Damavand is the highest peak in the middle east, which located in the heart of Alborz mountain range, and ideal for winter activities like ski mountaineering.
The Damavand ski resort is one of the highest ski resorts in the world that located in the heart of Alborz mountain range in Mazandaran Province. The highest elevation of the Damavand ski resort is 5671m (18605.64 ft.) while its lowest elevation is 4147m (13605.64 ft.) with a vertical drop of 1524m. This ski resort has no ski facilities such as ski lift, cable cabin, chair lift, gondola or telecabin, rental shop, ski school, and hotel. As a consequence, the ascent is done on feet and it is suitable for intense activities like ski mountaineering, ski touring, climbing, hiking & trekking, wild ski, snowboard, off-piste skiing, and downhill ski. Due to the geographical location of the Mount Damavand, heavy snowfalls are forecast during the winter season and therefore the whole mountain is possible to ski.
There are no ski lifts, rental shop, ski school and hotel in this ski resort. Many shelters and refuges available on Damavand campsites for an overnight stay, including: Third Shelter (200 persons) on the southern route, Simorq Shelter (40 persons) on the western route, Takhteh Fereidoun Shelter (30 persons) on the northeast route, 4000 & 5000 Shelters (15 persons each one) on the northern route.
The ski season at the Damavand ski resort runs from Mid-November and last until mid-May. Please check the snow condition and road info before you plan to travel there.
The south route is the oldest and easiest path to climb Mount Damavand. To access this route, you must go to Polur and Rineh. At 65 km of the Haraz road, you must enter the Polur village towards Lar and then go to the Rineh road. In the middle of the road, you will see a path that is rugged and rugged to the north, with a small signpost that is about 6.5 km from the climbing base. The starting point of climbing on the south route, begin from the Sahib Al-Zaman mosque at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
The path starts from the left side of an Icefall after the Third Court (Bargah-e sevom) to reach a sulfur hill. It takes about 4 hours from the first court (Bargah-e aval) to the Third Court. Depending on your speed and ability, ascend the summit takes about 6 hours from Third Court.