Popular mounting skiing and health resort of Bakuriani is situated in Borjomi gorge, on the Northern slope of Trialeti range, and is surrounded by unique fir-tree and pine-tree groves and alpine meadows. In XIX century after Borjomi mineral water had gained

high reputation for its unique therapeutic properties, a lot of people from Russia were in a hurry to visit the gorge. Exactly at this time (1898-1901) a narrow-gauge rail track from Borjomi to Bakuriani was constructed and totally changed the fate of a settlement in the mountains.  In 1910 on the Western slope of Kokhta-Gora mount Botanical garden was founded. The purpose of setting up Botanical garden was introduction and acclimatization of high mountain vegetation. It was a chief of Botanical garden, Kozlovski, who hosted first skiers visiting the settlement. Later on Giorgi Nikoladze, the son of a Georgian public figure, Niko Nikoladze, who had a degree from European education institution and should be credited for the development of Georgian sports, started promotion of winter sports and trial and usage of Bakuriani slopes. In the 30-ies Bakuriani already had skiing base and several children’s

sanatoria. But the date when Bakuriani was born as a ski center is considered 1935 when students of Transcaucasia Industrial

Institute (today – Georgian Technical University) held training session there. They soon were joined by many other students. In several years two 45- and 75-meter ski-jumps were erected, cable lifts constructed, and skiing trails for professionals and amateur

skiers laid. In Soviet times Bakuriani hosted winter sport competitions of various levels. Members of the Soviet Olympic teams gathered there for training sessions. Fascinated by location and scenery of the resort, guests called Bakuriani ‘Capital of Soviet skiing sport’ and ‘Soviet Davos’.

 

1. Panoramic view on Bakuriani from Tskratskaro pass.

2. Today 12 well-arranged skiing trails operate in Bakuriani, including: historic Kokhta-Gora (2155 m), length of cableway – 3000 m; Kokhta-2 mount known as ‘Tatra’ for experienced sportsmen (2255 m, total length 1800 m); total length of ‘Didveli’ 3800 m (given FIS certificate). Simple skiing trail known under the name of 25-er is operative for the beginners (length 300 m).

 

Location: Northern slope of Trialeti range

Sea level: 1700 m

Distance: 30 km from Borjomi, 180 km away from Tbilisi

Landscape: mountainous

Climate: middle mountain (upper belt), winter cold, mean temperature in January -5,6 degrees centigrade, snow cover remains 4-5 months; summer moderately warm, mean temperature in August 14 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 800 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 77%

Annual average number of sunlight hours: 2000 h.

Natural treatment factor: climate of middle mountain upper belt

Types of therapy: passive and active climate therapy (air and sun exposure)

Diseases for treatment: lymphadenitis, non-TB respiratory tracts chronic diseases, blood deficiency