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Skiing at Iran’s ‘gateway of the mountain’

Amid the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, Darbandsar Ski Resort is hoping to draw in new tourists.

A number of officers are posted at the Darbandsar Ski Resort to ensure security. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
A number of officers are posted at the Darbandsar Ski Resort to ensure security. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
By 
Mohammad Ali Najib
19 Feb 2016

Located more than 3,000m above sea level, Darbandsar Ski Resort is perched high in the Alborz mountain range in the shadow of Mount Damavand, Iran’s highest peak. 

A favourite weekend destination for many Iranians, the ski resort is about an hour’s drive from the capital, Tehran. With the lifting of the sanctions on Iran and the gradual reopening of the country to foreign visitors, Darbandsar could become the next destination for snow lovers around the world.   

From November to May, Darbandsar (“gateway of the mountain” in Persian) opens its doors to visitors for hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.

Darbandsar is more than 3,000m above sea level. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Darbandsar is more than 3,000m above sea level. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
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In some areas of the resort, ascents must be made manually, with equipment such as crampons or snowshoes. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
In some areas of the resort, ascents must be made manually, with equipment such as crampons or snowshoes. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
The ski slopes are less than 80km from Tehran's airport. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
The ski slopes are less than 80km from Tehran's airport. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
After a day of sport, some visitors come to the restaurant to relax and have a snack. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
After a day of sport, some visitors come to the restaurant to relax and have a snack. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
A DJ plays music for visitors. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
A DJ plays music for visitors. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Iran has a wealth of skiing areas and other winter sports for those willing to travel into the mountains north of Tehran. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Iran has a wealth of skiing areas and other winter sports for those willing to travel into the mountains north of Tehran. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
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To date, the number of skiers visiting Iran from abroad has not been very large. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
To date, the number of skiers visiting Iran from abroad has not been very large. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Many Iranians frequent the Darbandsar resort. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Many Iranians frequent the Darbandsar resort. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
For half of the year, the mountain is open for hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
For half of the year, the mountain is open for hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Mount Damavand is a stratovolcano with the highest peak in Iran. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
Mount Damavand is a stratovolcano with the highest peak in Iran. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
After the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, Iran is hoping to boost tourist numbers. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
After the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, Iran is hoping to boost tourist numbers. [Mohammad Ali Najib/Al Jazeera]
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