Shahdag Ski Resort

Shahdag is the first and largest ski resort in Azerbaijan, and is located around one hour from the town Qusar at the south side of the Caucasus Mountains. The mountain resort was built in 2012, and now features 19 slopes of diverse difficulty levels. If ski resorts in Western Europe are too ordinary for you, enjoy the exotism of Azerbaijan instead. The mountains here area mainly untouched, and the ski resort boasts originality and brittle mountain charm.

The ski area is situated at up to 2,525m/8,284ft above sea level, which makes it very snow safe. Furthermore, you have the slopes mainly to yourself. The Azerbaijani ski resort is still a hidden gem, and tourists masses are nowhere to be seen. Enjoy the slopes and their varied terrain.

Beginners find a learning area around the base, with a few short t-bars and magic carpets, so ski novices and children find perfect practice conditions. The higher sections of the ski resort feature mainly blue and red marked runs, which makes it suitable also for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Naturally, classic Alpine-style mountain huts are not available. Nevertheless, you don't have to ski on an empty stomach in Shahdag, as the resort features numerous retaurants where you can take a break. Tez-Bazar, right by the slopes, is perfect for a quick stop. The self-service restaurant features hearty meals and small snacks. At Zirve Hotel, you can also find a café with a large sun deck, from where you can see the ski slopes and enjoy the sun.

Shahdag also boasts numerous activities off-piste. Explore the untouched nature of the Caucasian Mountains around Shahdag on a snowmobile tour. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the zip line. If you've always wanted to ride on a snow groomer, you can join the groomers for a little fee. For families, the snowtubing slope is particularly fun. Other popular activities include guided snow-shoe tours, where you can immerse into the snowy mountain-scape.

Don't expect a typical Alpine après-ski here. Instead, end your day with at drink at a hotel bar. From Menzere Bar at Shahdag Hotel & Spa you get a great view of the beautiful mountains. Bar Rahan at Hotel Zierve boasts a luxury atmosphere, and at Pik Palace Hotel you can enjoy a glass of wine at Alpina Brasserie & Wine Bar.

At Shahdag Mountain Resort, you can find numerous restaurants. Try traditional Azerbaijani food at Lezzet. Nefes Grill features nice barbecue. Both are located at Hotel Zirve. Miras Restaurant is also classic Azerbaijani, and perfect for larger parties as well as for a romantig tête-a-tête. Lovers of Asian cuisine will enjoy Fujisan Restaurant at Pik Palace Hotel, where you find Japanese and Korean dishes on the menu.

Shahdag is located around 200 kilometres from Baku. Baku International Airport is serviced by airlines going from Frankfurt, Vienna, Paris or London. From there, the easiest way to get to the ski resort is by rental car. From Baku, drive along E119 towards Qusar, and take Qusar-Laza Highway to Shadag.