Updated November 2026 We have rechecked the ski areas around Tehran, updated altitudes, lifts and season dates from current resort data, and added practical tips for the coming winter.
The best places to ski, sledge and snowboard near Tehran are Dizin, Shemshak, Darbandsar, Tochal and Abali, all within roughly an hour or two of the city in the Alborz mountains. Thanks to high altitudes and dry air, the snow is often excellent powder, the slopes are far less crowded than in Europe, and lift passes and equipment hire are cheap by international standards. The season generally runs from December to April, with the highest resorts staying open longer in a good year.
Snowfall varies a lot from year to year, and in dry winters some resorts open late or only partially, so always check conditions before setting off. Snow-Forecast covers all the main resorts.
Dizin
Dizin is Iran’s largest and best-known ski resort and the first choice for serious skiers and snowboarders. Its slopes run from about 2,500 metres to over 3,400 metres, with around 18 km of pistes served by 16 lifts, including gondolas, chairlifts and drag lifts. Half the runs are intermediate, with a good mix of easy and difficult terrain, plenty of off-piste for experienced riders, and powder that compares well with Europe and North America.
In winter Dizin is reached via Karaj and the Chalus road, which takes around two to three hours from Tehran depending on traffic and snow; carry chains. The resort has hotels and private lodges, so it works well for a weekend. The season usually runs from late December to early April.
Shemshak
Shemshak sits on the other side of the mountain from Dizin, north-east of Tehran, and is usually about an hour’s drive from the north of the city, which makes it the most popular choice for day trips. It opened in the late 1950s and is the country’s second-largest resort, with around 15 km of pistes between roughly 2,500 and 3,000 metres. It has a reputation for steep, challenging runs and moguls that attract confident skiers, as well as a lively après-ski scene with cafés and restaurants. There are a few small hotels and guesthouses nearby.
Darbandsar
Darbandsar is a smaller, privately run resort close to Shemshak, about 60 km from Tehran. Its slopes run from about 2,650 metres to over 3,500 metres, with around 11 km of easy and intermediate pistes and six lifts. It is a good choice for families, beginners and intermediates, and it tends to be quieter than its neighbours. Its season can run into May.
Tochal
Tochal is the closest ski area to the city, high above north Tehran. You reach it by the Tochal telecabin from Velenjak, a long ride up the mountain with sweeping views over the city on a clear day. At around 3,600 to 3,850 metres, its short pistes are among the highest in Iran, and the snow lasts well into spring. The runs are all gentle, which makes Tochal ideal for beginners, children and anyone wanting a few hours on snow without leaving Tehran. There is a hotel and restaurant on the mountain if you want to stay overnight.
Lifts typically run from morning until early afternoon, with shorter hours on some weekdays, and the last gondolas down leave mid-afternoon, so start early. Tochal is also the easiest place near the city for sledging, with families heading up at weekends.
Abali
Abali, at the foot of Mount Damavand around 60 to 70 km east of Tehran on the Haraz road, is the oldest developed ski area in Iran, opened in the mid-20th century. It is small, with about 4 km of easy and intermediate runs between roughly 2,400 and 2,700 metres, served by a chairlift, a gondola and several drag lifts. Its relaxed atmosphere suits beginners and families, and there is a hotel and restaurants on site. Being lower, its season is shorter, usually mid-December to late March.
Tips for skiing near Tehran
- Avoid Fridays and public holidays if you can: weekend traffic on the mountain roads and lift queues can be heavy.
- Equipment hire is available at all the main resorts and is inexpensive, though quality varies; serious skiers often bring their own boots.
- Carry snow chains and check road conditions; the Chalus road in particular can close in heavy snow.
- Dress in layers and wear sun protection: at over 3,000 metres the sun is strong even on cold days.
- For a sense of current lift pass and transport costs, see our Iran price trackers.
