Iran Mountain Guide Association

History of skiing in Iran

Iran has mountainous climate and has snowy heights. History of skiing in Iran backs to 2000 years before Christ. In ancient Iran people used special equipment with wood and other things to glide on snow. But modern ski entered Iran in 1930. In fact Two foreigner groups that came to Iran propagate the modern ski in Iran. First group were the Germans that came to Iran to built rail ways. They used to go to alborz footlands for sking. Native people were interested with what they did. Other regions like firooz kuh, haji abad, Shemshak were other sites Germans used.
Hasan fazeli might be the first Iranian guy who learned ski professionally. When he was 15 years old he used to go to haji abad region with Germans and ski there with them. Few years later because of avalanche 3 people died following that (reza shah) king of Iran at that time forbid skiing in that region.

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History of skiing in iran - iranmountainguide Iran has mountainous climate and has snowy heights. History of skiing in iran backs to 2000 years befor Christ in ancient iran people used...

Caves in Iran

Ali-sadr

Alisadr cave is the biggest water cave in the world and it belongs to 190 million years ago.Its archaism backs to Jurassic period, because there is no light in the cave no creature is alive except single cells and algae. There is a special hard-shell named nifargoosh that belongs to alisadr is living there . Because it is mostly water inside the cave for visiting different parts of it you need to ride boats and you can go within 2 kilometers inside the cave. Also its full of stalaktit and stalagmits,

You can get there within one hour from Hamedan, and the weather inside the cave is moderated even in summer and you need to have warm clothes with you.

Ghoori ghaleh

The longest cave in iran and the biggest water cave in asisa that is located in Kermanshah, its for 65 million years ago and has several famous halls, one of them is called Beethoven hall that each candle of it makes a uniqe sound and now a rare bat is still living there.

Katale khor cave

an enormous beautiful cave located in 120 km south of zanjan and it was discovered about 9 years ago but has not been completely discovered yet, katale means low mountain and khor is the abbreviation of khorshid(sun) and because of the summit that ...

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Caves in Iran - iranmountainguide Caves are the result of physical and chemical destruction of streams and underground rivers that like superficial rivers makes their river ...

The snow heaven of Iran in Shemshak Ski Resort


Shemshak is famous as alp of Iran.The city with wooden cottages and a ski resort. It is located in foot land of mountains around Tehran. Visiting mountains covered with snow and enjoying snow amusements attract many people to this area. If you are fan of skiing this international ski site can be a great choice for having an exciting day. Shemshak is one of the cities county Fooman roodbar ghasran township of north of Tehran.

Shemshak city

Shemshak city includes, up Shemshak and down Shemshak, Darbandsar, sefidstan villages, farms, dorod and jirod.
Shemshak resort and Darbandsar resort are the most important tourism sites in this area. Dal Neshin summit, Aftab Nadide Lake, and the huge “band ban” rock are the other sites visitors can enjoy.
Shemshak has got several beautiful hotels, villas. They have different architecture with spectacular view that makes this area to countryside for Tehran.
History of ski and ski resort construction in Iran
Not a very long time ago Shemshak mountains snow were kept intact until spring in order to join the rivers.
Ski was not a well-known sport, and amusement options were not in heights.
Decedent person named (baba jan ali save shemshaki) had written in his diary about German engineers that were working in coal mine of Shemshak.he wrote
The German engineer the head of the motor house of coalmine used to do a special activity.

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The snow heaven of Iran in Shemshak Ski Resort - iranmountainguide Shemshak is famous as alp of Iran, a city with wooden cottages and a ski resort, which is located in foot land of mountains around Tehran....

Environment protected areas of Iran


To prohibit the irregular hunt and prevent the destruction of rare animal generation, in recent year’s efforts for following up and creation of maintaining the sample habitats for animals of the country has been under attraction.
For this purpose an area with the size of 7.2 million kilometers in the country, 50 biological range include eight wildlife parks, 38 protected areas and four forbidden areas have been created.

Wild life parks

Wild life are talented areas like pasturage, forest, mountains or the rivers beside them.
In these parks, special rules are followed for the reason of always protecting the life of animals and plants and reproducing them.
As whole in these areas hunting, grazing livestock and cutting trees and other plants are forbidden.
The biggest park of the country is the wild park of Golestan in Golestan forest and Khorasan and Gorgan borders in other words located in maintenance area and east of Gonbad-e Kavoos and Bojnord.
This area is about 90 thousand hectares and which (one point third) of the land is covered with aggregation jungles with Caspian leaves, in in heights have trees with niddle leaves...

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Environment protected areas of Iran - iranmountainguide Environment protected areas of Iran   To prohibit the irregular hunt and prevent the destruction of rare animal generation, in recent year’s efforts for following up and creation of maintaining the sample habitats for animals of the country has been under attraction. For this purpose an area with...

To know more about the Mountains of Iran


The country of Iran is located at northern latitude “25-40 degree in north moderated region”. More than 90% of Iran is in plateau, half of Iran surface is covered with mountains, and most of the mountains are in companion with north and north-west borders.
North and west mountains in Iran
In a part of plateau several huge pile of mountains in order are as following: from north, we can name Alborz, Azerbaijan and Khorasan mountain ranges. From west and southwest Zagros Mountains and in center Karkas Mountains covered the country. Finally, the east side is covered by south Khorasan Mountains and Baloochestan heights.
Alborz mountain range
Iran’s northwest Mountain areas in Azerbaijan are in continuation of Ghafghaz heights, which is combination of different mountain ranges. The mountains in this area are in order as following: Mount Sabalan, Ghar-e dagh, Sahand, boz Ghush Mountains and Misho dagh.
Iran Mountain areas can be drawn as bows on the map. The north bow, which is started from Iran and Turkey border, continued to east in south beach of Caspian Sea, and passes Khorasan and finally joined to Afghanistan Mountains.
Alborz mountain area, starting from Talesh Mountains and divided into two parts. The east and the west. The most famous summits of Alborz mountain range are the highest volcano of Asia Mount Damavand (5610 m), Alam-kooh (Alam-Kuh) in Takht-e Soleiman region (with 4848 m) and Tochal summit (3961 m).

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To know more about the Mountains of Iran - iranmountainguide To know more about the Mountains of Iran   The country of Iran is located at northern latitude “25-40 degree in north moderated region”. More than 90% of Iran is in plateau, half of Iran surface is covered with mountains, and most of the mountains are in companion with north and north-west bord...

Best locations for Ski mountaineering in Iran



Iran has a rich geological nature with a unique climate situation. Mostly Iranian enjoy having all four seasons at the same time. For instance, you can enjoy skiing on the north, get to seashore, and enjoy the sun on south in just a single day.
Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges cover the most of the country. In fact, you can find more than 150 mountains above 4000 meters, these Mountains are widely spread around the country, and they are different and unique in their properties.
High altitude, Good snow condition, and long ski Season are the reason why you can choose Iran for Ski mountaineering. Although it is not a very long time since athletes started ski mountaineering in Iran, there are lots of sites suitable with great potential for this activity.
Here we want to name some of the attractive locations, which is compatible to the needed options for this sport like the Mount Damavand, Alam-kuh (Alam-Kooh), Sabalan Mountain and Zard-Kuh region.
As you know for sure ski mountaineering is an adventures activity that cannot be done everywhere and it needs its appropriate environment, according to this matter these spots intact regions are magnificent for the athletes in this field. Many people had started doing Ski mountaineering in Iran and now there are many other fans who are attracted and added to the society of this activity.


Mount Damavand (5610 m)

Damavand mountain situated at north of Tehran and part of Alborz mountain range with the height of 5610 meter, and it’s the highest volcano of Asia. Damavand is always covered with snow, in summer it has brooks on it, and there are many thermal springs on the foot of this ...

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Best locations for Ski mountaineering in Iran - iranmountainguide Best locations for Ski mountaineering in Iran Iran has a rich geological nature with a unique climate situation. Mostly Iranian enjoy having all four seasons at the same time. For instance, you can enjoy skiing on the north, get to seashore, and enjoy the sun on south in just a single day. Alborz an...

Tochal Ski resort


Tochal Ski resort located on the north side of Tehran province, just an hour drive from all part of the city (Without considering the rush hour). One of the best locations where you can Ski your day far from the stress and the buzzes of the city. Tochal Ski resort is famous for two reasons:
First, the most leveled Ski resort of the country. Second, Tochal Hotel (The highest located mountain hotel in the world).
As we mentioned, the close distance and easy access to Tochal resort, has made this place perfect for a single day ski trip. Tochal resort is located on the Tochal Mountain and for that reason it is named after this mountain.
You can park your car and use Gandola to get to the resort. Normally it take approximately 30 minutes to get to the resort (Station 7) from the first station.
For those who care about the standards, Tochal Ski resort is recognized by IFS. Usually depending on the weather and snowfalls, the resort opens by the end of November and closes on May.
Tochal ski resort is enjoys from a Ski School, Ski rental, Two long chairlifts and one button lift that provide services for ski and snowboard lovers.

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Tochal Ski resort - iranmountainguide Tochal Ski resort   Tochal Ski resort located on the north side of Tehran province, just an hour drive from all part of the city (Without considering the rush hour). One of the best locations where you can Ski your day far from the stress and the buzzes of the city. Tochal Ski resort is …

Ski mountaineering in Iran


Why you should try Ski mountaineering in Iran?


There are different reasons why tourists and adventurists choose Iran as their destination for Ski mountaineering. When the days are cold and still rain in Europe, you can enjoy Skiing on the most remote mountains in Iran. On the other hand, some other people choose Iran because it is quite reasonable to travel to, especially while you are in a group.
Undoubtedly, if you are a ski fan you must try Iran. Because of the leveled mountains, the snow on the fields vary from elevation to elevation. Relating to that the snow condition is suitable for Skiing. In the following, we are going to introduce you, some of the best locations for ski mountaineering in Iran.

1. Mount Damavand
Mount Damavand is the highest mountain of Iran and the highest volcanic summit of Asia with elevation of 5610 m. It is located in Amol province and only 2-hours’ drive from Tehran. Damavand is the number one destination for ski mountaineers; however, the high altitude might make it a bit challenging but many adventurists attempt to top the summit of the highest volcano of Asia. The best time for Ski mountaineering Damavand is between Februarys to mid may.

2. Doberar ridge
Doberar is one of the longest mountain ridges of Iran with more 35 summits on it. Among all the summits there are mainly three summits that are quite popular for Ski mountaineering. Gole Zard, Angemar and Changiz Chal. The easy access and transfer are the reasons why these three summits are more popular.
Doberar ridge is located in Amol province. Doberar ridge is quite close to Mount Damavand.

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Ski mountaineering in Iran - iranmountainguide There are different reasons why tourists and adventurists choose Iran as their destination for Ski mountaineering. ...

Mountain huts and shelters in Iran

From palm leaves, bricks, fabrics, metals etc. the shelters and huts saved humans from harsh weather and storms. As the moment, that mountain climbing became part of the human enjoyment the role of the hut and shelter altered. Now a days shelter are not just a place for protection. Shelters and hut are recognized as a cozy place in the heart of the tough mountain.
Here on this article we are going to get familiar with the huts and shelters on the most popular mountain climbing destinations in Iran.

1. Mount Tochal
Mount Tochal is located at north side of Tehran city. The close distance by the city and also the highest ski resort in the Iran has made this place to an absolute option in climbing, especially in winter activities.

2. Speed Kamar:
Located at almost 2800 meters above the sea level. Built on 1974. On the middle of the route that used to be the main way to Tochal summit.
You should know that Speed Kamar is a basic shelter and you need to be well equipped while staying there.
Tochal Summit shelter (AKA Ardalan):
It is located on the summit of Tochal Mountain (3963 m). The shelter named Ardalan, in respect of Doctor Ardalan who has financially helped to build the shelter on 1966.
Note: the shelter is complete basic. And you must be fully equipped for sleeping there; especially in winter.

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Mountain huts and shelters in Iran - iranmountainguide From palm leaves, bricks, fabrics, metals etc. the shelters and huts saved humans from harsh weather and storms. As the moment, that ...

Where to climb in Iran?
Iran is mostly known as a cultural destination for tourists. On the other hand, there are some unknown and pure locations, which are suitable for rock climbing. So by reading this article you can get familiar with the best places to climb in Iran and the hubs of rock climbing. The best theme for adventure travelers, who has chosen Iran as their destination, is the combination trips. And the good point about rock climbers is that they can have an interesting venture on their trip to the rock climbing cities.

Rock climbing In Bisotun

Bisotun region is located at Kermanshah province at west side of Iran. To your knowledge, you must know that it is one of the old cities of Iran with numerous historical sites. So, if you are interested in BigWall Climbing and sport climbing you can choose Bisotun region for your venture.
What to see in Kermanshah:
Taq-e Bostan, Mount Paraw, Bisotun old city, Statue of Hercules.

Bouldering in Hamedan

Hamedan is one of the oldest cities of Iran and once the capital of Achamenid Empire. But when it comes to rock climbing Hamedan is recognized as the home of the top rock climbers in Iran.
If you are interested in Bouldering, Hamedan is an interesting place to be. Beside that you can enjoy the culture and city sightseeing.
What to see in Hamedan:
Hegmataneh, Alavian Dome and Meuseum of Hegmataneh, Ali-Sadr Cave and Ganjnameh.

Qazvin, Bouldering

Qazvin, a medieval city. And the history of it, backs to Safavid dynasty. There are many potentials for sport climbing and bouldering in Qazvin. You can find different routes with any kind of difficulty levels in this area. Mostly it is a very good place for mountain biking. Road biking in Alamut road is also recommended on this region.
What to see in Qazvin:
Alamut historical, Alamut Castle, Evan Lake, Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh, Chehel sotoun palace.


Tehran, Bouldering, sport climbing

One of the easiest locations to reach in Iran is the capital. So you can have a direct flight to Tehran and accommodate in the somewhere in the city. To get to the climbing spots all you need is a ride to the safest climbing spot. Depending in your skills and style, you can choose different places to climb.
As you may know, the capital is a different city in comparison with other provinces we talked about on this article. And you can find different types of activities. Enjoying the historical sites, cafes, museums and other activities of the same nature.
What to see in Tehran:
Grand Bazar, Golestan Palace, Abgineh museum, Sa’ad Abbad Palace, Eram amusement park, Pars Aqua village, museum of music, Milad tower.


BigWall climbing in Kelardasht

The best place for BigWall Climbing is Kelardasht. In fact, when it comes to Kelardasht you must know that we are going to climb on Alam-kuh (4848 m). A giant granite wall that is recognized as the most technical wall in Iran. An 800-hundered meters of granite wall.
What to see in Kelardasht:
Ojabiat palace, valasht lake, Alam-Kuh, Vandarbon village.

Where to climb in Iran? - iranmountainguide Iran is mostly known as a cultural destination for tourists. On the other hand, there are some unknown and pure locations, which ...

Iran top summits

Iran is among the top 20 countries in the world, in terms of the total area (1,648,195 ) according to Statista.com. Approximately around two/3rd of the area of Iran is the covered with mountains.
Iran enjoys from more 150 summits above 4000 meters and crosses the all the summits of the Alps. Here on this article we are going to get familiar with top three highest mountains. We are going to understand where they are located. When is the best time for climbing, skiing? And other general details.

Mount Damavand
Mount Damavand is the highest volcano of Asia and the highest mountain of Iran. It recognized as the symbol of Iranians. Regarding to these facts it is an interesting place for mountain climbers. Activities like trekking, mountain biking, ski mountaineering, glacier climbing and winter expeditions and other activities of the same nature.
There are so many routes to climb mount Damavand. However, there are mostly two faces of the south and the north east which are popular among mountain climbers.
There are two huts on Damavand. One placed on the south route at 4200 meters (Bargah Sevoom). You can rent private rooms or public rooms and use the facilities of the hut.
The other one located on the northeast face and located at 4400 meters above the sea level. The hut is the basic shelter and you must be equipped well especially in winter.
There are also eco camps in the trekking season on the both faces, which are according to the international standards.
If you are interested in trekking the highest volcano of Asia, you can trek Damavand between mid-June to late September. And if you are interested in winter ascend you can start from November to early March.

Alam-Kuh
Alam-Kuh is the second highest mountain of Iran and known as the most technical mountain of Iran. From trekking to BigWall climbing and ski mountaineering you can enjoy the different paths. And more to have chance for summiting many 4000rs summits.
There are no hut on Alam-kuh except the hesarchal Eco-camp, which is suitable for foreign adventurists and tourists.
If you are interested in BigWall climbing you can take the Alam-chal route for climbing. You must conquer with 300 meters wall of granite for climbing.
The best time for trekking is between June to September and for ski mountaineering you can try Alam-kuh between early December to end of March.



Sabalan
Sabalan Mountain is the third highest mountain of the Iran and located in Ardabil province. It is 4811 meters. The bold point about sabalan is the Crater Lake summit, it is mostly frozen during the year. Between July to September (trekking season) you can enjoy the lake at the summit.
There is shelter on the northeast face of Sabalan with only basic facilities and to get you ought to be well Equipped. Ardabil is recognized as the coldest part of Iran and regarding this matter it mostly covered with snow and it is a perfect place for ski mountaineering.

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Iran top summits - iranmountainguide Iran is among the top 20 countries in the world, in terms of the total area (1,648,195 ) according to Statista.com; In addition, ...