Shahdag: Azerbaijan has marked a significant milestone in its sporting history by hosting its first-ever international alpine skiing tournament, the 'Azerbaijan Open'. The event, held on January 8, was organized by the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation in collaboration with the Shahdag Mountain Resort, and followed the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) calendar.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the opening ceremony of the two-day tournament was attended by notable figures such as Farid Gayibov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports, and Fuad Naghiyev, President of the Winter Sports Federation. The competition has attracted 20 female athletes representing countries including Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan is represented by alpine skier Anastasia Papatoma.

The tournament kicked off with the slalom discipline on the first day, with athletes set to compete for championship titles in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events in the subsequent days.

The tournament is part of a broader effort to enhance Azerbaijan's winter sports profile. In May 2025, a five-year partnership agreement was signed between the FIS and the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The agreement aims to promote winter tourism and sports in the region, enhancing infrastructure and positioning Azerbaijan as a prime winter tourism destination.

A key component of this partnership includes Azerbaijan's role as a 'Global Destination Partner' in FIS-organized international competitions. As part of this collaboration, Azerbaijan is set to host the Mogul World Cup finals for the first time on March 14-15 this year.