Shahdag

Qusar, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's first and largest winter resort, in the Greater Caucasus, below a 4,243 m peak.

Shahdag ski resort scene
Azerbaijani carpet pattern

2,552 m

top station

45 km

of slopes

37

slopes of all levels

20

lifts, according to the resort

About Shahdag

Shahdag Mountain Resort sits in the Qusar district in the northeast of Azerbaijan, with slopes between 1,435 m and 2,552 m. It opened in 2012, takes its name from Mount Shahdag (4,243 m) and lies near Shahdag National Park. It is the country's first ski resort and its largest, and all slopes can be covered with snowmaking.

Hotels at the resort include the four-star Shahdag Hotel and Spa (346 beds) and Gaya Residences (62 beds). Three ski and mountain schools offer lessons with national and international instructors. The season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.


From Baku to the mountain villages

Shahdag is in the Greater Caucasus, about three hours from Baku. Around it lie the carpet towns of the north, a high mountain village with its own language and a table where tea never stops.

From Baku to the mountain villages

Official website

Slopes, lift status and offers from the resort itself.

Baku, the gateway

Baku, the gateway

The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and the 12th-century Maiden Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000). Most visitors fly into Baku.

Carpets of the north

Carpets of the north

Carpet weaving is a family tradition passed on by practice, and UNESCO listed the traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in 2010. Guba, in the north near Shahdag, is one of the main carpet-weaving centers.

Khinalig, a village in the mountains

Khinalig, a village in the mountains

The Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and "Köç Yolu" Transhumance Route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2023). The village lies in the Guba district, in the same mountains.

Tea, dolma and lavash

Tea, dolma and lavash

Azerbaijan's tea culture, dolma and lavash bread are on UNESCO's intangible heritage lists. Try them after a day on the slopes.

Getting there

  • Baku: about 210 km, around three hours by road
  • Qusar town: about 29 km from the resort
  • Public buses run from Baku to Qusar, then a taxi to the resort

On the mountain

  • Between 1,435 m and 2,552 m
  • Chairlifts, platter lifts and cable cars
  • Snowmaking on all slopes
  • Mountain coaster, kids karting and a cinema at the resort

Plan your trip to Shahdag

Build your own trip step by step: your flight, an airport transfer or a rental car, a place to stay and an eSIM. Then add guided tours from the list below. You book each step on our partners' sites, and you can change any step.

Prefer a ready-made plan? Plan your trip with us

Step 1: Fly to Baku

Fly to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku (GYD), about 210 km from the resort. Search flights in the form below.


Step 2: From Baku to Shahdag

Book a private or shared transfer from Baku airport or the city to Shahdag. Enter your pick-up and drop-off in the form to compare options and prices.

  • Baku: about 210 km, around three hours by road
  • Qusar town: about 29 km from the resort
  • Public buses run from Baku to Qusar, then a taxi to the resort

Prefer to drive?

Compare rental cars for Baku airport and the city. In winter, ask for winter tyres or snow chains, and check road conditions before you drive to the resort.


Step 3: Where to stay

Compare hotels, apartments and guesthouses on the map. Prices come from our booking partners, and you complete the booking on their site.


Step 4: Stay connected

Get a data eSIM for Azerbaijan before you fly, so you are online as soon as you land. Check that your phone supports eSIM.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.


Step 5: Add tours

Round off your trip with guided days on the mountain and in Baku.


Tours and experiences at Shahdag


Photos

Photo credits: add the photographer or source here.


Map and location


Videos


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Ski Shahdag with Ski Turkish

Guides, transfers and trip planning for individuals, groups and tour operators.