The opening ceremony of the first line of the “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort has been held in Gabala.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.

Azerbaijan, which is among frontrunners of the world in terms of the pace of economic growth, has been paying special attention to the development of the non-oil sector in recent years. The development of the non-oil sector aims to reduce the dependence of the Azerbaijani economy on the oil factor and is accompanied by progress in many areas. President Ilham Aliyev has declared tourism, alongside a number of other important spheres in Azerbaijan, a priority area for non-oil sector development. In fact, the steps taken in this direction are already bearing fruit. An important place in this series is occupied by the “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort in Gabala. The construction of this large complex is evidence of the special attention being paid to the development of tourism infrastructure in this area in Azerbaijan. Along with the capital, this process also involves the country’s regions where large-scale tourism projects are implemented. As a result of the extensive measures carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the world’s most famous hotel brands have appeared in Azerbaijan over the past several years. Numerous five-star hotels have been commissioned in the country. 2011 was declared the Year of Tourism in Azerbaijan. The “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort, which was built in the last two years, is of particular importance in terms of the appearance of new travel destinations in the country. During regular visits to Gabala, the head of state reviewed the center and examined progress of construction work.

Sophisticated infrastructure has been put in place at the "Tufan" summer and winter ski resort. Measures have been taken to build motor roads and prevent landslides. Work on the establishment of the necessary infrastructure is still under way, including the construction of hotels, offices, leisure areas for children and other facilities. There are plans to build a Golf Resort next to the ski center.

President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the first line of “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort.

It was noted that as part of the first stage of construction four cableways have been fully built and the construction of five out of 10 pistes has been completed. Other work is also conducted in stages. This winter it will be possible to ride the cable car, ski and use catering facilities. Restaurants are also available. The recreation area provides tourists with the opportunity to ride the cable car throughout the year, while in winter people can ski, use the services of a ski school, etc.

President Ilham Aliyev was shown the master plan of the complex and informed about the work ahead as part of the second stage.

It was noted that one of the useful aspects here was that tourists can select a suitable piste according to the degree of difficulty. The entire downhill track is equipped with the "artificial snow" system. In general, the “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort can serve 3,000 people a day.

The implementation of this project will open up opportunities for the development of skiing and other winter sports in the country. This will play an indispensable role in raising future athletes in winter sports.

Although Azerbaijan is located in a warm climate zone, it is one of a handful of countries to be creating an extensive winter tourism infrastructure that meets the highest international standards. This attests to the comprehensive and rapid economic progress and the attention being paid to the development of tourism at state level.

The work carried out both at the “Shahdag” winter and summer tourism center in Gusar District and the “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort in Gabala demonstrates the scale of progress Azerbaijan has made in the field of tourism. The measures to develop tourism taken in Gabala a few years ago thanks to the foresight of President Ilham Aliyev and the construction of dozens of hotels are making a significant contribution to this process.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva visited the lower cableway station Riverside. This station can also be described as an "entrance to the complex". It is fully suited for the recreation of tourists and has a section selling and renting skis. In addition, there is a sporting goods store and a café here.

Thanks to the available conditions, tourists can come to Gabala throughout the year. Gabala, which embraces thousands of visitors in the summer, is about to become a popular travel destination in winter as well. The “Tufan” summer and winter ski resort is becoming an Azerbaijani tourist brand.