President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have reviewed the final phase of the first stage in the construction of the Shahdag winter and summer tourism complex.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev provided the President with detailed information about the construction of the complex. It was noted that the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex would differ from similar facilities existing in the world for its uniqueness and versatility. Preparations for the construction of the complex commenced in 2006. The bidding conducted at the time was won by the world's leading companies. In September 2009, the foundation of the complex was laid with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev.

It was indicated that the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex is located 32 kilometers from the district center of Gusar, on the territory of the Shahdag National Park. Following an instruction of the President, the road into the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex is being expanded, bridges built, protective measures taken to prevent landslides, etc. The area under construction is environmentally friendly and rich in flora and fauna. The facility is located at an altitude of 1,300-2,300 meters above sea level. The bigger part of the complex is situated on a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1,440-1,640 meters above sea level. The complex covers an area of 2,058 hectares. The Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex, one of the most advanced projects not only in Azerbaijan but also in the world, will operate all the year round.

This project will create opportunities for the development of skiing and other winter sports in the country. Tourists will be able to fully relax here during the summer season as well.

It was noted that the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex is Azerbaijan’s first ski resort. The construction will be carried out in several stages. In February 2011, President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of cable way No. 2 and an Alpine skiing slope. At the end of last year, the head of state, who has been keeping the project in the spotlight, examined the progress of work.

President Aliyev reviewed the work under way at the elevator base of the complex. It was noted that work was in the final stages. The base is intended for the tourists coming here for two to three days. It consists of three levels, one of which is underground. A ski equipment rental department is also available.

The President was informed about the skiing equipment to be made available to tourists. In accordance with President Aliyev’s instruction, the base will also have the conditions for children to engage in skiing and for entertainment.

The President of Azerbaijan was informed that cable ways were under construction to deliver tourists to the ski slope.

The installation of elevators No. 2, 4, 8 and 9 has been completed, tests are under way on elevator No. 3, while the construction of elevator No. 7 is nearing completion. To extend the ski season, an “artificial snow” system will be set up in the complex. To this end, snow generators have been installed on all slopes. German equipment will be used to consolidate the snowpack and bring the ski-run to the required level. There will be nine cable ways at the first stage.

It was mentioned that the hotel at the elevator base has 40 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a café, a billiard room, shops, a conference hall, a medical center, offices, 10 elevators, a car park and other facilities.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed sample hotel rooms.

Then the President reviewed the complex from a height. President Aliyev was informed that considerable work had been carried out as part of the first phase to build a gas generation station and the necessary internal and external infrastructure. A 35.7-km medium-pressure gas pipeline has been laid from Gusar District. A 35-km sewer system is ready for operation. The installation of a 29-km fiber-optic cable is close to completion. The construction of 32.6-km 110-kilovolt power lines is ongoing. The construction of a water line and wastewater treatment plants has been completed.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva were informed in detail of the infrastructure work to be carried out at the next stage. It was noted that in accordance with the President’s instructions, a network of hotels is to be established at the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex. Finishing work is currently under way at the Resort Hotel. The seven-storey hotel has a presidential suite, a VIP suite, 170 double rooms, three meeting rooms for various events, six restaurants, a SPA-center, a swimming pool, a kindergarten, a ski rental, a ski school, an underground car park, etc.

Near the Resort Hotel there will be two other high-class hotels. The foundation of one of them has already been laid and preparations are under way for laying the foundation of another. There will also be a modern shopping center. The construction of a small hotel is also drawing to a close. It will have 26 rooms, a health club, a restaurant, a bar, a café and entertainment centers. A power plant is under construction near-by. Another infrastructure facility in the vicinity will provide the entire Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex with cool air in a centralized manner during the summer season.

It was indicated that the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex will be a special project in the global tourism industry. Next phases of the project envisage the construction of new cable ways, a golf course, various clubs, small hotels, a guest house, the Shahdag youth center, the Relax hotel chain with 900 rooms, a disco building for 200 people and a horse farm.

It was noted that the first phase of the construction was funded by the state. Control over the construction is exercised by the Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex directorate, which is subordinated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is expected that the private sector will contribute extensively to further stages of the construction.

During familiarization with the complex, President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva were thoroughly informed of the quarter where entertainment facilities will be located.

The President gave instructions and recommendations in connection with the measures to be taken at the next stage.