Rising to an elevation of 2,635 metres, Davraz Mountain is one of the most spectacular peaks in Turkey’s Mediterranean Region. Located in the famous Lakes District between Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada, the mountain dominates the landscape surrounding Isparta and offers breathtaking panoramic views throughout the year.
The Davraz Mountain–Karlıyayla Winter Sports Tourism Center, situated approximately 26 kilometres southeast of Isparta city centre, was officially declared a Tourism Centre on 17 February 1995. Today, it is one of Turkey’s fastest-growing ski resorts, attracting both domestic and international visitors with its excellent snow conditions, modern facilities, and outstanding natural beauty.
Unlike many ski resorts, Davraz offers year-round tourism opportunities, making it an ideal destination for skiing in winter and outdoor adventure activities during the warmer months.
Geography
Davraz Mountain lies between Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada within the Taurus Mountain range. The ski resort is located on the mountain’s northern slopes at the Kulovası Plateau, where the terrain provides ideal conditions for winter sports.
The nearest settlement is Çobanisa Village, approximately 8 kilometres away. The area’s natural landscape features alpine meadows, forests, rocky peaks, and mountain streams, including Ardıçdibi Stream, which flows through the ski area.
The mountain’s vegetation consists primarily of:
- Turkish pine forests
- Juniper trees
- Cedar forests
- Alpine flora and mountain vegetation
Its proximity to Antalya and the Mediterranean coast gives Davraz a unique advantage, allowing visitors to combine winter sports with cultural and nature tourism.
Top Attractions
Davraz Ski Resort
The resort is renowned for its excellent snow quality, wide pistes, and spectacular views over Lake Eğirdir. Skiers of all skill levels can enjoy well-maintained slopes surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.
Lake Eğirdir Panorama
One of Davraz’s most memorable features is the breathtaking panorama overlooking Lake Eğirdir. From the upper slopes, visitors enjoy spectacular views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the fertile plains of Isparta.
Kulovası Plateau
The scenic Kulovası Plateau forms the heart of the ski resort and offers a peaceful alpine environment throughout the year.
Ulparçukuru Peak
Standing at 2,635 metres, Ulparçukuru Peak is the highest point of Davraz Mountain and a popular destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
Things to Do
During winter, visitors can enjoy:
- Alpine skiing
- Snowboarding
- Cross-country skiing
- Ski touring
- Snow photography
- Scenic chairlift rides
During spring, summer, and autumn, Davraz becomes a centre for outdoor recreation, including:
- Hiking
- Mountain climbing
- Mountain biking
- Camping
- Nature walks
- Jeep safaris
- Birdwatching
- Landscape photography
Summer Sports and Adventure Tourism
Davraz is one of Turkey’s leading destinations for outdoor adventure tourism.
Popular activities include:
- Trekking
- Mountaineering
- Mountain biking
- Off-road jeep safaris
- Camping
- Nature excursions
- Football training camps
- Wildlife observation
Thanks to its cool mountain climate, many professional and amateur football clubs choose Davraz for preseason training camps.
Paragliding
Davraz has become one of southwestern Turkey’s emerging paragliding destinations.
Flights are conducted from approximately 1,800 metres, offering spectacular aerial views of:
- Lake Eğirdir
- Isparta Plain
- Taurus Mountains
- Alpine forests
Both solo and tandem flights are available under suitable weather conditions.
Ski Facilities
Davraz Ski Resort features modern lift infrastructure designed to accommodate skiers of all abilities.
Chairlifts
The resort operates two double-chair chairlifts:
- Chairlift 1
- Length: 1,211 metres
- Capacity: 1,000 passengers per hour
- Elevation: 1,674 m – 1,961 m
- Chairlift 2
- Length: 936 metres
- Capacity: 800 passengers per hour
- Elevation: 1,961 m – 2,150 m
T-Bar Lift
- Length: 624 metres
- Capacity: 800 passengers per hour
Beginner Lifts
Two baby lifts provide safe learning environments for beginner skiers and children.
The lift system is operated by the Davraz Mountain–Karlıyayla Winter Sports Tourism Center Management.
Ski Slopes
Davraz is suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
Highlights include:
- Wide beginner slopes
- Intermediate cruising pistes
- Long advanced descents
- Excellent natural snow
- Minimal avalanche risk
- Clearly marked routes
- Beautiful lake views throughout the ski area
Ski slopes extend between approximately 1,650 and 2,150 metres above sea level.
Average ski run lengths range from 8 to 10 kilometres, allowing long uninterrupted descents.
Available winter sports include:
- Alpine skiing
- Snowboarding
- Cross-country skiing
- Ski touring
Accommodation
Visitors have a variety of accommodation choices both at the resort and nearby.
Accommodation options include:
- Four-star ski hotel
- University guesthouse
- Mountain lodge
- Mountain cafés
- Village guesthouses
- Hotels in Isparta
- Hotels in Eğirdir
The nearby Sirene Davras Hotel offers extensive facilities, including:
- Indoor semi-Olympic swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Wellness facilities
- Conference halls
- Tennis courts
- Sports complex
- Restaurants and cafés
The resort also features mountain cafés where visitors can relax while enjoying spectacular views of the ski slopes and Lake Eğirdir.
Climate
Davraz enjoys a mountain climate.
Winter temperatures regularly remain below freezing, providing excellent snow conditions from December through April.
Average snow depth ranges from:
- 50 cm to 250 cm
The dry mountain air and abundant sunshine create excellent skiing conditions throughout the season.
Ski Season
The ski season generally runs from:
December – Late April
Resort characteristics:
- Season length: Approximately five months
- Average snow depth: 0.5–2.5 metres
- Ski area: 440 hectares
- Average skiing altitude: 2,000 metres
- Highest peak: 2,635 metres (Ulparçukuru)
Getting There
Davraz Ski Resort is easily accessible via modern asphalt roads that remain open throughout the winter season.
Distances:
- Isparta City Centre – 26 km
- Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport – 50 km
- Eğirdir – 23 km
- Antalya City Centre – 140 km
- Antalya Airport – approximately 150 km
Regular transfers, taxis, rental cars, and tour operators provide convenient transportation to the resort.
Climbing Routes
Davraz Mountain offers several excellent mountaineering routes.
Western Route
Beginning at Sav Village on the Isparta–Antalya highway, this is the most popular summer climbing route. It can usually be completed in a single day without technical climbing equipment, although ice axes and crampons may be required during winter.
Northern Route
Starting from the ski resort and continuing via Karlıyayla and Oğlaktaşı to Ulparçukuru Peak, this route offers impressive scenery but can be hazardous during winter due to cornices and avalanche risk. It is recommended only for experienced mountaineers.
Eastern Route
This longer but safer winter route passes through Büyük Geven Plain before reaching Küçük Davraz and finally the summit of Büyük Davraz. Although less frequently used because of its length, it is popular among experienced hikers seeking a more gradual ascent.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can combine their trip with many attractions in the Lakes Region, including:
- Lake Eğirdir
- Lake Kovada
- Kovada Lake National Park
- Eğirdir Castle
- Isparta City Centre
- Gölcük Nature Park
- Yazılı Canyon Nature Park
- Sagalassos Ancient City
- Lavender fields of Keçiborlu and Kuyucak (seasonal)
Travel Tips
- Visit between December and April for the best skiing conditions.
- Summer is ideal for hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
- Beginners can take advantage of the gentle lower slopes and ski instruction available at the resort.
- Dress in layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter, due to the strong reflection of sunlight from the snow.
- Don’t miss the panoramic views of Lake Eğirdir from the upper chairlift stations.
- Reserve accommodation in advance during weekends and school holidays, as the resort becomes particularly popular.
Why Visit Davraz Mountain?
Davraz Mountain offers one of Turkey’s finest all-season mountain experiences. With reliable snowfall, modern ski facilities, spectacular scenery, excellent accessibility, and a wide range of outdoor activities, it has become one of the country’s premier destinations for winter sports and adventure tourism.
Whether you’re skiing above the shimmering waters of Lake Eğirdir, hiking to the summit in summer, soaring over the mountains by paraglider, or simply enjoying the fresh alpine air from a mountain café, Davraz promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Turkey’s beautiful Lakes Region.