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Akbulak Resort & Ski Resort 

Akbulak (Ağbulaq) Resort & Ski Resort is situated in the village of Ağbulaq, Şahbuz District of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Nestled amongst forested valleys and mountain ranges, this resort grants you direct access to the ski slopes, literally at your front door. Accommodating 38 rooms and 76 beds, it offers a compact, accessible, and family-friendly mountain resort.

How to Get There

Location: Ağbulaq Village, Shahbuz District, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Distance to the city center of Nakhchivan: 50–58 km, about 1 hour by highway

Road Conditions: Paved and regularly serviced in winter

Means of transport: Taxi or pre-arranged transfer from city

The same road is taken from Nakhchivan to Ağbulaq; Official sources denote the distance as 50 km whereas some promotional sites indicate 58 km. Both values ​​belong to the same route.

Airport – Akbulak distance: About 50–58 km (around 1 hour by road)

There is no regular, fixed hotel shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Transportation is by taxi, private transfer, or tour company.

Accommodation: Room Facilities and Amenities

• Akbulak Recreation Facility:
• Total number of rooms: 38
• Total bed capacity: 76

Room amenities

• Satellite TV
• integrated telephone
• Minibar
• Safe deposit box
• Bathroom with shower
• Toilet
• Hairdryer
• On-site facilities:
• Akbulak restaurant
• Cafe-bar and restaurant-bar
• Mini football field
• Volleyball court
• Children’s amusement park
• Market
• Currency exchange
• post office

In high season – New Year’s Eve, public holidays, and weekends, when there is limited availability of rooms, it is better to stay in the center of Nakhchivan city and go skiing to the resort for a day.

Slopes and Operating Hours

Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Lift system: 58-seater cable car/chairlift

Lines: 3 ski slopes + 2 conveyor lines

Total skiable slope length

Official information: 1,500 m

International ski portals: 1.9–2 km total slope length

Altitude range: 1,780–2,065 m

Elevation difference: 267–285 m

Most of the slopes are intermediate, but there is a separate area for beginners. This structure thus provides a safe environment both for controlled training and for intermediate skiing.

Operating hours are between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, based on daylight hours, in order not to have visitors leaving the slopes during darkness and low visibility.

Ski Season

Because of winter conditions in Nakhchivan, the Ağbulaq slopes usually open in December and stay open until the end of March, depending on snow conditions.

Since it reaches an elevation of 2,000 meters, the period for retention of snow will be longer compared to lower elevations. The dates for opening and closing of the season are announced by the tourism authorities and resort management every year.

Skiing Areas for Non-Skiers and Children

The ski resort has separate recreational and training areas for non-skiers and families with children:

Separate training slope for beginners

• 145-meter amusement park
• 32-meter children’s track
• 53-meter beginner area

Sledding and recreational snow activities are available in this area. Café and bar areas are available at both the upper and lower points of the lift stations-you can take breaks throughout the day with hot drinks and quick-service meals.

Non-skiers enjoy a comfortable day in the indoor lounges, on the mini sports fields, and in the children’s playground of the recreation center.

Ski School

Akbulak Ski School offers classes for a number of levels. According to the promotional information, instructors are invited from Turkey, and training here is focused on:

• Basic posture
• Braking techniques
• Piste safety principles

The first stage takes place in a specially designated training area; later, when you master the basic moves, under the supervision of an instructor, you head to the main slope.

The structure provides a safe and gradual learning curve both for adults and children who try skiing for the first time.

Equipment and Snowboard Rental

The ski resort has full-range rentals available. Equipment available for rent includes:

• Skis (skis and poles)
• Ski boots
• Winter jacket
• Winter pants
• Snowboard
• Safety goggles

The staff will guide you to choose the equipment, considering both snow conditions and the visitor’s level, so that you can rapidly choose suitable and safe equipment for the slopes.

It is sufficient to take only personal textile products (thermal underwear, socks, gloves, etc.) with you.

Food and Beverage Setup

At the recreation center:

• Main restaurant with 48 seats
• 18-seat lounge section
• Runs on a 24-hour cycle.

The menu includes

• Local cuisine
• All-day beverage bar

A restaurant’s bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including compotes and syrups.

The ski resort has two separate café-bars, which are located in the lower and upper stations of the cable car. You can enjoy your hot drinks or quick-service meal there; you can take a rest but stay on the mountain all day long before descending to the resort.

Pricing and Payment

Akbulak Ski Resort:

• Accommodation
• Chairlift use
• Equipment hiring
• Ski lessons

Fees are determined by the resort, in respect to the season, day of the week (weekday/weekend), and type of service. No fixed price list is available for these services; everything is paid when reservations are made or directly at the resort.

Compared to the major mountain tourism centers of Azerbaijan, Akbulak is smaller and thus cheaper in its overall cost.

Payment

Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Azerbaijani manat in the currency exchange office at the resort.

The reservation pages clearly indicate that international cards are accepted for hotel and restaurant services.

For small expenses around the cafe, bar, and slopes, it is recommended to carry with you cash in manat.

Family and Child-Friendly

Construction at the resort is made for family use:

An amusement park for children and children’s slope are located physically apart from the adult slope.

It is equipped with children’s playgrounds and an outdoor park.

This layout allows children to stay in a safe area while their parents can go skiing at the same time.

Safety and Health

Training and slope safety at the ski resort are managed under the same roof:

The training area is separated from the main slope.

First aid services are provided on site.

For further medical needs, medical facilities in the center of Nakhchivan city are used.

The cable car may be stopped in strong winds, heavy snow, or low visibility for safety.

Crowding and Congestion

Room capacity is limited to 76 people.

The ski area is focused on a track 1.5 km long.

On local holidays and on New Year’s Eve, the number of visitors increases, just like on weekends. The slopes and lifts are emptier on weekdays and during the early and late season.

Climate and Weather

Because the altitude of the whole resort is very high-1,780–2,065 m-winter months may experience:

Low temperatures

Occasional strong winds

Sudden weather changes

may occur. The road leading up to the resort is cleared on a regular basis during winter. Nevertheless, it is necessary to check the current weather and piste forecast on the particular day of travel.