Last summer in July-August, 2007 I spent my holiday in Armenia, Hrazdan town, not far from Yerevan with my relatives. 

  My son was eager to join me, but that time he took part in Climbing European Youth Cup championship in Poland. At last he had an opportunity to fly to Armenia for a fortnight's holiday.  Just in case he took with him some topo pics (the internet search results) of Armenian climbing routs in Arzni, Bjni, Noravank.

  We took a taxi and made the southern rocky parts of Armenia.
We walked around up and down among those gigantic rocks, finding nothing of the kind then.
After the long quest for those climbing routes, we decided to take a short rest and have a bite in a nice coffee located near the bridge on the soundly river under the oak trees in the open air (…it was marvelous!!!) We looked through on a menu… delicious and gourmet food, such as roasted fresh fish ‘Ishkhan’ (trout ), kebab with lavash (Armenian bread) and spices and many other appetizing food…

  We were delighted with the nature surrounded by highly proud rocks and clean air. Suddenly we noticed some people nearby settled down climbing. They were members of Armenian “Spitak” rescue team - Mkhitar with his friends and guests from America. And it was the beginning of our acquaintance.

…Next week Mkhitar organized bouldering in Hrazdan canyon inviting my son, me and pretty couple Ando(the photographer) and Vergine there. And here are some Ando's photos of that unforgettable day.

Rock and Ice climbing

  • Revival WI4, 33m

       Our friend, photographer Hayk Barseghyan, had found this amazing part of Akhuryan gorge, and suggested it to us for ice climbing. 

     
  • After the Festival…(AfterFest)

    With the end of the Festival our motivation didn´t end! We saw so many lines, still unclimbed that we decided to spend one more week in Armenia for more first ascents!

     
  • “Toilet pan” V0

    Yesterday together with Mkrtich Nazarian we went to Hrazdan gorge to take pictures of the rocks “Spitak” rescue team territory for topo. 

     
  • Arman Ter-Minasyan has won the Youth Russian Championship

    On March, 24th in the Voronezh sport center "Energy" solemn opening, of the main youth domestic start of a season on sport-climbing championship of Russia, has taken place. 

     

Mountaineering and Backcountry skiing

  • Ski Season 2021

       One of the best seasons in terms of snow abundance and stability during the past decade in Armenia. Although without ski-touring tourists this winter, we made it quite fun anyway!

     

     
  • Aghvan Chatinyan (Armenian hard man)

    Aghvan Chatinyan was born on December 14, 1926 in Vardapluri, a village near Stepanavan, Armenia. 

     
  • Ski Season 2026

    Ski season 2026 is still going on, check for the updates of the pictures and the article! 

     
  • Ski-touring review 2016/17

     Winter 2016/17 was a season for joy and exploration of new ski touring areas and tracks in Armenia and Georgia. 

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