Top 10 Ski Resorts in Iran

Iran is known as a four-season country where you can experience different temperature conditions and different climates in other regions. Iran ski resorts have been established in colder areas and high altitudes, making it possible for winter sports enthusiasts to travel to these places and enjoy skiing. Although skiing is often seen as a recreational activity for the affluent, ski resorts in Iran are equipped with facilities to provide everyone with the opportunity to enjoy the winter snow, offering training, fun experiences, and short-term accommodation. This exciting and enjoyable sport can appeal to the whole family and create unforgettable memories. In this article, we are going to introduce the top 10 ski resorts in Iran and give a brief explanation of each one.

1. Dizin

Dizin ski resort is the largest and most famous ski destination in Iran, and it is widely recognized as the most prestigious in the Middle East. This track is the first ski track in Iran that has been approved by the International Ski Federation to host official competitions. This certification is due to the resort’s world-class features, including engineered slopes, impressive trail lengths, and comprehensive amenities that meet global standards.

Dizin is located among the stunning mountains in the north of Tehran, in the beautiful area of ​​ Gajereh, about 123 km from Chalus Road and 71 km from Shemshak. The resort has an array of modern amenities, including three gondolas, two chairlifts, seven platter lifts, and one hammer lift.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of accommodation and dining options with two hotels, five diverse restaurants, and 19 charming lodges available. Located at an altitude of between 2650 and 3600 meters, Dizin offers excellent skiing conditions that usually last from early December to late May, attracting ski enthusiasts from all over the world.

2. Shemshak

Shemshak Ski Resort is the second-largest ski resort in Iran, following Dizin. Located 57 kilometers northeast of Tehran, it is part of the Shemiran district. The slopes range from 3050 to 2550 meters.

As an international ski resort, Shemshak attracts both local enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world. It offers a variety of recreational and professional facilities, including gondolas, ski lifts, and a path with yellow floodlights that allows skiing at night.

Two hotels and four restaurants can be mentioned among other amenities of Shemshak. The resort is usually ready for skiing from early December and has snow cover until mid-April.

3. Tochal

Tochal is the closest and busiest ski resort to Tehran, located on Velenjak Street, one of the most luxurious streets of the capital. This expansive resort has three gondolas and a ski lift. The gondola lines stretch a total of 7,500 meters, making it one of the longest lines in the world.

The resort area has three different trails; the first slope starts at an altitude of 3850 meters and extends to the hotel at an altitude of 3550 meters, which is 1200 meters long.

Visitors can use the gondola to access all the routes inside the resort complex. This resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in Iran, covered with snow since mid-autumn, and is ready for skiing at the beginning of the season.

Other routes include a 900m west slope and a newer 5500m run from Station Seven to Station Five, although this trail still lacks adequate facilities.

4. Abali Ski Resort

Abali Ski Resort holds the distinction of being the oldest in Iran. It is located near the city of Abali on the Haraz road, 75 km from Tehran, and is known as one of the most famous ski resorts in the country.

In short, Abali has five ski resorts, all of which are equipped with cable transportation facilities such as gondolas. In addition, the resort offers facilities such as a tennis court, horse riding, kite jumping, hotel, restaurant, and medical services.

5. Darbandsar Ski Resort

Darbandsar ski resort, which was established in 1361, is located 57 km north of Tehran. The best time to ski here, with slopes ranging from 2,670 to 3,570 meters in altitude, is from mid-December to late May.

The resort receives an average of two to four meters of snow annually and has a 12-person cable car that runs from the base of the slope to an elevation of 3,370 meters. Overall, the resort is equipped with seven ski lifts and cable cars, including two for beginners.

Also, Darbandsar has an area of ​​about 300 hectares and has a professional ski school. Skiing is possible even in July in one of the northern valleys of the resort, which is known as Teltange Valley.

6. Sahand Ski Resort

Sahand Ski Resort, with its vast area and facilities, including a 1200-meter ski area, attracts many athletes for sports, training, and competitions. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including ski lifts, a ski school for both men and women, a snow groomer shelter, 12 ski lifts, a charming and scenic villa hotel, clean restrooms, and ski equipment rentals.

With the installation of the second ski lift, the speed and capacity of carrying skis have increased significantly. In addition, this track is equipped with advanced and standard safety equipment, which doubles the skiing capacity of the province.

In this residence, you can safely enjoy an unforgettable and exciting experience using the available facilities.

7. Pooladkaf Ski Resort

Pooladkaf ski resort, also known as Sepidan, is located in Fars province, 5 km from Sepidan city. This track is the second international ski track in Iran, located 85 km from Shiraz and at an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level.

The resort offers a variety of recreational and sports activities, including lifts, gondolas, ski lifts, mountain vehicles, snow scooters, and snowmobiles. As a four-season ski resort, Pooladkaf provides a suitable environment for the family.

Other facilities include a restaurant, fast food, cafe, guest house, hotel, pedal boats, horse riding, bike path, ski equipment shop, and ski school.

8. Khoshaku Ski Resort

Khoshaku recreation area is located 30 kilometers west of Urmia and among the mountains of Tepe Mahor in Urmia. It is equipped with suitable facilities and a cable transportation system. This area has good vegetation and can be used as a snow ski resort in winter and as a grass ski resort in other seasons.

In addition, this natural landscape is a popular destination for hiking. Therefore, while it offers a beautiful view, various winter sports, such as skiing and tubing, are commonly enjoyed here.

9. Kakan Ski Resort

Kakan Ski Resort is located 18 kilometers away from Yasuj City. Due to its proximity to the famous Dena Mountain, it is also known as the Dena ski resort. This track has a track 1500 meters long and 600 meters wide, which makes it one of the biggest ski tracks in Iran.

Located in the south of Iran, it is equipped with an elevator and offers amenities such as hostels and restaurants. In addition, experienced instructors are available to provide ski lessons. The resort is usually active from early December to the end of March, with snow depths of up to 3.5 meters.

10. Nesar Ski Resort

Nesar ski resort is one of the main attractions of the region, with an area of ​​112 hectares in the vicinity of Bijar City. Every year, Nesar ski resort attracts many visitors for recreation and tourism.

The ski slope is approximately 900 meters long and 120 meters wide and was opened in 2009 after its completion. Snow and grass skiing are the primary activities at Nesar International Ski Resort, where thrill seekers and tourists enjoy their time. This resort also hosts many international competitions that add to the excitement of this place.

At Nesar ski resort, you can rent complete ski equipment and experience exciting moments. In addition, ski classes are offered, offering semi-professional instruction for those eager to improve their skills.

What is the Largest Ski Resort in Iran?

The biggest ski resort in Iran is Dizin Ski Resort. Dizin, in the Alborz mountain range and about 70 km north of Tehran, is one of the most well-known and well-equipped ski resorts in the country.

It has a high altitude, and its highest point reaches 3600 meters above sea level and provides excellent snow quality for skiing and snowboarding. Dizin offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, along with amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and equipment rentals, making it a popular destination for both professional and recreational skiers.

The resort’s long ski season, which typically runs from late November to early May, makes it a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Important Tips for Ski in Iran

Warm Clothing: Make sure to wear warm and waterproof clothing.

Safety Equipment: Always wear a helmet, goggles, and suitable gloves for protection.

Warm up: Before you start skiing or snowboarding, warm up your body.

Be careful: Be aware of potential hazards such as falls, colliding with other skiers or snowboarders, and avalanches.

Respect Others: Follow resort rules and respect the rights of other skiers and snowboarders.

Final Word

Skiing and snowboarding are exciting and adventure sports that can offer an incredible experience. The existence of many mountainous areas in Iran has created many ski resorts throughout this vast country. By choosing the right resort, following safety guidelines, and getting enough practice, you can enjoy snowboarding and skiing while creating great memories. In this article, we introduce Iran’s best Ski Resorts so that you can choose the best ski slope according to your expectations and goals and enjoy skiing to the fullest.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran resort? Consider Matinabad Eco-resort.