blackjack
Oct 31, 2001, 1:10 PM
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Registered: Jun 29, 2001
Posts: 95
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Iran's best ski area, Dizin was established in 1969 and contains some rather ugly grey concrete blocks reminiscent of some of the French purpose-built centres of the same era, but without the subsequent sad attempts to make the places look nicer by tacking a bit of wood on the front.
The resort has a reputation for excellent snow, thanks to the altitude (one of the world's 40 highest ski centres) and the north facing slopes. Snow depths average 1.5 metres (5 feet) at the base and double that on the upper slopes. Queues don't happen except at the weekends when Iran's internationally little-known 'nouveau riche' hit the slopes. A day lift pass is extremely cheap at around 25,000 Iranian Rials (2 pounds sterling, or 4 dollars). It is quick, cheap and easy to hire boots and skis and even clothing in the village.
The only reported problem are the touts trying to persuade Western skiers to take a private instructor - although that isn't a bad idea as it's also some of the world's cheapest ski guiding. Base height is reported as being 2600 or 2700 metres, the top 3500 or 3550 metres.
The ski area itself is made of a short runs of easy to intermediate standard, mostly unprepared by machines and all well above the treeline. There is something for everyone however, from long, rolling, cruising runs to wide bowls or narrow chutes. Uplift is via two rather dated four-seater gondolas from the village centre, up to a height of 3500 m. There are drag lifts and a chair lift at locations around or a short ski from the gondola stations. There are two small hotels and 19 chalets/condos as well as restaurants in the village. FIS competitions are staged here.
Vertical Drop: 900m/2,952'
Top Elevation: 3,500m/11,480'
Lifts: 5
BlackJack
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