To Ski Iran or Iraq?
To Ski Iran or Iraq?
Published : 25-Aug-2016 09:32
Although there's a serious lack of interesting new conventional ski destinations for the UK's leading ski tour operators for this coming winter, with most just offering the same places others already offer, there are, rather surprisingly, some new more unusual destinations to try.
Both Iran and Iraq are being sold as ski trip destinations by two separate companies. Mountain Heaven, who have previously specialised in Chalet and apartment holidays mostly in the French Alps, are offering Iran, whilst Untamed Borders, specialists in travel to more off the beaten track destinations are offering what's believed to be the first ski trip to Iraq.
Although their names are similar and they are of course neighbours, the skiing experience offered by each country is very different.
Iran has a long history of skiing with some of the world's highest ski lifts, established conventional resorts and with the lifting of sanctions is regarded as a largely safe destination by the Foreign Office.
Iraq has more limited mountain terrain, mostly in the north of the country is the area controlled by the Kurds. The Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel here and against all travel to large parts of the country.
Untamed Borders, has announced it will be organising a 10 day "reccy" ski trip to Iraq from 28th January - 6th February 2017.
"As far as we are aware, this will be the first ever commercial ski trip to Iraq," said James Willcox of Untamed Borders Ltd, a company experienced in organising trips to very off-the-beaten-track ski destinations, including Afghanistan.
"Using the experience the Untamed Borders team has of guiding and climbing in Iraq, we have identified areas that offer some great ski touring terrain," said James.
Guests should ideally have some prior experience of ski touring although the trip is designed for people of all abilities to come along.
Skiers will follow paths and routes explored by Untamed Borders' guides trekking and climbing in the area over the past two winters. The group will ski the slopes of Halgurd – Iraq's highest peak and other areas. The group will be also exploring new routes and runs. Almost all of the area has never been skied.
The tour will start in the historic city of Erbil and head straight to the peaks around the town of Choman near the Iranian border which has a reputation for the region's best and most reliable snow.
Tour participants will also head to the village of Penjwen to witness and ski with Iraq's only ski club that teaches winter sports to local school children.
There will also be a visit to Korek Mountain Resort, subject to conditions, which is home to Iraq's only ski lifts.
"Iraq has some major problems at the moment but in the far north of the country security is good and it is possible to experience some of the famous Kurdish hospitality amongst the peaks. The chance to truly blaze a tourist trail is a rare opportunity," says James.
The trip costs US$2450 (approximately £1,850) which includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, lunch when skiing, all ground transport and guiding.
A maximum number of 10 people can take part in the trip and are asked to make their own arrangements for travel to Iraqui Kurdistan and bring their ski equipment with them, as well as their insurance and visas (which can normally be arranged on arrival in Iraq) although Untamed Borders can provide advice on all these matters. untamedborders.com
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