@cameronphillips2000, fco advises against all travel to Iran ...imvalid travel insurance, never mind risk of arrest or death. Big mountains might have to wait
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Great country, would go back in a heartbeat, can't recommend it enough. Don't believe the media, the Iranian people hate their government and are super friendly. Unfortunately I didn't get to tag on any skiing. Was planning to do a day but got delayed getting back to Tehran and traffic out was too bad to reach dizin. There are plenty of mountains out there. Some good documentaries/YouTube videos showing them.
The downsides would be it's a lot of hassle. Assuming British passport you can't travel independently so have to organise and pay for a guide (general tourist, not ski) to accompany you for the whole trip. In fairness my experience was a guide who was really open and gave me lots of freedom to wander around on my own. Also I think the visa cost was around £150-200 alone (at least now you should be able to pick it up in London rather than having to stop en route in Istanbul).
For a trip purely focused around skiing I think in the region Georgia, turkey, Kyrgyzstan are all better options. You will get some culture and an equally off the beaten path/"exotic" location, however don't have the hassle. From a non skiing point of view I think Iran is the most interesting. So if your idea is a holiday with some skiing tagged on and you don't mind the hassle and cost it's a good choice.
For a trip purely focused around skiing I think in the region Georgia, turkey, Kyrgyzstan are all better options. You will get some culture and an equally off the beaten path/"exotic" location, however don't have the hassle. From a non skiing point of view I think Iran is the most interesting. So if your idea is a holiday with some skiing tagged on and you don't mind the hassle and cost it's a good choice.
Some long time ago (when Iran was less of an international pariah), I ran into someone who had skied there. I was even mildly tempted. But…
There’re sooooo many places to ski around the world, skiing in Iran doesn’t stack up, all the extra hassle notwithstanding. From the report of that 1 skiers (he lived there for several years though), condition can be hit or miss.
So, if one is going to be in Iran for other reason anyway, well, it’s a bragging right to say you have skied in Iran! On the other hand, I would think having visited Iran is enough of a bragging right in the pub, with or without the skiing
As for the “risk of arrest or death”, it may depends on what passport you’re entering with. (I suspect some member of snowheads have multiple passports)
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Thu 26-09-24 20:38; edited 1 time in total
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Odly enough I bumped into a Persian skier in the Hemel Fridge yesterday.
By bumped into him, I mean I was chatting to him.
I don't think he has lived there for years though.
As for the “risk of arrest or death”, it may depends on what passport you’re entering with. (I suspect some member of snowheads have multiple passports)
Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. So I'd be wary of "being British" and entering on a different passport. Probably the easiest way to get accused of being a spy. Although I think the majority of arrests for this are people that have Iranian as one of their dual nationalities. It's not something I'd worry about to be honest, the vast majority (5.9 million foreign tourists visited Iran last year) of genuine tourists are having no problems at all.
Risk of death. Well crossing the street in Tehran There is some risk of terrorist attacks. Also there situation with Hezbollah and Israel is not good for regional safety.
Regarding insurance it used to be possible to buy insurance at Tehran airport upon arrival. However I've heard stories that tourists getting sick/injured in Iran are looked after free of cost very well by the government (they don't want the bad pressure). They have free healthcare there, unlike USA Canada where if your insurance doesn't cover it you are financially destroyed.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Eastern Turkey (also big mountains; and big snow) feels a little more sensible currently...
After all it is free
After all it is free
boarder2020 wrote:
Quote:
As for the “risk of arrest or death”, it may depends on what passport you’re entering with. (I suspect some member of snowheads have multiple passports)
Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. So I'd be wary of "being British" and entering on a different passport. Probably the easiest way to get accused of being a spy.
Dual nationality is a matter of fact for some people. Iran may not recognize Iranians holding both Iranian and non-Iranian passports. Brits holding Swiss passport for example have the option to use either to enter. Iranian government has no ground to view either passport is “more appropriate” for entering Iran.
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Wiigman and I shared a chair with an Iranian at Sarakamis in Turkey
Top bloke
Spoke very highly of Iranian skiing (he was in Turkey to see family)
Given half a chance I'd go
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
wiigman wrote:
Eastern Turkey (also big mountains; and big snow) feels a little more sensible currently...
And loads of cultural, exotic stuff too
Fabulous food & drink
People are fantastic
Tremendous value for money
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
abc wrote:
boarder2020 wrote:
Quote:
As for the “risk of arrest or death”, it may depends on what passport you’re entering with. (I suspect some member of snowheads have multiple passports)
Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. So I'd be wary of "being British" and entering on a different passport. Probably the easiest way to get accused of being a spy.
Dual nationality is a matter of fact for some people. Iran may not recognize Iranians holding both Iranian and non-Iranian passports. Brits holding Swiss passport for example have the option to use either to enter. Iranian government has no ground to view either passport is “more appropriate” for entering Iran.
Great in theory , but I think you will find they can and do what they want! I'm sure a lot of people do enter Iran with their "other" passport simply to avoid visa requirements, and it's generally fine. But I think you are potentially leaving yourself a bit open.
Not recognising dual nationality is actually not as rare as you may think. Andorra and Austria for example both don't seem to allow it (at least in theory, perhaps practically is different). USA allow it, although they expect you to still pay income tax when living and working abroad which seems wild, land of the free
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Mike Pow wrote:
wiigman wrote:
Eastern Turkey (also big mountains; and big snow) feels a little more sensible currently...
And loads of cultural, exotic stuff too
Fabulous food & drink
People are fantastic
Tremendous value for money
Agree. The sights are not on the same level as Persepolis, Isfahan etc. though (even comparing to Istanbul - although the hagia Sofia is particularly beautiful). Culturally it's a bit more westernised. But if your focus is skiing that's perhaps not so important anyway. You are still getting an amazing off the beaten path experience with lots of culture in turkey, Georgia, kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. I don't think any are worse than Iran for skiing, in fact I'd say Kyrgyzstan and Georgia are bette, and Kazakh and turkey at least as good.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
boarder2020 wrote:
abc wrote:
boarder2020 wrote:
Quote:
As for the “risk of arrest or death”, it may depends on what passport you’re entering with. (I suspect some member of snowheads have multiple passports)
Dual nationality is not recognised in Iran. So I'd be wary of "being British" and entering on a different passport. Probably the easiest way to get accused of being a spy.
Dual nationality is a matter of fact for some people. Iran may not recognize Iranians holding both Iranian and non-Iranian passports. Brits holding Swiss passport for example have the option to use either to enter. Iranian government has no ground to view either passport is “more appropriate” for entering Iran.
Great in theory , but I think you will find they can and do what they want! I'm sure a lot of people do enter Iran with their "other" passport simply to avoid visa requirements, and it's generally fine. But I think you are potentially leaving yourself a bit open.
Not recognising dual nationality is actually not as rare as you may think. Andorra and Austria for example both don't seem to allow it (at least in theory, perhaps practically is different). USA allow it, although they expect you to still pay income tax when living and working abroad which seems wild, land of the free
“They” would include more than just Iran! China for example also doesn’t “recognize” dual nationality. Why do you think many foreign professionals are leaving Hong Kong for good? And Russia will detain anyone randomly as a bargaining chip for criminal exchange. There, “risk of arrest or death” are no less real than Iran.
However, if you enter with a passport from another country, “they” wouldn’t have thought of you as a Brit.
Also, USA isn’t the only country that tax you regardless of where you live. You must know Canada does the same, since you spent so much time living there. Perhaps North America is more “wild” than Europe
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Iran has some of the best scenery in the world, very tall mountains, deserts that dry the snow, and some of the fluffiest powda on Earth.
But... Iran today is not friends with the West, and is (currently) on the brink of war.
Without a Russian or Chinese or North Korean or Shia-led passport, Iran is super high-risk.
Nobody wants to be rotting in a cockroach cell, or doing the long walk to a crane in the town square.
As above, plenty other countries give a similar experience, with much less risk, such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, Utah, etc.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Love to go, but they've had no investment for 50 years. I'm also worried about a ruling clique that consider "this world" to be a test for "the next world".
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Doesn't a visit to Iran mean you can't enter the USA on the ESTA (visa waiver) scheme? I think you need to visit an embassy to get a visa
A bit of hassle for regular snowsports visitors to the Rockies etc.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Yeah ..
I skied Iran back in the 80's
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Yes. 20 years ago. Amazing experience. Skiing not necesssarily better than any where else though. Not planning to go back. Why do you ask?
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Good video Watchable
After all it is free
After all it is free
stanton wrote:
Yeah ..
I skied Iran back in the 80's
Cool story bro
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
I skied in Iran in December 2011. At Dizin, a ski resort not too far from Tehran. It was a great trip in terms of skiing somewhere a bit adventurous / unusual, and experiencing a different culture. But there was nothing particularly special about the skiing there - the snow wasn't very good at that time, the resort is small but fine for a few days. There wasn't really enough snow to ski off piste (might be better later in the season). Nice view of Mount Damavand in the distance from the top of the resort.
Ski rental facilities were super basic and a lot of the rental skis were old straight ones from the 80s. The main gondola was apparently bought second hand from Switzerland, it had Milka advertising in German all over it.
At the time we went, there was no requirement to have a guide and we felt comfortable going as we'd already been on an independent 2 week trip to Iran the previous year (2010) doing a more typical tourism itinerary around Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd etc. There was no FCO warning at that time. I wouldn't have gone back since the guide requirements came in, and I definitely wouldn't have gone in the last few years with the risk of arbitrary arrest and FCO warning against travel.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Skiers Journey Iran
Never skied there - but friends who visited (a decade ago!) said it was a fascinating country. Very welcoming people despite their government
Jordan, and skiers Chad Sayers and Forrest Coots headed to Daisetzusan National Park the week before us to get the skiing shots while guide Taka, and my mate Ian and I accompanied writer Porter Fox from Powder magazine to get the story
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Although I also find it fascinating to ski and snowboard in these exotic countries, have you ever considered what happens if an accident occurs?
I know there is risk everywhere, of course. But still… I lived in Greece for 37 years and learned to ski and snowboard there, and I can confidently say that the rescue procedures are many levels below what we are used to in the Alps. And I’m not even talking about the healthcare system.
You can even ski in Crete http://youtube.com/v/iAhmv---f-U ), but if something happens, you’re basically on your own. And that applies also for some ski resorts, or some mountains in Summer etc.
I’ve read stories on Greek social media about people who went trekking and, after an accident, were left stranded for days because “it was not possible for a helicopter to reach them.” Or they went down with donkeys...In one case, the parents eventually called and paid Air Zermatt, who managed to do in a few hours what the local rescue teams couldn’t accomplish in 3–4 days… unfortunately, it was too late.
I still admire Germans and others from Europe who go trekking in Greece, assuming that if something happens, rescue teams will come quickly. I would assume the situation in Iran is not any better than in Greece.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
turms2 wrote:
Although I also find it fascinating to ski and snowboard in these exotic countries, have you ever considered what happens if an accident occurs?..
Yes.
I'm heading for Greenland next week. I know where the nearest hospital is, how anyone hurt will get there, how long it's going to take, how much it'll cost, and who's carrying the strong medication. It makes sense to minimize risks and actively ameliorate the possible consequences of them. Any mountaineering text book will be full of this stuff; it's basic training.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@phil_w, Yeah, but I still feel like Greenland is much better compared to Morocco, Iran, or Kosovo.
However Greenland must be really "something special" (i mean for skiing).
Iran e.g. for me is simple skiing but the country makes it special.
Greenland is above that.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@turms2, it's a fair point. Even Japan is not the same (as I understand it, have read).
I have yet to reach such exotic climes and not sure I ever will.
I have considered Georgia and must admit the piste security aspect did cross my mind.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
One of my colleagues (ironically the only doctor in the group) died after a car accident in Sudan, many years ago, of injuries which she'd almost certainly have survived if the crash had been in central Winchester! But perhaps not if she'd been alone and skidded on a patch of ice on a remote Scottish road. Risk mitigation makes good sense but sometimes......
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@Origen, Yes, sometimes it’s just “poo-poo happens.”
But I don’t dare to go to Kalymnos for climbing (which is a well-known place for that) knowing what might await me if something happens.
I don’t know—maybe I’m overreacting because of my experiences there, and I’m seeing everything with too much negativity.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@turms2, I think you are probably underestimating medical facilities around the world somewhat. I certainly wouldn't feel any more worried about skiing in Iran than France because of fear of lack of medical care if in an accident (of course I mean in general times obviously things are different with the situation right now). Most places are more than qualified to stabilise you and get you ready for repatriation.
In terms of rescue, last week a group of foreigners got caught in an avalanche on a glacier in Kyrgyzstan above 3500m. There is a section of the military for emergency situations that performed the resuce with Heli. So there are things in place, you just don't know about them, and why would you. I'm sure most would assume there is no rescue out there.
As said above, it can happen anywhere. Look at Muriel Furrer who died in the 2024 UCI Junior Road World Championships. A pro cyclist in a huge race in Switzerland crashed and wasn't found for over 80mins and ended up dying.
Quote:
Yes, sometimes it’s just “poo-poo happens.”
As said above simply minimising risk goes a long way. Look at the stats and you will see the vast majority of the time things go smoothly with no issues. For the tiny number of serious accidents how often are there contributing factors (alcohol consumption, poor decision making, recklessness etc.).
Of course even with all safety precautions in place you will never get the risk to zero. But if you are going to sweat such small risks that are comfortably within most people's tolerance you are going to have a pretty boring life.
Fwiw I feel far safer solo touring in powder in central Asia where I can control the risks than on some crowded piste in France where people are out on control and too fast.
@boarder2020, honestly have no idea.
Maybe its so, because i/we do not read the local media from Iran, or Kyrgyzstan etc., and my experiences are only from Greece, Bulgaria and Alps.
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