A fascinating hub for ski lovers

Winter is a golden period for ski lovers. There are some active ski resorts in the country but when it comes to ski resorts in Tehran, ski players instantly recall Dizin, Shemshak, Darband Sar, and Tuchal.
Ski resorts in several provinces of the country open late in autumn ( in Azar) and receive local skiers until after Nowruz holidays. Believe it or not, one of the standard ski resorts of the country is located in the province of Kohgiluye and Boyer Ahmad near its center, Yasuj. It’s the only active resort in the south of the country which is 2,850 meters above sea level.
Dena or Kakan ski resort stands 18 km from Yasuj , near the village of Kakan and in the proximity of the spectacular region of Ab Nahr.
The fairly broad resort is 1,500 meters long and 600 meters wide. It includes dish tele-skis, snow beater, dorms, and restaurants. Experienced local trainers teach you how to ski.
Dena ski resort
Kakan is usually blanketed in snow from early winter to early spring. The resort is filled with inverted tulips in Ordibehesht and Khordad(May and June).Every year festivals are held for skiing and making snowmen.
To go there, you’ll have to stop in Yasuj, a historical and natural highlight.
Yasuj waterfall is located 3 km northeast of the city in the forest park named Abshar. With a height of 10 meters, it stands in a marvelous landscape.
The path to the waterfall is paved.
The protected area of Dena is a blend of diverse vegetation and wildlife. Abundant springs and rivers and Zagros animals such as bear, leopard, and rare birds have turned the region into one of the most spectacular spots for tourists.
The village of Karik, 25 km from Yasuj, enjoys an old texture and architecture. Houses lie on a stepped steep. With a mountainous climate, it is a perfect destination for a one-day trip in the heart of nature.
Among other highlights is Tange Dotak waterfall, in the protected area of Dena, which is a good option for adventurous wanderers as it lies in a tough and impassable mountain path. Darre Naderi waterfall is also quite fascinating.
Also, there are some ancient sites, remaining from the Sassanid Era. They are situated in the east of Khungah. Tamrady canyon housed 50 km west of Yasuj, on the Dhestan road , would amaze your eyes with oak and poplar trees , high waterfalls, and abundant ponds.
Mehriyan canyon lies 8 km northeast of the city on the Yasuj-Oghlid road. It’s not easy to access, though.
How to reach it?
The path to Yasuj from across the country might be quite far and long but it will never bore you thanks to its heaven-like beauties.
If you start your trip from the north, center, or east of the country, first leave for Arak. After the cities of Haram Abad, Pol Dokhtar, Andimeshk, Dezful, Shushtar, Masjed Soleiman, and Ize, you’ll have a long way ahead towards Yasuj. If you travel from Isfahan or around it, move towards Shiraz and then on to the north and Yasuj.
If you are among visitors who care much about food once traveling, make sure to bring your favorite dish and fast food along as you’ll hardly ever find restaurants and eateries around, unlike in Shemshak and Dizin.
But in Yasuj you’ll get to try mouthwatering kebabs made with fresh meat. If you are lucky to have friends there, you might have a chance to try Bilher Polo.
It’s made with Bilher (a kind of acanthus, its scientific term is Dorema aucheri) and chicken and is served with rice. It’s out of this world. Shole Masi or Shole Dudi is, also, a kind of Ash-e Dugh(Yogurt Soup or potage) which is quite famous and yummy.