The Persian Snow Festival began as a simple idea among a small group of friends and students at UC Berkeley back in 2009. Inspired by the incredible skiing experiences we cherished at Dizin and Shemshak Ski Resorts in Tehran, Iran, we wanted to recreate that same magic here in the U.S. Our goal was to bring together Iranian-American students for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and shared memories.

That first gathering was small—just 50 of us—but the experience was unforgettable. We skied together, reminisced about the slopes of Iran, and created new friendships that lasted long after the weekend ended. As we returned home, we realized how special this event had been, and we decided to turn it into an annual tradition, welcoming more people to join our growing community each year.

Since then, the Persian Snow Festival has evolved into a major annual event in South Lake Tahoe, bringing together hundreds of Iranian-American winter sports enthusiasts from across the U.S. and beyond. We are proud to keep this event nonprofit and completely free for all participants, ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, connect with others, and celebrate our shared heritage.

More than just a ski trip, the Persian Snow Festival is a place to make lasting friendships, create unforgettable memories, and experience the joy of winter sports together. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder, we welcome you to be part of this incredible journey.

Join us, and let’s continue the tradition together!