Life in a backcountry paradise
Skiing in Iran – Skiing is a long-established pastime of Iran's middle class. With only 1% of skiers coming from abroad, there's a huge opportunity for the country's burgeoning tourism industry.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Fresh tracks – Near Tehran, in the Alborz Mountains, resorts are often quiet between Monday and Friday.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Volcano skiing – Located north of Tehran, the Alborz contain a large portion of Iran's peaks over 4,000 meters. At 5,600 meters, the highest is potentially active volcano Mt. Damavand.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Dizin – At 2,650 to 3,600 meters, and with annual snowfalls of seven meters, Dizin has fantastic conditions and a long season, usually mid-November to May.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Best facilities – Dizin is the most popular resort with foreign skiers. These are the best facilities Iran has to offer: four gondolas, three chairlifts and nine pull lifts.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Tour rules – British, American and Canadian tourists must book tours, which typically include stays in one of Dizin's hotels. Other nationals can book resort chalets, which are also popular with young affluent Iranians on weekends.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Dress code – Travel agent Nasrin Etemadi tells CNN that despite reports to the contrary, women don't need male guardians on the mountain.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Off-piste action – Resorts are generally well populated on weekends, but with extensive back-country around Dizin, there's plenty to explore.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Avalance risk? – Mountain engineers in Dizin don't use dynamite to create controlled avalanches, meaning off-piste areas need to be thoroughly assessed. Guides ensure greater safety.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Guided ski treks – One of the safest ways to explore Iran's back-country is with an experienced guide. Heli-sking is still a rarity here, meaning most off-trail action is done via treks into the Alborz.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Unique conditions – Once into the back-country, skiers can expect unique snow conditions; a sugary undercoat topped with copious amounts of fluffy powder.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Three-day climb – The ultimate off-trail experience in Iran is an ascent of Mt. Damavand, the Middle East's highest peak and a potentially active volcano. The journey to the summit takes three days.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Tochal – The closest resort to Tehran, Tochal is a safe bet for great snow.
Life in a backcountry paradise
Higest resort – Facilities aren't as well established as Dizin, but with a high elevation of 3,850 meters, Tochal is one of the highest resorts in the world.
