Winter in Georgia has its own appeal. Summer in Georgia is filled with beach trips to the Black Sea, dining in vineyards and excursions in the mountains of Tusheti. Georgian skiing is often discussed as the warm season ends and people begin to plan for the cooler months. Georgia has become a popular destination for cold weather trips because of its extensive slopes and international fame.
Bakuriani makes for a great winter destination. It is a small town nestled in the Trialeti Mountains 183 kilometers (114.3miles) from Tbilisi. Regular taxis and minibuses transport visitors from A-B and back. The journey through low mountains is beautiful, especially when they are covered in snow. There are many small towns, shops and the Borjomi facility for those who don’t want to rush.
The road is also home to Georgia’s most popular food attraction. Nazuki, a sweet homemade loaf with cinnamon, cloves, and raisins, is sold by local vendors along the road, especially in the west. It is best eaten fresh from the “tone” (oven) and makes for a delicious, belly-warming snack as you meander through the mountains during the cold weather.
Bakuriani offers a range of accommodation options, from the humble guesthouse to the luxurious resort hotels. This village is largely supported by the thriving skiing scene. This small alpine community hosts some of Europe’s largest skiing and extreme winter sport events.
The village is small compared to other European resort towns. It has a good selection of restaurants and corner stores. Locals can also rent hiking gear, off road vehicles, and snowmobiles for a reasonable price. When you’re not on pristine white slopes, you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines including warm and inviting cafes and traditional Georgian food.
Bakuriani’s diverse attractions are a great advantage for skiers of all levels. The slopes are a challenge for the more advanced skier and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For beginners or novices, there are more modest and smaller slopes.
There are many cafes with delicious food, slopes suitable for all ages and abilities, and a vast expanse to explore.
For those who don’t own their own equipment, there are shops that offer the right gear for a small price. Locals are not only willing to help new skiers find the right equipment but also offer tutorials and lessons. Trainers with experience can help to remove any fear that people might have when taking up this new hobby.
The staff was extremely knowledgeable and made the learning curve easier for me. They ensured that I understood every aspect of steering, recovering from falls, and riding down the hill. It was exciting to be introduced to this sport slowly, even though it wasn’t a major grade. While I was buried in snow on my first ride, I found the subsequent rides to be liberating. I felt like I had mastered this sport by the end of the first day.
The morning of the next day was my ultimate test. I was confident and armed with my boots, skis and no trainer. After a false-start trying to help a snowboarder who was in a tumble, I regained poise and gracefully glided down. To my amazement, I repeated the feat. After mastering the art of posture, turning and managing my speed I felt like I had made a real achievement.
Hiking trails in the area are suitable for all levels of ability. Many of the well marked trails lead to scenic overlooks or camping areas. Locals offer horseback riding if the terrain is too difficult in the winter.
Bakuriani has something to offer everyone who is looking for a winter retreat. The mountain village is a popular destination for its warm cafes, delicious cuisine, and slopes for people of all ages and abilities. Bakuriani is a must-visit if wintering in the Georgian Highlands is on your list for this season.
By Michael Godwin
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