In Pictures

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.

Skiing at Iran’s gateway of the snowcapped mountain / Please Do Not Use — A number of officers are posted at the Darbandsar Ski Resort to ensure security. [Mohammad Ali Najib/XEn News]

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.