Skiing

Armenia is very beautiful and underrated country to visit in Europe and winter is the perfect time to plan a trip.

The spectacular mountainous landscapes make Armenia an ideal destination for winter holidays and active winter sports.

Annually hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world choose to visit this hospitable country which offers great value for money compared to countries in Western Europe.

But is it worth making a trip to Armenia during winter? Yes!

In this article we will share the best winter destinations to visit in Armenia resorts where you can mix relaxation with thrilling winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

1. Tsakhkadzor

Tsakhkadzor is one of the most popular winter resort towns in Armenia and every year it attracts extreme sport lovers both local and foreign.

The resort is located on the slopes of Teghenis Mount.

The weather, the nature and the mountains in Tsakhkadzor are ideal for skiing and snowboarding! The ski season here starts in December and lasts till March.

The height of the top skiing point reaches about 2819 meters. The slopes are divided into three sections by levels of complexity. The total length of the slopes is 4500 meters.

At the entrance to the ski station, you can find rental shops offering all the necessary ski and snowboard equipment if you don’t have your own. Those who wish will be able to take advantage of the assistance of professional skiers who are willing to help beginners learn to skate. At stations there are cafés where you can warm up and drink hot chocolate or coffee.

Tsakhkadzor has all the amenities for an amazing ski holiday and is perfect for all budgets. There are luxurious 5-star hotels and small cheap guest houses.

2. Dilijan

The resort town of Dilijan is located in the National Park; it is surrounded by pine forests and mountains.

Dilijan is a green oasis in the mountains, a small paradise and one of the best sunny European winter destinations. The resort town is completely transformed during winter. Dense forests are covered with snow turning the town into one of the most scenic winter ski destinations in Europe.

Dilijan is located at an altitude of 800 meters and winters are mild with average temperature of 3 degrees. In addition, in the town there are several mineral springs, which have healing properties.

Dilijan increasingly attracts eco-tourists who can learn more about the local history and culture. Guests can enjoy the stunning ancient architecture as well as the breathtaking scenery. In addition, close to the resort there are the popular cultural monuments of Armenia, which once played an important role in the history of the country.

There are also some great day trips not far from Dilijan including the 13th-century monastery complex of Haghartsin which is a striking structure. Another, a 20-minute drive from Dilijan you can see the Goshavank monastery complex from the 12th century. This was once the cultural and religious center of the country.

Walking around Dilijan be sure to visit Lake Parz too. It is beautiful at any time of the year. In cold weather, the forest surrounding the lake is usually completely covered with snow and is reflected in the clear waters of the lake making for the perfect Instagram photos.

3. Hanqavan

The quite small and at first glance unremarkable village Hanqavan has huge popularity among both locals and tourists.

The town is known for its hot springs which have valuable health benefits. The water temperature reaches about 42 degrees and for a comfortable stay some hotels have built swimming pool hotsprings which can accommodate 5 people.

Hanqavan hot springs are located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, 30 km from Tsakhkadzor. Tourists can stay in Tsakhkadzor and visit Hanqavan or stay in one of hotels in Hanqavan.

In winter the town is really beautiful with dense forests and mountains which are covered with snow. This is the perfect destination for fresh air and relaxation.

Plan a Winter Break to Armenia

Book a trip to Armenia and be pleasantly surprised by the stunning natural beauty of this country. If you are still researching destinations you might like to view our Lapland travel guide.