Tsaghkadzor Ropeway

The chairlift transports you a vertical distance of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) and stops at five different skiing stations. The Tsaghkadzor Ropeway is a popular stop on many tours through northern Armenia. Tours typically let you ride up, snap photos, and head back down before continuing onto the turquoise-watered Lake Sevan or Dilijan, a spa town famous for its forest scenery. The ropeway is designed to transport skiers and snowboarders, so if you’re in Tsaghkadzor to hit the slopes, you’ll surely use it.

• The Tsaghkadzor Ropeway is open to the elements, so wrap up warm, especially if you’re visiting Tsaghkadzor in the snowy winter months. The wind can feel especially biting at those heights. Sturdy footwear is also advised.

• Each of the five stations where the ropeway stops has its own small café and first-aid station, so you can warm up with a glass of Armenian brandy.

• If you’re looking to ski or snowboard, equipment rentals are available with day rates.

• Local accommodation in Tsaghkadzor is available for overnight or multi-day stays.

• Be warned that the weather can change drastically while ascending. Live cams on the Tsaghkadzor Ropeway website let you check the weather conditions before you commit to a return ride.

Tsaghkadzor is 50 kilometers (31 miles) outside of Yerevan. Take the M4 highway from the capital by rental car, or by either private or shared taxi. Expect the trip to take about an hour. M4 is the same road that leads to Lake Sevan and Dilijan, which is why many people (and tour operators) tend to combine visits to all three destinations.

Since Tsaghkadzor is primarily a ski hub, the winter months—roughly late November through February, when snowy conditions are at their best— are the most popular time to visit. But the mountain resort is a year-round destination. Fall foliage is particularly delightful and visible from Tsaghkadzor Ropeway, while trekking, quad bike tours, and horse-riding opportunities abound in spring and summer.

Despite being sacred to Armenians around the world, snow-capped Mt. Ararat is actually located in Turkey. But there are several places within Armenia where you can enjoy stunning views of the iconic summit. The most famous is from Khor Virap, a 17th-century monastery located close to the Turkish border and reachable from Yerevan by bus or car in about an hour. On crystal-clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Yerevan’s Cascade Complex.

Tsaghkadzor is arguably Armenia’s best-known area for skiing, but the ropeway is popular in any season because of its stunning views overlooking the country. Expect lush snowfall in winter—ideal for hitting the slopes. In spring and summer, the thickly forested region is a main hub for trekking and horseback riding.

Tsaghkadzor Ropeway whisks visitors up to a maximum height of 9,249 feet (2,819 meters) in just 32 minutes. Many people go for the view alone. On clear days, particularly in winter, visitors can enjoy a panorama of Mt. Ararat—considered sacred to Armenians—all the way across the Turkish border.

While the Tsaghkadzor Ropeway is extremely safe, it requires visitors to jump on a moving chairlift, so you’ll need to make sure you’re wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear. If you’re traveling with children, make sure you’ve got a tight grip on them. Also, it’s always colder at the top, so bundle up.

Yes, many full-day itineraries departing from Yerevan include a stop at Tsaghkadzor Ropeway. This is a great option for all-inclusive transportation, as these tours generally include hotel transfers, too. Reaching the top takes around half an hour, leaving you plenty of time for other attractions, such as the Kecharis Monastery.

Yes—don’t worry, you’ll be able to warm up over a hot chocolate once you reach the top of the ropeway. Visitors can find a panoramic cafe and restaurant offering traditional Armenian dishes. There’s also a hotel complex for anyone looking to stay overnight, or perhaps even for several days.

Yes, there’s no reason to lug around your own gear. Anyone wishing to hit the slopes will be able to rent skis, snowboards, ski goggles, and safety helmets. Plus, these rental services are conveniently available onsite, so you won’t have to worry about how to transport heavy equipment.