Key Takeaways
- Azerbaijan has two main ski resorts: Shahdag (~215 km from Baku) and Tufandag (~220 km from Baku); the season usually runs from December to April.
- A car lets you combine both resorts in one trip: if snow is thin at one, switch to the other, and spend evenings in Guba, Gusar or Gabala.
- In winter, all Carat cars are fitted with winter tyres, and roof racks for skis and snowboards are available.
- Minimum rental is 2 days with no New Year price increase; free 24/7 delivery to Heydar Aliyev Airport and Baku hotels.
- Drive mountain roads in daylight only, refuel in Gusar and Gabala, and check the weather forecast before setting off.
Table of Contents
Why spend New Year in Azerbaijan — and why by car?
In winter, Azerbaijan combines two different worlds: mild weather, festive lights on the Baku Boulevard and a New Year atmosphere in the capital, and snow-covered peaks and ski season in the Greater Caucasus. The country has two main ski resorts: Shahdag (Gusar), about 215 km from Baku, and Tufandag (Gabala), about 220 km away. The season usually starts in December and runs until April.
Car, taxi or bus: what's the difference?
| Your own car | Taxi | Bus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed schedule | No | No | Yes |
| Skis and luggage | Roof box, large boot | Limited | Inconvenient |
| Two resorts in one trip | Easy | Expensive | Time-consuming |
| Evenings in Guba, Gusar, Gabala | Anytime | Pay every ride | Practically impossible |
Two big advantages of a car
- Not enough snow? Switch resorts. Some winters one resort gets less snow. With a car, you simply move from Shahdag to Tufandag (or the other way round) and your holiday is saved.
- No boring evenings. Evening life at the resorts is limited. By car, you're 20–40 minutes from the tea houses of Guba, the Red Settlement or Gabala's restaurants.
Winter at Carat: all our cars are fitted with winter tyres, ski racks are available, the minimum rental is 2 days, and there is no price increase over the New Year period.
5–7 day route: Baku → Shahdag → Tufandag → Baku
Below is a 7-day plan. If you have 5 days, use the short version. Distances and times are approximate and depend on the weather.
Day 1 (31 December): New Year in Baku
- Pick up your car for free at Heydar Aliyev Airport (24/7 delivery).
- By day: the Old City (Icherisheher) and the Maiden Tower; in the evening: the Boulevard and the illuminated Flame Towers.
- New Year's Eve: fireworks over Baku. Don't plan to drive that night — use a taxi.
Day 2: Baku → Guba / Gusar (~190 km, 2.5–3 hours)
- Head north on the Baku–Guba highway.
- Stop on the way: Beshbarmag Mountain (about an hour from Baku) and Caspian Sea views.
- In Guba: the Red Settlement and local tea houses; overnight in Gusar or at Shahdag.
Days 3–4: Shahdag
- About 30 km of mountain road from Gusar to the resort.
- Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cable car rides.
- Rest-day option: a short trip to Laza village and its frozen waterfalls.
Day 5: Gusar → Gabala (~250–280 km, 4.5–5 hours)
- The longest transfer — set off early in the morning.
- The route goes via Guba, Shabran, Shamakhi and Ismayilli. Shamakhi's Juma Mosque makes a good stop.
- Overnight in Gabala.
Day 6: Tufandag
- The resort is very close to Gabala (about 10 minutes).
- Pistes, cable car and mountain views; in the evening, local cuisine in Gabala's restaurants.
Day 7: Gabala → Baku (~220 km, 3.5–4 hours)
- Return to Baku via the Shamakhi pass.
- Drop the car off right at the airport or your hotel.
Short 5-day version
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Baku, New Year's Eve |
| 2 | Baku → Gusar, evening in Guba |
| 3 | Shahdag |
| 4 | Shahdag (or Laza village) |
| 5 | Gusar → Baku, return the car at the airport |
Winter driving: car choice, tyres and safety
Which car to choose?
- SUV (recommended): Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Prado. High ground clearance helps on mountain roads and snowy car parks.
- Sedan: fine for Baku and highways only. If you're heading to the ski resorts, choose an SUV.
- Families or groups of 4+: an SUV with a large boot plus a roof box for skis.
7 rules for winter roads
- Drive mountain roads in daylight only. Fog and black ice are dangerous after dark.
- Check the forecast before you go. During heavy snowfall, the road to Shahdag may have temporary restrictions.
- Refuel in Gusar and Gabala. Petrol stations are scarce on mountain stretches.
- Double your following distance. Even with winter tyres, braking distances are longer on snow.
- Avoid sudden manoeuvres. Slow down before the bend, not in it.
- Follow police and resort staff instructions. Parking and traffic rules may change with snow conditions.
- Keep in the car: water, snacks, warm clothes and a phone charger.
In winter, all Carat cars come with winter tyres. A ski and snowboard roof rack can be added when you book.
Practical info: documents, payment and booking
Documents
- Passport and national driving licence.
- With a Russian licence you can rent for up to 1 month. More details: Renting a car in Azerbaijan with a Russian driving licence.
- Minimum age 22, at least 2 years of driving experience.
Payment
- All payment methods active in Azerbaijan are accepted: bank cards and cash.
- Cards issued by Russian banks mostly don't work in Azerbaijan, so bring cash or a card that works here.
Booking and pick-up
- Minimum rental: 2 days.
- No New Year price increase, but demand is high — book in advance.
- Free 24/7 delivery to Heydar Aliyev Airport and Baku hotels.
- Drop the car off at the airport and go straight to your flight.
Pre-trip checklist
- ✅ Car and ski rack booked
- ✅ Passport and driving licence
- ✅ Cash or a card that works in Azerbaijan
- ✅ Hotels booked at Shahdag and in Gabala
- ✅ Warm clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen
- ✅ Offline maps
Summary
For a New Year holiday in Azerbaijan, a car is the most convenient and flexible option: in one trip you'll see festive Baku, the slopes of Shahdag and Tufandag, and the mountain villages of Guba and Gabala. Book an SUV with winter tyres and a ski rack at Carat in advance and pick it up for free at the airport. Questions? WhatsApp: +994 55 696 55 55.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Baku to Shahdag?
Shahdag is about 215 km from Baku; in good weather the drive takes 3–3.5 hours. Most of it is on the Baku–Guba highway, with the last roughly 30 km on a mountain road from Gusar to the resort.
Which car should I choose for Shahdag and Tufandag in winter?
An SUV is the most comfortable choice for mountain roads: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or Toyota Prado. In winter, all Carat cars are fitted with winter tyres.
How can I carry skis and a snowboard?
Carat offers roof racks for skis and snowboards. Just mention it when you book.
Do car rental prices go up over New Year?
No. Carat does not raise prices over the New Year period, and the minimum rental is 2 days. Demand is high during the holidays, so book in advance.
Can I rent a car in Azerbaijan with a Russian driving licence?
Yes. At Carat, a Russian licence is valid for rentals of up to 1 month; longer rentals require an International Driving Permit. Drivers must be at least 22 with 2+ years of experience.
