IRAN

COLD POWDER AND WARM PEOPLE-Iran's ski resorts are not only the cheapest in the world, ($5 for a day pass) but they receive a bounty of light powder every season. Add to that some of the friendliest people in the world and a colorful and interesting culture and history, and you have the makings of a great holiday. Surviving the suicidal traffic in Tehran and an alcohol-free aprés ski was really no problem with the help of the
overly hospitable people. Considering the year's of meddling by the U.S. government in the internal affairs of Iran, I was surprised to find that thelocal people were particularly positive towards me as an American. The skiing in Iran begins in Tochal, where a 4-stage gondola takes skiers up almost 2000 vertical meters directly from Tehran. This is the world's highest gondola built for skiing, and at the top of the mountain is the
world's highest surface lift built for skiing. Not much further away are the resorts of Dizin, Shemshak, and Darbandsar, which provide good skiing both on and off the pistes. After all was said and done, both the skiing and the friendly people made this one of the most memorable ski trips I have ever made, and the photos are equally impressive.











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