Our team recently embarked on an exciting expedition to a new, unexpected snowkiting destination, and we were pleasantly surprised! We received an invitation to experience snowkiting in May last year, which is quite unusual given that the European snowkiting season typically concludes in mid-April. However, the Aragats mountains proved to be a hidden gem with their high altitudes and towering 4000m peaks (we even snowkited to the summit!). This emerging travel hotspot is rapidly gaining popularity as the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts. Expect breathtaking landscapes, exquisite cuisine, rich culture, and a fascinating history. What’s even more remarkable is that your snowkite guide happens to be the former governor of the Gyumri region. Feel free to ask him any questions about Armenia; he’s a true expert!
For the best snowkiting experience from January to March, we recommend staying in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city. During this period, heavy snowfall makes the Aragats mountain spot inaccessible. Instead, head to the expansive Karmravan plateau, a snowkiter’s paradise. You can catch a glimpse of this plateau in the video on the right-hand side of the page. All our destinations are meticulously designed to cater to non-kiters as well.
This year we have a group of 3 going to Armenia and are open to let other people join! Hence we published their dates on the site.
From May to June, the Gyumri spot unfortunately melts away, leaving the Aragats mountain spot as the only option. For your stay, we recommend the Amberd Hotel, just a 20-minute drive from the spot and 45 minutes from Yerevan!
Two Spots, Two Seasons
Karmravan – Situated at an impressive altitude of 2000m above sea level, Karmravan spans across an expansive 8 square kilometers of flat plateau nestled among the Northern Armenian mountain ranges. During the winter season, prevailing winds typically blow from the North to the North-West. This location boasts more than 300 sunny days annually! With no man-made structures like electrical lines or buildings, and a lack of trees, Karmravan becomes an idyllic haven for beginners. The M1 Magistral road to Georgia, crossing the middle of the plateau, provides the flexibility to start on both sides regardless of wind direction. Expect a substantial snow layer, often exceeding 60-70cm, making January, February, and March the prime snowkiting season here.
Aragats – This colossal volcanic mountain, located in the central part of Armenia, proudly stands as the highest point in the Republic of Armenia at 4094m (the North peak). It features an expansive crater housing Armenia’s highest lake, the Stone Lake. Within the area, you’ll find various infrastructures, including a cosmic wave research scientific center, meteorological center, and Armenia’s highest restaurant. Access to the crater is restricted from December to May, but May and June open up opportunities for kiters seeking a late-season freeride session. This region holds immense potential for pro snowkiters, as it remains windy and kiteable when many well-known European spots have already become non-rideable.
Unfortunately, as you would know if you kitesurf often, the wind even in perfect and renown kiting spots doesn’t always pan-out. So we at Snowkite Sensation make sure that there is plenty for you to do in this unfortunate scenario.
Other Winter Sports: Armenia is a prime destination for hiking and cross-country skiing. For those with the budget and a taste for adventure, freeride heliskiing is an option worth considering. With the breathtaking landscapes in the North of the country, heliskiing promises to be a truly rewarding experience.
Gastronomy: Armenian cuisine stands out as one of the most unique and traditional in the world. It boasts a diverse array of dishes bursting with flavors, prepared using age-old techniques. As more visitors explore Armenia, more get to savor its rich culinary heritage. Each dish tells a tale of ancient Armenia’s culinary prowess, showcasing their skill in crafting bread, kebabs, and other delectable recipes that demand serious expertise. Dining with an Armenian family often means a table laden with a colorful variety of dishes. Lavash, a scrumptious flatbread, is an absolute essential! During our week-long visit to Armenia, we never had the same meal twice – there’s just so much to explore!
Sightseeing and Relaxation: Armenia earned a spot on Forbes’ list of “10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2020.” Yerevan, the capital, boasts grand Soviet-era architecture. Dominating its main avenue, the Matenadaran library houses thousands of ancient Greek and Armenian manuscripts. Republic Square serves as the city’s heart, featuring musical water fountains and government buildings adorned with colonnades. On the square’s eastern side, the 1920s History Museum of Armenia showcases archaeological artifacts, including items dating back to around 3500 B.C. While in Yerevan, visiting the genocide museum and the museum of ancient manuscripts is an absolute must. If you have the time, we highly recommend the “Back in the USSR” tour!
Download our brochure for all the details and prices of our little snowkite adventure! Share it with your friends and family and plan your unforgettable adventure together!
NOT EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP NEEDS TO BE A KITER (discounts will apply) ! Our destinations are designed to offer an incredible journey for everyone, whether you're a kiter or not.
If you're new to snowkiting, it's completely normal to have many questions. We've got you covered with our comprehensive Q&A section on our website. We understand the importance of talking to experts, and our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way.