Tochal ski resort, on the mountain that rises directly above north Tehran, is expected to reopen early next week after the first heavy snowfalls of the autumn, putting it on course for a much earlier start than last season, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
Snow on the slopes has reached a depth of around 30 centimetres. The resort’s managers say they need about 60 centimetres before the complex’s five piste-bashers can compact it safely, and forecasts of more snow over the next few days should get them there, provided strong winds do not strip the slopes. Rouhollah Emdad, chief executive of the Tochal sports and leisure complex, told IRNA that loose, uncompacted snow is dangerous because skiers get stuck in it and get hurt.
Snow alone will not open the pistes. Before the resort can take paying skiers, inspectors from the Tehran Province Ski Board have to visit and issue safety approval. Emdad said the complex would write to the board at the end of this week to arrange the visit.
Last season Tochal did not open until 20 December, and even then it began with beginners before opening to everyone. This year’s early snow means a fuller and earlier opening should be possible. The ski area is at Station 7, about 3,730 metres above sea level, reached by the gondola that starts in Velenjak. The complex bills it as the closest ski slope to any capital city in the world, and because of its height it is usually the first resort around Tehran to open and the last to close.
Ticket prices for the new season have not been set. Emdad said prices go up every year, but the resort is still waiting for this year’s tariff to be approved.
He also had two pieces of advice. Hikers should not climb alone when the weather is unsettled, and should check the Tochal website for news before setting out. Skiers who have never had lessons should use an instructor rather than trying to teach themselves, which he said causes a large share of injuries on the slopes. Tochal runs its own ski school with male and female instructors, and skis, boards and boots can be hired at the resort.
The larger resorts north of Tehran, including Dizin, Shemshak and Darbandsar, open once their own snow cover allows. Our guide to skiing, sledging and snowboarding near Tehran covers all of them, and the parks, hiking and outdoors guide has more on Tochal and the trails above the city.
