Winter Holidays or New Adventures in Armenia
There is no one in the world who doesn’t love to travel. Some prefer discovering new cities and countries, conquering the highest mountains, or descending into dangerous canyons. Many of us enjoy sitting by the fire, feeling its warmth, and socializing with people, while others prefer photographing places of cultural and historical significance.
Different tastes and preferences exist, but what unites us all is one thing—the love of travel, including in the winter season. And if you enjoy traveling and want to spice up your holidays with extreme and winter sports, I can suggest several options for such a journey in Armenia.
Winter in Armenia begins at the end of November or the beginning of December. It does not last long, and the weather is generally mild rather than harsh, sometimes snowy. In Yerevan, the average daily temperature in December ranges from +5°C to -5°C. I suggest starting your journey from the capital, Yerevan; the options here are diverse, and I assure you that you will find something suitable for yourself or your family.
Christmas bazar
In recent years, various Christmas markets have become very popular. One of the largest takes place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan until New Year’s Eve. Representatives from almost every field gather there, making it a great opportunity to discover dozens of Armenian initiatives under one roof. The selection is wide—first take a walk around, then start shopping.
Another market is located right in the heart of the capital, in Republic Square. I recommend visiting it in the evening: dress warmly, grab a takeaway hot drink, and start your walk from Abovyan Street. As the lights turn on, you will find yourself in a fairytale world. This year, Yerevan is especially magical for the holidays. Enjoy the rich decorations, the magnificent Christmas tree, and the wooden huts where you can buy Armenian products or taste mulled wine made from Armenian wine, all accompanied by music.
Continue your walk toward the skating rink and attractions in the square, which operate daily from 13:00 to 22:00. Then walk down Amiryan Street toward Mashtots Avenue—you will be treated to a beautiful view.
If you want to make New Year’s Eve truly magical, for the first time in Armenia an Opera Ball will take place—a unique festive event in an exclusive format. Welcome the New Year at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Armenia, with a concert program featuring theater and guest performers, waltzes with audience participation, and hospitality.
An Unforgettable Experience for a Lifetime
On another day, visit Yerevan Park, the largest theme park in the region. Go ice skating—this is the best choice if you are traveling with children. It is an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults.
You can also skate at Swan Lake near the Opera. By the way, years ago when Kim Kardashian first visited Armenia, her husband, the famous rapper Kanye West, had an unplanned performance here, and at the end he jumped into the water—hundreds of fans repeated his act.
During the New Year holidays, many museums in Yerevan will be open for visitors—you just need to choose and go. Visit clubs, listen to talented musicians, and of course don’t forget about food: ghapama, khash, various traditional soups, and sweets like gata, baklava, and halva.
Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor is located 50 km from Yerevan and is one of the most popular winter resorts, especially for skiing lovers. A cable car, snowy landscapes—what else does an extreme holiday need? The cable car, with its five stations, is an inseparable part of the town. Around 30 km of ski slopes have been built here. In winter, both locals and thousands of winter sports enthusiasts from abroad spend their holidays here. The town offers modern hotels, cozy guesthouses, delicious food, hot tea—everything for a perfect rest. You can also rent sports equipment in the town.
Jermuk
Jermuk attracts tourists with its mild climate. In summer it is cool, and in winter it is snowy with almost no cloudy days. From an altitude of 2,480 meters—the highest point of Jermuk’s cable car—the whole town opens up before your eyes. At this time of year, Jermuk is indescribably beautiful and absolutely worth visiting.
The hospitality and warmth of locals will not let you feel cold. Visiting Jermuk in winter without experiencing its famous hot springs and natural water massages can be considered a missed opportunity. If you are traveling with children, get ready for the biggest snowman—you are in one of the best places for snowball games.
Ashotsk
Ashotsk has long been considered a winter tourism destination, though over the years it was somewhat forgotten. Recently, efforts have been made to revive this tradition. In winter, temperatures can drop to -30°C. Shirak region offers excellent conditions for winter tourism.
Even inexperienced visitors can enjoy skiing here, in what is called “ski walking.” There are ski routes both in Ashotsk and near Gyumri.
Gyumri
Gyumri is rich in historical and cultural heritage, and you can visit local artists and craftsmen.
About 11 km from Gyumri lies Krashen village, where a ski base operates with around 70 pairs of professional European skis. From December to April, depending on conditions, ski tours are organized here, along with snowball biathlon games and other winter activities. In Krashen you will also find the Tuy-Tuy guesthouse, a cozy rural place where you can enjoy potatoes baked on a stove, panrkhash, or a cup of herbal tea.
There is a lot to do in Ashotsk
You can spend several days here and enjoy everything the region offers. Hovhannes Frangulyan and Arman Ghukasyan organize a “Snow Picnic” in the mountains of Ashotsk. In a small cabin, they host khash gatherings, picnics, and winter activities. It is a hidden place among snowy mountains and valleys where you can relax far from the noise of everyday life. They may also prepare mulled wine for you. Around the fire, people talk, play board games, and enjoy life. Activities include hiking, ski tours, freeride skiing, and visits to frozen rivers and waterfalls.
Ashotsk Again
For those who love extreme sports, North Adventures organizes snowkite experiences with snow, kites, skis, and snowboards. They also offer guided tours through the wild nature of Ashotsk, tea ceremonies in the mountains, and visits to the local ski school.
On the way back, stop in Gyumri and try kyalagyosh—a traditional dish that may look unusual but is considered a delicacy.
Lernanist
Lernanist is suitable for beginners and families. It offers ski slopes, snowmobiles, traditional cuisine, a hospitable environment, and cultural sites. The community aims to become a winter tourism center. A ski slope and a small lift have been built here, and equipment rental is available nearby.
A snowmobile ride takes you up the mountain, where a fantastic view opens over the entire village. The beauty defeats the cold—you will stand there for a long time just to enjoy the moment.
Snowshoeing in Dilijan and Beyond
Another winter activity in Armenia is snowshoeing. You attach special snowshoes to your boots and walk through fairytale-like landscapes. It is suitable for all ages and requires no prior training. It can be done in forested areas such as Dilijan National Park, the Tsaghkunyats mountains, and other regions. In Dilijan, you can get equipment from the information center.
Hiking in Snowy Mountains
Armenia is a mountainous country—Guthanasar, Hatis, Ilkasar, Kajaran, Khustup, and many peaks above 2000 meters. In winter, it feels like a fairy tale. You can enjoy snowy trails, ancient monasteries, frozen waterfalls, deep canyons, and breathtaking landscapes.
Winter hiking is a unique experience. Even if you have visited these places in summer, winter brings entirely new emotions. Backcountry skiing is also possible here—without marked routes, you create your own path.
Don’t Forget About Food
On the way through Vayots Dzor or Syunik, stop at Areni or Aghavnadzor markets and taste ghourma. In Sisian, order kyalaghosh. If you are familiar with khash or spas (yogurt soup), this will become one of your favorite Armenian dishes.
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In Lori, winter rafting is available both on water and snow. You can contact Rafting in Armenia organization for details. Winter adventure centers have also opened in Vanadzor and Metsavan, offering skiing, mountain biking, and adventure routes.
Winter Adventures on Reservoirs
Water adventures continue with stand-up paddleboarding. It is suitable only for experienced participants. You can try it at Azat Reservoir, Lake Sevan, and Aparan Reservoir. Be careful—you will get completely wet if you fall. In Aghdznadzor, you can also enjoy a warm lakeside stay with a sauna, fireplace, and delicious food.
Free Flight Over Mountains
Paragliding flights are available this season from Tsaghkadzor, Azat Reservoir, and Yegvard. Zipline flights are also available in Yenokavan, Tsaghkadzor, Kapan, and Yerevan.
Snowball Festival in Aparan
Have you heard of the snowball festival? It takes place every year in Aparan, 59 km from Yerevan. Participants from different countries join the fun—you can too. On the way, you can stop in Aragats village and take a snowmobile ride toward the slopes of Mount Aragats, Armenia’s pride.
As you can see, winter holidays in Armenia can be diverse and full of experiences. You don’t even need to be an extreme sports lover to feel the warmth of the country. Knock on any village door—you will be welcomed inside, offered tea by the stove, and even roasted potatoes called “plech.”
I don’t know which region you will choose, but you will definitely enjoy local dishes like harissa, khash, kichrik, lentil or bean soups, gata, baklava… Yes, we love hospitality.
The material was prepared for 34travel.
