Skiing in Iran

Other ski resorts than Tehran

There are ski resorts in other mountainous parts of Iran as well. Zagros Mountain range, Sahand and Sabalan hold respectively the resorts as follow.

Pooladkaf  Ski Resort :

Pooladkaf is the southmost ski resort of Iran, 90 km from Shiraz and 15 Km from Sepidan, surrounded by amazing landscapes of Zagros Mountain Range. The slope is about 3500 meters long and there is a gondola lift with length of 2100 m that connects the first station with the elevation of 2850 to the last one at 3250 of the peak. The ski lift is powerful and gives a quick access to the top in 11 minutes. There are many off-piste trails with changing terrains that make runs really exciting. The ski season in Pooladkaf usually starts from early December to late March and sometimes even to April. Paradoxically, the resort is very near the deserts but it receives considerable precipitation, so you can see heaps of snow at the bottom of the resort.

Even though Pooladkaf is relatively small, it offers a large choice of activities: driving snowmobiles and ATVs, riding Segways, mountain bikes and horses, and also riding pedalo boats in the lake. In non-ski seasons all these facilities are still open to the public and also grass skiing is possible in summer. There is a 4-star hotel, a small guest house, 4 restaurants and also a coffee shop on the top station of the gondola. Ski rental is available.

Chelgerd  Ski Resort (Chelgerd):

Chelgerd ski resort is on the eastern foothills of Zagros Mountain Range, between the elevations of 2,350 and 2,550 m near the village of Chelgerd, home to the Bakhtiari tribe in Chahar Mahaal va Bakhtiari province 85 km from Shahrekord and 200 km from Isfahan. The province is known as the roof of Iran, so you can find tens of summits higher than 4000 m. Though it is located almost at the central part, it heavily snows annually.

For skiing and snowboarding, 3 distinct slopes of 800 m. for women, men and beginners are available with 3 ski lifts. The ski season at this resorts starts from November and continues until March.

It has been open since 1975. You will find restaurants, shops and 3 hotels here. You can also rent all kinds of ski equipment. There is a gym in the main building at the resort. Chelgerd Ski Resort has a ski school with experienced instructors for you to hire.

It is relatively easy and cheap to go there with public transportation and taxis. Access during snowfalls may be difficult but the road is well maintained and the snow is quickly cleared.

Sahand Ski Resort (Tabriz):

Sahand is the ultimate ski resort in the northwest of the country. It is located 40 km south-east of Tabriz on the north side of Sahand mountains in East Azerbaijan province. The area is located in elevations of 2,915 and 3,295 m. There are 3 km of slopes available with two 1200 m surface lifts for experienced skiers and two 100 m surface lifts for beginners. It is usable for up to 6 months a year.

There are accommodation complexes, villa hotels, restaurants and cafes. In the main building, you will find a restaurant and a rental ski shop too. It has a ski school as well. The best way to reach this sport complex is to use a personal car equipped with snow driving equipment.

Alvares Ski Resort (Sabalan):

Alvares ski resort is located near a village with the same name in the steep hillside of Sabalan, an inactive volcano with an elevation of 4811m, in Ardabil province north-west of Iran. The area is well-known for its tough winters and cool summers. The resort is situated in the Alvares Summit, which is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level. It can attract skiers for about six to eight months due to its cold temperature. This Ski Resort is the largest one in the country capable of hosting ski players for a longer time of the year.

It was opened and operated in 2007, and has a main slope of 1200 m. with a chairlift of 1250 m. long, and a smaller slope of 200 m. for beginners with an educational tele ski. There is a snow beater at the site. At Alvares, you can rent all equipment for skiing. There is a guesthouse and a buffet. You will find a restaurant selling food and drinks with a nice point of view at the top of the chairlift. The spa city of Sareyn, 24 kilometers away, offers plenty of hotels and accommodations.