If snow days are your thing, this is a solid plan. You’re rolling from Kutaisi into two of Georgia’s favorite mountain stops: Borjomi for mineral water and Bakuriani for real winter play.

I like the small-group setup, capped at 7 travelers, which keeps things calm when the roads get icy. I also like that you get an English-speaking guide plus a free Borjomi water tasting, so you’re not stuck figuring things out on your own.

One thing to consider: several of the most fun add-ons in Borjomi and Bakuriani are paid directly at the sites (park entrance, gondolas/lifts, rentals, and activities), and winter conditions can vary.

Key points that matter before you go

• Small-group day with a maximum of 7 travelers, so you’re not herded like cattle.
• Borjomi Central Park stop includes a free mineral water tasting and time for sights like the factory and cable car option.
• Bakuriani is pick-your-adventure: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding/toboggans, snowmobiling, and even horseback riding.
• Flexible scheduling: your guide adjusts activities to what you want to do.
• English-speaking guide who handles the plan and keeps timing realistic on a long day.

From Kutaisi to the Mountains: How the 12-Hour Day Works

This is a long-but-friendly winter outing, running around 12 hours door-to-meet-point and back. You start in central Kutaisi at the Megobari Tours meeting point by the Colchis fountain, then you’re picked up and headed toward Georgia’s mountain zone.

Plan for a day that feels like two mini-trips inside one: first the mellow spa-town vibe of Borjomi, then the high-energy snow playground of Bakuriani. There’s also a short coffee stop early on, which is very practical when temperatures drop and you’re about to sit in a vehicle for stretches.

You’ll want to dress for actual winter weather. You’ll be outside at both stops—walking in Borjomi’s park and spending time around the snow areas at Bakuriani—so warm layers, gloves, and proper boots matter more than style.

Borjomi Central Park: Mineral Water, Easy Walking, and Optional Sights

Borjomi is one of those places where “just a stop” still feels worth it. The tour gives you time in Borjomi Central Park, plus free mineral water tasting, so you can try the famous spring water without making it your whole mission.

What you can do here is simple and low-stress:

• wander the park paths
• taste the mineral springs
• if you want more, check out the historic factory area
• consider the cable car for wide views

One practical note: the Borjomi park entrance fee is not included, listed as optional at 5 GEL per person. That means you can choose how much you want to pay to walk the grounds and how much you want to focus on the water tasting and main sights.

This stop works well if you’re not trying to spend all day in snow gear. You get fresh mountain air, a bit of strolling, and a culture break before the winter action starts.

The Borjomi Cable Car Choice (and the Small Decision That Saves Money)

Borjomi’s vintage cable car is the kind of add-on that can shift your mood fast: one moment you’re walking, the next you’re looking out over the valley. The tour describes it as an option for panoramic views, but you’ll pay for it directly at the provider.

That’s the pattern for this whole day: the core tour gets you the route, timing, guide help, and key included moments (like the free water tasting). The fun extras—like gondolas, lifts, and activities—are mostly pay-on-site.

So before you go, decide your style:

• If you love views and don’t mind small extra costs, cable car time is a great use of the stop.
• If you’re budget-minded, you can still do the park walking and water tasting and keep the spending focused on the Bakuriani snow portion.

Bakuriani Ski Resort: Pick Your Snow Fun Without Being Stuck

Now for the reason most people book: Bakuriani Ski Resort. This is where the day turns playful, not just scenic. You can choose from several winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, toboggan rides, and even horseback riding.

The tour is designed to stay flexible. Instead of forcing one activity on everyone, your guide adjusts the schedule to match what you want to do. That flexibility matters because snow days can be unpredictable: your energy level, the weather, and the availability of lessons or equipment can all change what feels best.

Also, the tour notes that equipment and instructors are available. That’s big if you’re a beginner or just want a smoother start. You’re not expected to know exactly how everything works at a resort; you’re traveling with someone who can guide you to the right places and timing.

One more helpful reality check from experience-style stories shared with the provider: in some winters, snow coverage can be uneven. If the conditions aren’t as snowy as you hoped, your guide may help arrange a higher-ground alternative using local transport—so you still get that snow-in-your-face moment, not just slush and regret.

Gondola to Around 2,700 Meters: When You Trade Time for Views

Bakuriani includes a plan to ride a scenic gondola lift up to about 2,700 meters. Even when you’re not doing a full day of skiing, this kind of lift ride is worth it because it changes the whole feel of the resort.

At that height, your experience becomes less about activities and more about scale:

• you get wider mountain views
• the snow feels more dramatic
• you’re above the busy parts and can breathe for a minute

As with Borjomi, the ride up is part of the optional extras you pay directly. The tour list specifically calls out Bakuriani ski lift as not included, so treat the gondola/lift as a ticket you’ll budget for if you want the higher panoramic perspective.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is often a sweet spot. You get a scenic payoff without committing to long stretches of lessons. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it’s also a nice break between action rounds.

Equipment, Rentals, and the Costs You Should Expect Up Front

This tour separates the day into two buckets: included logistics and paid-on-site activities.

Included:

• air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking guide
• child car seat if needed
• free Borjomi water tasting

Not included (paid directly):

• Borjomi gondola
• Borjomi park entrance fee (optional, listed at about 5 GEL per person)
• Bakuriani ski lift
• ice skating
• sledge / toboggan options
• ski rental

What this means for you is simple: you’ll likely spend extra, but you control the spending. If you want a big snow day with rentals and multiple activities, plan on that. If you want a smaller-budget version, you can pick one or two main activities and skip the rest.

It’s also smart to ask your guide on the day which options are easiest to arrange fastest. In winter, time can vanish quickly due to line-ups, weather slowdowns, or road conditions. A good guide helps you avoid the classic mistake: paying for something and then realizing it doesn’t fit your schedule.

And yes, you may hear names thrown around because the guide team includes people known for being calm and on-time. Some folks have specifically thanked guides such as Mikiel and Eva for making last-minute arrangements work smoothly, and mentioned other guides like Jacko for being patient and helpful with practical needs like finding suitable food. That kind of problem-solving is what you’re really buying, beyond the transport.

Timing and Meals: Traditional Georgian Dinner After the Snow

Food can make or break a winter day, especially if you’re active for hours. Here’s the good part: the tour includes a traditional Georgian dinner after the snow fun, before you head back toward Kutaisi.

Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to think of meals in two phases:

• you can grab something on your own during the day
• the tour finishes with a proper dinner

If you have dietary needs, this is where having a guide who communicates clearly can help. In past experiences shared with the provider, guides have helped locate meal options for different preferences, including halal-friendly dining. Still, you should treat dinner as the reliable included meal and keep your lunch flexible.

Group Size, Road Reality, and What a Good Guide Actually Does

A cap of 7 travelers sounds small, but it changes everything in practice. It usually means:

• fewer decisions to manage
• less waiting around
• more attention when timing gets tricky

Winter roads matter. The tour runs by vehicle, and conditions can be slippery. A safe driver and a guide who keeps the day moving without rushing are the difference between a relaxing snow day and a stressful one.

In some stories from the provider’s tours, guides and drivers have handled slippery conditions carefully and kept the pace steady. The best part is you’re not stuck translating plans or chasing the schedule. The guide becomes your buffer.

Also, one memorable off-script moment shared in these experiences involved a bear sighting during the return on a forest route. That’s not something you should expect to happen, but it’s a useful reminder: winter forests are alive, so keep your eyes open and follow local guidance.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and When to Rethink It)

This day trip is a strong fit if you want:

• a one-day winter introduction to Bakuriani
• a mix of mountain scenery plus fun snow activities
• an organized route with an English-speaking guide
• small-group comfort without planning every detail yourself

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or families, because you can scale your day. You can ride up for views, try ice skating, or pick one main snowy activity rather than committing to everything.

I’d rethink it if:

• you’re only interested in Borjomi and don’t care about snow
• you strongly prefer a tour where every single activity is included in the price
• you’re hoping for a snow-only day without any chance of conditions varying (winter weather can be uneven)

Should You Book This Ski & Snow Tour from Kutaisi with Borjomi Stop?

If your goal is a winter day that hits both Borjomi charm and Bakuriani snow fun, this is a practical value. You’re not just getting a ride; you’re getting a guided plan with key included touches (Borjomi water tasting, dinner, English guidance) plus flexibility to shape the snow time.

Book it if you:

• want a small-group day
• like the idea of choosing your snow activities
• don’t mind paying separately for the biggest-ticket add-ons like lifts and rentals

Skip or reconsider if you want a fully “no extra fees” experience or if long winter driving and a full day out doesn’t match your energy level.

One last tip: go in with a shortlist of what you want to do at Bakuriani—skiing, skating, sledding, or gondola views. Your guide can help you turn that shortlist into a smooth schedule, which is the whole point of booking a day like this.

FAQ

How long is the Ski & Snow tour from Kutaisi with a Borjomi stop?

The tour lasts about 12 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Kutaisi?

You start at the Megobari Tours meeting point at the Colchis fountain in Kutaisi.

What language is the guide?

The tour includes an English speaking guide.

Is Borjomi water tasting included?

Yes. Free Borjomi water tasting is included.

Are lunch costs included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Do I have to pay the Borjomi park entrance fee?

The Borjomi park entrance fee is optional and is listed as 5 GEL per person, and it is not included in the tour price.

What snow activities are available in Bakuriani?

You can choose options such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, toboggan rides, and horseback riding. Some of these are paid directly to providers.

Is the gondola/lift included in the price?

No. The tour notes extra activities are paid directly, including Borjomi gondola and the Bakuriani ski lift.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.