Armenian Alpinism and Rock Climbing

As Armenia is renowned for its mountainous terrain -- with 16 mountain ranges with 25 prominent peaks and a number of dormant volcanoes -- it is the ideal environment for partaking in extreme activities and sports such as alpinism (hiking, trekking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.) and rock climbing.  Think you’re not fit enough to participate in these activities or sports?  Don’t be put off, completely!  There are different levels of activities and sports for different levels of fitness, coupled with professional tours (with training) to ensure your safety (where necessary).

Armenian Alpinism and Rock Climbing

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and trekking activities offer the active tourist a way of viewing crucial and fascinating parts of the country, far from the bustling civilisation and noise of the city, which cannot be reached by a vehicle.  You can spend your whole visit on one of these tours, or just a weekend during your visit.  Whatever you decide to do, it will be an experience not to be missed – with the opportunity to connect with nature in an unknown place.

Mountain Climbing

Are you a mountain climbing enthusiast or would you like to give it a go?  There are some easier routes available for the beginner or inexperienced, with the added benefit of an instructor/guide.  However, if you are a little more experienced and adventurous, there are a variety of routes to offer a maximum challenge (especially on Mount Aragats and Khutsup) and you can rent the necessary equipment for these climbs if you wish to do them solo.

Mountain Skiing

Enjoy skiing? Armenia is a fabulous place to take a skiing trip, especially at Tsahkadzor Skiiing Resort-Town.   It was at this town, in 1968, that the main USSR sports base was built, which trained athletes such as: Alekseev, Vardanyan and Lemeshev.  Today, it is a very modern and well-developed tourist destination, with pleasant hotels, delicious restaurants and heated elevators that will take you up to three levels up the mountain.

Snowboarding

Already an avid fan of snowboarding or do you want to give it a try?  These days, snowboarding is one of the most appealing winter sports, especially for a certain generation.  Seasoned snowboarders travelling to Armenia will not be disappointed, as there is a wide-variety of choices -- slalom, snowboard cross, free style, half-pipe, big year and slope style – offered at a number of resorts.

Freeriding

Looking for an authentic extreme experience?  Freeriding is not for the faint of heart – it is exceptionally perilous!  However, this is exactly why some people enjoy it: the thrill of descending down an unfamiliar slope, on fresh snow outside of tracked courses with the threat of potential hazards (avalanches, hummocks and unknown landscapes) at every turn.  Although Armenia is virtually unknown to free-riders, apparently the thrills to be found on Mount Aragat are second to none.

Helicopter Tour

If you really don’t feel courageous enough to tackle Armenia’s mountainous terrain on foot, ski or snowboard, but don’t want to spend your whole trip in the city, then why don’t you consider seeing it from the air?  A variety of tour providers will organise a helicopter tour for you and the bird’s-eye views are supposed to be enchanting.  These air excursions allow you to view the diversity of Armenia’s climates and landscapes whilst drinking in the stunning scenery.  Why would you miss it?