Positive changes ahead for Georgia’s winter resorts

Georgia’s leading ski resorts Bakuriani and Gudauri will meet the next winter season with new trails and upgraded infrastructure, Georgia’s Economy Minister said yesterday.

Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke about the projects that were implemented last year and announced future plans for the two resorts.

"[Last year] we installed artificial snow machines in Gudauri and Bakuriani. This year we will finish installing these on the second ski trail of Gudauri. In addition, we will build two artificial lakes in Gudauri and Bakuriani so that the artificial snow system can function at optimum levels,” he noted.

"In addition, we are installing one more ski lift in Gudauri and restoring the Bakuriani Kokhta piste, which will be even longer. This will definitely give another element to the Bakuriani resort,” Kvirikashvili said.

The Minister said rehabilitation of the Kokhta ski trail would be conducted in partnership with Georgian private business representative TBC Group.

"I want to note that we have already achieved a model of partnership with a private company. This is TBC Group, with whom we will share the burden of investment and this Group will finance the construction of 500 hotel rooms in Bakuriani. This will be planned by top planning companies that meet the best alpine standards,” he said.

Looking ahead a German company planned to install summer attractions in Bakuriani. This would further strengthen the image of Bakuriani as a four-season resort, said Kvirikashvili.

Georgia’s winter resorts will be under the global spotlight in 2017 when the country hosts the Europe and Asia Winter Resort Conference. The participation of international guests in this event would help raise the awareness of Georgia as a winter tourism destination and "reinforce the image of Georgian resorts” as among the best in the world.