Why Azerbaijan is the unexpected ski destination you need on your radar this winter

Step into Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, which blends ancient architecture with sleek, modern lines. Skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old city walls, mixing Persian influences with European elegance. But drive a few hours north, and the urban energy fades, giving way to vast, snow-covered mountains -an unexpected winter landscape ready to be explored.

Azerbaijan’s snowcapped mountain ranges rise dramatically, ready to offer an unexpected winter playground. 

In a transcontinental country famous for the Caspian Sea, palaces, and oil fields, you’ll find Shahdag, Tufandağ, and Agbulag -three ski resorts key to Azerbaijan’s winter sports potential. 

“We see that skiing destinations are becoming increasingly popular in Azerbaijan,” says Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. "We have beautiful ski resorts, hiking tracks...and lots to offer nature and outdoor lovers." 

Sengstschmid believes Azerbaijan’s unique landscapes and climates are central to its year-round appeal, adding that “Azerbaijan covers eight out of 11 climate zones”. 

In the south, you’ll find a subtropical climate zone with semi-deserts, mud volcanoes, waterfalls, and lush green areas.  But when you travel north? You discover mountain ranges where you can ski throughout the entire winter season! 

Shahdag Mountain Resort: for snow cannons and ski competitions

As you head north from Baku, passing through awe-inspiring valleys and quaint mountain villages, you’ll land upon  Shahdag Mountain Resort, Azerbaijan’s largest ski resort. Surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, Shahdag blends luxury with raw natural beauty.

Although it opened in 2013, Shahdag still feels relatively new and is well-equipped with the same amenities that you’d expect from the more-established European resorts. 

Shahdag will host the Ski Mountaineering World Cup over two days, January 11 and 12, 2025. This is a significant milestone for the country as it gains international recognition for its winter sports. 

The resort offers a year-round winter experience thanks to snow machines that guarantee skiers and snowboarders prime snowy conditions.

Equipped with 17 modern lifts, the resort boasts easy, continuous access to various runs and smooth slope transitions.

If you’re new to winter sports or simply looking to refine your skills, the resort’s ski school offers personalised instruction from seasoned instructors. All the lessons are tailored to build your confidence and technique on the slopes.

With growing excitement around Shahdag’s anticipated sporting event, a sustainability plan has already been piloted in the ski region.

Engstschmid says that Azerbaijan is “committed to sustainable development” in its tourism growth and highlights the importance of preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage as Azerbaijan opens its doors to more visitors worldwide.

Tufandağ Mountain Resort: The laid-back family retreat

Tufandağ Mountain Resort is another prime ski location in the Caucasus Mountains.

Located just four kilometres from Gabala city centre, Tufandag Mountain Resort has 12 kilometres of slopes equipped with state-of-the-art snow guns for maximum ski potential. 

Accessible via cable cars, you can take in the panoramas of the Caucasus Mountains as you ascend the slopes.

The resort’s ski school offers certified instructor-led lessons in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English for children and adults, and each slope is tailored for different skill levels - beginner, intermediate, professional, and expert - providing challenges across varying lengths and inclines.

Sengstschmid also points to the cultural experiences around Gabala, noting that Azerbaijan’s tourism development aims to “bring intangible heritage on the scene...and manage that balance well with locals and tourists.” 

When you’re not embracing the thrill of skiing, you could delve into small, family-run tea houses or discover the micro-businesses around Tufandağ, which give insight into Azerbaijan’s traditions. 

Agbulag Ski Centre: for remote slopes

Seeking an even more off-beat skiing experience in the remote reaches of the Lesser Caucasus? 

Drive just an hour from the city of Nakhchivan, where Agbulag Ski Centre stands high at 2,000 metres above sea level. With 12 kilometres of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers alike, you’ll find lessons suitable for all abilities. 

This resort is practical, with a hotel, several small cottages, cafés, and ski hire, so you don’t have to bring your own equipment. To get around all the main ski areas, there’s a 952-meter cable car that provides epic views across the mountainous terrain.  

Although Abulag’s runs are limited, the experience offers unparalleled skiing in relative peace. You can ski down quieter winding trails with uninterrupted views before unwinding in the resort's cosy chalets.

After a day on the slopes, visit one of Nakhchivan’s tea houses or sample traditional Azerbaijani dishes like ‘piti’, a hearty lamb stew slow-cooked in earthenware pots.

Beyond the slopes: Azerbaijan’s culture, cuisine, and heritage

A winter holiday in Azerbaijan offers more than just skiing: it’s a multifaceted cultural experience. As Sengstschmid describes, the country’s identity is “multicultural and multi-religious,” with a rich blend of influences adding to its intangible heritage.

After a few days in the mountains, return to Baku and dive into the capital’s medley of culture and cuisine.

Stroll the cobbled streets of Icherisheher, Baku’s medieval Old City, with its caravanserais, mosques, and 12th-century Maiden Tower, where you’ll discover layers of history dating back to the Paleolithic Age. 

In contrast, Baku’s Flame Towers and modern skyline, which rise in sleek, angular designs, are reminders of the city’s rapid modernisation.

Winter is also a prime time to enjoy Azerbaijan’s hearty, warming cuisine, which capitalises on its bountiful fresh produce, including grains, fruits, meat, and figs.

Dishes are vibrant and packed with spices and typically served in bowls of copper and clay, while flavours range from the tang of pomegranate to the smokiness of grilled meats to rich stews. t 

Across the country, you can dine on the national dish of plov (pilaf), lavangi (stuffed chicken or fish with walnuts), and baklava, which are all served with the traditional çay or Azerbaijani tea.

The rise of Azerbaijan as a winter sports destination

As Azerbaijan prepares for the 2025 Ski Mountaineering World Cup, there’s a tangible sense of anticipation. Hosting the competition is a major step in showcasing the country’s winter tourism potential. 

Ski mountaineering, which combines uphill skiing and downhill racing, is a relatively new Olympic sport that is growing in popularity.

For Azerbaijan, it’s a chance to introduce the world to its mountain landscapes and prove that it can compete with the world’s best ski destinations. 

Sengstschmid considers winter sports a crucial part of Azerbaijan’s future, calling the country “an exciting destination with so much going on," where natural wonders and modernisation converge.