TEHRAN -- The first phase of the ski resort of Alvares based on the slope of Sabalan Mountain will be open to the winter sport enthusiasts and tourists in the winter 2003 in Ardebil.

Governor of Ardebil said that the project would also include road building, electricity cable installments, and transportation facilities. So far, about 20 billion rials have been invested on the project. He added, "Completion of the project, annual investment of 15 billion rials on cultural heritage section, refurbishment of mineral water facilities, investment of 40 billion rials to get the province ratified as a tourist region, opening internet sites to promote tourist destinations, and providing standard services, can all play an important role in attracting tourists to the region."