The rental cars we hand over in Tbilisi reach Bakuriani in about three hours. So the Bakuriani ski season 2026/27 is the easiest winter trip in Georgia to drive yourself. The road climbs gently from Borjomi and the resort sits at about 1,700 m. Its slopes suit families and beginners far better than Gudauri. This guide covers the drive, the car to choose and the cost with our autumn discount. It also says when the lifts usually open.
Updated 28 October 2026. Prices and rules checked against our booking system on that date.
Bakuriani ski season 2026/27: dates and what to expect
Bakuriani usually opens its lifts in the second half of December and runs into March, depending on snow. Didveli and Kokhta are the two main areas. Didveli has the longer runs and a gondola, Kokhta the gentler slopes close to the village. In short, it is a resort for easy skiing, sledging with children and forest walks. It is not a place for steep off-piste. Because of that, it is also the calmest winter drive in the country: no high pass, no avalanche closures.
Prices for lift passes change every year, so check the resort before you go. What stays the same is the logic of the trip. First Tbilisi to Borjomi on a good road, then 30 km uphill to the village. Hotels, guesthouses and the mineral water park of Borjomi are all within an hour of the slopes.
The drive from Tbilisi: route, times and road conditions
| Leg | Distance | Time in winter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi to Khashuri | about 130 km | 2 h | Highway and dual carriageway most of the way. Fuel and coffee at Gori. |
| Khashuri to Borjomi | about 30 km | 35 min | Two-lane road along the river, usually clear of snow. |
| Borjomi to Bakuriani | about 30 km | 45 min | Climbs through the forest. Snow on the road after fresh falls, cleared quickly. |
So plan on three to three and a half hours door to door, more if it snows during the day. The last section is the only part where you need winter tyres. After a heavy fall, you also need snow chains. Our cars have winter tyres fitted in season. Chains are available in the booking form for $5 a day. The rules are in our guide on winter tyres and snow chains.
Which car for the Bakuriani ski season 2026/27?
A sedan is fine for Bakuriani in good weather. However, we recommend a 4x4 for a ski trip, because the village streets and hotel car parks are rarely cleared to the asphalt. Our usual picks:
- Renault Duster or Subaru Forester, $65 a day: the budget 4x4 choice. The Forester has roof space for skis.
- Jeep Renegade, $65 a day: compact, easy in the village, and 25% off from 10 days this autumn.
- Toyota Highlander, $70 a day: seven seats for a family or two couples with ski bags.
- Mitsubishi Pajero, $80 a day: the proper off-roader for Vardzia or the Goderdzi pass.
Every rental includes insurance and unlimited mileage, so the trip to Bakuriani and back adds nothing to the price. The autumn discount runs for pickups until 15 December 2026. It gives 5% off from 5 days and 10% off from 10 days on all cars except the Toyota Prius (flat $35). The Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade get 15% off from 5 days and 25% off from 10 days. The booking form applies it automatically.
What a ski week costs
For example, a Renault Duster for 7 days costs $432 with the 5% autumn discount. Add the one-off $20 service fee. A Jeep Renegade for 10 days costs about $488 with its 25% discount. The refundable $200 deposit is paid in cash at pickup and returned with the car. Tbilisi city pickup is free. If you land at night, Tbilisi Airport pickup is $30, and our colleague meets every flight.
Where to stay and what else to do
Most visitors sleep in Bakuriani itself, within walking distance of the Kokhta lift. Borjomi is the alternative if you want the spa, the Romanov park and more restaurants. It means a 45-minute drive each morning. With a car, you can also add the Timotesubani church or the Abastumani observatory. Another option is a day in Akhaltsikhe and the Rabati fortress. Our earlier post on Borjomi, Bakuriani and Vardzia by car has the summer version of that route.
Different route in mind? Tell us your dates, how many of you travel and whether you need ski racks or child seats. Message us on WhatsApp (+995 591 89 60 60) and we will plan a custom route with you. We suggest the right car for the roads, pickup and drop-off in different cities, and honest driving times.
Questions about the Bakuriani ski season 2026/27 by car
Do I need a 4x4 for Bakuriani?
Not strictly, because the road is cleared. But a 4x4 makes the village and the hotel car parks much easier after snowfall. We recommend one for any stay longer than a day trip.
Is the road from Tbilisi open all winter?
Yes. The route runs through Khashuri and Borjomi without a mountain pass, so it stays open. Only the last 30 km see snow on the asphalt after a fresh fall.
Can I rent for the whole season?
Yes, up to 30 days online and longer by WhatsApp. See the monthly SUV rental prices for 30-day totals.
In short, the Bakuriani ski season 2026/27 is the relaxed way to ski in Georgia. It is three hours from Tbilisi with no pass to cross, and a 4x4 costs from $65 a day with winter tyres fitted.
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