erbaijan's Shahdag is a superbly cost-effective skiing paradise

For ski enthusiasts, there's nothing more exciting than the arrival of winter! The Caucasus Mountains are draped in white from this season until the end of March, turning into a snowy paradise. Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has seen many European skiers shift their focus from the Alps to this region in recent years, making it a top skiing destination in their hearts. Just a three-hour drive from the capital Baku, you can find satisfying ski slopes! In Azerbaijan, there are two prime skiing destinations, Shahdag and Guba. Shahdag boasts upscale hotels, spas, and restaurants, along with a variety of thrilling sports and leisure activities that will make your winter holiday dreams come true! This time, I stayed at the Shahdag Pik Palace Hotel, a proud Autograph Collection property, right next to another Autograph Collection property, the Shahdag Park Chalet Hotel. Both hotels offer great value for money and share 17 kilometers of ski slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. We stayed in a refined suite at Pik Palace, with a living room balcony that opens up to the magnificent snow-capped mountains and ski slopes. Downstairs, there are two swimming pools, indoor and outdoor. The outdoor pool, steaming in the cold and facing the snow mountains, is incredibly beautiful! After staying for a few days, I couldn't help but exclaim that I had discovered a treasure of a hotel! Besides skiing, you can also enjoy a variety of activities here, such as hiking, paragliding, horse riding, off-roading, and cable car trips overlooking the magnificent mountains. If interested, you can also visit the nearby village of Laza, a scenic little village perfect for hiking, where you can see many frozen waterfalls in winte