A unique Adventure, Skiing in Iran
You might think Iran is not the first destination that comes to mind when it comes to skiing, but that’s precisely where you’re wrong. Iran has all kinds of terrains, all the way from flat to mountainous. Iran’s mountains range from less than 1000 to more than 5000 meters in height. The climate in most of these areas is also cold during the year, reaching an unbearable -30º Celsius.
For years these mountains have been the destination for skiers in the country. Today, however, these mountains have turned into ski resorts with highly professional personnel, guiding tourists every step of the way.
Many ski resorts have formed in different parts of the country in the past few years. They offer visitors different programs, such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tube, sled, and even snowmobile riding. Tochal, Darbandsar, and Dizin in Tehran, Alvares in Ardabil, Pooladkaf in Fars, and Sahand Ski Resort in East Azerbaijan Province are only a few of these attractions.
So let’s get to know 21 of the most popular ski resorts in Iran where you can enjoy skiing.
1. Dizin Ski Resort
Dizin Ski Resort is considered not only the most important ski resort in Iran but also the most prestigious ski resort in the Middle East. This resort is the first ski resort in Iran that has been approved by the World Federation for holding official competitions. Because most of its factors, such as the slope and length of the route and its amenities, are at the international standard level.
This ski resort lies in the mountains north of Tehran (Gajereh region) at a distance of 123 km from Chaloosh road and 71 km from Shamshak city, in the heart of the Alborz mountain range. This resort has three cable cars, two chairlifts, and so on. The amenities of this track include two hotels, five restaurants, and 19 cottages. The height of this track is between 2,650 and 3,600 meters, and the best time for skiing is from early December to late May.
*Address: Dizin International Ski Resort, Dizin Road, Chalus Road, Karaj (View on Map)
2. Shemshak Ski Resort
Shemshak Ski Resort is one of Tehran’s ski resorts, 57 km northeast of Tehran. To access the Shamshak track(Tehran nature), you must use the Lashgarak-Fasham or Karaj-Gachsar road (only in the summer season). The activity of this resort started in 1948. And in 1978, it got the title of the international resort. The height of the Shemshak resort reaches 3,050 meters at its highest point and 2,550 meters at its lowest point. Moreover, the beginning of December to the middle of April is the best time for paying a visit to this place to slide on its slopes.
Shamshak Resort is equipped with two chairlifts and four ski lifts. At the same time, this track has spotlights with yellow light, that allows the enthusiast to ski until late. There are also two hotels and four restaurants, one at the top of the mountain.
*Address: Shamshak Ski Resort, Shamshak, Oshun Fasham Road, Lashgarak Road, Babaei Highway, Tehran (View on Map)
3. Tochal Ski Resort
Tochal Mountain is a mountain in the Alborz range and a ski resort adjacent to metropolitan Tehran, Iran. The mountain has a 12 km long ridge-line. The highest peak, also called Mount Tochal, is at an elevation of 3,933 m (13,005 feet) and at coordinates 35.88°N 51.42°E. Tochal is a popular recreational region for Tehran’s residents. A gondola lift, named Tochal cable car, runs from Tehran to the Tochal Ski Resort and the modern Tochal Hotel, all as a part of Tochal Complex.
Tochal Ski Resort is one of the most popular tracks in Tehran and at the same time the closest track to the city. This resort lies at the end of Velanjak Street and is three kilometers away from Tajrish Square in the Shemiranat area. Tochal track has three cable cars(). The length of all three reaches 7,500 meters in total, and they are considered among the connected cable cars in the world.
Tochal Resort(Tehran Nature) has three tracks. The first track has a length of 1,200 meters at the summit (altitude 3,850 to 3,550 meters). The second track has a length of 900 meters on the western slope (an altitude of 3,750 to 3,550 meters with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains). And finally, the third track, from the seventh to the fifth station with a length of nearly 5,500 meters (3,750 to 2,940 meters altitude). The first two routes are equipped with chairlifts and ski lifts. But the third track lacks these facilities due to high fluctuations. The only hotel in this complex is Tochal Hotel with 30 rooms and suites. It is located at an altitude of 3,550 meters and at the end of the first and second tracks.
*Address: Tochal Cable Car Company, at the end of Valenjak St., Yaman St., Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran (View on Map)
4. Abali Ski Resort
Abali resort, near the city of Abali, 57 km from Tehran, on the Haraz road, is the oldest in Iran. It has five tracks, including one cable car, eight ski lifts of different kinds, and a chairlift. If you want to experience the snow in Tehran, the best time to use the Abali track (whose highest altitude is 2,650 and lowest altitude is 2,400 meters) is from mid-December to mid-March. One hotel and six restaurants are among the facilities of this ski resort.
*Address: Haraz Road, 45 km from Tehran (View on Map)
5. Darbandsar Ski Resort
They launched Darbandsar Ski Resort in 1982, 57 km north of Tehran. The best time to use the Darbandsar resort, which its altitude ranges from 2,670 to 3,570 meters, is from mid-December to late May. Interestingly, the average annual snowfall here reaches two to four meters.
This place has a cable car line for 12 people that stretches from the starting point of the track to a height of 3,370 meters. Additionally, there is a total of seven ski lifts and chairlifts.
At the same time, Darbandsar ski resort with a total area of 300 hectares, also has a professional ski training school. It is also possible to ski in July in one of the northern valleys of this track, namely the “Teltanganeh” valley.
*Address: Darbandsar, after Shamshak, towards Lavasan, Babaei Highway, Tehran (View on Map)
6. Khur Ski Resort
Khur Ski Resort has a height of 2,800 to 3,000 meters. And its history goes back to before 1978. This resort is located at a close distance from the Karaj Dam. In order to reach this track, you have to take the side road to the east at the 23rd kilometer of the Karaj-Chalos road, before reaching the Karaj dam facilities. Khur Resort, which has two tracks of 1850 and 350, is equipped with a ski lift and has a daily capacity of 1300 people.
*Address: Khur ski resort, Khur village, 23 km from Karaj road, Chalos road, Karaj (View on Map)
7. Pooladkaf Ski Resort
Pooladkaf international ski resort is located 88 km north of Shiraz and 15 km from Sepidan road to Margoon Waterfall. This ski resort has a four-star hotel, four dining units, a two-kilometer cable car, two 1,600-meter ski lifts, and eight snowmobiles. Near the ski resort, there is a smaller ski resort known as Sepidan Ski Resort.
Heavy snowfall in the winter is one of the most beautiful sights of Fars province in this area. This complex is highly welcomed by the locals and the tourists who are interested in skiing in winter. Furthermore, its location on the path of the beautiful Margoon waterfall has made it more popular.
t is possible to use the suitable and varied accommodation and recreational facilities of this ski resort in other seasons as well. So, in the summer season, engaging in the fun sport of skiing on the grass in this complex is possible. Moreover, its cable car is active all year round. The Pooladkaf complex is the second international ski resort in the country. And every year it witnesses the enthusiastic attendance of skiers and the public.
*Address: Sepidan, 88 km north of Shiraz, Fars province (View on Map)
8. Fars Ski Resort
Fars Ski Resort with a height of 2,660 meters above sea level is located 9 km from Pooladkaf Ski Resort. It is 80 km north of Shiraz and 5 km from Ardakan in Fars. The facilities of this track include three ski lifts, a cable car, parking, a restaurant, a hotel, a clinic, and a championship base.
*Address: Fars Ski Resort, Ardkan Village, Fars province
9. Khoshaku Ski Resort
Khoshaku Ski Resort has an area of 50,000 square meters. You can find it 24 km west of Urmia, in the Rajan region, and near Khoshaku village. This resort is one of the most important poles of winter sports in the northwest of the country. Ask for the best time to use this track? It is late autumn and winter, the same as other similar resorts such as Sahand Resort in East Azarbaijan province and Alvares track in Ardabil province. In addition, due to the suitable vegetation of this track, it is also possible to ski on the grass.
*Address: Khoshako village, Rajan region, 30 km west of Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province (View on Map)
10. Kakan Ski Resort
Kakan Ski Resort or Dena Ski Resort has an altitude of 2850 above sea level. This resort lies 18 km from Yasouj city, near Kakan village, next to the beautiful Ab Nahr area. This relatively wide track, 1,500 meters long and 600 meters wide, has facilities such as accommodation, a restaurant, and four ski lifts. At the same time, experienced coaches are also ready to serve on this track. The best time to ski in the Kakan ski resort is from early December to late winter when the snow depth reaches 3.5 meters.
*Address: Kakan village, Yasouj, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province (View on Map)
11. Chelgerd Ski Resort
Chelgerd Ski Resort or Koohrang Ski Resort, near the city of Chelgerd, 91 km from Shahrekord, is one of the important ski resorts in Zagros. This resort has an 800-meter long track with a 20% slope. Additionally, it has three separate areas for families, women, and men. The Koohrang tunnel and waterfall near this resort are really great options to explore.
They built this resort in 1975. It attracts 20,000 to 30,000 tourists per year. Moreover, its weather is sunny most days of the year. Among the amenities of this track, we can mention Koohrang Hotel, the parking lot, two chairlifts for men and women, and a 200-meter training lift.
*Address: Chalgerd, 85 km from Shahrekord, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari Province (View on Map)
12. Nesar Ski Resort
Interestingly, the history of Nesar Ski Resort, on the slopes of Bijar mountain near the city of Bijar goes back to 1951. The length of the Nasar ski track is 900 meters and its width is 120 meters. The features and facilities of this 112-hectare ski resort include grass skiing in a two-hectare area (330 meters and 60 meters wide), parking, a restaurant, a 1,300-meter ski lift (under construction), and a ski school with skilled instructors.
*Address: Nesar mountain range, Bijar, Kurdistan (View on Map)
13. Saqez Ski Resort
Saqez Ski Resort has an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. And it is possible to ski on snow in it for five months of the year. They confirmed the standard of this resort in 2004 and it is currently equipped with a lift. Saqez is one of the snowiest cities in Kurdistan province.
*Address: northern side of Vrzaneh mountain, Saqez-Baneh axis, Kurdistan province (View on Map)
14. Sahand Ski Resort
Sahand Ski Resort, located 39 kilometers southeast of Tabriz, has two 1200-meter-long ski lifts and a 100-meter beginner ski lift. And will soon other facilities such as 12 ski lifts, and a five-star hotel will be available. Furthermore, there will be a three-star hotel, apartments, and villas to rent, plus sports complexes. The depth of snow in the Sahand track sometimes even reaches four meters. But fortunately, it is not an avalanche trap. That’s why most of its parts are completely safe for skiing. And it is possible to use it until the end of May.
*Address: Sahand Ski Resort, after Police Station, Tabriz-Tehran Highway, East Azarbaijan province (View on Map)
15. Payam Ski Resort
Payam ski resort, which is one of the oldest ski resorts in Iran, is located in Marand, north of Tabriz. They built this resort in 1969 with an 800-meter long track on the high slopes of the Mishoo mountain range. The height of this 30-hectare ski resort is 1,800 meters above sea level. Parking, restaurant, restrooms, and lifting devices for beginners and professionals are among the facilities of Payam resort.
*Address: km 15 of Marand-Tabriz road, East Azerbaijan Province (View on Map)
16. Alvares Ski Resort
Alvares Ski Resort is the biggest ski resort in Iran. It is lying on the slopes of Sablan mountain, 30 km from Sarein city. The amount of snowfall in the Alvares resort, with an altitude of 3,200 meters, is very high. For the same reason, it is covered in snow in the autumn, winter, and early spring. This track is equipped with a 1,250-meter-length ski lift, which you can use to easily go to the top of the track.
*Address: Alvares Ski Resort, 30 kilometers from Sarein, 12 kilometers from Alvares village, Ardabil province (View on Map)
17. Shazand Ski Resort
Shazand Ski Resort, lying at an altitude of 2,760 meters, is 25 km from Shazand city and 55 km from Arak. It is a 600-meter long track, with facilities such as three cable cars and a restaurant. This track is active only in winter and spring. This place attracts tourists from Hamadan and Lorestan provinces mainly.
*Address: Shazand Ski Resort, 25 km from Shazand city and 55 km from Arak, Markazi Province (View on Map)
18. Shahmirzad Ski Resort
Shahmirzad Ski Resort, lying in the north of Shahmirzad city in Semnan province is not a modern and professional resort. Unfortunately, it lacks facilities such as ski lifts and chairlifts; But due to the fact that Semnan is a desert, it attracts many tourists in winter and it is not possible to ski with boards and sticks. This track is only for tube riding, which is an enjoyable but dangerous pastime.
*Address: Chashm District, Shahmirzad, Semnan Province
19. Shirbad Ski Resort
Shirbad Ski Resort, which is the only skiing place in eastern Iran, has an area of 50 hectares, at an altitude of 2,900 meters. It is 18 kilometers away from Dowlatabad village, 45 kilometers west of Mashhad. They established this skiing place in January 2013. The length of the track of Shirbad is 880 meters. Additionally, it has facilities such as a ski lift, restaurant, and accommodation suites. It is recommended to travel the mountain path from Dowlatabad village to the ski resort with two-wheel drive vehicles.
*Address: at the end of Dowlatabad valley, Golemkan roundabout, Mashhad-Chenaran road, Khorasan Razavi Province (View on Map)
20. Fereydounshahr Ski Resort
Fereydounshahr Ski Resort, which is the only standard skiing place in Isfahan province, is located 180 kilometers west of Isfahan city. And it is only three kilometers from Fereydounshahr. The height of this track is 2,360 meters above sea level and reaches 3,000 meters at its highest point. Among the facilities of the Fereydoun Shahr resort, we can mention a hall equipped with a heating system, a training track for beginners and a lift for professional skiers, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a piste club, and accommodation suites. The amount of snowfall is 1 to 6 meters, here.
*Address: 3 kilometers from Fereydounshahr, 180 kilometers west of Isfahan, Isfahan Province (View on Map)
21. Papai Ski Resort
Papai Ski Resort is as well, the only standard track in Zanjan province. They launched it in 1967, 45 kilometers from Zanjan and three kilometers from the center of Ijrud city. This 80-hectare skiing place is lying at an altitude of 2,850 above sea level. And its height reaches 3,000 meters at the highest point. This place has a 600-meter track. Among the facilities of this resort, we can mention the ski school, ski lift, suite, coffee shop, and parking lot.
*Address: 45 km southwest of Zanjan city, Zanjan Province (View on Map)
22. Tarik Darreh Ski Resort
Tarik Darreh Ski Resort is active in winter and early spring. It is lying 10 km from the center of Hamedan and 15 km southwest of Ganjnameh road on the slopes of the Alvand mountains. The lowest point of the Tarik Darreh track is at an altitude of 2,600 meters and the highest point is at an altitude of 3,150 meters. And its length is four kilometers. They opened this resort in 1985. It has facilities such as a ski lift and two chairlifts and amenities such as a restaurant and a dormitory with a capacity of about 500 people.
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