 thousand rubles. The same prices for ski passes and in the ski resort of Tetnuldi.

Gudauri

One of the oldest ski resorts in Georgia is Gudauri. It also belongs to one of the largest and most developed. Mountain resort of GeorgiaGudauri was built in the period from 1975 to 1985, but at present it has been reconstructed and is constantly being modernized. To imagine its scale, it should be noted that 11 thousand people can ride here at the same time.

In technical terms, this is the most developed and modern tourist complex. The latest lifts and a modern cable car are installed here. For the best arrangement of ski slopes, new snow cannons have been installed here. The elevation difference on the slopes of the resort is from 1,990 to 3,239 m.

Trails and services

In total, 22 ski slopes are equipped in the mountain resort of Georgia Gudauri. Their total length is as much as 57 km. The trails are designed for both professionals and amateurs, as well as beginners. Four of them are designed exclusively for professionals, as they have a very high level of difficulty. The rest are perfect for amateurs or beginners, but the latter should definitely be ridden with an instructor. Also, for the convenience of beginners in skiing, special ski schools operate on the territory of the resort.

Mountain resorts of Georgia in winter attract a huge number of lovers of extreme recreation. In Gudauri, the slopes are perfectly adapted for freeride, which attracts fans of this type of ski holiday here. However, they also offer unique services, such as heli-skiing. This is the casting of skiers or snowboarders from a helicopter onto any slope to the very top of the mountain, to those places wherecalled wild trails. However, before that, the rider is required to sign documents that relieve any responsibility from the resort administration. Extreme lovers carry out such riding at their own peril and risk.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is very well developed in Gudauri. There are numerous restaurants and cafes that offer guests a variety of cuisines - from traditional Georgian to exotic Japanese, Chinese and even African. Several dozens of spa centers have been built here, which attracts vacationers to this Georgian mountain resort in the summer. As noted above, ski schools operate on the territory of the complex, and absolutely any equipment and equipment can be rented.

A large complex of hotels has been created in Gudauri, where you can find a room for the most demanding taste. Their prices vary from 2 (for a three-star room) to 6.5 thousand rubles. (for apartments with a beautiful view and within walking distance of the ski lifts). One lift will cost 150 rubles, and a ski pass for the day - 1 thousand rubles. Here you will be offered several options for ski passes, from which you can choose the one that suits you and allows you to save an impressive amount.

In summer, the mountain resort of Georgia - Gudauri, in addition to spa centers and restaurants, offers to spend time riding a cable car, or use one of the bike trails. You can also take a walking tour with a guide in one of the directions.

In conclusion, we can say that Georgia is an amazing country that hasextraordinarily beautiful nature. No matter what time of the year you come here, you will find a holiday to your liking.