We here at FREESKIER are always keen to read about uncommon places to get our shred on. As far as unique ski destinations go, Iran probably doesn’t crack the top five in terms of places this editor would think of strapping on a pair of planks. However, Asheville, North Carolina-based Iran Luxury Travel is extending the offer to plan custom ski trips to Dizin Ski Resort, in Iran.

Dizin is located in the Alborz Mountain Range, which dominates the topography of northern Iran. For those with any questions as to how awesome the skiing may be in this range, the tallest peak in the Alborz Mountains, Mount Damavand, is a staggering 15,312-feet in elevation. These are big mountains, people. Dizin’s base elevation sits at about 8,600-feet and tops out at an impressive 11,800-feet, too, ensuring a season that’ll last from December until May. Rumor has it that Dizin offers a bevy of above treeline ski runs, ideal for the hard chargers out there.

For those looking to add even more adventure to their pursuit of skiing, check out Iran Luxury Travel, which is currently offering custom trips for 2015-16, for a variety of time frames. Just be sure to brush up on your Persian.

Note: Please be aware of International Travel Advisories before pursuing a trip abroad. For advisories pertinent to Iran, click here.

Information provided by Iran Luxury Travel:

Whistler. Aspen. Whiteface. Smuggler’s Notch. Dizin. To North American skiers and snowboarders, the first four iconic resorts will be familiar. But Dizin? “For world-class skiing and boarding, it’s time to add Iran to your list of exciting snow destinations,” says Steve Kutay, CEO and founder of Iran Luxury Travel, the only North American company that plans custom ski travel to Iran.

Europeans have long valued Dizin’s easy access (just two hours from Tehran), long season (late November to late May), high elevation (9,000-foot at the base, higher than the summits of some Alpine resorts) and some of the best powder in the world. Lifts to 12,000 feet, above the tree line, reach an array of up to 20 green, blue, black diamond and black double diamond runs: abundant choices for everyone, but particularly for intermediate and experienced.

English-speaking instructors are available for a day at less than the cost of an hour’s instruction at most North American and European resorts, and lift tickets range from $US 20 to $US 25/$CA 26-32.

The ski-in, ski-out Alpine-style Dizin Hotel is at the base of the slopes, just a few steps from the lifts, and was built for the former Shah, an avid skier. Rated 3-stars, the hotel’s location can’t be beat. English-speaking staff can recommend dining options around the village; hotel rates include breakfast.

Mogul-lovers will want to add a few days at Shemshak, just 9 miles away, for even more adventure: steeper runs, some rated triple-black-diamond.

Iran Luxury Travel will custom-plan trips of any length, but suggests their “Ski/Snowboard Iran” 5-day/4-night package for a minimum of two people priced at just $US 950/$CA 1,233 person double, including daily breakfast at the Dizin. Airfare is not included. Sightseeing in other parts of Iran can easily be added, such as their one-week “Highlights of Iran” tour at $US 2,400/$CA 3,115 per person double.

Iran Luxury Travel’s prices for two people, with a private car, driver and guide, are generally less expensive than other tour operators charge per person in a group tour of 15 people or more. Iran Luxury Travel will help arrange visas for this first-in-a-lifetime experience.

Iran Luxury Travel, based in Asheville, NC, was founded by Steve and Pat Kutay; Steve fell in love with Iran and its people on his first trip there in the 1970s, and returned with Pat in 2014. “This is an exciting moment for US travelers to Iran,” Steve Kutay concluded. “Interest is high, and Americans are warmly welcomed. As one of our recent travelers, Professor William Beeman of the University of Minnesota says, ‘Every American should visit Iran.’”

For more details, visit www.IranLuxuryTravel.com, complete the contact form at https://iranluxurytravel.com/contact/ or call 1-828-505-3439 Monday-Friday 10 AM-6 PM East Coast time.