 Poster: A snowHead
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Anyone been skiing in Iran? Would be interesting to hear any stories. I've found a few threads but they were pretty old. I'm going to go through my old copies of Fall-line and have a look, there was a good article in there. I might scan it in as long as not too many people have an outrage meltdown at breach of copyright etc.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I'm told the apres isn't up to much 
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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?
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But I hear the women are exquisite. Look but don't touch? Be(purple)headed?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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saikee: Nice pics.
Is that you in the flat cap? Being a Newcastle lad, did your whippet just stray out of the photo  ?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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mountainaddict,
The gentleman with the cap was my host in Iran.
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clarky999, Great video
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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.
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That is a cool video. going to stick on our fb page
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I skied at a resort about an hour out of Tehran in 1973, so I don't suppose my memories are relevant now 
I do remember though that studded tyres where compulsory in Tehran for the winter, the taxis set little trails of sparks from their wheels at night!
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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.
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You know it makes sense.
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andersont, I remember them filming that in Tehran - I don't know if I saw them doing the filming, but they were on the local news.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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So: the general opinion seems to be that the skiing can be great if not world class, but it's more about having an adventure somewhere strange? Also, it would be a clever idea to hire a guide and also to take touring/mountaineering kit to get the most out of the place?
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Poster: A snowHead
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andersont, I cannot see your video links at work but Mt Damavand is not considered a ski resort (or at least wasn't when I was there - IIRC it's over 18,000 ft and is a slightly active volcano - a few gassing fumaroles around the slopes which kill the odd sheep and goat and several hot springs round the base. Snowcapped year round and more of a mountaineering route than a skiing location. For that one, I guess you should definitely have a guide. Can't comment on possibilities of ski touring/mountaineering elsewhere. It's a big country with a lot of mountains !!
For the established ski resorts, of which Dizin (north of Tehran but not accessed from Tehran city itself) is the biggest (which is not saying much - just a handful of lifts) you won't need a guide. Even for the limited off-piste, when conditions permit. Dizin is a north-facing snow bowl and virtually impossible to get lost. Small by European / American standards. Most other 'resorts' have only one or two means of uplift. You don't give a location but I'm guessing you're are an experienced skier to be even considering this.... you might be disappointed.
To be honest, Iran is not that strange once you get in - visas are still a hassle. Iran Air is not recommended - dubious safety record. The Govt is the pits but the people in general are great and the ones you might meet on the slopes (as they generally are worldwide) are friendly and helpful. Although few speak English. If you do go, use smaller private hotels in the cities rather than the big Govt-owned and operated ex Hiltons and Sheratons.
My main caveat is that I don't know what the impact of the increasing current imposed sanctions is - there is rampant inflation and that might be making some folks less happy with the 'West'. Your hard currency will still make things like lift passes dirt cheap by our standards.
Check the Iranian Ski Federation web site for more up-to-date info than I can give - link in snowBase.
Bottom line - there are better places to put higher up the list for snowbound adventure. Cheers.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Iran Ski Federation home page is now in Farsi (quite understandably - but when we linked it in snowBase originally it was English) and if there is a way to switch to an English section I can't find it.
Here's a good site for info on the various possibilities for skiing/boarding in Iran - if not for the adventure stuff the OP is looking for.
http://www.uppersia.com/Iran-destinations/iran-ski-areas.html
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