Bakuriani: Georgia’s iconic ski resort opens for first summer season

One of the top ski resorts in Georgia is welcoming visitors for the summer season for the first time.

Bakuriani, near Borjomi in central Georgia, is regarded as one of the country’s leading winter wonderlands but this year the alpine village has been transformed into a summer destination.

From July 1 Bakuriani officially opened for the 2015 summer season. Instead of skiing, snowboarding or sledding, visitors can still enjoy the mountainous atmosphere but can try their luck mountain biking, hiking and camping.

The resort has created five bicycle paths of varying difficulty on Didveli Mountain. Each track has been cleared of stones to allow smooth riding and special cycle signs have also been installed.

The Mountain Resorts Development Company said all chair lifts and a funicular would operate on the mountain daily from 12-6pm.

As well as mountain biking, guests can experience the outdoors and enjoy the many hiking tracks and camping trips offered in the region.

A modern cinema is due to open today and feature movie premieres and animation films.

In addition, all hotels in Bakuriani will offer 50 percent discount vouchers to summer visitors.