Ski Iraq

Route

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Information

Overview

Start: Erbil, Iraq

Finish: Erbil, Iraq

Duration: 9 Days

Max. Group Size: 6

For a country more associated with deserts, Iraq has some great mountainous terrain in the northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region which we will explore with a qualified international ski guide.

Using the experience the Untamed Borders team has from our previous skiing and climbing trips to Iraq, we have identified areas that offer some great ski touring terrain.

Guests should have some prior experience of ski touring and be able to make their turns in all conditions.

We will start in Erbil and head straight to the peaks around the town of Choman near the Iranian border. Here we will find the best and most reliable snow. In addition to the ski touring, we are timing the trip to coincide with the Choman Winter Festival and Iraq Ski Rally. The Winter Festival started in 1952 but was stopped under Saddam, however it has restarted and now includes a fun ski touring race designed for people of mixed abilities.

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.

In 2017 we assisted an American team and film crew in making the first ski ascent and descent of Halgurd, check out this short film below they produced for The North Face and some of our photos from that trip here.

Route

Itinerary

Arrive in Erbil.
Depending on the time of arrival we will be able to arrange a city tour to some of Erbil’s sights, including the ancient citadel that dominates the centre of the city.
Overnight in Erbil.

Drive from Erbil to Choman along the Hamilton Road. Built by the British, it winds its way through the mountains of Kurdistan towards the Iranian border. If the snow is good enough, we will stop off at the Korek mountain resort. This resort has a chairlift. Sightseers mainly use the lift, but if the snow has been heavy then it will be possible to ski on the slopes too. We will then continue to Choman.
Overnight in simple homestay in Choman.

Following paths and routes explored on our 2017 trip, 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. Much of the area has never been skied before.
The trip will also co-incide with the Choman winter festival and Iraq Ski Rally.
During this period we plan to spend one night in a very simple local home high
in the mountains.
Overnight in simple homestay in Choman.

We will drive back to Erbil to connect with afternoon or evening flights home.

All accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch when skiing
All ground transport
Guiding
Entry to the Iraq Ski rally (worth US$100)

Visas
Insurance
International Flights
Entrance fees
Lunch & Dinner
Drinks
Tips
Ski equipment

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

3rd Feb

11th Feb, 2025

Available

$ 2500

Book

Information

We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. Even if we wanted to, the reality is that standards and costs in Erbil cannot be compared to a homestay in Choman. We consider comfort, location, design, character, security, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing a room in Erbil. A single supplement in Erbil can be arranged for $60. In Choman guests will stay in a communal room.

We do not directly arrange international flights to Iraqi Kurdistan. We can suggest routes and operators. If you are bringing skis then please ensure that the carrier will take skis.

For most nationalities, a visa is available on arrival at Erbil airport. The visa is valid for Iraqi Kurdistan only and NOT for southern Iraq.

We provide breakfast every day and lunch when skiing. We know plenty of places in Erbil. From traditional kebab houses to international restaurants at international prices. When there is an option, we let you choose how much you want to spend.

Unless the group is very small we take two vehicles when driving between towns and to the ski areas. If there is a breakdown, we will not be left stranded. When we choose our vehicles and drivers, we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of the journey, and the competence of the man behind the wheel. Your comfort, enjoyment, and safety of the trip is our priority.

Guests should bring their own equipment. A full list of recommended equipment will be given nearer the time.

You will be accompanied by a European ski guide for the length of the trip. There will also be a local Iraqi guide to translate when not on the slopes.

Trips to Iraq do create dangers of their own. While we want you to have as much freedom as possible, we must state that the tour leader has the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons. The route we have chosen passes through areas which we consider to be relatively stable. However, things can change, and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice. In Iraq, areas away from the roads do have a risk of landmines. We have experience in the region, including access to maps and information about where to ski and avoid. As with off-piste skiing in the rest of the world, there is a small but serious avalanche risk.

If you do want to extend your trip in Iraqi Kurdistan either before or after this one please contact us for arranging something or simply for advice and suggestions.