Choice of pist

Although there are in theory 16 pists in Iran (depending on the conditions), there are two main ski resorts Dizin and Shemshak. The two are located very close to each other and there is quite a bit of rivalry between the locals. Some 'Shemshakis' look upon those who ski in Dizin as kids in the park and see Shemshak as the place for 'true skiers.'

Who should choose Shemshak?

Shemshak, inaugurated in 1958,  is a good pist if you look at Skiing as a sport rather than as a fun pastime. Its slopes are suitable for expert skiers and those who enjoy ski moguls. If you want to meet the best Iranian skiers and snowboarders this is the place to go.

It has 2 chair lift stations and 3 J-Bar stations. Basically you will be able to get to the top of the pist, it's the coming down you should worry about!

It is only a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from Tehran.

Who should choose Dizin? Dizin is Iran's main and most frequented ski resort. It is suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. It became operational in 1969. Foreign skiers usually choose this pist when coming to Iran, as it provides the best facilities and provides an overall good ski experience all round. Dizin is one of the highest ski pists with its peak, from which you can ski down, reaching an altitude of around 3600 meters, i.e. 12,000 feet. It is equipped with telecabins, chairlifts and J-Bars. Most people opt for the aerial ski lifts (telecabins), especially if it gets cold. If you want to have fun and also enjoy the social aspects of skiing, Dizin is the place for you. It is also a good place to choose if you wish to learn how to ski. It is a 1 to 1 and half hour drive from Tehran via the 'Shemshak' road, and twice as long via the 'Chalous' road. On occasional days during winter time the 'Shemshak' road is closed due to bad conditions.

A young girl learning how to snowboard in Dizin

Other Ski Pists

Below  is a listing of the current ski pists in Iran. Please note that not all maybe operational due to adverse weather conditions.

Ski Equipment

You can rent out fairly good ski equipment near the major pists of Tehran. A few points to remember when hiring out equipment:

1. Make sure you insist on the best equipment
2. If you don't like the equipment you see in one shop, don't feel embarrassed about leaving and visiting the other shops before you make up your mind.
3. Try on all your equipment to make sure you are comfortable with it
4. Try if you can to pay for the equipment after you have had your day's skiing. When your skiing has ended and it's time to pay, ask for a discount and drive down the price if you feel it's too much.

The 'restaurant' at the half way point in Dizin

Eating Dizin and Shemshak (and most other pists in Iran) have some type of restaurant/cafe on the pist, where you can get something warm to eat. However, if you can, it's always good to bring your own sandwiches with you as it will save you money and time. Remember to only eat properly after your day's skiing is over, although it's good to have a small snack half-way.

Getting there

There are a few local tour companies which can take you there for around $12 to $15. You can of course also go by taxi from Tehran and this will be twice as costly. Please note that if on an IranMania Tour the transport is arranged.

Accommodation

If you are looking to ski on consecutive days it's probably best to stay at a Hotel or villa near the pist. There are a few hotels around Dizin and Shemshak, and if you get to know the locals you could also arrange to hire out a villa. If staying at a hotel, the price will be much cheaper for an Iranian passport holder. This is a curiosity of accommodation in Iran, where in order to maximize revenue, hotels charge foreigners a higher rate. If you are on an IranMania Tour accommodation will have been arranged.