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Iran may not be the first country that springs to mind for a
skiing holiday, but along with Afghanistan
it is gaining a reputation as an extreme destination. In fact following
the 1979 revolution the ski slopes of Iran were closed completely
for a five year period, with winter sports seen as unacceptably
decadent.
Sexual politics
Now male and female skiers are no longer required to use different
slopes, and the BBC have reported couples being seen 'wearing the
latest fashions and using the slopes together'. Decadence indeed,
particularly when signs request that males and females queue separately
for tickets and that men do not look at female skiers to whom they
were not related.
With numerous peaks over 4000m, plus huge areas of un-skied backcountry
and a reliable snow record, there is temptation out there. According
to some reports the high altitude means the powder is as good quality
as anywhere in the Rockies.
Three day volcano trek
The tallest peak, the 5671m Damavand, has been attracting skiers
for years. It’s not for everyone as it’s a three day walk up the
dormant volcano, but for those that make it there’s a 3000m vertical
descent.
There are easier options for those looking to ski. There is a bubble
lift in the north of Tehran, which offers a 2km vertical descent,
often in untracked powder – all for a lift ticket costing around
GBP3 per day.
Challenging paperwork
Visas can be an issue (read “bureaucratic hell”). It can take months,
but Iran is aware of the benefits culturally and financially of
tourism, so it surely won’t be long before a heliski operation or
backcountry tour operator start opening the area up.
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