Georgia’s alpine resorts of Bakuriani and Gudauri will host the 2023 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships.

This decision was made at the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) Congress in Greece.

Georgia’s aspirations about hosting the 2023 Championships was conveyed to FIS President Gian-Franco Kasper by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili during their meeting in St. Moritz in February 2017.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili provided Gian-Franco Kasper with detailed information about the Georgian Government’s steps toward the development of alpine resorts and winter sports, including implemented and ongoing far-reaching infrastructural projects and investments.

In April 2017, the Georgian Ski Federation put forward the country’s formal bid to host the World Championships, followed by the Head of Government hosting FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis and her delegation in Georgia.

FIS Freestyle Skiing Coordinator Joseph Fitzgerald, together with the delegation, familiarized himself with the country’s alpine potential and opportunities on the ground, and the International Ski Federation (FIS) commended the Georgian Government’s steps toward the development of alpine resorts and winter sports.

To inspect relevant infrastructure for the World Championships, the FIS Group of Experts visited the country repeatedly before making a final decision.

The Mountain Resorts Development Company at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, along with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, and the Georgian Ski Federation were actively involved in the process.

Hosting the 2023 World Championships in Daba Bakuriani and Gudauri, Georgia is a most important athletic event that will play a vital role in the development of winter sports, the promotion of healthy lifestyle, and the development of infrastructure in line with international standards. In addition, hosting the World Championships will further enhance the country’s visibility and boost tourists’ interest in Georgia’s alpine resorts.