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.
Third year in a row traveling to the American West from the other side of the world for rock climbing, expectations and the outcome.
On Feb 22, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia reported an avalanche accident in Kotayk Province on the slopes of Mt. Teghenis 2851m.
Winter 2016/17 was a season for joy and exploration of new ski touring areas and tracks in Armenia and Georgia.
10 new sport climbing routes (14 pitches) we set this September in Noravank Canyon. Our friend Martin Tučka from Czech Republic, who visited to our Armenian Rock Climbing Festival in 2013 and put number of sport routes here, was back again for this project.
It is hard to stop going to Indian Creek and Yosemite once you have experienced that already. There are so many climbs to do and the local climbing culture itself makes you feel like you will be missing something if not to go these places even once in a season.
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.
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.
As the Up The Rocks club transformed into Armenian Mountaineering and Skiing National School, we started organizing multi-pitch climbing classes for young climbers.
June 7-11 was spent to set 8 more sport climbing routes in Noravank canyon, at the new sector called Areni.
Mystic basalt columns and limestone had been the initial motivation to travel to Armenia, but the potential for outdoor adventures took us by surprise as did the culturel experience.
“Eagles”, the way “Eagle ski club” members call themselves here, were the most cheerful group I have skied with!
Three routes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Petit Grepon and two on Longs Peak.
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!
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