Nearby Location )

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Even though there are in assumption 16 pists in Iran depending on the conditions, there are two major ski resorts Dizin and Shemshak. The two are located very close to each one and there is fairly a bit of competition among the locals. a number of 'Shemshakis' look upon those who ski in Dizin as kids in the park and see Shemshak as the place for 'true skiers.' Though Dizin is a better place for snowboarders due to the steep pist in Shemshak.
Tochal and Darband is just to the north of Tehran while Dizin and Shemshak is a couple of hours drive away.

Tochal
Take a ride up the Tochal gondola lift (تله‌کابین توچال) on the northern outskirts of the city. Tickets range from IR 10,000 to IR 50,000 depending on how far up the mountain you want the telecabin to whisk you. If you're poor and energetic, you can simply hike all the way up, or just start walking and hop on the telecabin at the next station when you get tired. If you're going to the top, you may want to bring a jacket, even in summer, at over 4,000 metres the summit is chilly. To Tochal, take the Metro line 1 to Mirdamad, then bus line 33 for 25 minutes to Tajrish Square (ask the driver to let you off at Meidan Tajrish). If you visit on a holiday when Tehranis flock to the mountain, you should be able to jump in a shared taxi to the telecabin entry gate for IR 4,000 otherwise charter one privately from Tajrish Square. From the entry gate a minibus service (IR 1,500) will take you to the base station. There is also possibility to do benjii jumping here. A great place to get some great views over Tehran and enjoy a little peace and quiet compared to the bustling city.

Darband
The Darband chair lift is an alternative to the one at Tochal. Taxis to Darband go from Tajrish Square.m

Shemshak
Shemshak, launched in 1958, is a good piste if you look at Skiing as a sport somewhat than as a fun pastime. Its slopes are appropriate for expert skiers and those who benefit from ski moguls. If you want to meet the best Iranian skiers and snowboarders this is the place to go. It has 2 chair lift stations and 3 J-Bar stations. Essentially you will be capable to get to the top of the pist, it's the coming down you should worry about!
Foreign skiers typically prefer this pist when coming to Iran, as it provides the best facilities and provides an generally good ski experience all round. Dizin is one of the highest ski pists with its peak, from which you can ski down, reaching an height of around 3600 meters, i.e. 12,000 feet. It is equipped with telecabins, chairlifts and J-Bars. The majority people choose for the aerial ski lifts (telecabins), especially if it gets cold.
If you want to have fun and also enjoy the societal aspects of skiing, Dizin is the place for you. It is also a good place to choose if you wish to be taught how to ski.

Ski Equipment
You can rent out reasonably good ski equipment close to the major pists of Tehran. A few points to keep in mind when renting out equipment: 1. Make sure you persevere on the best equipment 2. If you don't like the tools you see in one shop, don't feel embarrassed concerning leaving and visiting the other shops before you make up your mind. 3. Try on all your equipment to make sure you are happy with it 4. Try if you can to pay for the equipment after you have had your day's skiing. While your skiing has ended and it's time to pay, ask for a discount and drive down the price if you sense it's too much.

Dizin
For skiers a ride to the Dizin Ski Resort is a must do! Iran's best ski area, Dizin, is located in the Alborz mountains north of Tehran. Driving time is about 2.5 hours from the capital city. Note that there are two roads leading to Dizin. One directly passing through Shemshak which is the fastest but is often closed due to avalanches. The other road goes via Karaj and is a safer option but it is longer, maybe three hours. The road to Dizin is of a good quality but four wheel drive or chains are required for the last 10 or 12 km (6 or 7 mi) when there's snow - which is frequently the case. Dizin ski amenities includes one hotel (420,000 to 540,000 rials per night for double), 19 cottages and 4 restaurants. The ski activity in Dizin complex is not confined to winter season. A day-pass costs between 120,000 and 150,000 rials (more on the weekend). A snowboard can be rented for 100,000 per day, but can go as high as 300,000 per day depending on where you rent and quality. For the cheapest rent in Shemshak or at the parking-lot on the top of Dizin. The shops in the hotel and by the parking-lot in the bottom of the slope is the expensive option. Transportation from Dizin can be done through travel agents, taxi for 300,000 rials one way or with minibus for 100,000 rials with return.

Eating
Dizin and Shemshak (and most other pists in Iran) have a few type of restaurant/cafe on the pist, where you can get. Something warm to eat. However, if you can, it's constantly good to take your own sandwiches with you as it will save you money and time. Keep in mind to only eat appropriately after your day's skiing is over, even though it's good to have a small snack half-way.

website: http://DizinSnowboard.com

text originally written by: Wikitravel users

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Item last edited by Anonymous , based on work by bart . Sat 07 of Feb, 2009 [22:38 UTC].

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Ski and Snowboard (Earth -> Asia -> Iran -> Tehran -> Nearby Location )

Ski and Snowboard
(Earth -> Asia -> Iran -> Tehran -> Nearby Location )