Winter Holidays in Armenia

Armenia welcomes everyone this winter season! There are plenty of fun and exciting activities to choose from.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a cozy vacation idealist, or an insightful culture explorer - Armenia has got you covered. Come with a group or solo to feel, explore, and enjoy your vacation. You are guaranteed to meet amazing people here, experience new and exciting activities, and leave with a full baggage of wonderful memories.

Bon Appétit!

Delicious authentic cuisine has amazing dishes to offer, some of which are specifically cooked in the cold months (Khash, Harisa, Manti, Ghapama). With the arrival of colder weather, the traditional Armenian desserts like Gata, Sujukh, Pakhlava, as well as a huge variety of jams from local fruits become more popular. Sweets are often coupled with freshly brewed coffee or aromatic teas of flowers and herbs from Armenian highlands. 

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

The number one destination for winter sports is Tsaghkadzor. It is the largest ski resort in Armenia located on the picturesque slopes of Mount Teghenis. The highest skiing point is 2,819 meters above sea level. From that peak, an incredible view opens up towards endless snowy landscapes, Mount Ararat, and Lake Sevan. The skiing season starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of March. During this time, skiers and snowboarders of all levels come to practice their favorite sports. Learning to ski or snowboard for the first time is also an option here. All the necessary equipment can be rented on the spot and the professional athletes will train the beginners. Tsaghkadzor is very lively in the winter. In addition to sports, the resort has many other entertainment options including zipline, excursion programs, museums, restaurants, bars, clubs, and much more. And of course, you're sure to find a cozy stay that suits your taste, from Airbnb rentals to luxurious Marriott hotel rooms.

Snow Kiting

Vast spaces, wind and lots of snow – it’s all you need for an amazing winter kiting experience! Currently, there are a couple of popular spots in Armenia for practicing this wonderful extreme sport, including Aparan, Amasia, Gyumri, Sevan, and Lernanist. Having experience in skiing or snowboarding is preferable, since snow kiting is not an easy sport. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the entire beauty of snowy landscapes at your preferable speed (it can range anywhere between 15 to 240 km/h). Choose to ride on skis or a snowboard and enjoy your one-of-a-kind snow kiting experience in Armenia!

Winter Rafting

For the past few years rafting has become one of the favorite activities in Armenia. In Lori Province you can go winter rafting this season! For all the adrenaline seekers, rafting in the Debed River will be an unforgettable experience. Special clothing and equipment can be rented on the spot. After the cold waters of Debed, there is a very nice bonus – a Furako bath! This Japanese style wooden bathtub can be placed either indoors or outdoors and the water in it can get heated anywhere up to 45 C. Furako bath will relax your body and harmonize all internal bio-streams. Welcome to Lori and a special rafting area along Debed!

Wellness Resorts

Jermuk’s Medical Resorts are perfect for those who aren’t big fans of adrenaline and prefer to improve their health conditions instead. This spa town is famous for its hot springs with healing waters. Due to the large forest reserves, the air in Jermuk is very fresh and rich in oxygen. Moreover, the symmetrical alleys of pine and fir trees on each street add a unique aroma to the air. All kinds of wellness therapies are offered here - peat baths, hydro-massages, magnetic radiation, bathing in hot springs, treatment of stomach disorders and joint pains, and much more. The heart of Jermuk and the favorite gathering place of all the visitors is the gallery with drinking fountains. Mineral water coming from the underground springs is continuously pouring into five large stone jars. Each jar collects water of a different temperature - from 33 to 56 degrees Celsius. Regardless of your health conditions, everyone is recommended to drink the mineral water of Jermuk on an empty stomach because of its amazing healing properties.

Hot Air Balloon

Those who love breathtaking panoramic views and unforgettable emotions can experience a hot air balloon ride. It will offer an amazing bird's eye view of the beautiful mountainous landscapes anywhere in the country. The main balloon flights are organized in Garni, one of the oldest cities in Armenia. The higher the balloon goes, the nicer the views from above. You will see the village of Garni, Khosrov national reserve, the ruins of the Havuts Tar Monastery and the picturesque Garni gorge. But the jewel of the entire site is the Garni Temple - a masterpiece of pre-Christian Armenian architecture. The temple was built in 77 BC by King Trdat I Arshakuni and is the only pagan temple that has survived to this day in the entire region. The views and emotions experienced on the hot air balloon will forever stay in your memory. 

Zipline

The most daring extreme sport lovers can go ziplining in multiple locations in Armenia! The largest ziplining stations are in Yerevan, Yenokavan, Tsaghkadzor and Dilijan. Each will offer you a completely different view of the surrounding landscapes. Flying over endless forests, gorges and canyons hanging on a single cable is simply breathtaking! Mountains. Ziplining is an incredible feeling of freedom and a one-of-a-kind experience!

Author: Anahit Antanyan

Winter Holidays in Armenia