Iran: an unexpected destination for a holiday skiing
Iran is home to many varied terrains, and indeed hosts the highest mountain on the Eurasian landmass - Mount Damavand, which is 18,386 ft tall. There are also impenetrable rainforests, which one might not really expect for a Middle Eastern country, desert basins and wide empty plains. There are also seashores on the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Oman. For a country the size of most of Western Europe, its climate is therefore quite varied, ranging from an arid desert type climate, through semiarid to subtropical and tropical climates. In some parts, the temperature can reach 40C, but in others there are freezing winters and heavy snowfall is a common occurrence.
As such, Iran is a perfect, if unusual, destination for a holiday skiing. Skiing was introduced by the Germans in the early twentieth century when they came to help build the transport infrastructure, in particular the railways. The Dizin resort is the most popular, and many of the skiing resorts are only a short drive away from the capital, Tehran. Naturally, if going skiing anywhere, you would be strongly advised to take out travel insurance from a good quality provider, as you are likely to be covered for most of the major eventualities that might befall you, such as requiring an airlift as a result of a skiing accident, or even down to the relatively mundane such as losing possessions.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM to Iran are readily available, and as a country it really is closer and more accessible than you might think. When not skiing in some of the most rugged and exciting trails in the world, you might like to explore some of the wonderful Islamic art and culture on offer to the tourist. Of even more an attraction is the superb Iranian cuisine, which is based extensively on rice, chicken, onions, vegetables and herbs. A very important ingredient in Iranian cuisine, which gives it its distinctive flavours and aromas, is fruit. Quince, prunes, apricots, raisins and pomegranates are used widely, as are exotic spices such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon and parsley.
There is something on offer for everyone in Iran, and for something slightly different in your holidays this year, why not take a cheap flight there and find out for yourself ?
Mui Aponta recommends that you always take out travel insurance. He''s recently opted for winter sports insurance from AA Travel Insurance as he will be limited to one ski holiday this year.