“To the south and back" is a 30 meters traverse bouldering problem, with a bit overhanging relief and a lot of pockets.
I estimated the route V4, but it could be V5 at ease. The way “South” is a comparatively easy half way, it goes abut 1-2m high horizontal line of the rock. And the way back goes through the upper part of the rock and has more pockets for 1 or 2 fingers. The route is very nice for a good warming up.
Location is the bouldering section in the Hrazdan gorge, in the territory of "Spitak" rescue center, Yerevan.
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
Click to open image!
https://www.uptherocks.com/index.php/uptherocks-archive/148-to-the-south-and-back-v4-first-traverse-30m#sigProId76fe7f9a04
On Feb 12, Jared Nielson, Andranik Miribyan and Mkhitar Mkhitaryan went to the project - the fourth pitch WI 4 of the cascade ice falls in Arpa gorge, Armenia.
On Sunday afternoon Vahe, Alla, Marina and me decided to go to Noravank for climbing. Soon we met our friends there and joined to a picnic.
Jacob Balzani Loov an Italian photographer and journalist visited Armenia for the work, and at once appeared to our climbing circle to fill his weekends with a joy.
Before reading an article in Rock & Ice and watching Sam Bie’s excellent film on Armenian climbing, we virtually knew nothing about this little land locked country, except for the genocide and their world famous wrestlers.
Like in the Alps and Caucasus, the snow conditions were poor in Armenia as well during past winter months. In Aspen though, where I spent skiing and teaching for the ski school there, it was a decent early season and very good snow throughout the season. Then came the long awaited March to guide for ski touring in Armenia.
I finally skied one of my projects in Fox Mountains, solo. My skiing buddies were busy to support me on this backcountry trip, and the weather is warming drastically in the valley now, so it had to be done now or postponed to next year which I didn't like for some reasons.
On March 17-24, the program of heli-skiing in Armenia runs with sunny weather and good snow.
The initiator of this ski touring program Andre Souvignet, and Up the Rocks was hosting Andre’s team with a pleasure in Georgia.
8/38 Margaryan str., 0036 Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Tel: +374-93-337-937, +374-93-318-006.