For those who know Iran as a dry climate with some famous deserts, knowing about Iran ski resorts might be surprising. Iran is a four-season country and you can experience cold and freezing weather in the northern part of Iran while there is mild weather in the south. The winter ski resorts of Iran are mostly located in the northern area of Tehran and operating from December to April.
For some travelers, skiing has become a popular winter sport. Ski resorts have responded by expanding hotels, restaurants, and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to meet the demand. But for skiers, it’s all about the snow, as well as the geography of the mountainsides where it falls.
Iran Best Ski Resorts
Most of Iran’s ski resorts are designated as International Ski Resort by the International Ski Federation (FIS). meanwhile you can find either recreational or professional ski resorts. Usually the resorts provide some stalls to rent ski gears at a low price; the entrance ticket is also cheap.
Let’s take a look at the 5 top-rated ski resorts in Iran.
Abali Ski Resort
If you live in the beautiful metropolis of Tehran or you have traveled to this city, one of the most attractive things you can do in this city is to try winter sports. Tehran is full of various ski resorts, but one of the oldest ones is the Abali ski resort, which is located 57 Kilometres away from Tehran, on Haraz Road near the city of Abali.
Abali is located in a touristic zone with cold winter and cool summer temperatures. Besides the ski resorts, there are a variety of non-skiing activities such as hiking and trekking, climbing, and thermal spring water, traditional restaurants, and recreational facilities, setting it apart from other ski fields in Iran.
The best season to go to Abali for skiing is late December till mid-March. The opening times can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, but normally Is 08:30 – 21:00. There are some stalls that rent ski gears at a low price; the entrance ticket to the ski resort is cheap. You can find the best Iran Dough in Abali, so don’t miss it (Dough is an Iranian salty beverage made out of yogurt, vegetable and salt).
Address: Abali Ski Resort, Tehran
DarbandSar Ski Resort
This ski resort is the newest ski resort in Tehran was founded by a private company in 1982. It is located in Darbandsar village, 60 km northeast of Tehran. Since 2008, when the Darbandsar ski resort was designated as an International Ski Resort by the International Ski Federation (FIS), it has hosted several International League Championships.
After Shemshak Ski Resort, Darbandsar Ski Resort is the country’s second-largest and most difficult ski resort. There is plenty of room for backcountry skiing and acclimatization for extreme ski experiences. It has five ski lifts and chairlifts, two hammers, and one surface.
The best season to go Darband-sar is mid-December till early May. summer skiing is also available in July at ‘Taltangeh’, a valley north of Darbandsar. The opening times usually are 08:30 – 21:00 and can vary slightly depends on the weather. Entrance fee is less than 5 euros.
Address: Darbandsar Ski Resort, Tehran
Dizin Ski lodge
Iran’s largest ski resort is located 70 kilometers away in the north of Tehran, in the Alborz mountain range. It was founded under the rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the 1960s.
There are two ways to get there. The first is from Tehran-Shemshak-Dizin which is nearer but usually unpassable during winter and the second way which is longer (around 120km) but more touristic and passable the whole year long is from Tehran-Chaloos Road.
Dizin ski resort is open all year round offering various activities during winter and summer. Winter resort is equipped with 4 gondolas, 3 chairlifts, and 9 surface lifts and everything is well-prepared for winter skiing lovers.
During the summer, skiing on grass is also possible on this resort. The ski slope is 650 meters long. Every year in this region, world grass skiing competitions are held. At the same time, in other areas of the resort, you can find some other interesting activities including Mountain biking, kiteboarding and visiting rare species of mountain plants.
Address: Dizin Ski Resort, Tehran
Tochal ski resort
This resort is located near Velenjak in the north of Tehran and has a variety of recreational and sports facilities such as cable cars, ski slopes, sledges, bungee jumping, etc.
At Tochal ski resort, there is 6 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding and 4 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,910 and 3,850 m. Because of the height of the ski slope in station 7 (more than 3,500 m above sea level), the slopes are covered with snow for more than five months a year.
What makes Tochal a popular complex for tourists and locals is the variety of entertainment provided there. Beside Ski resort, you can find 5D Cinema, Sledge, Cube club, Shooting club, Zipline, Hotels, restaurants and etc.
The cabin car ticket is less than 5 Euro and Tochal hotel room reservation price starts from 25 Euro per night.
Address: Tochal ski resort and complex, Tehran
Shemshak ski lodge
Same as other Tehran ski resorts, Shemshak is also situated to the northeast of Tehran in the Alborz mountain range. After Dizin and Darbansar, Shemshak is Iran’s third-largest ski resort. It started operating in 1958. There are two chairlifts and three Surface lifts on the property.
The favorable weather of this region and its proximity to the metropolis of Tehran, has attracted the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists. Being equipped with yellow spotlights makes Shemshak ski an attractive and spectacular environment for skiers to ski until late at night.
Shemshak has always attracted more advanced skiers, whilst Dizin resort has attracted beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Many of the lines are mogul runs, and the slopes are fairly steep. The ski season runs from early December to late March, weather permitting, resort is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the night slope open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
There are two hotels there for those who like to stay overnight and also some shops and restaurants.
