Armenia has opened the winter season: exciting routes, gastronomy, and new experiences

Armenia invites travelers to experience the authentic atmosphere of winter, full of warmth and charm. Snow-covered mountain peaks, centuries-old architectural monuments, and Armenia’s welcoming hospitality come together to create a truly unforgettable winter itinerary. With the arrival of winter, the country reveals a new side — serene, authentic, and full of places worth exploring, from high-mountain ski resorts to UNESCO World Heritage sites, monasteries, and charming rural towns.

Winter in Armenia offers travelers a wide selection of thoughtfully designed and easily accessible experiences. A convenient starting point is Yerevan, where visitors can explore Republic Square, the Cascade, and the Vernissage market, where streets decorated with lights give the city center a particularly festive atmosphere. From the capital, most of the country’s major landmarks are just a short trip away, making it easy to combine cultural experiences, gastronomy, and the beauty of winter nature in a single itinerary.

One of the most photogenic winter routes begins at the Garni Temple — the only Greco-Roman colonnaded temple preserved in the region. From there, the road leads to the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved into the rock.

In winter, both sites look especially impressive: the snow-covered basalt gorge of Garni and the stone cave halls of Geghard are filled with a cinematic atmosphere.

Another popular winter route leads north to Lake Sevan, where travelers can visit the Sevanavank Monastery, perched on a peninsula amid stunning winter landscapes. From there, visitors can continue to Dilijan National Park — a region of pine forests, cozy cafes, and tranquil winter scenery. An alternative route follows scenic mountain roads to the monasteries of Aghavnat and Goshavank, which become especially photogenic in the January mist and light snow.

Winter sports in Armenia are rapidly gaining popularity: the country offers several locations ideal for skiing and active recreation. The main ski resort, Tsaghkadzor, is just 40 minutes from Yerevan and provides modern lifts, slopes of varying difficulty, equipment rental, boutique hotels, and a lively resort atmosphere.

In the picturesque Aparan region lies the MyLer ski resort, warmly welcoming those seeking an authentic winter experience. Guests can enjoy well-groomed slopes covered in fresh snow and breathtaking mountain views, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation. The resort is equipped with modern infrastructure and offers convenient access to the slopes.

But MyLer is much more than just skiing. Cozy cafes, a relaxed atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed rest areas make it an ideal place to unwind after an active day. Both on the slopes and in the après-ski area, visitors can feel that sense of comfort and harmony that makes them want to return again and again.

Travelers seeking a more relaxed pace should consider Jermuk — a town of natural hot springs, wellness hotels, and serene winter landscapes. Those looking for active adventures will enjoy Ashotq — one of the snowiest regions of Armenia, offering excellent conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowkiting. For lovers of more intense mountain experiences, the Tsakhkunyats ridge provides guided ski-tour routes through pristine alpine slopes.

Rural life is an integral part of Armenia’s winter charm. Staying in guesthouses in Lori, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, or Syunik immerses travelers in cozy environments where wood-burning stoves, freshly baked lavash, herbal teas, and traditional winter dishes create a sense of warmth and homey comfort.

In many villages, guests can visit farms, participate in bread-making, learn local crafts, and interact with residents who carefully preserve centuries-old traditions — especially cherished during the winter months.

Armenia’s winter cuisine adds depth and flavor to every journey. Visitors can enjoy hearty and soulful dishes such as khash, harissa, dolma, ghapama, oven-baked meats, mountain herbs, and freshly baked bread from a traditional tonir.

Paired with local wines from Areni and other wine regions, as well as the famous Armenian brandy, winter meals become a memorable culinary experience in their own right.

Armenia is especially beautiful in winter: clear light, snow-dusted mountains, and ancient architecture turn the country into a true treasure trove of photogenic landscapes. Tatev Monastery, perched on a cliff and connected to the valley by a panoramic cable car, the historic Kumayri district in Gyumri with its unique architecture, and winter views of Lake Arpi — these are just some of the places where vivid winter stories unfold.

Armenia is an accessible and welcoming destination, where winter is revealed through bright and authentic experiences. Cultural discoveries, winter nature, gastronomy, and active recreation can all be easily combined here.

Convenient flights, visa-free entry, and attractive winter prices make the country an authentic and exceptionally photogenic destination for travel during the cold season.