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Tochal ski resort is one of the top 10 highest ski resorts in the world

Tochal ski resort is one of the top 10 highest ski resorts in the world

Tochal ski resort is one of the top 10 highest ski resorts in the world. Its high slopes start from the foot of Tochal peak at an altitude of 3850m and end near Tochal Hotel at an altitude of 3550m. The slopes are covered with snow over 8 months and they are good enough for backcountry exploration. As the nearest ski resort to Tehran, Tochal ski resort is an ideal place for skiing, snowboarding, and experiencing other winter sports in Iran. It is also one of the best places for acclimatization and exercise before going ski mountaineering on Damavand. If you wish to skip the Alps and go on a ski holiday to Iran as an affordable ski destination, Tochal ski resort is a perfect choice.

Here, you will find more details about Tochal ski resort located in Tehran, the vivid capital of Iran.

Table of Contents:

Tochal international ski resort and complex

Since Tochal ski resort is one of the best ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran, it is very popular with local skiers and snowboarders. As an international ski resort recognized by International Ski Federation, Tochal ski resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders from around the world. So far, several snowboarding competitions have been held there.

Tochal ski resort facilities and services

Tochal ski resort has one of the longest gondolas in the world. Skiers and snowboarders are lucky enough to take a 50-minute gondola ride to get separated from the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a full day skiing at the highest ski resort in Iran. The snow quality is very good and there are some off-piste skiing areas around the slopes to satisfy adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Tochal ski resort also embraces the peak of Mount Tochal. Therefore, it takes about half an hour mountain climbing from station 7 to reach Tochal peak and meet Iranian mountaineers there.

Ski in Tochal resort, Tehran, Iran

Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Tochal ski resort, Tehran, Iran

If there is sufficient snow, it is possible to ski down from Station 7 to Station 5, instead of losing time in overcrowded lift queues taking about 2 hours at each station. The other choice is to stay at Tochal ski resort hotel located at station 7. As a perfect ski-in-ski-out hotel, Tochal ski hotel will let you enjoy the Iranian style of après-ski activities and also recharge yourself for another adventurous day.

Tochal ski resort elevation

Tochal ski resort sits at an elevation of 3550m in the Alborz Mountains and it offers 6km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding. The skiing area is accessed by one of the longest gondolas in the world stretching over 7.5 km. Tochal Telecabin (Tochal cable car or gondola lift) has four stations and each of them has some facilities and recreational areas to offer. Gondola run starts at an altitude of 1900m (station 1) and ends at an altitude of 3740m (station 7) near the main ridge of Tochal from where it takes a 30-minute mountain climbing to reach Tochal peak.

Ski season at Tochal ski resort

Tochal ski season begins from November and ends in June. Since Tochal is a high elevation ski resort, its snow quality is suitable for skiing for a longer period; however, the ski season may change depending on the weather condition and the amount of annual snowfall.

In spring, it might be hot at the 1st station called Velenjak valley. However, the gondola lift would take you to the 3rd station where you would feel the cool and the pleasant weather. At the 5th station, the snowy mountains appear on the background.  At the 7th station, the cold snow-covered skiing area would surround you. It is at the 7th station where you could enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledging, or even just observing the scenic scenery.

Accommodation at Tochal ski resort

Tochal ski resort hotel is located at an altitude of 3550m and it is open 7 to 8 months a year when the slopes are covered with snow. It is a great idea to spend a night at Tochal ski resort hotel as a wonderful ski-in/ski-out hotel located at 7th station. Staying at Tochal hotel gives you quick access to the lifts and slopes; moreover, you will enjoy the extraordinary panorama of the Alborz Mountains that take your breath away. Its café and restaurant also welcome skiers and snowboarders with hot drinks and delicious foods.

However, if you prefer to spend the night in Tehran, enjoy your gondola return journey. There are different budget hotels and hostels in Tehran to host you.

Apres-ski activities at Tochal ski resort, Tehran, Iran

Tochal restaurant welcomes skiers and snowboarders with hot drinks and delicious foods

Ski rental at Tochal ski resort

A variety of ski and snowboard equipment, helmets, and other accessories are available at Tochal ski resort and complex.  The ski rental is available at station 1 of the complex. Therefore, you can rent snowboards, gloves, goggles, helmets, ski clothes, or any other equipment that you need to ski.

Other activities at Tochal ski resort

Tochal ski resort and complex is not merely confined to winter sports. There are so many entertainments in the complex to attract non-skiers all year round. Many Tehranis come to this place to hang out with friends and families and enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Tehran called Bam-e-Tehran(Tehran roof). There are numerous restaurants, fast foods, and cafes here around. It is possible to walk to higher stations as well. Tochal telecabin is also there to take you to the higher stations; however, you need to get there early in the morning.  Tennis courts, shooting club, skate rinks, paintball arenas, ski school, fitness clubs, summer sled, and zipline are services and facilities provided to enjoy time at the Tochal ski resort and complex.

Tochol telecanbin (gondola lift)

Gondola run starts at an altitude of 1900m and ends at an altitude of 3740m

How to get to Tochal ski resort

Tochal international ski resort is very popular with the single-day-trip skiers, as it is the highest ski resort in Iran and easiest ski resort to access from Tehran. It takes about 15 minutes to take a taxi from Tajrish square and get to Tochal ski resort and complex. To make sure there is no blizzard at the top or there is a good condition to ski, do not forget to check the latest weather forecast before booking a ski tour or planning to ski in Tochal.

Iran is a cheap ski destination. Moreover, it has ski resorts higher than that of the Alps and the Rockies. Tochal, Dizin, Shemshak, Darbandsar, Khor, and Abali are just some of the Iranian high ski resorts that will offer you a memorable ski holiday in Iran.  If you wish to have a budget ski holiday this winter, get your Iran visa in advance or Iran visa on arrival, and then enjoy your unforgettable travel to Iran.

Location map for Tochal ski resort

From: Tajrish Metro Station, Tehran

To: Tochal ski resort, Tehran

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Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Shemshak ski resort as one of the best mogul ski resorts in Iran is located in the heart of Alborz Mountains. It is one of the highest ski resorts in Iran as the winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2550m and 3050m. Quite steep slopes, thrilling mogul runs, night skiing, cross-country opportunities, and good powder for an ideal skiing experience are the priorities that make Shemshak ski resort a perfect ski destination for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Shemshak ski resort is located 57km northeast of the capital; therefore, it is a good weekend ski resort and one of the best ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran. Read the following article to find more about Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing.

Table of Contents:

Shemshak international ski resort

Shemshak ski resort is located in a small village called Shemshak. Once, it was merely a village in the heart of the Alborz Mountains. However, after making efforts to find coal in the mines near Shemshak, the village grew and roads connecting Shemshak to Tehran were constructed. After a while, Shemshak turned into a leisure place for rich people especially those coming from Tehran to enjoy skiing. Finally, Shemshak ski resort was built in 1958. Years later, some changes were made in the slopes and lengths of trails. As a result, the International Ski Federation recognized Shemshak ski resort as an international ski resort in 1996.

Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Shemshsk ski resort boasts plenty of steep runs (Source: snow-forecast.com)

Shemshak ski resort facilities and services

After Dizin as the first largest ski resort and Darbandsar as the second one, Shemshak ski resort is the third largest ski resort near Tehran. While other ski resorts are good enough for beginners or intermediate skiers to practice their skills, Shemshak is kind of a ski resort much suitable for advanced skiers. Shemshsk ski resort boasts plenty of steep runs varying in altitude and mogul runs perfect for mogul skiing. The ski runs are open even after the dark and avid skiers have the chance to enjoy night skiing at Shemshak ski resort.

Après-ski activities at Shemshak ski resort

After having a long adventurous day, it is time for après-ski activities. Though drinking alcohol is forbidden, you have the chance to have a different après-ski experience in Iran. At Shemshak ski complex, restaurants and coffee shops are serving a variety of après-ski foods and beverages. Moreover, you can have a good time talking to your Iranian friends and sharing your travel experiences. Finally, you can relax at hotels around Shemshak ski resort and wait for another beautiful winter day in Iran.

Backcountry skiing at Shemshak ski resort

Compared to the European ski resorts, Shemshak ski resort is a small one. However, it boasts spine-tingling slopes and many moguls that make it a wonderful mogul ski resort for passionate skiers and snowboarders. Shemshak ski resort and complex offer treasured terrains, numerous off-piste trails, perfect mogul runs; double runs; and triple black diamond runs. It has steep runs at high altitudes varying from approximately 2500 meters to 3000 meters. The professional ski boarders and cross-country skiers would enjoy the bumpy mogul runs of Shemshak piste as well as its steep runs.

Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Enjoy the bumpy mogul runs of Shemshak ski resort (Photo By Reza Vaziri [CC BY-NC 2.0] )

Ski season at Shemshak ski resort

Ski season at Shemshak resort begins from November and ends in April; however, it might get longer depending on the weather conditions. Considering snow condition, the best time for skiing and snowboarding begins from early December and ends in late March.

Ski accommodation in Shemshak ski resort

The image of warm baths and deep sleep in a comfortable room is what makes skiing experience a perfect memory for years. Fortunately, there are both luxury and budget-friendly hotels and rooms near Shemshak ski resort to offer good services after having a long adventurous day.

If the splendor of the lodging is your priority, Shemshak Barin Hotel is the best accommodation for you. The opening of this great 5-star hotel in Shemshak region took the world by storm in 2016. Barin hotel was labeled as the coolest ski hotel in the world.  Barin hotel is a masterpiece of modern Iranian architecture; the bone-like appearance and curved structure of this ivory mansion make it awesome. You can book this luxury ski hotel to relax in the warm comfort of its cozy rooms and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Alborz Mountains. It is a short drive from Shemshak ski resort and complex.

Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Barin hotel is a masterpiece of modern Iranian architecture (Source: Ryra studio)

Shemshak tourist hotel is the oldest hotel in the region. As a good ski-in/ski-out hotel in Shemshak complex, Shemshak tourist hotel offers equipped rooms to guests and let them enjoy recreational facilities of Shemshak ski resort such as cable cars and ski lifts. Since it is the nearest hotel to the ski fields; many tourists and travelers prefer to spend time in such a mountainous area mostly covered with snow.

Meigoon tourist complex is another hotel located 7km far from Shemshak ski resort. As an affordable hotel near Shemshak, Meigoon hotel is proper for skiers and snowboarders who wish to enjoy a cheap ski holiday. Since Shemshak resort is just 57km far from Tehran, it is also a good idea to go back to Tehran and accommodate at budget hotels or hostels there.

Other activities at Shemshak ski resort

You would be lucky enough to travel to Iran as a cheap ski destination and enjoy mogul skiing at Shemshak ski resort especially from Saturday through Wednesday when the piste is out of the population. However, it is not designed to merely please skiers and snowboarders. Shemshak ski resort and complex is also a desired recreational place for non-skiers who have no desire for ski-related activities but come there to enjoy the scenic scenery of Alborz Mountains and have a gondola ride. In winter, Shemshak complex is the right place for winter activities especially skiing while in summer, its pleasant weather is perfect for a picnic.

Shemshak ski resort, a great ski destination for mogul skiing

Shemshak ski resort (Photo by Omid Khalili)

How to get to Shemshak ski resort

Shemshak ski resort is nestled in the Alborz Mountains and it is 57 kilometers northeast of Tehran. You can reach the resort via Fasham road. It takes about one hour and a half to reach Shemshak ski resort through Fasham road.

Shemshak ski resort as the most challenging ski resort near Tehran is a perfect place to enjoy single day mogul skiing. Dizin, Darbandsar, Tochal, Abali, and Khor ski resorts are also the other high-altitude and affordable ski resorts near Tehran. If you wish to ski on the steep slopes of the highest ski resorts, stay at the best budget hotels, and meet some of the friendliest people on the earth; then it is time to skip the Alps and go on a ski holiday to Iran.

Location map for Shemshak ski resort

From: Tajrish Metro Station, Tehran

To: Shemshak Ski Resort, Shemshak, Tehran

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Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Dizin ski resort is the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran recognized by the International Ski Federation. Dizin ski resort offers different runs for alpine, cross country, and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The resort is located 70 km north of Tehran and it has well-groomed terrain for newcomers, marked slopes for avid skiers and unmarked fresh tracks for free-ride skiers and snowboarders looking for ski touring in Iran. The appealing winter weather, a great number of sunny days, and the pleasant summer weather have made Dizin a perfect winter-summer resort in the Middle East. Here, you will find more about Dizin ski resort as one of the highest ski resorts located near Tehran, the vivid capital of Iran.

Table of Contents:

Dizin International ski resort

Dizin ski resort was recognized by the international ski federation as a standard place for holding ski competitions and official tournaments. The resort was announced suitable for skiing in 1966; however, it officially started its operation from 1968. As one of the best ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran, Dizin international ski resort provides year-round recreation activities for passionate skiers, snowboarders, and non-skiers from around the world.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

The picturesque view of Mount. Damavand from the upper slopes of Dizin ski resort, Tehran (Photo by Ninara [CC BY 2.0])

Dizin ski resort elevation

Dizin sits at an elevation of 2650m (8694 feet) in the Alborz Mountains and has more than 20 ski pistes. 4 gondolas, 3 chairlifts, and 9 surface lifts make the slopes accessible for skiers and snowboarders. The highest lift reaches an altitude of 3600m ( 11,811 feet) which is much higher than many European and even North American ski lifts.  High altitude slopes of Dizin ski resort provide an incredible view of Mt. Damavand as the highest mountain in the Middle East. Dizin is also a good place for acclimatization before skiing on the slopes of Mount. Damavand.

Snow quality at Dizin ski resort

Perfect powder at Dizin ski resort reveals the snow quality and rivals that of Rocky mountain skiing areas. Since the snow is well retained and most of the lifts run, Dizin annually welcomes many skiers and snowboarders from around the world. It also allocates the biggest terrain area to skiing to make Dizin ski resort a perfect weekend ski destination, especially for the young Tehranis.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Dizin ski resort, Iran (Photo By Ali Majdfar [CC BY-SA 2.5])

Off-piste skiing at Dizin

Dizin ski resort has the best variety of terrain and it boasts a maximum of 850m vertical drop. Though it is a piste-based skiing area and more Iranians prefer the groomed route, it has untapped steep slopes, deep powder snow, and off-piste tracks suitable for freeride snowboarders and skiers seeking for long runs and backcountry skiing experience. Dizin resort offers green, blue, black and double black diamond runs to exhilarate experienced skiers and boarders.  Moreover, one can hire ski instructors or experienced guides to reach off-piste skiing areas. To avoid risks, it is highly recommended that you attempt off-piste skiing along with qualified and well-equipped backcountry guides.

Ski season at Dizin ski resort

Dizin ski resort enjoys long ski season due to its high altitude. The highest lift reaches up to 3600m exceeding many of the Alpine resorts. As a result, the ski season lasts longer than that in European ski resorts. Dizin ski season typically starts from late November and ends in early May. However, for those who do not want to risk it, the safest time to plan ski vacation is in January and March. It might get too cold in Dizin, but it rarely hits the very low temperatures one might experience in some of the greatest ski destinations in the world.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Dizin ski resort, Iran (Photo By Ali Majdfar [CC BY-SA 2.0])

Ski accommodation at Dizin ski resort

Hotels, chalets, restaurants, and parking lots are the amenities provided for the visitors’ comfort. Hotels in and around Dizin ski resort invite mountaineers, skiers, and snowboarders to shake the fatigue from their limbs and enjoy watching the picturesque peaks of Alborz.

Dizin Hotel as a ski in-ski out hotel is located within walking distance from the skiing area and it provides good facilities for skiers and snowboarders. Gajareh hotel is also a five-minute drive away from Dizin resort. For those skiers who prefer traveling on a budget, chalets are perfect. Since it takes a maximum of 3 hours to go back to Tehran, it is also possible to head back to Tehran and stay at one of the hotels or hostels that suits you best. Check Dizin ski resort website to find the price and availability of rooms and make the best room booking possible. The website also informs you of Dizin ski tours and lets you see Dizin ski resort map.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Ski accommodation at Dizin ski resort, Iran (Photo By Ali Majdfar [CC BY-SA 2.0])

Ski rental at Dizin

If you do not have ski gear, it is possible to rent ski and snowboard equipment at Dizin. Though you cannot expect to find the latest skiing and snowboarding equipment, you can rent proper ski gear by paying a reasonable price.

Après-ski at Dizin ski resort

Après-ski culture in Iran ski resorts is different from other ski resorts in the world. Since drinking alcohol is forbidden in Iran, you cannot drink wine or beer. However, après-ski culture is still strong. Dizin ski complex has different restaurants in the area and on the piste. The restaurants offer a variety of foods to cater to your needs. Therefore, you can enjoy having many Après-ski drinks and foods and socializing with your new Iranian friends at Dizin restaurants.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Après-ski at Dizin ski resort

Dizin snow forecast

Since Dizin ski resort is located high on the mountains, our advice is to check the weather before booking a tour to Dizin ski resort or making a plan to have a single day trip to Dizin as one of the best weekend ski resorts located so close to Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Summer activities at Dizin ski resort

As an international standard resort, Dizin complex is not limited to winter sports.  Dizin resort is a year-round recreation center offering various summer activities.  Grass skiing, tennis playing, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding are some of the summer activities at Dizin. In summer, Dizin turns into an important grass-ski center. In 2015, the grass skiing world cup was held on the summery slopes of Dizi ski resort and the international competitors coming from the best grass skiing countries in the world took part in the event.

Dizin ski resort, the first and the biggest ski resort in Iran

Enjoy long ski season at Dizin ski resort, Iran

How to get to Dizin?

Dizin is located approximately 123km north of Tehran from the Chalus road, and 70 km from Shemshak road that passes by Semshak and Darbansar ski resorts along the way. It is a shorter distance from Shemshak road; however, with the slightest snowfall the road is closed. Then, we suppose that it takes longer to reach Dizin via the old Chalus road. The best way up for tourists is to take a taxi from Tehran. There are taxis from Tajrish Square (Tajrish subway station) and it takes about 2 hours and a half -if not being stuck in a traffic jam- to get to Dizin winter and summer resort.

Dizin ski resort is an ideal place for winter sports, but it is not the only ski holiday destination around the capital. Shemshak, Darbandsar, Khor, Tochal, and Abali are also the other top ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran.  The winter is getting closer and the peaks will start to whiten. So, it is time to skip the Alps and go on a ski holiday to Iran for skiing on the highest slopes of Iran, mostly located near Tehran.

Location map for Dizin ski resort

From: Tajrish Metro Station, Tehran

To: Dizin ski resort, Alborz

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