SKIING

Skiing

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort: Armenia’s Undiscovered Winter Destination

A winter holiday spent on a ski resort is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy the magic of the snowy period of the year. Many winter attraction lovers prefer skiing elsewhere in Europe or in North America, whereas Tsaghkadzor is also a unique place to explore in Armenia with better price and quality. The Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort located just above the Armenian town of Tsaghkadzor is approximately 60 km away from the country’s capital Yerevan. It’s a real paradise for skiers and mountaineers from Armenia and all over the world.

Shining fields of snow, scenic routes, well-groomed slopes, deep forests and lofty mountains, as well as various local resort houses and respectable hotels and restaurants, camping installations, sport activities and much more are waiting for you in the heart of Tsaghkadzor – one of the main winter tourism and leisure centers in Armenia. Here you can also relax, socialize, have a jug of beer while watching a football match or even smoke a flavored cigar after dinner.

Tsaghkadzor which means 'gorge of flowers' in Armenian is located on the eastern slope of Mount Teghenis, a picturesque wooded valley on the left bank of river Marmarik, at an altitude of 1,840m above sea level. Tsaghkadzor is a truly unique haven for ski lovers who visit here to taste the drive going down the magnificent mountain. Once a quiet destination, Tsaghkadzor began to achieve popularity as a skiing and winter destination during the rush of Olympic training in 1988. Further it developed into a ski resort, fully modernized with the old lifts being replaced.

The history of this little town, with population of 1700, dates back to the 4th-5th centuries. In cold winter tourists are welcomed to Tsaghkadzor by friendly, open-hearted and welcoming people. In 2005, Armenian Government initiated a special programme for making the city as one of the international tourism centres and Tsaghkadzor is currently becoming a world-class ski resort.

The skiing season in Tsaghkadzor normally starts in mid December stretching until March with the top slopes often fit for skiing in April. However, for best snow cover and weather, February is the most recommended skiing month. There are excellent conditions for off-piste skiing and snowboarding.

In 2004, a new ropeway was constructed on the slope of Teghenis which made the city even more popular as a mountain ski resort.

The 2500 meters long lift has been renovated by a prominent Swiss company specializing in assembling aerial tramways and other construction works.

Most trails are suitable for beginner level skiers and snowboarders although you can also get instructor services. The hourly pay is around 12000 AMD or about 30 USD.

In December, 2004, two brand new lifts were opened to the public, replacing older Soviet ones. Now when you get to the resort and passing Kecharis Monastery, the first lift, costing 1,000 AMD (approx $2) each time with four person seats will take you up to the real staging area. Whereas a second two seats wide new lift will take you up to the ski slopes for 500 dram. But at that rental area in the parking lot shown, the skis are 1,000 dram an hour or 4,500 dram a day. The third lift to the crest was replaced with a brand new one in late 2005. The view from the top of the crest is stunning.

Skipass prices

Price in AMD

Half day pass (09:00-14:00 or 14:00-17:30)

6,000

Season pass

250,000

One month pass

130,000

7 day pass

49,000

3 day pass

23,000