There are a number of excellent skiing resorts in Iran, mostly in the Alborz mountains to the north of the capital, Tehran, though there is also piste near Kermanshah and Tabriz.
The sport was introduced to Iran in the 1930s by German railway workers and often taken up by returning Iranian expats from Europe. In 1947 the Iranian Ski Federation came into existence. Iranian skiers now regularly compete at the winter Olympics.
Skiing was initially prohibited after the 1979 Revolution but was allowed again in 1988. Costs are minimal if you have the equipment (though everything can be hired at the resorts) and the season in the Alborz mountains lasts from November to the end of March.
The slopes nearest to Tehran will be packed now at Dizin, Tochal, and Shemshak for Noruz.
Iranian Ski Federation
© Iranvisitor.com
