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Travel to Dizin with ski insurance from Essential Travel

When people think of Iran, they tend to think of the desert, not of ski resorts, but Dizin is Iran’s top skiing resort. Skiing was first bought to Iran by German engineers who were building the railway in Persia in the 1930s and were impressed by the mountains they saw. Built in 1969 by the Shah of Iran, Dizin resort is situated just north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountains at an altitude of 8,530 feet and is one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world (the highest ski lift here reaches 11,482 feet).

Unfortunately, the ski resort of Dizin was purpose built in 1969 and is not particularly picturesque. As was the fashion in some purpose built resorts in Europe in the late 1960s, most of the buildings and purpose built centres at Dizin are made of concrete. Unlike in Europe, no attempt has been made to make the buildings blend in or look slightly less ugly.

Because of its altitude, Dizin ski resort has more snow and the ski season lasts for longer than at many European ski resorts. The air is also drier than at a lot of European resorts, making for some excellent powder. There are 13 lifts which are extremely cheap by European standards and rarely have queues, except sometimes at the weekends. Most of the runs here are of a beginner or intermediate standard, though 10 per cent are advanced runs.

Accommodation at Dizin consists of two hotels and 19 chalets; there are also five restaurants. Iran is a Muslim country and alcohol is banned, so there is no drinking or nightlife; the hotel bar has been closed since 1979. Women are also required to keep their heads covered at all times, so visitors should remember to take headscarves with them.

Those who want a bigger selection of runs and moguls can head to the nearby resort of Shemshak. The ski resorts of Darbandsar and Aab-Ali are also close to Dizin ski resort.

The ski season at Dizin lasts from December until March or April. The easiest way to get here is by coach or car from Tehran.

Skiing in Dizin

At 8,530 feet, Dizin ski resort is among the 40 highest ski resorts in the world. It is situated in the Alborz Mountains, about 43 miles north of Tehran, in Iran. Snow depths average at five feet at the resort and twice that higher up. The powder is particularly good, as the air is generally very dry.

There are 12 ski lifts which usually have few queues, except sometimes at the weekends when people come up from Tehran. They are also very cheap by European standards. There are three gondolas, two chair lifts and seven drag lifts, the highest of which reaches 11,811 feet with a vertical drop of 2,952 feet. Note that there are separate gondolas for men and women. Skiing in Dizin is good for the less experienced skier; 50 percent of runs are suitable for beginners, 40 per cent for intermediate and 10 per cent for advanced skiers. Most of the runs are ungroomed and above the tree line and they cover a wide variety of terrain, from long smooth gliders to narrow chutes and wide bowls. There is no board park, but there is a half-pipe and plenty of snowboarders can be found on the slopes.

Dzihin ski resort consists of two hotels, 19 chalets and five restaurants, but not much else. There is no nightlife and the last bar at the resort was shut down in 1979. Iran is a Muslim country and alcohol is forbidden. Dizin ski resort is far more relaxed than the rest of Iran, but women are still expected to keep their heads covered, either with hats or headscarves.

Because of its altitude and the fact that many of the slopes are north facing, the ski season at Dizin ski resort is relatively long lasting, from December until March or April. The easiest way to reach Dizin is to fly to Tehran then proceed to the resort by coach or car.

Transportation to Dizin

Dizin ski resort is located roughly 43 miles north of Iran’s capital, Tehran, in the Alborz Mountains. From Tehran, the only access to the resort is by road, either by car (which can be rented with or without a driver) or in a coach.

Driving to Dizin ski resort from Tehran, there are two routes: via Shemsak, which is 43 miles and a 1 to 1 hour, 30-minute drive or via Chaloos, which is 76 miles away and a 2 to 2 hour, 30-minute drive. If it has been snowing a lot, chains are required for the last six to 12 miles of the journey. It is possible to hire cars in Iran, but it can be quite expensive and sometimes a large deposit is required. The roads are of an adequate standard, but not up to those in Europe. Another option is to hire a car with a driver.

The nearest international airport to Dizin ski resort is at Tehran. Flights arrive here from many major European cities and other destinations including China, India, Japan and neighbouring Persian gulf countries as well as internal flights. From the airport, Tehran city centre is a 30-minute taxi ride.

The nearest train station to Dizin ski resort is at Tehran. It is possible to get to Dizin by coach. The largest coach company is Seir-o-Safar, which has a large network that covers most of the country, connecting all major towns and destinations. Tickets are cheap and the coaches on the main routes are relatively comfortable and have heating and air-conditioning.

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