Iran Ski Resorts

• History of Ski Resorts in Iran
• Dizin Ski Resort
• Shemshak Ski Resort
• Tochal Ski Resort
• Pooladkaf Ski Resort
• Tarik Darreh Ski Resort
• Darbandsar Ski Resort
• Sahand Ski Resort
• Alvares Ski Resort

History of Ski Resorts in Iran

The history of ski resorts in Iran dates back to the 1930s when Iranian students returning from Europe brought their passion for alpine skiing home. Initial development projects were led by Swedish and Swiss engineers alongside local enthusiasts, but were halted due to World War II and only resumed in 1946.

The first resort, Abali, opened in 1953 with Iran's initial mechanical lifts. Shemshak followed in 1958, later gaining international status for its light powder snow, steep slopes, and night skiing. Dizin, established in 1969, became Iran's largest ski resort and the first accredited by FIS. It stands out for its long season from November to May and ranks among the world's 40 highest-altitude resorts. Over time, other centers emerged, including Tochal, Darbandsar, Sahand, and more. Today, Iran's ski resorts blend modern infrastructure with exceptional natural conditions, attracting both domestic skiers and international visitors seeking unique skiing in Iran experiences.

Dizin Ski Resort in Iran

Dizin is the largest and most popular ski resort in Iran, perfect for those searching for top ski resorts in Iran. Located in the Alborz Mountains, 120 km from Tehran, it operates from November to May. Certified by FIS for official competitions, Dizin offers high-quality trails and excellent safety standards.

Infrastructure at Dizin Ski Resort in Iran

• 1 ski school and 1 snowboard school;
• Equipment rental and sales;
• Rescue service and medical center;
• Restaurants and cafes with Iranian and European cuisine;
• Panoramic rest areas with mountain views;
• Guarded parking;
• Free Wi-Fi in public areas;
• Luggage storage;
• Souvenir shops and information desks.

Additional Activities at Dizin Ski Resort

• Corporate events and training camps;
• Tours of Alborz natural attractions;
• Guided off-piste skiing.

Accommodation at Dizin Ski Resort in Iran

Dizin International Hotel

The hotel is located on the resort grounds, ideal for slope-side access. It features a restaurant, cafe, free Wi-Fi, indoor/outdoor parking, billiards, green areas, hiking trails, equipment rental/shop, and a spa with sauna. Services include 24-hour reception, conference rooms, elevator, and laundry.

Gachsar Hotel

Located 14 km from Dizin, perfect for quieter off-slope relaxation. Amenities include restaurant, cafe, traditional garden teahouse, Wi-Fi, tennis court, billiards, green areas, free parking. Services: conference room, laundry, taxi.

Gajereh Hotel

25 km from Dizin, with restaurant, cafe, Wi-Fi, pool, sauna, jacuzzi, playground, table tennis, parking. Services: free daytime shuttle to slopes, conference rooms, laundry, 24-hour reception.

Shemshak Ski Resort in Iran

Shemshak is Iran's second-largest ski resort, 57 km from Tehran. Opened in 1958 and FIS-certified, it attracts visitors with its proximity to the capital, varied trails, reliable snow, night skiing, and eco-friendly setting.

Infrastructure and Services at Shemshak Ski Resort in Iran

• Ski school;
• Equipment rental;
• Rescue service and medical center;
• Restaurants and cafes with European and Iranian cuisine;
• Panoramic rest areas;
• Guarded parking;
• Free Wi-Fi.

Hotel at Shemshak Ski Resort in Iran

Shemshak Boutique Hotel

Located on the resort grounds.

Features restaurant, cafe, free Wi-Fi, parking, luggage storage, nearby equipment rental. Rooms offer air conditioning, TV, and panoramic mountain views.

Services include 24-hour reception, paid transfer, on-call doctor, daily cleaning, linen/towel change every three days. Check-in after 14:00, check-out by 12:00.

Tochal Ski Resort in Iran

Tochal Ski Resort, just 5 km from Tehran, features a 7,500 m gondola lift with stunning city views. Popular for its accessibility, infrastructure, and long season, it's a top choice for skiing in Iran.

Operating Hours at Tochal Ski Resort in Iran

Stations at Tochal Ski Resort in Iran

Trails at Tochal Ski Resort in Iran

• Station 7 Trail – Summit:
  • Length: 1,200 m;
  • Vertical: 300 m;
  • Lifts: chairlift and gondola;
  • Fastest snow formation in Iran.
• Western Slope:
  • Length: 900 m;
  • Vertical: 200 m;
  • Lift: chairlift;
  • Slope angle: 11°
• Trail between Stations 7 and 5:
  • Length: 5,500 m;
  • Vertical: 1,210 m.

Hotel at Tochal Ski Resort — Tochal Hotel

Tochal Hotel is at 3,545 m altitude, 5 km from Tehran, with direct slope access. Offers comfortable rooms, Persian/European restaurants, spa with sauna/steam, ski school, winter paintball, summer trekking/cycling. 24-hour services: transfer, storage, laundry.

Pooladkaf Ski Resort in Iran

Pooladkaf is Iran's second-largest international ski complex, in Fars Province near Sepidan, surrounded by Zagros Mountains and pine forests.

Infrastructure at Pooladkaf Ski Resort in Iran

• Rental shop;
• Ski school;
• Rescue service and medical center.

Hotel at Pooladkaf Ski Resort — Pooladkaf Hotel Ski Resort

Four-star hotel on-site at 2,800 m, 85 km from Shiraz — the southernmost resort in the Northern Hemisphere. Offers comfortable rooms, local cuisine restaurant, panoramic views. Activities: skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding (winter); hiking, cycling (summer). Amenities: parking, laundry, storage, 24-hour reception. Nearby: Margun Waterfall and Firuzeh Lake.

Tarik Darreh Ski Resort in Iran

Tarik Darreh is a smaller ski resort located 10 km from Hamedan on the slopes of the Alvand mountain range. Its unique feature is the 270° panoramic valley view, offering stunning vistas of surrounding mountain ridges from all sides.

Infrastructure at Tarik Darreh Ski Resort in Iran

• Equipment rental;
• Restaurant;
• Guesthouse;
• Rescue service;
• Information desks with trail maps.

Additional Activities at Tarik Darreh Ski Resort

• Adventure park with summer toboggan runs;
• Go-karting;
• Bungee jumping;
• Gondola rides.

Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran

Darbandsar Ski Resort is located in a village on the northern slope of Mount Kashulak, 60 km from Tehran. It is the second most challenging resort in the region after Shemshak and is certified for international competitions.

Infrastructure and Services at Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran

• Ski school;
• Equipment rental;
• Restaurant and cafe.

Additional Activities at Darbandsar Ski Resort

• Ice climbing;
• Rock climbing;
• Paragliding;
• Mountain biking;
• Cross-country skiing.

Features of Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran

• Challenging trails ideal for freeride and snowboarding;
• Off-piste skiing with ski patrol approval;
• Heli-skiing to the summit of Kashulak;
• Limited parking — early arrival recommended;
• No night skiing — trails close at dusk.

Accommodation at Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran

No hotels directly on the resort grounds. Nearest options:

• Shemshak — 2 km away;
• Dizin — 10 km away.

Sahand Ski Resort in Iran

Sahand Ski Resort is located 30–40 km from Tabriz in East Azerbaijan Province. It holds FIS certification, confirming compliance with international standards.

Infrastructure and Services at Sahand Ski Resort in Iran

• Ski school;
• Equipment rental;
• Restaurant and cafe with local and European cuisine;
• Rescue service and medical center;
• Information desks with trail maps;
• Parking.

Features of Sahand Ski Resort in Iran

• Trails of varying difficulty;
• Off-piste skiing with patrol permission;
• Mountain hiking trails;
• Paragliding with instructor.

Accommodation at Sahand Ski Resort in Iran

No hotels on the resort grounds. Best to stay in Tabriz, 30–40 km away.

Alvares Ski Resort in Iran

Alvares Ski Resort is located in Ardabil Province on the slopes of Mount Sabalan. It is a high-altitude resort with gentle terrain ideal for relaxed skiing in Iran.

• No snow-making system.
• No night skiing available.

Infrastructure and Services at Alvares Ski Resort in Iran

• Equipment rental;
• Ski school;
• Restaurant at the top station;
• Cafe at the base;
• Luggage storage;
• Information boards;
• Rescue service and medical center.

Accommodation at Alvares Ski Resort in Iran

No hotels on the resort grounds. Accommodation options:

• Sareyn — 24 km away
• Alvares village — 12 km away