Bakuriani: ex-"Soviet Davos"
Bakuriani is a skiing resort near Borjomi, a town famous for the eponymous mineral water known in Soviet times as a hangover cure. Photo by N. Alavidze
In 1998-1901, a narrow gauge railway from Borjomi to Bakuriani was built. Photo by N. Alavidze
At the slopes of Kokhtagora Mountain, a high mountain botanical garden was built between 1902 and 1910. Photo by N. Alavidze
The hospitable manager of the botanical garden was a big support of beginner skiers skiing here. Photo by N. Alavidze
Bakuriani is beautiful in summer but its charm doubles in freezing winter. Photo by N. Alavidze
Georgian mathematician, metallurgist, geographer and sportsman, Giorgi Nikoladze, was the first person to bring skiers to Bakuriani, at the beginning of the 20th Century. Photo by N. Alavidze
The ideal climatic conditions for breeding foxes resulted in a hunting grounds open here in 1931. Photo by N. Alavidze
Staff at the hunting grounds have achieved big success in breeding foxes. They have developed and bred a white fox, which was later named the Georgian White Fox. Photo by N. Alavidze
1935 was the first year Bakuriani operated as a skiing resort. Photo by N. Alavidze
In 1935 Bakuriani was named the Soviet Capital of Skiing Sports and, in the same period, Soviet newspapers called it Soviet Davos. Photo by N. Alavidze
In the 1950s, a 45 metre and 75 metre ski jumps were constructed. Photo by N. Alavidze
In 1945, the first in the Soviet Union cable way was built in Bakuriani. Photo by N. Alavidze
It is very hard to believe that before 1945, skiers would have to walk up Kokhtagora Mountain and tramp through the snow on foot. Photo by N. Alavidze
In 1960, Bakuriani became connected with electricity. Photo by N. Alavidze
Robert Oganezov is an ethnic Armenian who lives in Bakuriani and rents skis. Photo by N. Alavidze
These are old Bakuriani-style houses. Photo by N. Alavidze
These are old Bakuriani-style houses. Photo by N. Alavidze
But there are also modern high class hotels in the winter resort. Photo by N. Alavidze
A fence made by skis is a typical sight in Bakuriani. Photo by N. Alavidze
Bakuriani is a popular tourist destination in Georgia. Photo by N. Alavidze
Bakuriani locals run small businesses of either renting skis, rooms or selling homemade sweets. Photo by N. Alavidze
Churchkhela, a traditional Georgian sausage-shaped sweet with nuts and grape juice, is also sold here. Photo by N. Alavidze