"Yes, this gorgeous, altitudinous part of the Middle East is the skiing world’s best-kept secret."

https://nypost.com/2015/07/30/10-reasons-why-jet-setters-should-skip-the-alps-and-ski-in-iran/

While not the first destination that comes to mind for powder hounds, skiing in Iran is a growing choice for those keen to ride somewhere different in a country rich in culture off the slopes.

There are 26 ski pistes in Iran, 20 of which have international standards and are listed on the world-wide list of international tracks.

All resorts are located above 2000m and the highest one Tochal, goes up to 3750m, so they’re very snowsure and the snow quality is excellent.

Moreover, the cheap prices mean that powder chasers can go easy on the hip pocket while enjoying famous Iranian hospitality.

As the mountains are quite high, the ski areas retain their snow quite well. The season usually starts from late November and can stretch all the way through to May, depending on the season.

Iran’s ski areas reach altitudes that overshadow those of even the highest resorts in the Alps. Val Thorens, Europe’s loftiest resort, sits at 2,300m with slopes ascending to just over 3,000m, and the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, rockets to 4,810m. In comparison, Mount Damavand in Iran reaches 5,610m – just 285m short of Mount Kilimanjaro – and the resorts in the area all sit comfortably over 2,000m, with the ski areas reaching 3,600m and above.

The predominantly dry air that hits the Alborz mountains from the desert means that the slopes and backcountry terrain are covered in light dry powder, the perfect recipe for off-piste skiing.