Ski resorts of Azerbaijan: Shahdag

Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country. Tourism is also quickly growing (both: internal and international). Many companies are providing recreational services, particularly Ski Resorts. Currently there are two ski resorts: Shahdag and Gabala. Gabala resort is on the early stage of construction, so this article is about Shahdag Ski Resort that is already open for tourists from all over the world.

Shahdag (Şahdağ) – is one of the most comfortable ski resorts of Caucasus. It is located near Gusar (Qusar) town.

It was a long way from Novosibirsk to Shahdag. Because of important Skype call, we had to get to the hotel (with reliable internet connection) by a certain date. And as we were out of schedule, we had to spend almost three days on the road. Both me and my wife can drive, so we were changing each other during this trip 🙂

The custom service of Azerbaijan was a VERY slow. We spent there almost the whole day. Happily we left customs gate. Right after this, we found the police officer (Yol Hizmeti) who tried to cheat on us. He tried to persuade me that toned windows of my car are illegal in Azerbaijan (even though toning was done on a car factory). I explained him that I am not a guy who believes into such a bullshit and not going to pay anything. So I asked him about Shahdag, shaked his hand and went forward 🙂

We reached Gusar (Qusar), changed some money and proceeded on our way. It was quite late when we entered the hotel.

We found our friend Fariz there (we met him during our last year’s trip). He arranged a room for us and took care on all other things like a luggage (that was delivered to our room), skiing equipment (left in storage) and the car (delivered to parking lot under the hotel). The only thing we had to do is to deliver ourselves to the room 🙂 Actually it is the hotel team (and particularly Fariz) who makes staying in this hotel desired and comfortable!

Our car hardly got into the parking (the ceiling was just 2-3 centimeters higher then car’s roof). But it is too big 🙂 Average Land Cruiser or even Hummer would easily get inside!

There is 4 or 5 star accommodation on this resort. Three 5 star hotel buildings and one 4 star hotel. The difference in price is not really significant, considering that 5 star hotel has free swimming pool, gym, Finnish and Turkish saunas inside. That’s why we decided to stay in 5 star hotel.

After three days spent in a car, the hotel seemed to be more then luxury!

Our room:

The bathroom consists of three sections. Bathroom, toilet and shower room 🙂

The hotel is very modern. Everything is automated, there is special button for every action.

The phone shows your name 🙂

Everything is cool. The luster,…

…the balcony view.

Let’s have a little walk…

Loooong corridor:

Lift hall.

As returning clients, we received complimented spa procedure – jacuzzi 🙂 So we decided to use it immediately!

Spa reception.

Changing room for men. It is well equipped: electronic pin lockers, toilet, shower, bath robes, towels, slippers, shower gel, shampoo, fan and even cotton buds 🙂

The spa provides multiple services – massage (Thai and Turkish), cosmetic procedures and different types of aroma-therapy.There are not only rooms for procedures and for relaxation.

Here is our Jacuzzi.

There is a bar inside the spa. You can have a small drink here.

Let’s walk along the corridor…

…and jump into the swimming pool!

Is it not enough skiing for you? Feel free to use a gym 🙂

We’re not going to use gym today. It is too late and it is time to rest before tomorrow’s skiing.

That’s another surprise! Complimentary fruits and biscuits 🙂

It is late. Sleepless snowcats are preparing tracks for tomorrow’s skiing.

Good morning! Get up and shine! It is time for breakfast!

The restaurant is open!

Rich buffet and comfortable seats are ready to serve you.

There are a lot of cosy places in hotel where you can sit with your family or friends and spend some time together.

But there is no time for sitting. Let’s go skiing!

The resort has two levels of pistes open. So everyone (newbies, amateurs and professionals) will find appropriate slopes!

The weather is great – it is +5 outside.

As we’re travelling with out 5-years-old daughter, we have to find coach for her. And it’s easy! Shahdag Ski Resort has its own skiing school that is ready to train both adults and children. Coaches are Russian and English-speaking (probably they have coaches speaking other languages because the resort is VERY international). For 15 manats (15 AZN) per hour (or 20 manats for two hours) young and beautiful Maksimenko Aleksandra started teaching our daughter. After skiing daughter will have fun in free kindergarten! Everything for parents’ comfort!

Let’s go!

All slopes are equipped with modern lifts. Rope tows, chairs, cabins and even conveyor for beginners 🙂
Chairs have a very useful bubble cover – riding is much more comfortable in windy weather.

The view from lifts is marvellous.

All tracks are bordered and have lots of different warning signs.

You shouldn’t care about the weather. If the resort is open – there will be enough of snow! Snow guns can easily create it.

Tired and hungry? There is a cafe at the lower part of resort. It is located near 4-star Zirve Hotel.

The riding is over. Shower and swimming pool then. Short walk in the neighbourhood finishes the day. There are three 5-star hotels standing together: Park Chalet, Peak Palace and our Shahdag Hotel. Peak Palace and Park Chalet are being finished and accommodate guests when there are no places in Shahdag hotel.

Sandwiches and a tea with jam as a dinner in hotel’s cafe.

Shahdag

Season: mid December – mid April
Snow: natural or artificial (always available)
Elevation difference: 1400-2100 meters
Pistes: 5 green, 5 blue, 4 read (new pistes will be built by 2015-2016 season)
Off-piste skiing: possible but can be hard due to snow absence
Facilities: Hotels, restaurants, parking, ski rental, ski shop, club for children, ski school for adults and children.