Ilham Aliyev examined progress of construction at the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center in Gusar District

President Ilham Aliyev has examined progress of construction at the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center in Gusar District.

During a visit to the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center, the head of state examined progress of work along the road. It was indicated that a new road into the center is under construction, bridges over rivers are built and proactive measures taken to prevent landslides.

Informing President Ilham Aliyev upon arrival at the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev said the establishment of the center, one of Azerbaijan’s biggest infrastructure projects, started in 2006. To oversee the construction of this unique complex, which is in the focus of the President, a directorate for the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center has been set up within the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Leading companies of the world won the tender announced in 2006. Construction of the center began with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev in September 2009. The center is located 32 km from the district of Gusar. It covers an area of 2,058 hectares. Construction is carried out on the territory of the Shahdag national park, which is noted for its ecosystem, flora and fauna. The center is situated at an altitude of 1,300-2,351 meters above sea level. Most of the complex is located in a natural landscape 1,640 meters above sea level. After construction, the center will have ample opportunities for mountain skiing and other winter sports. Along with this, there will be excellent conditions for summer recreation here. The Shahdag winter and summer tourism center will differ from similar centers worldwide for its unique and universal nature. It will operate throughout the year. One of the most ambitious projects in Azerbaijan and the world tourism industry as a whole, the center will operate as the main but not the only skiing and other winter sports arena.

The President was informed that most of the construction work has already been completed. Construction at the elevator base is scheduled for completion by early next year. A three-storey building has been constructed at the elevator base which covers an area of 18,327 square meters. Along with offices, the building will house a restaurant, a hotel and other support services. The base will also operate a car park, a kindergarten, a ski rental service, a terrace, and shops. There will also be six downhill runs covering an area of 37.6 hectares.

President Ilham Aliyev issued instructions to expand the roads leading into the center and generally improve the road infrastructure here. The President also ordered to create suitable conditions for children to learn mountain skiing.

It was noted that as part of the first phase cable ways are under construction to deliver tourists to the ski slope. The installation of elevators No. 2, 4 and 9 has been completed, while the construction of elevator No. 3, which is 1484 meters long, is nearing completion. Also under construction are the snow generating station, roads, electricity lines, sewer system, communication lines and water pipes. Eighty per cent of communication work at the center has been completed. A system of artificial snow is being created to enable tourists to ski. So snow generators are installed on all slopes. Preparations are now under way for testing the system. At the same time, special machinery has been purchased for the collection and retention of snow.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed about the construction of a four-storey 26-apartment building to accommodate the center staff. It was noted that measures are being taken to organize provision of all services here. Thus, there will be a laundry, a car park for 44 cars, a sports center and other ancillary facilities.

It was noted that in order to provide the tourist center with external communications, the construction of a number of facilities is envisaged. These include a 35-km sewer system, a water pipe with a treatment plant, a 20-km fiber-optic cable, a 31-km 110-kilovolt electricity line, and a 35.7-km medium-pressure gas pipeline. At the second stage, the plan is to build cable ways No. 10-14, a club with a golf course and a restaurant, a four-star hotel, a building for staff, the Shahdag youth center which will include small hotels, guest houses and sports facilities, a 900-seat local hotel network, a horse farm, and a disco for 200 people. The third and fourth stages are expected to expand the network of roads, recreation and entertainment places.

Then the President examined progress of construction of the four-star hotel Resort, which is also part of the center. It was noted that the seven-storey hotel, including two underground floors, is designed for 340 people. In addition, the hotel will operate a SPA-center, a swimming pool, a skiing school, a sports equipment rental center, a cafe, a bar, and a conference hall. The hotel will also have a park for 149 cars.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that another five-star hotel will be constructed next to this one. In this connection, excavation is currently under way, while construction will begin in the near future.

It was noted that the first phase of the construction of the Shahdag winter and summer tourism center is funded by the state.

After examining the construction of the tourist center, the President held a meeting with leaders of local and foreign companies carrying out construction.

President Ilham Aliyev gave instructions and recommendations regarding the implementation of project activities at a high level.