Escape to the snowy mountains of Azerbaijan this winter

The lush mountains of Azerbaijan will soon be transformed into a white winter paradise, offering a magical experience for both those seeking adventure and those looking for a dose of rest and relaxation. With daily direct flights on Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and flydubai from Dubai, you can reach the capital of Baku in less than 3 hours to enjoy the crisp mountain air and beautiful snowy landscape.

Nestled on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is perfect for those seeking to reconnect with nature. The awe-inspiring Caucasian Mountains offer a change of scenery with the most satisfying pistes for ski enthusiasts being just three hours away from the city centre.

Here are two great ski resorts to experience in Azerbaijan this winter: 

SHAHDAG

Perched atop the pristine mountains of the Gusar region sits the Shahdag Mountain Resort. With its high-class hotels, spas, restaurants, and an endless list of thrilling sports and leisure activities, Shahdag will turn your winter wonderland dreams into reality. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, brave the slopes and enjoy over 17 kilometres of pistes. Non-skiers will also find a variety of activities including off-road tours, paragliding, cycling, trottinetting and cable car rides overlooking the magnificent mountains. Once you have had your fill of the resort, venture into the charming nearby village of Laza. Perfect for trekking, the scenic area is surrounded by an array of waterfalls that freeze in winter. 

Spa options:

Reconnect with yourself at the 5-star Pik Palace Hotel, offering a widerange of restorative treatments, state-of-the-art amenities, and a poolside bar to help you unwind. Or head to the Park Chalet whereyou can find a 20-metre indoor pool as well as access to a gym, whirlpool, sauna and more.  

Getting there:

Shahdag Mountain Resort is 210 km from Baku by bus from the Baku International Bus Station or 3 hours by car. 

Weather conditions:

The temperature can fall to minus 20-22°C in winter. Snowfall ranges from 15 to 35 cm per week.

Stay options:

Pik Palace Hotel 5*- 167 roomsandsuites

Park Chalet 5*- 164 roomsand suites

Zirve Hotel-4*- 43 rooms 

Shahdag Hotel and Spa -172 rooms

TUFANDAG

Boasting incomparable beauty, the Tufandag Mountain Resort sits on the shoulders of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Gabala, an ancient treasure of Azerbaijan. The 15 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes are great for snowboarding and skiing. Beginners and first-timers have access to the resort’s ski school to join in the fun. Equipped with spas, restaurants, cafes, bars and recreation areas, Tufandag ticks all the boxes for your winter getaway checklist. A full-day pass for adults to enjoy the activities costs 30 AZN/ 65 AED or 20 AZN/ 43 AED for children ages 6-11.

Guests can also indulge in delicious meals while taking in the striking views at the many restaurants on offer. The Chalet Steak and Wine House, which can only be reached by cable car, is the highest restaurant in Azerbaijan. Enjoy a perfectly cooked steak alongside a glass of local wine in a luxurious setting. Gabala Café is the place to go for some authentic Azerbaijani cuisine. Also only accessed by cable car, the café is located at the Gabala Station on the cableway.

Spa options:

Enjoy access to the sauna, steam room, massages, Turkish bath or treat yourself to family VIP spa services. Sports enthusiasts can also find adventure indoors within the hotel’s sports hall. The Qafqaz Riverside Hotel offers tranquility for its guests with an indoor pool, Turkish hammam, sauna and massage rooms. For those looking for therapeutic seclusion, VIP spa experiences are also available.   

Getting there: 

Tufandag Mountain Resort is 20 km from the international airport of Gabala by car. From Baku, the resort is 220 km away by bus from the Baku International Bus Station or 3.5 hours by car.

Weather conditions:

The temperature can fall to minus 15-20°C in winter. Snowfall ranges from 5-15 cm per week.

Stay options:

Qafqaz Tufandag Resort 5*- 50rooms and suites, 3 villas

Qafqaz Riverside 5*- 150 rooms and suites, 14 two and three-bedroom cottages