One of the best ways to feel the magic of the winter season is to surround yourself with snow, and few places to do that more beautifully in than Azerbaijan. A country that has both coastline and mountains at its disposal, it makes for a magical year-round destination, but in winter, it really comes alive!
Start your adventures in the north, amidst the tranquil peaks of the ‘northern gates’ of Azerbaijan, at Shahdag Mountain Resort in Gusar. The most popular resort for tourists ¬ named after the iconic 4,243-metre-high Mt Shahdag - is in the charming village of Laza, and offers everything from skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing to paragliding, horseback tours and the Alpine Coaster, a family-friendly ride winding through the mountain scenery. Whilst here, you can also visit traditional villages and sample some tasty regional cuisine in the fresh mountain air.
Then work your way south, stopping off at Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala, one of the country’s best spots for ski enthusiasts. Here you’ll find a different kind of slope for those tired of more traditional pistes, with over 12 kilometres to explore, with a mix of challenging reds and blacks for experts and easy options for those just starting out. Plus, the slopes are kitted out with state-of-the-art snow guns, and accessed by a network of cable cars, each offering beautiful views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Then finish your trip with a visit to the autonomous region of Nakhchivan further south. The village of Agbulag, set at 2,000 metres in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, is home to Azerbaijan’s newest ski resort. Here, you can grab your skis, snowboard or sledge and take to the slopes, then enjoy the artificial lake, a 980-metre-long cable car ride before rewarding yourself with some hot local dishes at one of resort’s two cafés.