The Dizin Tehran International Ski Resort (the Dizin Piste) is Iran’s largest ski resort and the first winter sports venue approved for competition by the International Ski Federation. It is the premier spot for casual ski enthusiasts and professional athletes looking to ski or snowboard in the Alborz Mountain Range.
Dizin ski resort is located 70 km north of Tehran near Chalus Road, in the bounds of Alborz Province. Since its construction in the 1960s, it remains one of the most-visited Tehran tourist attractions in the ski season.
History of Dizin, Tehran Ski Resort
A team led by Kazem Gilanpoor, one of the founders of Ski and professional mountaineering in Iran, discovered this site in the early 1960s. In 1964, the first ski lift was installed in Dizin. After equipping the resort, it was used by the Iranian national team for off-season training.
In the following years, more infrastructure was added to the resort, such as an access road from the main Chalus Road and a chair lift to the Si Chal mountain peak. In 1967, an electrical Télésiège (chairlift) was installed that stretched 2,400 meters. Later, the Shaleh Telecabin (Gondola lift) was built as the first cable car in Iran.
The installation of equipment and the improvement of facilities continued until 1972 when the resort became available to the public. In 1993, a 650-meter grass skiing route was inaugurated for summer skiing. The private sector acquired and renovated the resort in 2006. Another renovation plan was unveiled in 2024 for a thorough reconstruction of the facilities.
Ski Pistes in Dizin, Tehran International Resort
Dizin, the Tehran resort is the largest ski resort in Iran located on the foothills of the Alborz mountains. The height of the ski grounds ranges from 2,700 to 3,600 meters above sea level, ranked among the 20 highest ski resorts in the world.
Dizin International Resort features four pistes, a beginner piste in the northeast of the resort, a professional piste with a sharp slope that stretches 9 km, a grass piste in the northwest for the summer, and the snowpark piste above the Chaman restaurant with a U piste nearby. Overall, the pistes have 23 slopes of various difficulty levels including:
- 5 green circle slopes for beginners
- 7 blue square slopes for the intermediate level skiers and snowboarders
- 8 red slopes with several walls and knick points and icy areas
- 3 black diamond slopes that challenge the professionals
There are 4 Gondola lifts, 9 ski lifts, and 3 chair lifts that cover all 23 slopes in the complex. There are also snowmobiles and snowboards for rent in the resort, which can be used to explore the vast terrain of the Si Chal trail and the Alborz mountain range.
Lifts in the Dizin International Resorts
You can easily traverse the Alborz mountain terrain using the 19 lifts available in the resort. In the following, we will introduce the various lifts and their routes:
Gondola Lifts (Telecabin)
There are 4 gondola lifts (cable cars) to transport visitors to different areas of the resort.
Shaleh Telecabin: This lift covers 1,750 meters and is 480 meters high. It connects the management office to the Shaleh restaurant.
Peak Telecabin: This lift covers 1,950 meters and is 430 meters high. Its starting point is at the center of the resort, and its final destination is the Si Chal Peak.
Valley Telecabin: This lift stretches 2,480 meters at a height of 510 meters. It starts at the management office and covers the giant slalom and small slalom courses.
Chaman Telecabin: This gondola lift is 1,480 meters long at a maximum height of 358 meters. It connects the management office to Chaman restaurant.
Chairlift (Télésiège)
There are two chairlift tracks in the Dizin resort. They carry the passengers on a chair at a high altitude, offering a fantastic view of the resort and the mountainside.
Peak Chairlift: This lift is 1,820 meters long and 308 meters high. You can reach the Si Chal Peak from the center of the resort on this lift.
Chaman Chairlift: It covers 1,430 meters at a height of 335 meters. This Télésiège connects the management office to the Chaman restaurant in the north of the resort.
Platter Ski Lifts
Dizin International Ski Resort has 9 ski lifts covering the various hotspots of the complex. Platter lifts are easy to use for beginners and can help navigate slopes.
Si Chal Lift: This route is 1,100 meters long, and connects Chaman restaurant to the higher slopes of Si Chal mountain.
Shaleh Beginner Lift: This route is 250 meters long, and is located in the northeast of the Chaman restaurant.
Chaman Lift: This ski lift is 1,100 meters long and starts at the northeast of the Chaman restaurant.
Villa Lift: This track is located at the northeast of the management office, stretching 600 meters.
Gavazni Lift (named after deer): This platter lift is 1,200 meters long, located northeast of Chaman Piste.
Beginner Lift: This beginner-friendly track is 720 meters long, and is situated northeast of the Shaleh restaurant.
Doppelmayr Lift No. 1: This track connects Shaleh restaurant to the northeastern slopes, covering 760 meters.
Doppelmayr Lift No. 2: This track is located north of the Off-Piste restaurant, with a length of 630 meters.
Race Platter Lift: This is one of the oldest lifts in the resort. It is on the north side of the Shaleh restaurant with a track length of 950 meters.
Ski Schools and Recreational Facilities
There are two ski schools in the resort, one near the piste’s entrance and another one in the upper parking lot. If you get tired of skiing, you can engage in a variety of recreational activities in this resort, including snowmobile riding, paragliding, snowkiting, biking, shooting, and tennis. There is a tennis court in the southern section of the resort.
Lodging Options: Hotels, Hostel, and Chalets
There are several hotels near the resort, the Dizin Tourist Hotel, and the Gajereh Hotel located 3 km from the hotel, which offers free transport to the piste. Another option is the Gachsar Hotel around 13 km from the resort.
You can also stay in the Dizin Hostel, founded by the SevenHostels Group, 4 km from the resort. Their prices are lower than the mentioned hotels. Chalets are another great option. Strong wooden structures that provide a warm and cozy environment for travelers.
Experience the Thrill of Ski at Dizin International Ski Resort
Dizin, the International Ski Resort near Tehran is the oldest and largest resort in the country and is considered the best winter sports venue by experts. If you are visiting Iran in the winter between December and April, Dizin is a great destination for a ski tour, whether you’re trying to ski for the first time or as a seasoned professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dizin Ski Resort
If you have any other questions regarding the complex or related topics, please let us know in the comments. We will respond as soon as possible.
When is the best time to visit Dizin?
The ski season in Dizin typically runs from late November to early May, with the best skiing conditions generally from December to March.
What are the operating hours of the Dizin resort?
Dizin’s lifts usually operate from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM during the ski season, but hours can vary, so it’s best to check closer to your visit.
What type of clothing should I wear while skiing?
It’s important to wear layered clothing that can wick away moisture. Essential items include:
• Waterproof ski jacket and pants
• Thermal base layers
• Warm gloves/mittens
• A helmet
• Goggles or sunglasses
Are ski rentals available at the resort?
Yes, Dizin offers ski and snowboard rentals on-site, including equipment for different skill levels. You can also rent paragliders, bikes, snowboards, and equipment for other activities.
What are the accommodation options near Dizin?
Various accommodation choices range from hotels and lodges to guesthouses. Popular options include the Dizin Hotel and other nearby resorts.
How do I get to Dizin from Tehran?
The resort is approximately 70 kilometers from Tehran. You can reach it by car (about a 2-3 hour drive) or via shuttle buses that operate from Tehran.
Are there ski lessons available for beginners?
Yes, Dizin has ski schools offering lessons for beginners and more advanced skiers, taught by professional instructors.
What non-skiing activities are available at Dizin?
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, and various après-ski activities such as dining and relaxing at the lodge.
Are there any age restrictions for skiing at Dizin?
Generally, there are no strict age restrictions, but children under 12 should wear helmets and may be required to take lessons.
What are the lift ticket prices?
Prices vary based on the season, type of lift pass (daily or multi-day), and age categories. It’s recommended to check the official Dizin website or local sources for the most current prices.
Is there a medical facility at Dizin in case of emergencies?
Yes, there are medical services available on-site for emergencies or injuries.
Can I bring my food and beverages to the resort?
Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed, but there are several restaurants and cafes within the resort offering meals and drinks, like Chaman Restaurant, Shaleh restaurant, Off-Piste restaurant, etc.
