Iran Ski Resorts
Skiing in Iran
The special location of the Iranian Plateau between the Alps and Himalayas has led to vast folds in this area, creating the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges. These mountain ranges include many tall mountains with the tallest being Mount Damavand with 5610 meters of altitude. Mount Damavand is the most prominent peak in Iran and the Middle East and the tallest volcano in Asia. The average altitude of the rest of the mountains in Alborz and Zagros is around 4000 meters. These mighty mountains are covered in snow for most of the year.
The unique location of Iran and the elevation of the Iranian Plateau from the sea level have given it a unique and diverse climate. Iran is one of the few countries in the world with four seasons. The temperature difference between the hottest and coldest spots in the country may reach up to 50 Celsius degrees during winter. For instance, the inhabitants of Shahrekord cope with the bitter coldness at -30 degrees while people living in Ahwaz experience summer weather.
The climate of Iran is divided into 3 categories: the climate of the north of Iran causes hot and humid summers and moderate winters while the western and northwestern parts of the country experience moderate summers and freezing winters and the southern coast has hot summers and moderate winters.
The joys of traveling to Iran during winter
Spending the winter in Iran can be an exhilarating experience; therefore, the popularity of this amazing country as a winter destination has been on the rise in the past few years. The possibility to enjoy exciting winter sports such as off-piste and on-piste skiing, ski touring and ice climbing in northern Iran as well as aquatic activities such as diving and swimming on the sunny shores of the Persian Gulf and exploring the sandy central desert make spending the winter holidays in Iran more appealing.
Ski resorts in Iran
Skiing in Iran goes back to less than 100 years ago. In 1945, the national ski federation was founded in Iran and skiing became an official sport after the federation’s recognition by the International ski federation in 1956.
Due to the mountainous geography of the country, there are many suitable places for skiing in Iran. Later on, these locations were discovered one by one and ski resorts were built in some of them. Most of the top Iran ski resorts are located near Tehran, giving ski enthusiasts a chance to have a multi-purpose Iran trip.
Top ski resorts in Iran
Abali ski resort
Abali ski resort is the first resort in Iran equipped with chairlifts. The chairlift system was installed in 1954; however, ski enthusiasts began skiing in this resort long before that time. Abali ski resort is the birthplace of modern skiing in Iran. Today this ski resort mostly attracts beginners as there are more professional resorts for professional and semi-professional skiers to enjoy.
Abali ski resort
Dizin ski resort
Dizin ski resort is the first and most important ski resort in Iran and the Middle East to be chosen for international competitions. It is located north of the mountains near Tehran (Gajereh region), 123 km away from the city taking Chalus Road and 71 km away by Shemshak Road. In 1970, the first chairlift system was installed in Dizin ski resort and other machines were installed later on. Skiers can enjoy skiing from mid-November to mid-May in this grand resort. In addition, grass skiing is available in Dizin resort during summer. The grass skiing field is 650 meters long and hosts international grass skiing competitions yearly.
Dizin ski resort
Shemshak ski resort
The international Shemshak ski resort is another one of the ski resorts located near Tehran. This ski resort is located 57 km northeast of the capital and is accessible via Lashagark-Fasham and Karaj-Gachasar (summer only) routes.
The highest point of the resort is 3050 higher than the sea level and the lowest has 2550 meters of elevation. Shemshak ski resort is generally steeper than Darbandsar and Dizin resorts.
Shemshak ski resort
Tochal ski resort
Located on Tochal summit, Tochal ski resort is the highest ski resort in the world and one of the best ski resorts in Tehran. It is accessible by the cable car line starting from the foothills of the mountain. This cable car line is one of the longest worldwide. The ski resort starts just below the summit (3850 m) and ends at the hotel (3550m). It has two chairlift lines and is 1200 meters long. The hotel located at the end of the resort has turned Tochal ski resort into an interesting attraction. As it is located at more than 3500 meters of altitude, this resort is one of the first ones to be covered by snow. Therefore, skiers often begin their early training and skiing in this resort. In addition, Tochal ski resort receives less sunlight compared to the other ones as it is located north of the summit, making it suitable for skiing almost 7 months a year.
Tochal ski resort
Darbandsar ski resort
Darbandsar ski resort is located in Shemshak city and near Shemshak and Dizin ski resorts. It is one of the most advanced ski resorts in Iran and the only one to be equipped with a snow making machine. In addition, after the improvement of the lighting in the resort ski enthusiasts were given the chance to experience skiing at night as well. Darbandsar ski resort has hosted some of the competitions of the International world championship.
ِDarbandsar ski resort
Address: Unit 3, No 4, Afzal Alley, Dr. Shariati St. Tehran, Iran,
+98 901 9800 150
