Georgia’s Prime Minister tests new toboggan ride in Bakuriani (VIDEO)

Giorgi Kvirikashvili did not miss his chance to test the latest mountainous summer attraction – a track for mountain sleds – also known as a toboggan in Bakuriani today.

The first mountain sled track in the South Caucasus was officially opened on June 16, 2016 as the part of infrastructural development of the winter mountain resort to transform it into a year-round destination.

"It is so cool,” said Prime Minister Kvirikashvili after the ride.

Watch the PM’s ride below:

The track itself was installed by Slovakian company Tatralift on a 1,360m long lane.

The sled track can cater to up to 30 toboggans, which can accelerate to 45km/h in the fastest sections.

The vehicles are controlled by two levers on either side of their passengers and travel on a track. At the bottom of the track, the sleds carry their passengers up to the starting point, with the entire ride taking around six minutes.

The project worth three million GEL and was funded by the Georgian Government.

The Prime Minister visited Bakuriani today to check how the 100 million GEL development project was progressing in the alpine resort and its neighbouring Mitarbi village.

"The destination of Kokhta-Mitarbi is developing very seriously. New ski lifts on Kohkta Mountain are working already; this destination will be connected with Mitarbi ski lifts for the upcoming winter season.”

Finally it include a whole unique complex of ski tracks located among beautiful landscape. It will be one of the most beautiful ski destinations not only in Georgia but in Europe,” said Kvirikashvili while speaking about the 100 million GEL state-private business model used for the resort’s development.

Toboggan ride area in Bakuriani. Photo by PM's press office. 

Other plans on the project also free shutter buses to Mitarbi-Bakuriani for tourists who prefer to live in nearby Borjomi.

Resorts like Bakuriani have been traditionally associated with winter activities and sports where recreational activities decreased drastically during the off seasons. The new toboggan track will operate in winter as well as summer seasons.

Other summer activities open to visitors in Bakuriani include mountain bike riding, with a special season ticket also available and including all local attractions for extreme sport enthusiasts.