Tehran Ski Resorts: 6 Top Winter Picks for Adventure
Tehran's Premier Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations
- Tehran's key ski spots lie in the Alborz mountains.
- Resorts cater to all skill levels.
- Tehran ski locations run from late fall to mid-spring.
- Dizin and Shemshak attract global skiers.
- Tochal and Dizin feature night skiing.
- Tochal and Dizin have high-end amenities like fast lifts.
- Resorts such as Abali are close to Tehran for day trips.
- Darbandsar often hosts global ski contests.
Tehran Ski Resorts offer a thrilling experience in the heart of Iran’s enchanting mountain landscapes. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, these resorts cater to every level of ski and snowboard proficiency.
Explore Tehran Ski Resorts, a top destination for diverse slopes and vibrant ski culture, perfect for winter sports and leisure.
From the challenging trails at Dizin to the family-friendly Shemshak, each resort boasts its unique blend of excitement.
Dive into an unforgettable winter adventure where exhilarating sports meet the serene beauty of Iran’s snowy peaks.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast looking for an exhilarating skiing experience, Tehran offers some of the most remarkable ski resorts in Iran. Conveniently situated at the foothills of the majestic Alborz mountain range, Tehran serves as a gateway to world-class skiing destinations.
Top Tehran Ski Resorts List
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1. Abali Ski Resort
The Abali Ski Resort holds the distinction of being Tehran’s oldest ski resort, and it was the first in the region to feature ski lift equipment. Abali is one of the best Tehran ski resorts.
This venerable resort, located 75 km east of Tehran in the Abali district, is easily accessible via Haraz Road.
Abali sets itself apart with a diverse array of amenities, which make it a favorite among both local and international visitors. The resort boasts five distinct ski runs, therapeutic hot water springs, the culturally significant Imamzadeh Shrine, and consistent, pleasant weather all year round. Its wide-ranging offerings have helped Abali garner more public attention compared to other ski resorts in the area.
Abali excels with its ski infrastructure, offering 1 cable car, 5 button lifts, 1 chair lift, and 3 t-bar lifts. The resort features three areas: NIOC ski piste, private pistes, and the Physical Education Organization piste.
Elevation varies from 2,400 meters to 2,650 meters above sea level, offering a decent range for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. For those who want to relax and refuel, the resort hosts 6 restaurants and 1 hotel. Given its easy accessibility, Abali usually attracts larger crowds compared to other skiing destinations in Tehran.
For those keen on experiencing the history and culture of skiing in Iran, Abali is an essential destination.
– Read more about Abali Ski Resort
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2. Darbandsar Ski Resort
The Darbandsar Ski Resort, established in 1982, is the latest addition to Tehran’s winter sports scene. This private venture, born from a partnership between retired professional skiers and enthusiasts, is located in Darbandsar Village, about 60 km northeast of Tehran. Darbandsar ranks among the top ski resorts in Tehran.
The resort boasts excellent amenities, including 2 chair lifts and 3 button lifts, accommodating skiers of all skill levels. It stretches across elevations from 2,600 meters to 3,050 meters, offering varied terrains for exploration. During the ski season, from mid-December to mid-April, the resort attracts numerous winter sports enthusiasts.
Not just a winter destination, Darbandsar also offers summer skiing opportunities. Located in the Roudbar-e Ghasran area, known for its diverse climate and unique landscape, the resort features a valley called ‘Taltangeh’ that allows for summer skiing in July. The seasonal ski competitions contribute to the year-round enthusiasm for the sport.
Gaining international attention, Darbandsar Ski Resort has hosted several International League Championships since 2008, following its accreditation by the International Ski Federation (FIS). These events have attracted some of the globe’s top skiers. If you’re looking to hit the slopes at a more contemporary venue, Darbandsar comes highly recommended.
– Read more about Darbandsar Ski Resort
3. Dizin Ski Resort
Dizin stands as not only the most significant ski resort in Iran but also the most reputable and prestigious in the entire Middle East.
Dizin, sitting 123 km north of Tehran via Chalous Road and 71 km via Shemshak Road, earned the distinction as the first ski resort in Iran to gain recognition by the FIS as an International Ski Resort for hosting international tournaments.
This prestigious status comes from Dizin’s array of qualities and facilities, including high-quality ski slopes, extensive ski trails, top-notch tournament venues, and comprehensive amenities. It’s also one of the few resorts that allow ski-boarding, making it a popular destination for a broader range of winter sports enthusiasts.
Equipped with 4 cable cars, 2 chair lifts, 9 button lifts (dish téléskis), and 1 t-bar lift (hammer lift), Dizin caters to various skill levels. The resort spans altitudes from 2,650m to 3,600m and operates from late November until the end of April.
Beyond its winter appeal, Dizin is a year-round destination. The complex includes 2 hotels, 19 chalets, and 6 restaurants. In 1993, in coordination with the IFS and skiing experts, Dizin introduced grass ski trails, making grass skiing a popular summer sport in the area.
For professional skiers seeking an upbeat and challenging experience, Dizin is the ideal destination, meeting and exceeding all expectations for high-level skiing adventures.
– Read more about Dizin Ski Resort
4. Tochal Ski Resort
Skiers and mountain climbers in Tehran, longing to ski or climb Tochal Mountain, saw their dream become a reality in 1976. That year marked the establishment of the cable cars company, introducing the first cable car to the Tochal peak at 3944 meters. This development allowed skiers to enjoy the northern mountains of Tehran anytime, just 5 kilometers from Tajrish Square.
Initially planned as one of the world’s largest ski resorts, Tochal Ski Resort faced setbacks due to the Iran-Iraq war, leading to the launch of only two pistes – one at 2935 meters and the other at the Tochal peak. Today, only the peak’s ski piste remains active.
Despite the incomplete project, the Tochal cable cars were a remarkable feat for their time. The plan included an extensive network of 12 lift chairs, aiming to connect Tochal to Dizin and provide seven months of skiing in Iran’s largest ski area.
Currently, Tochal’s 7th station, equipped with 2 chair lifts and 1 button lift, welcomes winter sports enthusiasts from November to the end of May. The resort boasts a hotel and two restaurants.
Recognized as an ‘International Ski Resort’ by the IFS, Tochal has hosted several international snowboarding competitions. Its unique location, located between two valleys and away from city noise, makes it a tranquil and popular destination. As one of the best, Tochal highlights the excellence of Tehran Ski Resorts.
Staying at the Tochal resort hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The night view, with trail lights illuminating the surroundings, presents a breathtaking panorama. The hotel’s prime location ensures quick lift access, allowing guests to avoid queues and maximize their skiing time.
– Read more about Tochal Ski Resort
5. Khor Ski Resort
Khor ski resort, with the altitude of 2800 m to 3000 m, is located in the Alborz province, near Amir Kabir Dam (Karaj Dam) adjacent to Khor historical village.
In order to reach this ski resort, 23 kilometers from Karaj on the Karaj-Chalous Road, you should take the Khavar Pay exit before the entrance of Amir Kabir Dam facilities. Pass the two villages of Arangeh and Jey and you’ll arrive at the resort.
This resort was constructed before 1979, and was renovated after the Iran-Iraq War. It started operating again in 2009 after some changes in the management .The resort has two 1850 m and 350 m trails with a capacity of serving 1300 skiers per day.
Khor is now operational and open to public throughout the week. The resort has one button lift at the moment. This resort is one of Karaj’s tourist attractions and welcomes you and your family during the winter to make fun and happy memories.
6. Shemshak Ski resort
Shemshak ski resort is located in 57 km northeast of Tehran in the village of Shemshak.
It was first opened in 1958 and has 2 chari lifts, 3 button lifts (dish téléskis) and 2 t-bar lifts (hammer téléskis).
Following some changes in its slope and trails in August 1996, Shemshak achieved the ‘International’ title from FIS after Dizin ski resort.
Shemshak Ski Resort resort includes 2 hotels and 4 restaurants, and is open to athletes and nature lovers during the winter. The highest and lowest altitudes of this resort is 3050 m and 2550 m, respectively.
The ski season at Shemshak is variably between late November and early April. It is also an excellent getaway for leisure and sports during the summer. The pleasant weather of this area, combined with its proximity to Tehran attracts plenty of domestic and foreign tourists to visit it and spend time there. Shemshak , a gem in the array of Tehran Ski Resorts, offers premier skiing experiences.
Additionally, the ski runs are open after the dark, known as “the night piste”. Yellow projection lights glittering all over the snow creates a spectacular landscape that makes Shemshak the only skiable resort at night in Iran.
– Read more about Shemshak Ski Resort
FAQs: Tehran Ski Resorts
The most popular ski resorts near Tehran include Dizin, Shemshak, Tochal, Darbandsar, and Khor Ski Resort.
The ski season generally runs from December to April, though it varies slightly by resort. Tochal, for example, operates from early November to March.
Yes, these resorts cater to all skill levels, offering a range of slopes and facilities.
Shemshak Ski Resort offers night skiing, a unique feature among Tehran’s ski resorts.
Dizin is about 123 km north of Tehran, Shemshak is 57 km northeast, Tochal is just 5 km from Tajrish Square in Tehran, Darbandsar is 60 km northeast, and Khor Ski Resort is located near the historic village of Khor, a short drive from Tehran.
Tehran ski resorts offer various facilities, including chairlifts, gondolas, ski schools, accommodation options, and restaurants.
Yes, most resorts have accommodation options ranging from hotels to chalets.