Officials in Iran’s northwestern Ardebil province have announced plans to build “at least” five ski resorts in the region.
“Mountainous terrains in Ardebil Province are suitable for use as ski areas. The project is aimed at promoting winter tourism,” Nader Fallahi, head of the provincial office of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, said on Saturday, CHTN reported.
He called for increased participation on the part of academic institutions in tourism projects, saying, “We expect more support and contribution from administrative bodies and academic institutions so we could develop a more innovative approach to winter tourism.”
The area is located close to the Caspian Sea and just south of the Azerbaijan border, with Armenia and Turkey to the west.
Ardebil province is also ready home to the small Alvares ski resort, which operates a chairlift and a drag lift between 3000 and 3200m above sea level in a location 24 km away from the city of Sarein.
Iran has several dozen ski resorts including a number that are amongst the world’s highest ski areas.
