Coming to sunny Azerbaijan, it seems, you may completely forget about the snow, especially about the ski resort even during the winter period. However, thanks to the mountain landscape in some of the Azerbaijani regions, the local residents can enjoy the winter resort. So, Shahdag is one of such resorts, located in the north of the country, 32 kilometers away from region Qusar. The ski resort was named so after the Shahdag peak in the Caucasus Mountains, the altitude if which reaches 4243. The resort itself is located 1000-2000 meters high above the sea level, which explains the reason for this region’s severe climate.
Shahdag – is exactly that special place, where you should go, if you wish to travel to winter fairytale. Those snow-white fields, bright sun, and mountain weather – best remedy from the tiredness from noisy cities.
Being the first ski resort in Azerbaijan, Shahdag very soon became the favorite place of many local citizens, where they can celebrate the New Year or just spend joyful weekends.
So, let’s learn a bit about the history of this place.
The story goes back to 2006 -the period when the preparatory work for the construction of the Shahdag started. Three years later in 2009, the foundation of the resort was set up. Later, the snowmaking system was created; also the roadway and the ski slope were transferred here. Finally, in 2012 the ski resort Shahdag was officially open for everyone.
Soon, after the official opening of the resort, new hotels, such as Gaya, Zirve, etc. were opened. Eventually, the number of hotels in the resort territory reached 5 – Shahdag Hotel&Spa, Pik Palace, Gaya Residence, Zirve Hotel, Park Chalet
The ski season in Shahdag starts in December and closes generally in March-April.
Besides ski skating, in Shahdag you can also have other things to do such as ice-skate, go on 1800 meters long roadway or just have fun playing the snowballs with your friends! Climbing, hiking, parachuting, canoeing, mountain, biking, rafting, horse riding, trekking, lake swimming – all you can do in Shahdag tour!
In addition to entertainment, when you come to Shahdag, you walk into fairy place, full of picturesque views! Even during winter times the sun is brightly shining, and the view of snow lit with sunrays will stick in your memory for a long time!
The entertainment is certainly good; however, eating is a must do thing in Shahdag. What a pleasure it is to drink a hot tea or coffee in a cold winter day! Besides entertainment, there are functioning about twenty cafes and restaurants on the territory of the resort, where you may try national dish as well as international food.
However, do not forget to take your ID card, as you will be required to present it before buying a ticket for renting ski gears.
Here are the prices for usage of sky gears:
- Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots) – 25 AZN
- Ski gears + jacket + trousers + helmet – 53 AZN
- Snowboard + boots – 40 AZN
However, the price for usage of ski gears for the children aged 6-12 is pretty cheaper
- Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots+ helmet ) – 29 AZN
- Ski suit (jacket + trousers) – 16 AZN
The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged over 12):
09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 26 AZN
09:00 AM – 12:30 PM– 16 AZN
12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 16 AZN
One-time use only – 6 AZN
The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged 6-12):
09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 20 AZN
09:00 AM – 12:30 PM – 12 AZN
12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 12 AZN
One-time use only – 4 AZN
And the usage of the ropeway for the children aged 0-6 is free.
Though Shahdag was initially opened as a winter resort, many people attend this lovely place in summer too. Fresh air, green fields and amazing sunsets – perfect time spending in summer.
Additionally, Shahdag offers a great variety of facilities for any age – quad bikes, Nordic walking, bicycle, inflatable castles etc. Besides, you can also try carting, paintball, ride a Segway, scooter, or visit our Adventure Park! So many things to do in just one place – no time for boring!
Visiting definitely should be added in your “things to do” list, when you visit Azerbaijan !
