A ski resort in Armenia is a great option to have fun and interesting time. Here you can feel the drive and adrenaline while descending a snow-covered mountain slope. Armenia is a Transcaucasian country located between the Caspian and Black Seas . Tourists will be able to visit the main ski resorts in Armenia in 2023 and have a wonderful winter holiday.
Geographical information
Armenia is located in the northeast of the Armenian Highlands. In the northern and eastern parts there are ridges of the Lesser Caucasus. This is the highest mountainous country in Transcaucasia. Almost 91% of the entire territory is mountains, the height of which reaches 1000-2000 or more. The lowest point of the relief is in the valley of the Araks and Debed rivers. The highest mountain is Aragats. It rises 4095 meters above sea level.
The southern part of the country is dominated by folded block mountains and deep river valleys. Characteristic features of the relief are large and high ridges, high altitude zones, and an almost complete absence of vegetation.
Climate: when is the ski season in Armenia
Winter holidays in Armenia will be as popular as in other seasons. Tourists are attracted by snow-capped peaks and mountain slopes. This is a great place and time for skiing. The main features are a high level of safety and high-quality tracks.
The skiing season in Armenia starts in November and ends in April. You can spend the New Year holidays in an interesting way in this country. Armenia attracts with its color and enchanting celebrations. Winter here is quite cold and there is a lot of snow. In the low mountain plains the climate is moderate continental and dry.
Major resorts
There are several operating ski resorts in Armenia , which are especially popular among tourists. You can spend New Year’s holidays and holidays in this country. Here are the trails and places where you can ski in Armenia with your family and children. The resorts have everything you need for an active and complete holiday.
Tourists can take advantage of high-quality trails, places to rent skis and other equipment. Each place at the ski resort is equipped with good lighting. Nearby there are hotels with comfortable rooms, cafes, and restaurants. Another advantage is specialized schools that teach skiing. Active recreation lovers who want to spend time at a ski resort in Armenia will definitely appreciate the affordable prices for all services offered.
Ski resort Tsakhkadzor
Tsaghkadzor is a small resort town that attracts with its comfort. There are few residents here. People who want to ski often come here, regardless of their skill level. The main feature of the resort town is its favorable climate, good infrastructure, and stunning nature.
For tourists, impeccable service and maintenance is provided. Guests will not have to stand in queues. The instructors speak several languages, so tourists from different countries often come here.
Trails and lifts
There are several characteristic features of this city:
- The ski area is about 1970-2820 meters;
- height difference on slopes – 850 m;
- the total length of all routes is more than 30 km;
- The longest skiing track is 8 km.
The mountain slopes include three sections. At the top there are black slopes with a 1000 meter chair lift. Next comes the middle section for tourists who prefer quiet skiing. The length of the chairlift here is 800 meters. In the lower section there is a trench where tourists can work out with professional instructors and show their skills. Here you need to observe high technique. The length of the chairlift is 9000 meters.
Lifts:
rope ropes – 2 pcs;
chair seats – 5 pcs.
Trails:
red – 6 pcs;
blue – 5 pcs;
black – 3 pcs.
A three-stage chairlift takes tourists to the highest point of Teghenis. The ascent takes on average 45-50 minutes. In total there are 15 trails of varying difficulty levels. The main feature of this ski resort is the modern cable car manufactured by LEITNER.
There is no main or additional lighting on the slopes, so they open at 9:00 and remain open until dusk.
Ski resort Jermuk
Jermuk is another ski resort in Armenia , where tourists from Russia and other countries often come. This town is located in the southeastern part of the country. The height is 2100 meters above sea level. In addition to skiing, tourists can visit mineral springs.
This is the main calling card of Jermuk . The ski resort is not inferior to Tsaghkadzor in its popularity .
Trails and lifts
Jermuk includes two routes. Their total length is 2700 meters:
- Trail for beginners. Its length is about 1400 meters.
- A route for professional skiers. Its length is 1300 meters.
Tourists can ride at an altitude of 2100-2500 meters above sea level. The differences are quite small, so city guests will not feel discomfort. They are no more than 400 meters.
To get to the highest point of the mountain, you can use a double chairlift. The equipment is modern and was put into operation back in 2007. The lift is regularly checked for serviceability and undergoes maintenance.
What else to do
In the resort town of Jermuk you can not only ski. Tourists can stroll around local attractions. One of them is a local waterfall. It is located at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level.
You can walk along the gorge of the Arpi hand. It divides the town into two parts. Tourists who come with children and teenagers will be interested in the Gndevank Monastery. It is the oldest of all buildings in Armenia . Even tombstones from the 10th century have been preserved here.
The program should include a visit to the Gallery of Mineral Waters. This is one of the main attractions of the city. After sunset you can visit the restaurant. There are no bars or discos in the resort town.
Sevan ski resort
Sevan is a city that has everything you need for skiing. It begins to gradually develop, but is still inferior to other resorts in Armenia . This is an administrative center, so tourists are attracted by good infrastructure. The town is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level.
Climate
The climatic conditions are quite harsh. Winter is long and cold. The humidity level is increased. From December to March, temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Celsius.
High humidity is due to the presence of a huge number of water sources. Lake Sevan freezes only in severe frost. Winter begins in mid-November and ends in April.
Hotels, restaurants
The busiest part of the city is the coast. There are a huge number of hotels here. Tourists are offered comfortable rooms in modern hotels.
Almost all of them have spacious swimming pools and establishments with local cuisine. Here city guests can try national cuisine. The pools are warm, and in winter the water warms up well. Accommodation in Sevan:
- Tourists who travel with children or relatives may consider renting an entire house or villa. The price of a small house is 20 dollars per night.
- Cottage with several rooms. Tourists can use their own kitchen with dishes and appliances. Rental price – 70-100 dollars per day.
- Villa. Accommodation rates start at $200 per night.
Near the cottages, including those in budget options, there is a spacious area. Here you can build a snowman, barbecue or barbecue on the grill. Many hotels in Sevan have their own official websites or cooperate with online room booking services.
Skiing (piste, slopes, lifts)
Sevan is inferior to such resorts as Tsakhkadzor and Jermuk . But every year it develops. Service and conditions for tourists are improving here. Guests are offered:
- various trails (there are gentle and steep slopes, separate trails for children);
- serpentine (its length is 2 km);
- black track (length 1.2 km).
The elevation differences are small, not exceeding 400 meters. You can go freeride on the slopes of the mountain. In Sevan, tourists are offered training at a special ski school. There is a cable car with a length of 1.2 km. It is located in the village of Tsovagyukh.
The school is located in the Akhtamar resort hotel. It is located at the very top of the mountain. This is the only resort hotel located next to the slopes. The rooms offer beautiful views of nature and mountains.
Ski pass and equipment rental
The cost of a daily plastic card is $10. At the rental point you can rent skis, goggles and other equipment for $10. Tourists are offered only day ski passes. They are sold next to the cable car, which is located next to the Akhtamar hotel. The cable car starts operating at 10 am and closes at 17:00.
Entertainment
Tourists who come with children should definitely visit museums. Many of them are completely free:
- Sevan Museum of Natural Science. It will be of interest to all tourists, without exception. A huge number of different exhibits attracts attention. They demonstrate the fauna of Sevan, life and features of the surrounding area. Tourists will be able to get acquainted with geological features, see ancient devices and tools used by ancient people. The museum is located in the building of the Cultural Center and is open on weekdays, and on Saturdays only until lunchtime. Entry is free for locals and tourists.
- Noratus. This is an interesting and unique museum, which is located in a large open area in the village of Noratus. A unique collection of stones has been collected here. The total area of the territory is 7 hectares. Tourists will be told the legend about Tamerlane’s troops. Visiting the museum is free.
- Sevan Botanical Garden. It will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. The garden is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Tourists are offered to see European and Asian varieties of plants. The botanical garden is open every day and admission is free.
Tourists who come with children or teenagers can visit the Museum of Local Lore. It is located in the city of Gavar, near the resort town of Sevan. Visitors are told about the history of the region and interesting facts. Tourists can see paintings, ancient carpets, ancient tools, anchor or bronze daggers, jewelry, and exhibits found during excavations.
Shopping
In Sevan you can buy themed souvenirs and special sets from Armenia . This list includes national dolls that are considered amulets. Local shops and shops offer semi-precious stones, jewelry, dried fruits, cognac and honey.
The retail outlets are located in the tourist area of the resort town, not far from the Sevanavank monastery. On the territory of Sevan there are markets where they sell cheese, homemade wine, inexpensive vegetables and fruits. Tourists should definitely bargain. This process is associated to a greater extent not with saving money, but with a special ritual. Large supermarkets and shops are located in Hrazdan, 20 km from the tourist area.
Local cuisine: what’s worth trying
While vacationing in Sevan, tourists should definitely try the local fish. In restaurants, guests are treated to trout and crayfish. Prices in establishments may vary. A serving of shish kebab in an inexpensive restaurant will cost 600 rubles per person.
Tourists can order dinner for two with homemade wine. It will cost 1400 rubles. The main feature is large portions, so guests of a tourist town often share them between two people. There are no grocery stores in the tourist area. Tourists who rent cottages or houses can go to Hrazdan and buy a set of groceries, as well as visit points with street food and hot drinks.
Features of holidays in Armenia
Armenia and its ski resort towns are safe for tourists who come to relax. There are no specific or strict rules here. Local residents are always happy to have guests, so they always bargain in a friendly manner at the market and give in to tourists.
People who have already come to the slopes of Armenia leave good reviews about their vacation. Such a pastime leaves only positive emotions. Here you can plunge into a special atmosphere and take a break from the bustle of big cities.
Tourists leave inspired and always want to come back again. Climatic conditions create a favorable atmosphere for people of different age categories. People often come here with children and teenagers.
Источник: https://otdyhateli.com/gornolyizhnyie-kurortyi-armenii