Dizin and Shemshak, Iran

All in Dizin and Shemshak
Skiing in Iran, is that really possible? It surely is! An exciting new place to discover if you really love skiing. There are primarily two main areas to visit: the Alborz mountains and the Tagros mountans. In Alborz you will find the ski resorts of Dizin and Shemshak.

Dizin

Dizin is the main ski resort of Iran and opened in 1969. The peaks stretch above 3,000 meters and the snow coverage is good. The season last from November until the end of May. All areas that lie outside of the pistes seem untouched as people just seem to avoid them. There are loads of areas to ski in case you want some peace and quiet.

Shemshak

Shemshak is just next door to Dizin and offer the most difficult and challenging ski pistes. They also provide flood lit ski pistes in the evening.

Why ski in Iran?

Some of the best parts of skiing in Iran involves the untouched snow and the beautiful nature. Other parts involve the new culture and cuisine. Iranian women who are vailed will ski in colored ski outfits, together with men.

Skiing is popular and expect some queues during the weekends. It could get rather crowded. A lot of people are hang-arounds though that don’t ski.

Another advantage are the low prices. Lift passes are close to free and renting a guide is also very affordable. The guides normally come from the village of Rudbarak where they have grown up skiing. They can guide you in the area and tell you were the best areas are to be found.

What you should consider to bring is your own ski equipment – all of it. You can rent it but it really isn’t of the quality you would want.

Travelling to Dizin and Shemshak

Dizin is about an hour and a half from Teheran, the capital of Iran, and Shemshak about 45 minutes to an hour. You need a car to get here.

There are some hotels and guest houses to choose from.