Winter is for many the end of the fun part of the year. It is cold, all beaches
are closed and activities like mountain climbing and hiking are at best full of
hardship and at worst extremely dangerous. Such people spend much of their free
time at home under a warm blanket sipping a hot beverage reminiscing about the
shiny summer days. But fortunately, not all people share their sentiments about
winter. As soon as the first powder falls on the slopes of mountains, skiers and
other snow enthusiasts pack their gears and head towards the nearest ski resort
to make most of the splendors of winter. In Iran people of the capital are very
fortunate as they have access to many spectacular ski resorts. Shemshak and
Dizin ski resorts are the most popular winter destinations for the people of
Tehran and other cities nearby. They are also widely visited by foreign tourists
who find the experience of skiing in Iran both satisfying and incredibly cheap.
However, most of them are ignorant of the fact that Iran boasts more than 20
official ski resorts, each known for a unique set of features. These amazing
resorts are found in the north, west and east of Iran. The mere presence of a
ski resort in Eastern Iran comes as a huge surprise to many people who associate
it with the city of Mashhad and the epic historic sites such as
Imam Reza
Shrine, Goharshad Mosque and the
Tomb of Sheikh Bahai. But
Mashhad day tours
aren’t all about religious and historic attraction within the domain of the
city. Those who have traveled across the beautiful countryside around the city
know by experience that Mashhad tourist attractions go far beyond a couple of
historic spots. Chalidarreh and Shirbad are two extraordinary natural spots
around Mashhad. The former is a recreational complex with lots of entertainment
facilities and a huge lake. The latter is the first and only ski resort east of
the country.
Shirbad ski resort is located 65 kilometers from Mashhad in Binaloud mountains.
Mashhad tours functioning in Shirbad usually transfer the skiers in a bus or a
van depending on their number. However, those who want to enjoy the delights of
the mountains while keeping their privacy, can take a cab from any of Mashhad
hotels or hostels to Shirbad. The journey will take about ninety minutes and the
taxi fee is between 20 to 25 USD. The fantastic quality of powder and the slopes
that extend as long as 1200 meters guaranty a memorable day for the skiers.
There are ski rentals for people without the necessary equipment. There are even
ski courses for those who want to try their hands at skiing for the first time.
Accommodation in the resort is restricted for a couple of dorm rooms but in the
near future a big complex will be established that includes lodgings as well as
restaurants and coffee shops. Shirbad is also known for its long ski season.
Given the altitude of the region and the high level of precipitation, Shirbad
ski resort is open to skiers for over five months of the year.
