Armenia is actively developing mountain tourism, particularly winter sports. The country offers various locations with snow and favorable conditions for skiing and winter tourism. Popular destinations for winter tourism include Tsaghkadzor and Jermuk. During recent years significant development has taken place in Lernanist and Ashotsk as well.
Tsaghkadzor
During recent years Tsaghkadzor has gained the right to be considered a ski resort. In 1969, a cable car was constructed on the slopes of Mount Teghenis, attracting both locals and international tourists, primarily from Russia. It aims to make winter holidays more appealing and accessible. The forested and alpine landscapes, mild climate, and opportunities for active recreation on the long, scenic slopes of Mount Teghenis make Tsaghkadzor a favorite among lovers of skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
Located just 50 km far from Yerevan, Tsaghkadzor has become a popular family-friendly destination for tourists seeking extreme adventure. The ski season here begins in mid-November and lasts until mid-April. It’s also an attractive destination for athletes from various national teams, who come for training. Besides, the ski tracks are intended for mainly intermediate skiers but also include routes for professionals and beginners. The highest point of the ski track is at an altitude of 2,819 meters, offering stunning views of Lake Sevan and Mount Ararat on clear days.
Jermuk
In the town of Jermuk, a ropeway meeting the latest international standards was built with 1.3 billion Armenian drams allocated from the state budget of the Republic of Armenia. It has been operating since 2007, with its ski slopes, which attract more and more tourists every year.
Lernanist
Since 2017, the village of Lernanist has opened its doors to all winter tourism enthusiasts. In a short period, this previously unknown village has become a favorite destination for tourists. Here visitors can enjoy skiing, sledding, hot air balloon rides, as well as enjoy the speed of snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
Ashotsk
The cold winters, abundant snowfall, and geographical location of Ashots makes it one of the most suitable places for developing extreme winter tourism. In 2019, a ski center was established in Ashotsk. This was the first of 10 flagship projects funded by the European Union, the aim of which is to organize outdoor events and develop winter tourism in relatively unknown places. The ski center in Ashotsk is managed by the Armenian Ski Federation.
