Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Preparations at the Shahdagh tourism complex in Azerbaijan are in full swing for the upcoming winter season and new services will be offered to visitors.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Intigam Humbatov said that as in the previous season, this year suitable conditions will be provided for skiing and other services will be rendered.

"It is too early to speak about the new services of the tourism complex, however, the public will be provided with detailed information later," Humbatov said.

It was reported that work is underway on the construction of a new hotel and new ski trails are being laid.

During the winter season, visitors will be provided with the following types of activities: ski slopes, cableways, paintball, etc. The date of the opening of the winter season is yet unknown, according to the Shahdagh complex.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it is planned to commission three hotels by the end of the year. The construction of Shahdagh hotel is underway at public expense, while the other two are being built by a private investor, Pasha Holding.

Furthermore, an agreement has been signed between the Shahdagh tourism complex and Andorran company PGI Management. According to the agreement, the management of Zirva, Gaya Residence hotels and Shahdag Hotel & SPA located on-site has been transferred to PGI Management for three years.

The facility is located 30 km north of the town of Gusar, in the region's Daghlig Alayan village. Since the ancient times this territory has been situated along the main trade routes. Rich and versatile nature, crystal-pure air, and the favorable climate (in winter the temperature falls to minus 20-22 degrees and in summer the temperature does not exceed 20 degrees in the evening), etc. provide the opportunity for running a modern tourism complex meeting world standards.

The construction of the summer and winter tourism complex began in September 2009. The management of the Shahdag winter & summer tourism complex under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is involved in coordinating the work there.

A number of facilities have already been opened at the Shahdagh Tourism Complex. Zirva Hotel and Gaya Hotel were opened for accommodation. There are 40 hotel rooms, 3 rooms for the staff, restaurants, a bar, a cafe, a pub, a billiard room, shops, a conference hall, rental of ski stock, a ski school, a medical station, parking for cars and other facilities in Zirva Hotel. In the Gaya hotel there are 26 rooms for accommodation, a fitness club, a restaurant, a bar and a cafe.

There are 4 overhead ropeways for ascending to ski slopes, and especially for small skiers there is a carpet path they can use. Ropeways in the complex are of different types: with chairlifts, rope tow and there will also be gondola ropeways. Alpine skiing tracks are of various levels of complexity -- for children and beginners, and also for those who already have good skills.

All ski tracks are served by generators of artificial snow. This equipment allows to guarantee high quality of ski tracks and also to extend the skiing season. In 2013 it is planned to open one more 4-star hotel to recieve new visitors. There will be 173 hotel rooms of different categories, including presidential apartments and 2 VIP suites, 3 conference halls for various functions, 6 restaurants, a spa center, a swimming pool, a kindergarten, rental of ski stock, a ski school, underground parking and other facilities.

The purpose of this resort is multifaceted and not confined to economic components. Its construction pursues social and political aims as well. For example, the development of winter sports and tourism in the country, favorable conditions for high-level recreation for both locals and foreign tourists, etc. So, about 5,000 employees will be involved in the complex service.