7.5 km long cable car opens connecting Kobi, Gudauri ski resorts
A 7.5 km long cable car between the ski resorts of Kobi and Gudauri opened earlier today, connecting the Stepantsminda region to Gudauri in just 15 minutes.
The cable car will serve to make both Kobi and Gudauri more functional winter resorts, offering easier transportation in the area.“Georgia will take its place on the global map as a country with the most successful ski resort. Number of tourists has increased by 500 percent in Gudari during last six years. This is a great success but not enough. This cable car is truly unic which will unify Gudauri and Kobi in one cluster. Outstanding Swiss and Austrian resorts have managed to achieve best results through realisation of the same strategy and I am sure that we are also getting closer to this level,” PM Bakhtadze said at the opening ceremony.
Kobi is a village in Stepantsminda, while Gudauri is a ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range.
The distance between Kobi and Gudauri is 15.2km and by car you can cover this distance in about 22 minutes – but since landslides and heavy snow can force the car route through Jvari pass to shut in the winter, the new cable car will help the commuters or skiers transport back and forth anyway.
About 81 million GEL was allocated from the state budget to construct the Kobi-Gudauri cable car with the capacity of carrying 2,800 people in an hour.
Source: Agenda.ge
Top 10 Winter Experiences Of Georgia
We, Georgians, are the most welcoming people in the world! And we know how confusing it can be for you to plan your winter vacation in our country that has always been famous for its sea, sun, wine and mountains. That’s why we picked these ten experiences for you, so that you would make the most out of your holidays.
1. Learning to ski (if you still couldn’t)
There are really good ski instructors and ski camps for adults and kids at our ski resorts. The biggest amount of them is in Gudauri and Bakuriani.
2. Trying heli-ski (if you tried everything possible before)
If you are experienced enough, and your seek for adrenaline, heli-ski is something you would really enjoy! Untouched snow, fabulous altitude and crazy landscapes are waiting for you in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Mestia.
3. Visiting sulfur baths in Tbilisi
Everyone has heard about them, but not everybody knows that it’s not your average touristic thing. We go there too, when we are tired and want to recover. Strong massage with immense amounts of soap and hot sulfuric water do their thing pretty well!
4. Raving in Bassiani
The most famous Georgian club is not a place where you can easily walk it, which makes it more appealing to the fans of high class electronic music. Only top DJs, only right people!
5. Treating yourself with healing waters
Book spa treatment in one of the hotels in Borjomi, Sairme or Likani, or simply jump into the natural steaming water in the Mineral Waters Park in the center of Borjomi. The pools are located in its very end.
6. Having a wine tour
Even if the harvest season (Rtveli) is over, the wineries are always happy to welcome the guests. Encounter with 8000-years-old tradition of winemaking and sample the most interesting Georgian wines, so rich on tannins, so flavourful, so unique!
7. Visiting mysterious caves
Not far from Kutaisi, there are two caves that are accessible for the travelers – Sataplia and Prometheus are the names. Both of them are very impressive! The first one preserves the fossilized footprints of the dinosaurs, the second one is a bit bigger and offers a boat trip along the underground river in the end. Be aware of the fact that both are closed on Mondays!
8. Tracing different civilizations and cultures
Georgia was always in the middle of regional events, that’s why many cultures have influenced us. Visit the cave town Uplistsikhe to see how humans made the whole town out of rock several thousands years ago. A visit to the archaeological sites Dmanisi and Samshvilde will showcase the life of ancient people, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, David Gareji cave monastery, Nekresi Monastery hidden in the forest on the mount will show you the different aspects of early Christianity in Georgia.
9. Enjoy subtropical nature
Going to the West gives you a refreshing experience of seeing green plants in winter. For example, Batumi Botanical Garden is simply fantastic!
10. Shop Georgian!
Clothes made by the Georgian designers as well as food and spices made in Georgia are always on the shopping list of a person who wants to bring home something special. We are sure that you will find the best and most interesting accessories, clothes and jewelry for you and your friends and family!
Source: Georgia.travel
Winter In Georgia: Skiing And Spa
Georgia is getting more prominence as a ski destination – first of all, due to its long season (snowfalls in the mountains in April are something normal for Gudauri and Svaneti) and affordable prices for ski passes. The other reason is that it is still quite exotic for those who used to go skiing in Alps, Tatra or Carpathians.
We want to bring our country closer to you, so here are our options for those who like to combine skiing and spa treatment.
BAKURIANI
Number one choice in this case will be Bakuriani. This resort is located in central Georgia, climate is mild, and the local waters make good impact on health. They are softly mineralized, contain potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium. The springs are located in the townlet Tsagveri and Mitarbi area, and you will also find bottled still water branded as “Bakuriani” in every Georgian shop.
The ski resort itself is the oldest one in Georgia, which means that the infrastructure has existed here for around 50 years, and recently it is getting updated and expanded. The new hotels and apartments grow there every year.
The most convenient area to stay for skiers is around Didveli Ski Lift or Mitarbi Ski Lift – you will have the direct access to the skiing area, and in the evening going to the cozy center of the resort with local restaurants, bars, ski rink, park and little cinema won’t be a problem. Just get a number of taxi driver in advance or ask for it in your hotel.
Talking about on site spa facilities – Orbi Palace, Crystal Bakuriani and Hotel Mgzavrebi are those hotels who have them. Indoor swimming pool and saunas are something you will definitely need after an active day on the slopes!
BORJOMI
If you want a leisure break during your skiing vacation, consider Borjomi at least for a day or two. This mineral resort is one of the oldest in Georgia – the spring was discovered in 1841, and with the time a beautiful park grew around.
The most relaxing option is to stay in one of four spa hotels in the town – Borjomi Palace, Crowne Plaza, Golden Tulip or Rixos Borjomi. Swimming pool and saunas are usually included in the room rate. Besides it, each hotel provides a wide range of healing and relaxing procedures, massages and cosmetology services.
The more budget-friendly option is to stay in one of the guesthouses that are many, and spend hilarious 5 lari for the chance to bath in the thermal spring in the end of the Mineral Waters Park. The spring is clean, and there are changing rooms on site too. The entrance to the park is 2 lari.
A walk toward the spring might take 30-40 minutes, and you will truly enjoy it: fresh air, sound of river Borjomi streaming towards river Mtkvari through the park, and the pleasant contrast of air and water temperature!
GUDAURI
The biggest and the most popular among freeriders, this resort is located in only 2.5 hours drive from Tbilisi. Seven ski-lifts (3 three-chair, 2 four-chair, 1 six-chair, 1 gondola), total altitude difference of 1258 meters, pistes from blue to black, breathtaking panoramas – simply awesome for a weekend break or a longer holiday!
For the guests that want to get decent spa and relaxation time, there are several places that offer it: Marco Polo Gudauri, Hotel Club 2100, Gudauri Hut Hotel, Carpe Diem Hotel, GoodAura Hotel and Tsar Bani Resort. New Gudauri Aparthotel also has a spa part – you should request this service before booking an apartment or hotel room there!
Also, famous Rooms Hotel Kazbegi has swimming pool with great view and good choice of extra procedures. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda village) is located in 30-40 minute drive from Gudauri, so you might go for a day trip there.
The choice is yours, and we are sure that you will have a great time in Georgia!
Source: Georgia.travel
Winter skiing resort – Gudauri
Gudauri – young and rapid developing winter sports resort located at Kazbegi region of Georgia, 120 km from Tbilisi, at the height of 2,196 m (about 7,200 feet) near the Cross Pass. Skiing season lasts from December to April, comfort skiing on all routes. In May skiing is possible on the five (highest) lift or even on the second lift in snow years.
Routes and lifts: in Season 2018-2019 is going to be open a new Ski-Lift to Kobi.
- “Pirveli” 1992-2065m- 3 seats (со снежными пушками и вечером освещена),
- “Soliko” 2157-2709m- 3 seats,
- “Kudebi” 2703-3006m – 3 seats, (на вершину Кудеби)
- “Snow Park”- 3 seats, 2720-2846m
- “Sadzele”- 4 seats, 2795-3276m, (to Sadzele).
- gondola “GudAura” – 2724-2777m, 10 seats,
- “Shino”-, 6 seats, 2186-2724m
- “Zuma” – 2151-2210m
- Alpina: 2300-2320m
- Bombora: 2740-2780m
- Baby
Snow park and SunKid people mover – 300m – FREE.
Cable railway operates from 10 to 16 for any number of skiers on routes. Cable railway may be closed in rare occasions of very low visibility or high wind. Cable railway is equipped with standby power generator for blackout protection.
SUMMER SEASON: From 16th of July during the summer season all the ski lifts will be working every day from 10:00 till 16:00. Price List:
One Ride – 5 Gel Sadzele (Gudaura, Snow Park, Sadzele) – 15 Gel Bike Pass (One day) – 12 Gel Summer Card – 60 Gel 20% discount on any category tickets for groups of 10-20 persons, 30% discount on any category tickets for groups of 20 people and more.
source: www.Gudauri.info
Bakuriani – Skiing resort in Georgia
Bakuriani is known for days with long sunshine, for 2052 hours a year and long snowy winter from December to March. Winters are cold and experience sufficient snowfall while summers are long. Average January temperature is – 7 and in August +15 degrees by Celsius. Average snow cover makes 64 cm.
Cristal clean air of high mountains, predominantly coniferous (mainly made up of spruce) forest filled with the perfume of beech trees, Kokhtagora, Kokhtagora II and views of mountains of Tskhratskaro attract attention of visitors during all seasons of the year.
No wonder that Bakuriani is one of the most famous mountain resorts among Georgian international ski resorts. Its climate and relief is ideal for the development of varieties of winter sports. First skiers were fixed here in 1932.
During winter seasons families with kids and fans of skiing adults equally enjoy staying here. Cable ways can be found in several places, on the Kokhtagora mount (1.3 km), Kokhtagora II, Sakhvelo mount (3.8km), under 90 and 25 m. ski jumps and there are also places for tobogganing in the park. The Kokhtagora along with other ski runs is one of the best difficult skiing runs for professional skiers.
Bakuriani is a mountain-climate resort with its main curative factors: mountain air, long time sunshine, high activity of ultraviolet rays. One can be cured here from lymphadenitis, chronic non-tuberculosis illnesses of respiratory tract and anemia. One can visit High-Mountain Botanical Gardens, the branch of the Tbilisi Botanical Institute (founded in 1919) with the best collection of alpine flora in Europe.
5 Things Not to Miss:
1. Snowmobile sightseeing
2. Sledges and horse riding
3. Parks for kids
4. Panoramic views
5. Après ski
Source: Skigeorgia.ge
Georgian Adventures: Georgia is also a place to ski!
In our Georgian adventures, the sky is the limit as we discover the country’s most popular destination for ski holidays!
“The Greater Caucasus is Europe’s highest mountain range and this is where we find Georgia’s best known ski resort – Gudauri,” declared our intrepid reporter Denis Loctier as he paraglided into the zone, with an instructor.
The slopes in Gudauri reach an altitude of 3,300 metres above sea level, so the skiing season begins in early December and lasts until the end of April.
The resort is famous for its snow quality and skiing infrastructure — the most developed in Georgia.
“Gudauri is the largest ski resort in our country and the closest to the capital,” said one enthusiastic skier, Nino Tkavadze.
“I think it has huge potential with the diversity of mountains around here!”
Accessible from Tbilisi in less than two hours, Gudauri offers 70 kilometres of ski runs, unlimited off-piste opportunities and a choice of extreme adventures like heli-skiing and speed riding.
Source: Euronews.com