Ski Mountaineering World Cup kicks off at Azerbaijan’s Shahdag Resort PHOTO

The Ski Mountaineering World Cup has kicked off at the Shahdag ski resort in Azerbaijan.

On the first day of the tournament, athletes will compete in a sprint event, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Azerbaijan is represented by Nazrin Garibova and Said Sadraddinov. Around 130 athletes from 26 countries, including independent neutral athletes, are participating in the World Cup. On January 11, the competitors will race in the vertical event, while on January 13, they will compete in the individual category. 

The World Cup serves as a qualification event for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The competition, supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and organised by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation, the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, and the Shahdag Tourism Centre, will conclude on January 13. 

Located just 29 km from the city of Gusar in Azerbaijan, Shahdag Mountain Resort is named after the towering Shahdag peak, which rises to an impressive 4,243 meters above sea level and is part of the majestic Greater Caucasus range. Positioned near Shahdag National Park, this resort offers unmatched opportunities for skiing and a wide range of winter and summer sports in Azerbaijan, making it the perfect destination for unforgettable adventures and experiences on the slopes.

By Naila Huseynova