Ski in Iran
Ski in Iran
Ski in Iran
Iran has a very diverse and extensive climate. From the highest peak in the Middle East to the hottest surface temperature on Earth in the Lut Desert. About 50% of Iran is covered by dry and desert areas, but at the same time 40% of Iran is mountainous areas! The two big and long mountain ranges of Iran, Alborz and Zagros, are unique areas for ski touring in winter.
January, February and March are the best skiing seasons in the Alborz mountain range. Due to its location in the north of the country, the Alborz mountain range has more snow and longer winters than Zagros. This may looks unbelievable but sometimes you can ski in Alborz even until May and June! Many peaks above 3500 meters in Alborz can be skied in winter.
Skiing at Damavand Peak is always one of the most attractive ski itineraries in Iran. Damavand is one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the highest point in the Middle East. Skiing at Damavand peak is considered a difficult activity due to the high altitude, cold weather and wind. Skiing in Damavand takes about 6 to 7 days, which about 4 days is spend for and 2 to 3 days for skiing in Damavand. The best area for ski in Damavand is the south face of this mountain where people can spend a night in high camp at 4200m. After 4200m snow is win blow and hard packed, which usually requires climbing with ski crampons. Due to the volcanic nature of Damavand, there is generally not enough snow for skiing after 5200m, and skis must be deposited and climbing to the peak is done with ski boots. Maximum steepness during climbing is about 35 degrees and takes 6-8 hrs from the high camp.
The Zagros mountain range is located in the west of Iran and the southern part of this mountain range in Zardkouh region is very suitable for ski touring. Skiing in Zagros takes 6 to 8 days and the peaks above 3500 to 4000 meters can be skied. Winter in Zagros is shorter and January and February are the best time for skiing in Zagros. Generally, skiing in this area is done as one-day ski tours and return to the village or from village to village. Due to the proximity of Zagros to the tourist cities of Iran such as Isfahan, a ski tour in Zagros is usually a nice combination of skiing and sightseeing in Isfahan.
One of the characteristics of skiing in Zagros is the suitable and sometimes powder snow and virgin slopes. The best place to overnight for skiing in Zagros is Chalgerd city in Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province and from this city you can reach many peaks with a maximum of 45 min drive. Usually, staying in Chalgerd city is include local lodges. Local products and local clothes of Bakhtiari people are one of the attractions of Zagros ski tour.
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