Tochal Ski Resort

Coordinates: 35°53’08.4″N 51°24’20.1″E

Would you like to experience the excitement of skiing in one of the highest ski resorts in the world? So be sure to visit the Tochal Ski Resort. You can easily reach to Tochal Ski Resort at 3850 meters in less than half an hour, using the Tochal Cable-Cabin(Gondola), from the altitude of 1800 meters in Tehran, and enjoy skiing in the fifteenth highest ski resort in the world.

The construction of Tochal Cable-Cabin(Gondola) and Ski Resort was started in 1974 with the cooperation of the French company Puma and Austrian company Duplmeier. Altogether, the length of the main three Cable-Cabin lines is nearly 7,500 meters, which is one of the longest continuous Cable-Cabins in the world. The speed of the cabins on the cable car is 4 meters per second. Tochal Ski Resort, which was supposed to be one of the world’s largest ski slopes, due to the Iranian revolution and the stalled projects during the imposed war with Iraq, only 2 of its tracks, one at a height of 2935 m and the other at the summit of Tochal, were operated, which at the moment, the only summit run is available. The Resort project was supposed to include the northern peak of the summit and 12 lifts designed to go up to the Dizayn Mountain and provide 7 months of skating for enthusiasts. The Tochal Resort project was supposed to include the northern side of Tochal peak (3960 m), and 12 lifts designed to go up to the Dizin Mountain (Dizin Ski Resort) and provide 7 months of skating for enthusiasts.

At the moment, Tochal Ski Resort is open with two chairlifts and a Platters from mid-November to mid-June. Tochal Ski Resort includes one three star hotel at 3550 m altitude with 30 luxury rooms and two restaurants. Tochal Ski Resort featured by the World Ski Federation as standard international Ski Resorts, and there have been several international snowboarding events attended by world champions and the Olympic athletes.

Location and access roads

Tochal ski resort is placed at the altitude of 3850 m of Tochal mountain, exactly next by Tehran, in the north of the city. So despite its relatively high elevation, due to its location in Tehran (the capital of Iran), a city with more than 15 million people, Tochal ski piste is one of the favourites and popular skiing tracks in Iran.

The easiest way to reach the Tochal Ski Resort, you must go up approximately 2050meter high (7,500meters length) by Gondola (cable-cabin). The other way is that trekking to Tochal summit (3960 m) by one of its trekking routes, and descend to Tochal Ski Resort in 3850 m.

Tochal Ski Resort Technical Information

Tochal Ski Resort has 3 main On-Piste trails, with different tilt angles and difficulty. Tochal ski resort is one of the first ski slopes in Iran, that start working from mid-November, due to its high altitude. Also due to the high annual precipitation on this track, it is possible to ski on it in mid-June. The main trail, which starts from the bottom of the Tochal peak (3850 m) and ends in the Tochal hotel (3550 m), has two chairlifts. The length of the trail is 1200 meters. The western trail is located on the western slopes of Mount Tochal. The unique landscape of the surrounding mountains has given it a special look. The length of the piste is 900 meters, with the highest point of 3750 meters and the lowest point is Tochal hotel (3550 meters). There is a surfing lift system on this trail. In good weather, Night Skiing is available for skiers who plan to stay at Tochal Resort Hotel. Also, there is a possibility for Ski-Touring in the Northern side of Tochal summit in a very good slope with more than 2000 meters length.

• Altitude Range 3550m to 3850m
• Top elevation, Highest Lift: 3850m
• Base elevation, Lowest Piste: 3550m
• Runs/slopes: 3 Runs
• Trails: 70% Green (Beginners), 20% Bleu (Intermediate), and 10% Black (Expert slope)
• Elevation difference: 300m
• Good For: Beginners skiers, Intermediates skiers, Families, Non-Skiers, On-Piste Skiing & Off-Piste skiing (Backcountry skiing), also Ski Touring
• equipment rental: Yes
• Opening times: mid-November until mid-June, Everyday except Monday 8.00 to 13.30 (only in good weather conditions)
• Lifts/cable cars: 6 lifts

Includes:

3 Gondola Lifts (Circulating Ropeway)

2 Chairlifts

1 Surface lifts (T-Bar lifts/ Platters/ Button lifts)

Note:

• The opening times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on weather conditions, the day of the week and public holidays.
• Tochal ski resort is accessible by Gondola and in the winter and bad weather the Gondola does not work.
• Skiing on the Iranian weekend (Thursday and Friday) is very crowded due to the Iranian interest in skiing and winter sports. So, we suggest you plan your trip now, that you can come to Iran ski resorts on non-holidays days.

Shemshak Ski Resort

Coordinates: 36° 1′ 0″ N, 51° 30′ 0″ E

The Shemshak Ski Resort, located in northern Tehran, between the Alborz Mountains and near the Shemshak village, was first spotted by German mining engineers in 1948 and introduced as a ski resort. Shemshak Ski Resort, at 1996 after few changes in slopes and length of trails, was regarded as Standard International Ski Resort by Ski World Federation. Shemshak Ski Resort has two hotels and four restaurants that provides accommodation and rest facilities for skiers. The length of the ski season in Shemshak varies from early December to mid-April, and in good weather conditions, night skiing is also possible for skiers.

Location and access roads

Shemshak ski resort is located 60 kilometers north of Tehran between the Alborz mountains. Access to the Shemshak ski resort is by the Fashhm Road in northern Tehran. The other road that closed at winter, due to avalanche is, via Chalous Road and Dizin pass.

Shemshak Ski Resort Technical Information

Shemshak Ski Resort has 8 main On-Piste trails, with different tilt angles and difficulty. The height of the highest point of the Shemshak ski resort is 3050 meters above sea level and the lowest point of the track is 2550. There are two hotels with more than 50 rooms and four restaurants. Shemshak ski resort equipped with two chairlifts and 5 surface lifts. At good weather, Night Skiing is available for skiers. Also, there is a possibility for Ski-Touring in the 4000 meters summits around Shemshak village.

• Altitude Range 2550m to 3050m
• Top elevation, Highest Lift: 3050m
• Base elevation, Lowest Piste: 2550m
• Runs/slopes: 8 Runs
• Trails: 40% Green (Beginners), 40% Bleu (Intermediate), and 20% Black (Expert slope)
• Elevation difference: 500m
• Good For: Beginners skiers, Intermediates skiers, Families, Non-Skiers, On-Piste Skiing & Off-Piste skiing (Backcountry skiing), also Ski Touring
• equipment rental: Yes
• Opening times: From early December to mid-April, every day 8.00 to 16.30
• Lifts/cable cars: 7 lifts

Includes:

0 Gondola Lifts (Circulating Ropeway)

2 Chairlifts

5 Surface lifts (T-Bar lifts/ Platters/ Button lifts)

Note:

• The opening times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on weather conditions, the day of the week and public holidays.
• Shemshak ski resort is accessible only through the mountain road of Fasham, and in the winter this road may be blocked due to snowfall.
• Skiing on the Iranian weekend (Thursday and Friday) is very crowded due to the Iranian interest in skiing and winter sports. So, we suggest you plan your trip now, that you can come to Iran ski resorts on non-holidays days.

Darbandsar Ski Resort

Coordinates: 36°00’47.5″N 51°27’45.2″E

Darbandsar Ski Resort is one of the new slopes around Tehran, launched in 1981 by the private company. Darbandsar Ski Resort is located near the ski slopes of Dizin and Shemshak in Rudbar-e-Ghasran area in 60 km north of Tehran. In fact, Darbandsar ski resort is located in the south of the Sichal summit (3,600 meters), and the Dizin ski resort placed in the north of this summit. The position of these two ski resorts, on both sides of the Sicla summit, provides a very good condition for off-piste skiing (Backcountry skiing) as well as Ski Turing in this area. The length of the ski season is between December and the end of April, and because of the relative difficulty of skiing, it is not crowded as other resorts around Tehran. Darbandsar Ski resort, has recently been equiped by a snowmaker machine, by capability of producing snow at zero temperature over a 1,300-meter-length, 100-meter- width, and 50-centimeter depth. At good weather, Night Skiing is available for skiers. Also there is possibility for Ski-Touring in the 4000 meters summits around Darbandsar.

Location and access roads

Darbandsar ski resort is located 65 kilometers north of Tehran between the Alborz mountains. Access to the Darbandsar ski resort is completely same as Shemshak ski resort, by the Fashhm Road in northern Tehran. The other road that closed at winter, due to avalanche is, Chalous Road and Dizin pass.

Darbandsar Ski Resort Technical Information

Darbandsar Ski Resort has 7 main On-Piste trails, with different tilt angles and difficulty. The height of the highest point of the Darbandsar ski resort is 3150 meters above sea level and the lowest point of the track is 2600. There are two unique restaurants. Darbandsar ski resort equipped with one Gondola, 3 chairlifts and 3 surface lifts. At good weather, Night Skiing is available for skiers. Also there is possibility for Ski-Touring and off-piste skiing from Sichal summits in Dizin ski resort to Darbandsar ski area.

• Altitude Range 2600m to 3150m
• Top elevation, Highest Lift: 3150m
• Base elevation, Lowest Piste: 2600m
• Runs/slopes: 7 Runs
• Trails: 30% Green (Beginners), 50% Bleu (Intermediate), and 20% Black (Expert slope)
• Elevation difference: 550m
• Good For: Intermediates skiers, On-Piste Skiing & Off-Piste skiing (Backcountry skiing), also Ski Touring
• equipment rental: Yes
• Opening times: From December to the end of April, everyday 8.00 to 16.30
• Lifts/cable cars: 7 lifts

Includes:

1 Gondola Lifts (Circulating Ropeway)

3 Chairlifts

3 Surface lifts (T-Bar lifts/ Platters/ Button lifts)

Note:

• The opening times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on weather conditions, day of the week and public holidays.
• Darbandsar ski resort is accessible only through the mountain road of Fasham, and in the winter this road may be blocked due to snowfall.
• Skiing on the Iranian weekend (Thursday and Friday) are very crowded due to the Iranian interest in skiing and winter sports. So, we suggest you to plan your trip how, that you can come to Iran ski resorts on non-holidays days.

Pooladkaf Ski Resort

Coordinates: 30° 22′ 13″ N, 51° 54′ 26″ E 

Poladkaf Ski resort is a Southern ski resort in Iran, and located in 120 km northwest of the city of Shiraz. Considering the location of this trail, located in the southern and warm southern parts of Iran, in winter, it hosts many skiers from warm southern cities and also Arabian country of around Persian Golf. This ski piste has a one Gondola and one chairlift that reaches the peak of the Poladkaf ski resort too fast, at an altitude of 3400 meters. This ski resort is 4 seasons, and it is used for grass skiing in summer.

Location and access roads

Poladkaf ski resort is located 120 kilometers northwest of Shiraz between the Zagros mountain range in southern part of Iran. To access to the Poladkaf ski resort from Shiraz city (that has international airport), you should drive toward Ardekan city, then turn to Poladkaf Ski Resort road. There is a typical hotel next by ski resort. Also you can your book hotel in Shiraz (for booking hotel in Shiraz, contact us).

Poladkaf Ski Resort Technical Information

Poladkaf Ski Resort has two main On-Piste trails, with different tilt angles and difficulty. The height of the highest point of the Poladkaf ski resort is 3400 meters above sea level and the lowest point of the track is 2850. There is one hotel with a restaurant. Poladkaf ski resort equipped with one chairlift and 1 Gondola. Due to the location of the Poladkaf ski resort, Ski Turing and Off-Piste Skiing are possible on all the peaks around this area.

• Altitude Range 2850m to 3400m
• Top elevation, Highest Lift: 3400m
• Base elevation, Lowest Piste: 2850m
• Runs/slopes: 2 Runs
• Trails: 40% Green (Beginners), 60% Bleu (Intermediate)
• Elevation difference: 550m
• Good For: Beginners skiers, Intermediates skiers, Families, Non-Skiers, On-Piste Skiing & Off-Piste skiing (Backcountry skiing), also Ski Touring
• equipment rental: Yes
• Opening times: From late December to March, everyday 8.00 to 15.00
• Lifts/cable cars: 2 lifts

Includes:

1 Gondola Lifts (Circulating Ropeway)

0 Chairlifts

1 Surface lifts (T-Bar lifts/ Platters/ Button lifts)

Note:

• The opening times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on weather conditions, day of the week and public holidays.
• Skiing on the Iranian weekend (Thursday and Friday) are very crowded due to the Iranian interest in skiing and winter sports. So, we suggest you to plan your trip how, that you can come to Iran ski resorts on non-holidays days.

As it was said, Iran is a mountainous country and many ski resorts have been built in most of its provinces and due to their position in different seasons, especially in winter, they are open for ski lovers. You can see the list of some ski resort in Iran:

• Khoor ski resort in Alborz province
• Alvares ski resort in Ardebi province
• Sepidan ski resort in Fars province
• Khoshakoo ski resort in west Azerbayjan province
• Nesar ski resort in Kordestan province
• Koohrang ski resort in Bakhtiari province
• Kagan ski resort in Kohgiloyeh province
• Tarikdareh ski resort in Hamedan province
• Sahand ski resort in east Azerbayjan province
• Shahmirzad ski resort in Semnan province
• Shirbad ski resort in Khorasan province
• Chelgerd ski resort in Charmahal province
• Fereidoon shahr ski resort in Esfahan province
• Papaei ski resort in Zanjan province
• Kaman ski resort in Qazvin province
• Saqiz ski resort in Kordestan province
• Yam ski resort in east Azerbayjan province

Iran Off-Piste Skiing (Outside of the Tracks/Resorts)

The easiest and first thing that comes to the mind, from the “Off-Piste skiing in Iran” is to take your ski equipment and skiing in the mountains of Iran (of course, outside of ski resorts). This is the correct understanding. But to find out which kind of off-piste skiing, are possible in the mountains of Iran, first we need to know Off-Piste skiing categories?

Off-piste Skiing in the general meaning, is skiing outside of the resort, but when we look carefully at this field, we know that it has several distinct branches that it is very difficult to distinguish between them.

Slackcountry skiing, Sidecountry skiing, Freeride skiing, Backcountry skiing, Splitboarding, Ski touring, Ski mountaineering are of the fields that are in the off-piste subset.

The difference between these fields can be seen by two factors of the amount of skiers experiences, as well as the distance between the ski area and the resorts. For example, Slackcountry skiing or Sidecountry skiing, that runs around ski resorts, and by uses of lifting equipment, or skitouring or ski mountaineering in remote mountains without the help of lifting equipment.

Anyway, what’s important is that, thanks to the vast and high mountains, Iran is the golden paradise for the world’s off-piste skiers. In this way, all of the branches of Off-Piste skiing, Slackcountry skiing, Sidecountry skiing, Freeride skiing, Backcountry skiing, Splitboarding, Ski touring, Ski Montinaring, are available in Iran’s mountains. Among these branches, Ski Turing, Off-Piste Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, Speed Riding (Downhill Skiing and flying by fabric wings) is more than any other interested in Iran.

Undoubtedly, in the cold season (mid- November to the end June), you can skiing(Specially Ski Touring, Off-Piste skiing & Ski Mountaineering) in most mountains of Iran. It’s really hard to say that, off-piste skiing in which mountains in Iran is better than the other mountains.

Iran is a country where more than half of it is covered by mountains, and has more than 600 peaks above 4000 meters and 15,000 peaks above 3000 meters. So if you’re an off-piste skier (Ski Touring, Off-Piste skiing & Ski Mountaineering), It’s not difficult to finding a mountain for ski. Just travel to one of the mountainous cities of Iran in the cool season, to tempt you for ski, by seeing the full snows mountains.

However, some of these mountainous areas are more prestigious than the rest of the mountains because of their pristine and remoteness. At the top of this list, Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East, as well as Asia’s highest volcano sits. Absolutely, can say that the ski touring on Mount Damavand is the main purpose of most skier who comes to Iran for skiing. Because, with the ascent of Damavand by ski, they reach two goals. They climb the highest peaks of Iran and highest volcano of Asia (and part of the Seven Summit Project), and also enjoy skiing in Damavand with long and good slopes.

As mentioned, in Iran other than Damavand, there are many other mountains that are a good destination for skiers. Doberar Mountain Ridge, with more than 70 km long and 35 summits with 3000 m and 4000 m altitude, makes a best goal for skiers who want to skiing in Iran. Imagine, skiing in 4000m summit in one day, best scenery, perfect slopes and good snow condition, then drinking a cup of tea in Polour/Raineh guesthouses while you share your beautiful pictures of Skiing in Doberar ridge with your friends and family.

Alamkoh 4850m, Iran’s second highest peak of Iran, with more than 40 summits (3000m and 4000m) around it (Takht-e-Soleiman area), is the other amazing goal for skiing. All Ski touring, Free riding, Back country skiing, are possible in Alamkoh area.

Ski touring in Sabalan 4811m, third highest summit of Iran in northwest, is a dreamy plan for foreign skiers who come to Iran.

Maybe you would like to enjoy skiing without climbing the highest mountains of Iran. No worries, you can go to the Zagros Mountains and choose your ski area with yourself. The Zagros range starts from the northwest of Iran with a length of approximately 1600 km and a width of about 80 km to the south of Iran. The mountains of Chelgerd in Chaharmahal, Alvand mountains in Hamedan, Qandil in Kurdistan, Oshtorankoh in Lorestan, Zardkoh Mountains in Koohrang Bakhtiari, and Dena in Yasuj are among the best mountainous areas of Zagros mountain range, for the skitouring and other ski sports.

Iran Exploration, with many years of experience in skiing in the mountains of Iran, proud to have been thinking about introducing new and untouched areas for skiers. So, do not hesitate to contact our experts, for your next ski trip in Iran.

The following is a brief introduction of ski areas in the Zagros and Alborz Mountains of Iran.

1. Damavand Ski Touring

Mount Damavand with 5610m altitude is the highest peak of Iran and middle east. It’s also the highest volcano in Asia and one of 7 highest Volcano of 7 continents (Seven Summit Project). Ski touring in Damavand will have a memorable experience for you, which you will not find anywhere else. Usually, due to the high altitude of Damavand, a few days of skitour in Doberar mountain ranges, will be added to our groups itinerary for better acclimatization.

• Best time: April & May
• Best itinerary: 7 days
• Nearest city: Polour village, Raineh town
• Maximum altitude: 5610m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): D+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: AD (Fairly Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 4.3

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: V.D11.R3

2. Doberar Ski Touring

Doberar mountain range is located in the northeast of Tehran and southeast of Mount Damavand. This mountain range with an approximate length of 70 km and more than 35 peaks above 3000 and 4000 meters is a part of the central Alborz mountain range and is a solid wall that separates the central parts of Iran from the Caspian Sea. Usually most of the skiing routes of the Doberar mountains are located on its northern slopes, due to the shadow and good snow condition. Also, the northern slopes of the Doberar has a good slope in which the tree or rumor is very small. Also, the northern slopes have a decent angle, without trees and huge rooks.

To reach the Doberar Mountains from Tehran, you should head to the village of Pulour on the Haraz road (65 km), after reaching the Pulour, exit the main road to the east and go 20 km to the village of Lasem. The start point of most of Doberar peaks are from Lasem village. East Doberar summit with 4250 m is the highest point of Doberar mountain range. Angemar, Parvaneh, Golezard, Changizchal, Lasem and so on, are the best summits of Doberar mountain range for Ski touring.

You can reach each of summit in one day and skking down to Lasem village for night stay. Also you can go to Polour or Raineh, for better accommodation and shopping foods and fruits.

• Best time: March, April, May
• Best itinerary: 5 days
• Nearest city: Polour village, Raineh town
• Maximum altitude: 4250m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): AD+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: PD (Not very Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 3.2

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: III.D9.R2

3. Alamkoh Ski Touring

Alamkoh with 4850m altitude is the second highest mountain of Iran, located in Takht-e-Soleiman mountains in western Alborz mountain range. Takht-e-Soleiman area has more than fourteen 4000m summits, with different routes for Ski Touring. To reach this unparalleled complex, you have to go from Tehran to Karaj then drive to Kelardasht city via Chalous Road (200 km in mountain road, about 4 hours). There are two guesthouses from I.R Mountain Federation with full equipment for overnight staying. But to reach mountain area for ski touring, you should go to Kalbozon (2450m) by 4WD cars and set up your camp there. From Kalbozon camp, you can ski tour every day to one of 4000 meters summits of Takht-e-Soleiman, as well as top Alamkoh. You should skiing down to your camp every evening. Ski touring in Alamkoh mountains is completely look like Ski Mountaineering.

• Best time: April, May, June
• Best itinerary: 8 to 10 days
• Nearest city: Kelardasht city, Roodbarak/ Vandarbon village
• Maximum altitude: 4850m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): D+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: D (Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 4.3

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: V.D14.R4

4. Sabalan Ski Touring

Mount Sabalan with 4811 meters altitude, is a third highest mountain in Iran and located on the northwest of the country in the Zagros Mountains. Some people believe that Sabalan is not part of the Zagros Mountains and it is a single volcanic peak. The Sabalan Mountains have several 3000 and 4000 meters peaks, and the highest peak is Sabalan, with a beautiful and unique lake in the crater of the summit. The position of Sabalan in the northern latitudes, and too much snowfall, has made Sabalan one of the main destinations for skiing. From the other hand, the presence of beautiful SPA (Hot Springs) springs around Sabalan has added to its attractions. Imagine skiing from one side of Sabalan and downhill skiing in the other side, with enjoying its SPA springs in Sabalan’s cold winter. Alvares Ski Resort is also located on the slopes of Sabalan, where you can use of its facilities and lifts, to take an       On-Piste skiing. To ski to Sabalan, you must go to Ardabil by plane (or bus) and go 90 km north to the city of Meshgin Shahr. Then, with the use of 4WD cars, as far as possible and the road is not filled with snow, you will approach to the Sabalan’s slopes and start ski touring.

• Best time: From January until June
• Best itinerary: 4 to 7 days
• Nearest city: Ardebil, Meshgin Shahr, Sarein
• Maximum altitude: 4811m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): AD+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: AD (Fairly Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 3.3

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: IV.D10.R3

5. Dena Mountains Ski Touring (Zagros Ski Tour)

Dena mountain range and complex, are a part of the Zagros Mountain range, with a length of approximately 85 km, and 49 peaks above 4000 meters, also known as the Zagros roof. Dena Ridge is located in the eastern part of Kohgiluyeh Province, and is located in the southern part of the Zagros. This mountain range is adjacent to the provinces of Fars, Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and is accessible through Yasouj, Isfahan and Shiraz airports. The Dena mountain range is divided into three relatively distinct parts by the Bijan and Putak Mountains and the West Morgol necks. Extent, good height and snowiness have made Dena one of the best and most popular mountains in Iran for ski tours and winter sports. In fact, most tourists know the Dena Mountain for its skiing, called it as Zagros Ski Tour. The best skiing itinerary in Dena or Zagros Mountains is to take the plane to Shiraz, seeing Shiraz, then go through the road to Sisakht town (220 km, 3.5 hours). The best points of Ski Tour in Zagros (Dena) mountains are, Barfkermo Summit 4110m with around 6 hours skiing, Bijan1 summit 4350m with 7 hours skiing and Ghashmastan summit 4400m with 8 hours skiing. This summits are the best points for Ski Touring in Zagros (Dena) mountains.

• Best time: From January until March
• Best itinerary: 7 days
• Nearest city: Dena town (Sisakht), Shiraz
• Maximum altitude: 4411m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): D+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: D (Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 4.2

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: V.D11.R3

6. Zardkoh Mountains Ski Touring (Zagros Ski Tour)

Another Zagros Mountain Range ridge is Zardkoh mountains, thet rises at an altitude of 4,200 meters, and is the second highest mountain ridge in the Zagros Mountains after the Dena ridge. Zardukh is located in the southern part of Zagros in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Like Dena, this mountain is one of the famous Zagros Mountains, which is famous for its amazing ski slopes. To ski in Zardvark Zagros, you must fly to Isfahan or Shahr-e-Kord, then driving to Chelgerd city (Isfahan to Shahrekord is 100km, and from Shahrekord to Chelgerd 92 km). The best skiing itinerary in Zardkoh and the best points of Ski Tour in Zagros (Zardkoh) mountains are, Niakan Summit with around 6 hours skiing, Gilas (Cherry) summit with 6hours skiing, Shah Mansouri summit with 7hours skiing and Samsami summit with 8 hours skiing. This summits are the best points for Ski Touring in Zagros (Zardkoh) mountains.

• Best time: From January until March
• Best itinerary: 7 to 9 days
• Nearest city: Chelgerd town, Shahr-e-Kord
• Maximum altitude: 4200m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): D+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: D (Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 4.2

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: V.D11.R3

7. Oshtorankoh Ski Touring (Zagros Ski Tour)

Oshtrankh, like Dena and Zardukh, is actually a subset of the Zagros Mountains in west of Iran. Oshtrankouh with a height of 4150 meters has a number of peaks and is located in Lorestan province. Like other mountains of the Zagros range, this mountain has very good slopes for skiing on the northern face. Easy access to the starting point of the ski tour in Ostendekoh and its proximity to the cities of Azna and Aligudarz, has made this mountain an ideal destination for skiers. Oshtoranku has 100 km long and more than 30 peaks of 3000 and 4000 meters, which is characterized by the high annual precipitation of snow, is one of the suitable mountains for skiing in the Zagros mountain range.

• Best time: From January until March
• Best itinerary: 6 days
• Nearest city: Azna, Doroud, Khoramabad
• Maximum altitude: 4150m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): AD
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: AD (Fairly Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 3.2

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: III.D10.R3

8. Mount Alvand Ski Touring (Zagros Ski Tour)

Alvand is a subrange of the Zagros Mountains range in west of Iran, with altitude of 3600 m located in Hamedan province. This huge granit mountain range, with 70 km lenght and more than 15 summits uop to 3000m altitude, and mid-angel slopes in northern side, is one of best destinations for ski touring in Zagros mountains. For skiing in the Alvand Mountains of Hamedan, you must go by plane or by bus to the historic city of Hamedan, and by staying in the hotel, you can ski every day on the mountainside and return to your hotel in the evening. You can also use the ski resort of Tarikdareh, located in the north of the city, for skiing On-Piste and using its lift system.

• Best time: From January until March
• Best itinerary: 5 days
• Nearest city: Hamedan city
• Maximum altitude: 3650m
• Equipment rental: Yes, by Iran Exploration
• Ski tour difficulty:

• Alpine grades for ski alpinism (Swiss Alpine Club): PD+
• Toponeige ski rating system:

Ascent Rating: PD (Not very Difficult)

Descent Rating: Ski 3

• D Scale ski and snowboard route rating: II.D9.R2

As mentioned many times, Iran is a mountainous and highly suitable ski area. These are just a part of the ski resorts and skiable mountains of Iran. So, if you are interested in skiing in the mountains in addition to sightseeing the ancient and historical sites of Iran, do not lag more. For more information, get up to date with Iran Exploration and contact us.