Azerbaijan’s Shahdag Mountain Resort will host the Ski Mountaineering World Cup for two days, January 11 and 12, 2025, a significant milestone for the country as it gains international recognition for its winter sports, Euronews said, Report informs.
It said that hosting the competition is a major step in showcasing the country’s winter tourism potential.
“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,” Euronews said. “In a transcontinental country famous for the Caspian Sea, palaces, 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”.
The Shahdag Mountain 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.
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.