Writers’ Block

Unlikely king of ski

I read “Touring Iran” (Accidental Tourist, August 11) by Stephen Doherty with considerable interest, especially his reference to “the vast range of mountains threaded with ski paths and valleys of cracked snow”.

Actually, Iran’s best-kept secret is its exceptional skiing. It boasts all the facilities of Western resorts and Iranians are some of the friendliest people in the world, who welcome foreigners and love to show off their beautiful country.

The biggest problem you’re likely to encounter at the end of a day is having to decide which party to go to. Yes, Iranians are very sociable and they love to party.

The major resorts of Dizin and Shemshak offer some of the best powder skiing in the world. Blessed by high altitude and dry air, the snowflakes here make for wonderful, powdery snow. There are also fantastic off-piste and free-ride possibilities and ski-in-ski-out accommodation is available.

Dizin is the Middle East’s largest ski resort. At 2 700m, its base is higher than the summit of most Alpine resorts. Dizin has a good range of facilities, including 10 lifts and a combination of green, blue, black-diamond and double-blackdiamond slopes. It’s just 71km down the road from Shemshak.

Although Iranians are Muslims, they are Persians and one should not call them Arabs. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited, so do not even try to bring any. It’s absolutely safe to visit but, as in any country, do respect all customs and laws.

Iranian food is delicious: walnut stew, kebabs, boneless chicken, saffron, lots of lamb, good fish and superb appetisers, not to mention Caspian caviar! For more information, visit

piste-cats.com/67083826.— Richard van Zyl, Piste Cats Ski Holidays