Ski resort Bakuriani bidding to host 2023 international championships

Georgia’s winter resort Bakuriani is bidding to host the 2023 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships.

The International Ski Federation has published the profile of Bakuriani, saying it has a "great tradition in winter sports as an established training centre used by top-athletes from various nations”.

Located at an altitude of 1,700 meters Georgia’s popular ski resort of Bakuriani has 4,000 permanent inhabitants.

In recent years, the Mountain Resort Development Company (MRDC), the state company in charge of developing Georgian Ski Areas, has invested heavily in rebuilding in the infrastructure of the resort which offers nearly 30 km of slopes and a dozen lifts, including an eight-seat-gondola.

Also, many new hotels have recently opened in Bakuriani, featuring 15,000 beds, with further ones foreseen.

There are presently three distinctive areas dedicated to skiing - Didveli, Kokhta and Mitarbi. In order to possibly host the numerous competitions on the program of the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, MRDC plans to develop a new part of Didveli which would also become a great place for a future ‘Snow Park’.

Four lifts would be added to bring skiers and riders to the cross slopes, the halfpipe, as well as the moguls and slopestyle venues. These new lifts would also help to connect the slopes of Didveli to the runs of Kokhta located a few kilometers away.

"The spectacular big air and aerials competitions would take place in a stunning ski jumping location. It is also a great place to host Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as Medal Awards and other celebrations”, reads the Bakuriani profile.

The Georgian government is strongly committed to hosting international snow sports events. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikachvili met a delegation of FIS officials last June to confirm his strong support for Bakuriani’s bid.