It's winter and snow is blanketing the slopes of the Middle East and North Africa. It's time for a ski vacation!
There are more options in the region for this than you probably thought. Here's a look at some of the best spots to hit the powder.
1. Oukaïmeden, Morocco
The slopes of Oukaïmeden are the perfect spot for beginners or experienced skiers to enjoy the snow.
Perched some 2,650 meters up in the High Atlas range, the ski resort offers something completely different than the capital of Marrakesh, located 75 km to the north.
Hotels and ski rental facilities are located near the area's two ski lifts.
2. Mzaar Kfardebian, Lebanon
With ski slopes ranging between 1,850 and 2,465 meters, Mzaar Kfardebian offers some of the best skiing in the Middle East.
First launched as a ski resort with the import of a Swiss ski lift in 1960, the area has become a popular destination for Lebanese, Middle Easterners and international winter sport enthusiasts.
With several fine resorts and plenty of chalets available, you'll easily be able to find comfortable accommodation. Beirut is just an hour away, making it an easy day trip.
Other popular ski locations in Lebanon include Arez (The Cedars), Faqra, Laqlouq and Zaarour.
3. Korek Mountain, Iraq
Situated securely in the Kurdish region of Iraq, Korek provides a unique mountain oasis for travelers.
At an altitude of 2,000 meters, Korek Mountain Resort and Spa is the first of its kind in Iraq. Close to the historic city of Erbil, the resort can be accessed by a 3.7 km cable car.
4. Dizin, Iran
There are several popular ski areas in Iran, but Dizin is one of the largest. Located in the Alborz mountain range, close to Tehran and Karaj , Dizin's highest ski lift reaches an altitude of 3,600 meters.
Due to the high altitude, the ski season lasts longer in Dizin than in many European locations.
Other popular ski resorts in Iran include Shemshak, Tochal and Damavand.
5. Ski Dubai, UAE
If you want an all together unique experience, why not go for an indoor ski trip?
Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has got you covered, with an indoor ski area that measures 22,500 square meters. Featuring five slopes, the resort's longest run is 400 meters.
You may have heard differently, Ski Dubai doesn't actually feature the world's longest indoor ski slope. That's in Germany.
But, Dubai isn't one to settle for less than No. 1 ... and plans are underway to build the world's longest slope.
6. Erciyes, Turkey
Turkey, like Iran and Lebanon, has several great spots for winter enthusiasts. But reaching 3,916 meters, Mount Erciyes is one of the highest.
The uppermost points of the mountain are permanently covered in snow, making it an ideal place for skiers to enjoy the slopes.
Other popular ski spots in Turkey include Uludag, Kartalkaya and Palandöken.