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Khor ski resort is great for a weekend ski holiday near Tehran

Khor ski resort is one of the best ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran, the vivid capital of Iran. The resort is close to Khor village and it is located 65km northwest of Tehran. The ski area is located at an altitude of 3000m. There are two ski routes with a length of 1850m and 350m to enjoy a perfect ski day in the scenic Alborz Mountains. Khor ski resort has enough capacity to welcome 1300 skiers and snowboarders per day. Khor resort has been established in 1973; today it is one of the winter tourist attractions near the capital of Iran. Read this article to find more about the Khor ski resort that is great for a weekend ski holiday near Tehran.


Table of Contents:

Khor ski resort services and facilities

Contrary to Dizin or Tochal ski resort, Khor ski resort does not have many facilities, but it offers satisfactory services to its visitors. A ski lift, a ski school, a restaurant, a café, a parking lot, and a place for accommodation are the facilities provided at Khor ski resort. You can also have delicious foods or hot beverages after hitting the high slopes at Khor ski resort.

For your accommodation, there is no ski-in/ski-out hotel or cheap chalets. There is just a villa with enough rooms for eight persons per night. If you prefer to ski on a budget, it is better to go back to Tehran and stay at one of the affordable hotels or hostels there.

Khor ski resort a great weekend ski holiday near Tehran

Khor ski resort is one of the best ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas near Tehran

Khor ski resort elevation

Khor ski resort sits at an elevation of 3000m. The ski area has a length of 200m beginning at an elevation of 3000m and ending at an elevation of 2800m. A ski lift makes it possible to find access to the high slopes and enjoy skiing. You can also enjoy vertical drops of 200m at the resort. High slopes of Khor ski resort provide a picturesque view of the Alborz Mountains.

Ski season at Khor ski resort

Tochal, Dizin, Darbandsar, and Shemshak ski resorts are the highest ski resorts near Tehran and due to their high altitude, the ski season lasts longer. However, the best time to go skiing at Khor ski resort is a bit different. Khor ski season typically runs from mid-January until March. Therefore, the safest time to plan for a ski vacation in Iran is in January and March when all the ski resorts are open to the avid skier and snowboarders. In winter, it gets cold, but it rarely hits very low temperatures that might bother winter-sport lovers.

Khor ski resort a great weekend ski holiday near Tehran

Enjoy a perfect ski day in Khor ski resort

Ski rental at Khor ski resort

Since it is hard to find the latest skiing and snowboarding equipment at Khor ski resort, it is better to bring yours along. Anyhow, you can rent ski gear at Khor ski resort if you do not have ski and snowboard equipment.

Ski accommodation at Khor ski resort

Though you have a variety of choices for accommodation at Dizin and Shemshak ski resorts, Khor ski resort offers you only a three-bedroom villa. The villa has enough capacity for eight people and it is equipped with convenient facilities. Khor ski resort is perfect for a one-day ski trip; therefore, it is a good idea to enjoy an adventurous day at the resort; and then to head back to Tehran and stay at one of the many budget-friendly hotels or hostels available all around the city.

Other activities at khor ski resort

One of the most beloved winter activities at Khor ski resort is snow tubing. Snow tubing is simply a fun activity that requires no skills, but you need to bear in mind that it is not in agreement with safety standards and it might cause injuries. Khor waterfall as a natural attraction is also located in a short distance from the ski resort; therefore, it is a good chance to enjoy ice climbing or visit enthusiastic ice climbers there. In spring, the weather is so pleasant that one would love strolling around the ski resort, listening to the roaring rivers, and watching the green gardens replete with fruits and flowers. Khor ski resort is not as high as Tochal ski resort or as challenging as Dizin, Shemshak, and Darbandsar ski resorts, but there are many entertaining activities to attract visitors especially locals in all four seasons.

Khor ski resort a great weekend ski holiday near Tehran

ski on a budget and have a memorable ski trip

How to get to Khor ski resort?

Khor ski resort is approximately 23km far from Karaj and 65km far from Tehran and you need to go through Karaj-Chalus road to get to the resort.  Driving from Karaj to Khor ski resort takes you through Chalus road as one of the world’s most spectacular roads. Then, you will have a great time visiting the beauty of the Alborz mountain landscapes before arriving at Khor ski resort.

Khor ski resort a great weekend ski holiday near Tehran

Khor ski resort is great for a weekend ski holiday

As a cheap ski destination, Iran offers high-altitude ski resorts rivaling that of the Alps and the Rockies. In order to ski on a budget and make a memorable ski trip, skip the Alps and go on a ski holiday to Iran. Surprisingly, the top 6 ski resorts and off-piste skiing areas in Iran are close to Tehran, the capital of Iran. Tochal, Dizin, Shemshak, Darbandsar, Khor, and Abali ski resorts as the best ski areas near Tehran have different runs suitable for alpine, cross country, and backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

If you quest for the highest ski resort in Iran, Tochal ski resort will welcome you. If you are seeking for adrenaline, Dizin ski resort and Darbandsar ski resort will satisfy you. If you wish to find one of the best mogul ski resorts in Iran, Shmeshak ski resort will host you, and if you just want to go skiing for a day, Khor ski resort will be the right ski resort for you. To have a great ski vacation in Iran, all you need to do is to apply for your tourist visa and enjoy your unforgettable travel to Iran.

Location map for Khor ski resort

From: Azadi Square, Tehran

To: Khor Ski Resort, Alborz

Photo Source (khor-ski.com)

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.


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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