When thinking of the Middle East, the flat plains of Iraq or arid deserts of the empty quarter come to the forefront of many people’s minds – enjoying a recreational skiing holiday seems bizarre and frankly not possible. However there are many more places where it snows and make an optimal, cost effective and less crowded ski destination! In January 2026, snowfall had a rebirth after a couple years of drought and lack of snow, making some of the below countries some of the most underrated skiing destinations in the Middle East!

Lebanon

One of the more well known skiing destinations in the Middle East, Lebanon has had foreign visitors for the purpose of snow recreation for years. During Lebanon’s golden era, many Middle Easterners and those from Gulf countries also enjoyed Lebanon as a prime ski destination.

The Best Places To Ski Are:

1. Mzaar Ski Resort Faraya

Lebanon’s largest and most popular ski resort, with around 80 km of pistes and terrain for beginners to intermediate riders and above. It’s about ~1 hour from Beirut and offers a lively atmosphere with great views across the mountains and valleys.

2. Cedars Bsharri Ski Resort

Located in the north of Lebanon near the famous Cedars of God forest. One of the oldest ski areas in the country with a classic mountain vibe and beautiful scenery.

3. Zaarour Club

A smaller and more relaxed ski club on Mount Sannine — great for beginners and families with a friendly resort feel and other snow activities.

4. Laqlouq Ski Resort

Quiet and scenic ski area near Jbeil (Byblos), good for alpine and cross-country skiing, with a more laid-back atmosphere.

5. Kfardebian‑ piste wardeh

Another local ski spot with good slopes near Faraya — often less crowded than Mzaar but still fun and scenic.

6. Laklouk winter resort

A smaller winter resort option beloved by locals — good for chill days on the snow and more budget-friendly skiing.

7. Al Arz Ski resort / Piste de ski bcharre

In the Arz (Cedars) area, several runs and pistes around Bsharri give you options for more relaxed skiing with classic Lebanese mountain views. 

Syria

While ski resorts are not yet a thing in Syria, it is possible to visit snow in the more mountainous areas, predominately in the South-West of the country, close to the capital of Damascus. Recently, there have been many locals taking day trips to the countryside to play in and enjoy the rare snowfall in other areas of the country. However since this is currently occupied by neighboring forces, we recommend the following places:

Eastern Bloudan / Mountains

In winter, Bloudan (a town west of Damascus) and the surrounding highlands often get significant snow and are visited by locals for snow play and informal skiing in suitable spots, though no organized ski resort infrastructure exists there.

Enthusiasts sometimes explore more remote mountainous regions near Bloudan and other elevated areas for backcountry skiing or snowboarding, but these are not formal ski resorts and require local knowledge and caution.

As mentioned, while no ski resorts exist, snowfall in Syria is common in winter and can provide a huge sense of Joy for locals!

Iran

Iran is an extremely mountainous country which hosts the Zagros mountains, parts of the Hindu Kush mountain range, the Alborz and more. Iran is one of the more well known countries on this list as one of the best skiing destinations in the Middle East.

Top Ski Resorts in Iran

Dizin Ski Resort

• One of the largest and most famous ski resorts in the Middle East.
• Located about 70 km north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountains.
• Ski season often runs December–May due to high altitude (~2,650 – 3,600 m).
• Offers multiple lifts, runs, hotels, restaurants, and good snow conditions.

Tochal Ski Resort

• Extremely close to Tehran (about 10 km from the city).
• Has one of the longest gondolas in the world reaching up into ski terrain.
• High altitude (~3,963 m) gives a long ski season and great panoramic views.

Shemshak Ski Resort

• Just northeast of Tehran, slightly smaller than Dizin but excellent terrain.
• Known for challenging slopes and a good choice for intermediate–advanced skiers.
• Facilities include chairlifts and surface lifts; some pistes offer night skiing.

Darbandsar

• Near Shemshak and often paired with visits to both resorts.
• Slightly quieter than the big resorts but still well-equipped for winter sports.

Alvares Ski Resort (Ardabil)

• In northwest Iran near Sareyn, scenic and often a choice for visitors to that region.
• Smaller but offers authentic Iranian ski experience and nearby hot springs.

Pooladkaf Ski Resort

• Located south of Iran near Shiraz (Sepidan).
• Offers winter skiing plus additional snow activities and mountain scenery.

Yes it is possible for foreigners to ski in Iran, however it is important to have a visa and follow guidelines and instructions.

Iraq (Kurdistan Region)

If you would like to experience a white Christmas, the Kurdistan region of Iraq is one of the top skiing destinations in the Middle East. While only one resort, Mount Korek is open with a functioning ski lift, snowfall occurs most years. Additionally a Radisson Blue has recently opened up at the top of Korek mountain, accompanied by another mountain lodge, an amusement park and many other small stores. 

Korek mountain is thus a popular getaway, largely undiscovered by foreigners. Many locals from the region or from other areas in Iraq vacation at Korek, sitting by the fire, drinking chai and playing in the snow.

Afghanistan

Skiing used to be possible in Afghanistan, a country with extreme mountainous regions, enclosing the Hindu Kush mountains. Under the Taliban government, permissions to travel to the country for the purpose of skiing have not been granted.

However, if you want to see snow fall in the lakes of Band-E-Amir, experience extreme snowfall on some of the country’s highest highways and even watch a Buzkashi game in the snow, you can join our Buzkashi tour in December!

Bamiyan Province – Koh-e-Baba Mountains

• Bamiyan (central Afghanistan) is the main region where skiing takes place. It’s one of the most mountainous areas in the country and has snow in winter suitable for skiing.
• There is very limited ski infrastructure — typically no proper ski lifts and few facilities. Skiers often climb uphill themselves or participate in backcountry skiing tours.
• The area hosts the Afghan Peaks Ski Race, a backcountry ski event organized with the local Bamyan Alpine Ski Club and supported by international travelers. Tourists have joined this event in recent years.
• Skiing here is adventurous, often on untouched snow and natural terrain rather than marked pistes

Skiing Destinations In The Middle East – An Budget And Crowd Free Alternative?

We should be beyond the times where most people see the Middle East as some arid, backwater region amongst other incredible geological formations. As skiing becomes more expensive in top nations such as the US, Canada, Europe and Japan, why not try something almost no one will believe you are telling the truth – skiing in the Middle East!

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