Dear all,
This article is from another local website of georgia which i thought would be a interesting topic to share. Winter is coming! No kidding, it is really approaching. One of the
most important things you should know about winter in our country is the
fact that it boasts with great mountain resorts, where you can practice
skiing and snowboarding, relax, get rid of stress and feel adrenaline
rush, enjoy the snow and the sun, breathe fresh air, drink mulled wine –
and all this at very reasonable prices. However, even the craziest fan
of winter sports wants to take a break. That’s why we want you to know
what else you could do next to our white resorts.
- Freeride and history
Let’s start with Gudauri. To get to this freeriders’ Mecca, you will
anyways land in Tbilisi or Kutaisi, and then go with a mini-bus or taxi.
The resort is closer to the Georgian capital, so it would be more
reasonable to have fun and explore the Georgian culture there. It is
worth noting that on the road from Tbilisi to Gudauri you should
definitely make a stop at the fortress Ananuri, which was an important
outpost on the road leading from the Daryal Gorge in XVI – XVIII
centuries. It is well preserved, so you can wander around inside the
walls, peak into the church, which is a part of the complex, and feel
like in another century.
On the road from Gudauri to Tbilisi is located the first capital of
Georgia, Mtskheta, a small town of greater historical and spiritual
significance. Georgia’s Christianization started there, you can see a
lot of stories depicted at the magnificent frescoes of Svetitskhoveli
Cathedral. We also recommend to go up to the Jvari Monastery, which
looks at the mountains and the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari
rivers. You will love this place!
Photo: Shermazana
Tbilisi is Tbilisi… Winter is a perfect time to visit its sulfur
baths, museums, take a look at Niko Pirosmani’s works in the Blue
Gallery, visit the puppet theater performance at Rezo Gabriadze Theater,
drink a glass of wine in the XVIII – XIX centuries cellars, admire the
architectural charm of the city, have fun in clubs and bars. Winter is
not a sleepy season. Winter is a season of fun and relaxation!
- Gentle slopes, fresh air and healing water
If you don’t feel too confident on skis or snowboard, but still want
to spend your holidays in the mountains, we recommend you to visit
Bakuriani and Borjomi. In Bakuriani you can improve your skiing skills
or simply breathe winter pine air, which is very useful for the body,
drink mineral water or something stronger, taste pine cone jam, and
undertake a trip to Borjomi, where you can get spa treatment. The
incredible nature and tranquility of these resorts will make your winter
vacation relaxing and beautiful!
Beside this, you have to remember that Bakuriani is great for
holidays with children. They will definitely have fun learning skiing,
sledging and playing in snow!
- Conquer the mountains and explore the history
Hatsvali and Tetnuldi in Svaneti are relatively new ski resorts of
Georgia. This mountainous region is one of the most authentic and true
to tradition. The highest, the steepest and the most beautiful peaks of
Georgia are here, that’s why Svaneti is so attractive to mountain
lovers.
The medieval Svan towers, which served as shelter for the families
during the invasions, are now included to the UNESCO World Heritage
List. The treasury of Svaneti Museum of History will show you the wealth
of Georgia, which was preserved in these remote areas for centuries: in
the Georgian history there were many people who wanted to encroach on
gold and artifacts!
The highest Georgian restaurant is located at the resort Hatsvali at
an altitude of 3200 meters. Its terrace offers a beautiful view of the
double peak of impregnable mountain Ushba. Observing the sunsets there
is a single aesthetic pleasure. And if you will have a good portion of
local pastry, wine or chacha, your stay will be twice as great!
Photo: Dariko
Photo: Dariko
- Sea, skiing and wine
We hope you knew that Ajara was not only for seaside holidays? It’s a
picturesque mountain region, where you can find vines, murmuring rivers
and beautiful waterfalls. The centuries-old fortresses, original arched
bridges and intriguing archaeological sites wait for you there. There
are also small wine farms, where you can taste pretty rare wines.
And in the coming season Goderdzi ski resort will be opened, which
gives you the opportunity to combine active vacation with sea, wine,
ancient history, walks along Batumi Boulevard, casinos and clubs. Sounds
like an interesting winter vacation, doesn’t it?
- Spa, UNESCO and dinosaurs
Imereti region is very rich with places of interest! Check out
Kutaisi, taste local khachapuri and wine, and then give in to the
variety of different activities. First, there are two monasteries in
Imereti, which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List: Bagrati and
Gelati. The first is located in the city, the road to the second will
take about 15 minutes by car. View from both places is just stunning!
And if you imagine that in the Middle Ages this area was very lively,
scholars and monks have studied here, and the legendary King David the
Builder committed his great deeds, you may get goose bumps.
Besides this, nearby there is another interesting monastery,
Motsameta, which houses the relics of Saint David and Constantine. It is
said that the visit to Motsameta makes sincere wishes come true. Worth
trying!
If you tired with sightseeing, you should remember that in 9
kilometers from Kutaisi there is spa town Tskhaltubo, where you can
experience the effects of healing mineral waters and spa therapy. Water
of Tskhaltubo is especially useful for those who suffer from diseases of
nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular system.
Photo: Dariko
Photo: Dariko
A visit to Imeretian caves (Sataplia and Prometheus’) also influences
health positively. The air and temperature conditions there are
suitable for people suffering from asthma. However, the caves are
attractive not only as a place of recreation, but also as interesting
natural monuments. So, in Prometheus cave you can take a boat ride along
the underground lake, and in Sataplia there are fossilized footprints
of dinosaurs.
