Like to experience skiing in Iran? To the northeast of Tehran, you’ll find one of the country’s oldest and largest ski resorts: Shemshak International Ski Resort. As one of the favorite destinations of Iranian winter sports lovers, Shemshak mostly attracts the more adventurous youth who come for freestyle snowboarding on its steep slopes. Stay with me to find out all you need to know before you embark on a fun adventure in Shemshak Ski Resort.
Altitude: 2550m to 3050m
Facilities:
2× Skilifts
3× Chairlifts
Piste Ratings:
1× Green Slope
2× Blue Slopes
3× Red Slopes 2× Black Slopes
Contents
Where is Shemshak Ski Resort
This international resort is located 57 km to the northeast of Tehran, Shemshak Village, Shemiranat County. Being on the heights of Alborz Mountains has blessed Shemshak with a highest altitude of 3050 meters from the sea level and the lowest altitude of 2550 meters. Shemiranat has been a summer retreat for the people of Tehran since the 19th century and it showcases a number of historical sights.
How to Get to Shemshak
There is no public transportation for getting to Shemshak. So you can use a private taxi service to get there. You should know that winter traffic jam can make your trip to Shemshak longer than you expect. Plus, some of the roads leading to the resort might get blocked by heavy snow. The easiest way to get to Shemshak Ski Resort is from Babayi Expressway, Lashgarak Road, Fasham, Meygun, Darbandsar, and finally Shemshak.
The Ski Season and Ski Hours
The resort is open from around late fall to early spring, depending on the weather. You’d better avoid the holiday crowd. The day slopes are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the night slope is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Facilities at Shemshak Ski Resort
Shemshak Ski Resort is well equipped. Ski rentals, ski runs and slopes, hotels, coffee shops and cable cars are of the facilities you can find in the complex.
Ski Runs and Ski Slopes
Shemshak is known for its steep slopes and tricky runs (mostly mogul runs). That’s why the slopes are mostly suitable for more adventurous ski boarders. They’re not crowded except on holidays.
1. Aftab (Sunshine) Ski Slope
On the eastern side of Shemshak Ski Resort and with a length of 1850 meters, Aftab Ski Slope starts from the peak and ends at the ski school. The vertical drop is 550 meters.
2. Mahtab (Moonlight) Ski Slope
On the western side of Shemshak, you’ll find the longest ski slope in the complex: Mahtab Ski Slope. With a length of 1950 meters and a vertical drop of 600 meters, this slope starts from the peak and ends at the hotel.
3. The Beginner Slope
On the southwest of the resort, this slope serves the beginners to the world of skiing. It has a length of 400 meters and a vertical drop of 40 meters.
4. Shab (Night) Ski Slope
On the western side of Shemshak Ski Resort, ski lovers can enjoy nighttime skiing. With a length of 950 meters, this slope makes skiing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. possible.
Other Things to Do Around Shemshak
Skiing and snowboarding are not the only activities you can enjoy around Shemshak Ski Resort. The scenic nature there also invites you to a pleasant hike. Plus, you may like to enjoy a ride on the resort’s cable cars.
Getting around the Resort
Two chairlifts and three surface lifts make each slope easily accessible. They start from Shemshak Hotel and take you to the mountaintop. The resort also offers a number of off-piste trails that are reachable from the top.
Eating at Shemshak Ski Resort
When in Shemshak, don’t worry about food. Because there are a number of coffee houses and restaurants at and near the resort. One of its 4 restaurants enjoys a great view on the summit. Don’t miss the mouthwatering Shemshak fruit rolls.
Staying Near Shemshak Ski Resort
Like to stick around Shemshak more than one day? Hotel Shemshak, Hotel Barin, and Meygun Hotel are of the places you can stay in. Hotel Shemshak is the nearest accommodation to the resort and Hotel Barin features an interesting architecture.
The Climate and the Dangers
Shemshak Ski Resort is located on a cold mountainous area. The snowfall is sometimes so heavy that the Dizin-Shemshak road often gets snow-blocked during winter. You should take the weather forecast for this region very seriously because there is a high risk of avalanche.
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