Skiing in Azerbaijan

In February 2024 we visited Azerbaijan for the first time for a family ski trip. My son decided he would like to learn how to ski, so took lessons on the indoor ski slopes in Dubai Mall. It didn't take very long, and he was a pro! Much better than my Husband and I, so we decided to arrange a ski trip to a resort relatively close to Dubai, less than a 4 -hour flight.

We flew with Fly Dubai into Baku, then we had a nearly 4- hour transfer to the ski resort in Shahdag. The resort in Shahdag mountain resort compromises of 3 main hotels, Shahdag Resort and Spa, Pik Palace and Park Chalet. All are conveniently located at the bottom of the slopes with easy access, ski in, ski out. Shahdag resort is the more budget friendly option of the hotels, we opted to stay there as we were a large group and that's where the group chose to stay.

The resort facilities are great, and all very conveniently located at the bottom of the slopes. you can dine in any of the hotels, and they also have another restaurant and entertainment area, including a bowling and arcade games area. A great feature of the resort is the Shahdag Coaster, a great family ride that takes you 1670 feet down the mountain, with some quite scary sharp turns. My son absolutely loved it, I screamed the whole way down! You can also zip line 200 meters across the mountain, for any thrill seekers out there, I opted not to do this, after my Coaster experience. The resort also offers activities like paragliding, horseback riding, quad and buggy tours, to name just a few. There are so many great activities for families to take part in.

There are some great options for après ski as well, including a bar located towards the top of the mountain, often with live entertainment in the afternoon, one of our friends was asked to play there, so brought his sax along and entertained us all at the top of the mountain.

Shahdag features a diverse selection of 32 slopes, catering to all levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned pros. A network of 20 lifts ensures swift and convenient access to the slopes, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking the thrill of the slopes amidst the stunning backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains.

We will head back to Shahdag in the future, as the group of friends go every year, it's just a little more difficult to travel there from the UK. However, I am sure I will find a way and perhaps get planning for next year.