Ski season at Shahdag
Clouds below you like a white sea, peaks of the Greater Caucasus above and 45 km of runs. Shahdag is the largest ski resort in Azerbaijan — a resort for a whole week.
Off season now. The next season starts on 15 November — you can already book a car in advance.
The largest resort in Azerbaijan
Shahdag Mountain Resort near Qusar opened in 2012. Its 37 runs — 8 green, 17 blue, 8 red and 4 black — add up to about 45 km between 1,435 and 2,552 metres.
Up to 20 lifts work on the mountain: gondolas, chairlifts, drag lifts and travelators for beginners. There are five hotels with 1,156 beds right at the resort: Shahdag Hotel & Spa, Pik Palace, Park Chalet, Zirve and Gaya.
When to go
The ski season at Shahdag usually runs from the second half of December to early April. The resort has not announced the 2026/27 dates yet.
The peak period in recent seasons was from 21 December to the end of February, when the ski pass is more expensive and the hotels fill up fast.
Prices at the resort
In the 2023/24 season a day ski pass cost 65–85 AZN, depending on the period. 2026/27 prices should be checked with the resort.
Ski rental at the resort starts from about 55 AZN a day; in Quba, on the way, it is cheaper — from about 30 AZN.
Not only skiing
Shahdag is fun even for those who do not ski: snowmobiles, tubing, an ice rink, a zipline and the Shahdag Coaster.
On the way from Baku the road passes Khizi with its striped red and white mountains and Quba — the Khizi, Quba and Shahdag tour shows all of it in one day.
The road in winter
From Baku it is about 212 km, 3–3.5 hours. The last 25 km are a mountain road with gradients up to 8%: in winter this road needs winter tyres and an experienced driver, so a private transfer is easier than a rental car.
In January the temperature can drop to −20 °C. Take warm clothes and check that your insurance covers winter sports.
4T prices, per car
Prices in USD for the whole car, not per person. On some holiday dates a holiday rate applies — the booking form shows it before you send the request.
Book a private car
Write the dates and the address — the form shows the price before you send the request. 30% online, the rest to the driver; free cancellation 24 hours before pick-up.
Questions and answers
How do I get to Shahdag in winter?
About 3 hours by car from door to door. By bus you can reach Qusar, then local transport. The last 25 km are a mountain road with gradients up to 8%.
When does the ski season at Shahdag start?
Usually in the second half of December, and it lasts until early April. The 2026/27 dates have not been announced yet.
How much is a ski pass?
In 2023/24 a day pass cost 65–85 AZN. Check 2026/27 prices with the resort.
Where can I rent skis?
At the resort from about 55 AZN a day; in Quba it is cheaper, from about 30 AZN.
What is there for non-skiers?
Snowmobiles, tubing, an ice rink, a zipline and the Shahdag Coaster.
Shahdag or Tufandag?
Shahdag has more runs and hotels — for a week. Tufandag is next to Gabala — for 1–2 days or together with sightseeing.
Is the price per person or per car?
Per car, in USD. On some holiday dates a holiday rate applies — the booking form shows it.
Will skis and snowboards fit?
Yes, in a minivan (up to 5–6 pieces of luggage); for groups there are minibuses for 8, 16 or 20 seats.
Guests about 4T Transfer
4.9 on Google · 214 reviews · All reviews on Google →
Excellent service! We originally booked a smaller car and didn’t realize all our luggage wouldn’t fit. Before the trip, the company contacted us to confirm our baggage and kindly upgraded us to a larger vehicle at no extra charge. The driver was very polite, drove carefully, helped us with all our luggage, and chose the most convenient drop-off point at the airport. The car was new, spacious, and spotlessly clean.Polina G. · Google
Malik was my designated driver and as a solo woman traveler the experience was amazing and it felt very safe. Good behavior on the road, polite, confident, great speaker, the car well maintained... top notch service. Thank you!Grechen B. · Google
Great experience. I had a massive delay and they still did not charge me extra and were understanding. The driver they sent, Malik, was very good and I can’t praise him enough!! Highly recommend.D. S. · Google
Other seasonal pages
Useful pages
Baku → Shahdag transferKhizi, Quba and Shahdag tourAbout Qusar and ShahdagGuide: Baku to ShahdagShahdag Hotel & SpaPik Palace Shahdag