Enjoy diverse winter sports and activities in Kerman Province
Kerman Province rightfully holds the title of a four-season province, with a diverse climate and landscapes that cater to a wide range of activities throughout the year. While Shahdad experiences scorching temperatures of over 45 degrees in the summer, just 30 kilometers away, the mountain village of Sirch and other pleasant areas offer much cooler temperatures and snowy conditions in the winter, perfect for skiing.
The province’s vast geography, as the largest in the country, features flat plains, deserts, and towering mountains, each with its unique ecosystem, providing an ideal environment for various activities, including winter sports.
This diversity extends beyond specific areas like Shahdad and Sirch. From the outskirts of Kerman, including Koohpayeh and Sekonj villages and others, to the cities of Lalehzar of Bardseer, a short distance from the province’s center, one can experience winters with temperatures below negative 15 degrees Celsius, while enjoying summer weather free from the need for air conditioning.
Additionally, areas near Baft, Rabor, Sardouyeh, Delfard, and along the route between Bam and Jiroft, including Dehbakri and Jebalbarez villages, showcase a unique climate and diversity that rivals any well-known point in the country, despite being less recognized.
Even in the southern areas of the province, which have a warm and humid climate for about six months of the year, mountainous areas like the city of Darb-e Behesht in the Sardouyeh district of Jiroft experience cold and snowy winters, providing opportunities for winter sports.
In addition to the cold and mountainous regions, the desert and arid areas of Kerman Province, which are less suitable for tourism activities in the warm season, are considered ideal for travel and recreational activities in the autumn and winter.
Contrary to the common perception of Kerman as a desert province, a significant portion of its area is comprised of mountains, and it is home to four peaks over four thousand meters, making it a suitable ground for mountain sports, including mountaineering.
One of these peaks is “Kuh-e Hazar,” located 100 kilometers east of the province’s center in Rayen, which is considered the highest in Kerman, with an elevation of 4,501 meters, measured precisely by GPS devices. It is the fourth largest mountain in Iran, the highest peak in the south of the country, and the roof of southern Iran.
Mountaineers ascend this peak by traveling to the city of Rayen in Kerman and climbing routes through Mirshadi, Ardikan and Bab Zangi villages and the Zar Roud path. Kuh-e Hazar has a concrete shelter at an altitude of 3,100 meters and a permanent spring up to this altitude.
Lalehzar Mountain
Lalehzar Mountain, situated in the northern region of Baft and 160 kilometers west of the center of Kerman Province, showcases cold, snowy winters and verdant, water-rich summers, adding to the allure of southeastern Iran’s geography. The mountain’s peak, with an elevation of 4,351 meters, stands as the province’s second-highest summit.
The most favorable season for ascending Lalehzar Mountain is summer, while winter climbs pose significant challenges, necessitating complete equipment. In the vicinity of Lalehzar Mountain lies Shah Mountain (Kuh-e Shah), the province’s third-highest peak, with an elevation of 4,349 meters.
Polvar Mountain
Polvar Mountain is situated around 45 kilometers from the city of Kerman, standing at an elevation of 4,233 meters. Its peak’s resemblance to Mount Damavand’s when viewed from the eastern front of the village of Jooshan has earned it the moniker “Kerman’s Damavand,” contributing to its popularity among Kermani mountaineers.
The ascent to Polvar Peak typically begins from the city of Mahan and the village of Darbar. Known for its technical challenges, including deep valleys, steep ridges, and renowned traverse routes, this mountain leaves a lasting impression on climbers. The optimal climbing season for this peak is from April to October, and during colder months, climbers must be equipped with complete winter gear, ropes, and support tools.
Apart from the aforementioned renowned peaks, Jupar, Golchin, and Sarmeshk peaks are also favored among mountaineers in Kerman Province, each offering a distinct and memorable mountaineering experience.
Ice climbing and skiing
Ice climbing in the desert of Kerman may seem surprising, but during the cold winter months, the sport comes alive, attracting numerous groups to suitable locations to engage in this exhilarating activity. The waterfalls in Kerman Province, due to the cold weather and freezing water, provide excellent conditions for this challenging yet enjoyable sport.
Bidehkhun Ice Cave
In Bidehkhun village, there is a natural ice cave that is considered a tourist attraction in the winter and early spring. According to the locals, it also has medicinal properties. Additionally, waterfalls like Rayen, Fosk, Simak, Khoshkar, and others become attractive spots for ice climbing during the cold season when their water freezes.
Skiing in Sirch
Sirch Ski Resort, located less than 50 kilometers from Shahdad, serves as the gateway to the Lut Desert and is the only ski resort in the southeast of the country, situated in the mountainous and tourist village of Sirch. The resort is located on the slopes of the Joftan Mountains in the village of Sirch. Skiing at this resort, like anywhere else, requires appropriate equipment, including boots, clothing, hats, goggles, and more, specifically designed for skiing.
In recent years, other mountainous areas in Kerman Province, such as Baft and Rabor, which receive significant snowfall during the winter, have been considered suitable for building ski slopes and hosting winter sports. Although this year, the precipitation in these areas has been less than in previous years, it has not diminished their attractions
and beauty.
Lut and Shahdad deserts
In recent years, the onset of autumn, particularly winter, and the favorable weather conditions in the desert regions of Kerman Province have created opportunities for sports activities. This pristine and captivating region is well-suited for a variety of sports. The Lut Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Shahdad Desert are among the most significant desert areas that draw in tourists and sports enthusiasts.
Shahdad, situated in the eastern part of the province, is approximately 100 kilometers from Kerman. It boasts historical and natural attractions. Off-roading, safari, hiking, and camel racing are some of the main sports activities that can be enjoyed in the Lut Desert during the cold seasons. In recent years, several marathon competitions have been organized in Shahdad Desert, attracting renowned runners from Iran and other parts of the world, adding a special excitement and appeal.
Sandboarding and climbing the sandy hills in the eastern areas of the province, such as Fahraj, Rigan, and Bam, also provide excellent opportunities for engaging in sports in the deserts of Kerman, which deserve more attention.
Sports in the Lut Desert, owing to its unique geographical location and UNESCO status, come with their own special conditions and considerations to ensure the preservation of this untouched and amazing desert area and the safety of individuals from potential hazards.
Hosting sports competitions in winter in Kerman not only showcases this ancient and beautiful land but also attracts more tourists from both domestic and international locations.