erbaijan boasts two incredibly beautiful Autograph Collection hotels that are arguably the best value for money ski resorts in the world

For ski enthusiasts, there's nothing more exciting than the arrival of winter! The Greater Caucasus Mountains are draped in white from the season's start until the end of March, turning into a snowy paradise. Azerbaijan, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has seen a shift in recent years with many European ski lovers turning their gaze from the Alps to this top-tier skiing destination. Just a three-hour drive from the capital Baku, one can find satisfying ski slopes! In Azerbaijan, there are two prime ski resorts, Shahdag and Guba's Qechresh. Shahdag boasts upscale hotels, spas, and restaurants, along with a plethora of thrilling sports and leisure activities to make your winter holiday dreams come true! On this trip, I visited the Shahdag Pik Palace Hotel, an Autograph Collection hotel, which is adjacent to another Autograph Collection property, the Shahdag Park Chalet. Together, they offer 17 kilometers of ski runs suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Ski pass and equipment rental prices are astonishingly low, at around 200 RMB, which is incredibly affordable! Besides skiing, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, paragliding, horseback riding, off-roading, and cable car rides with magnificent mountain views. In the evening, there's an entertainment center where you can go bowling, and there are arcade games for children! If interested, you can also visit the nearby village of Laza, a scenic hamlet perfect for hiking, where you can see numerous frozen waterfalls in winte