According to tourists, the main convenience of the ski resort “Tsaghkadzor” in Armenia is the absence of queues on the slopes and elevators.
Read our full guide about Tsaghkadzor – prices 2025–2026, weather, webcams, way of skiing, pistes, lifts, infrastructure, tourist responses, hotels and how to get to resort.
- Prices
- Pistes
- Elevators
- Infrastructure
- Hotels
- Safety
- Weather
- Webcams
- Freeride
- How to get
- See around
- FAQ
“Tsaghkadzor” is the largest ski resort in Armenia, the history of which dates back more than 30 years. It is located in a picturesque area at the foot of Mount Tegenis, 60 kilometers from Yerevan. Tsaghkadzor is most popular among beginner skiers who ski on slopes with small drops. Also in the last few years, many Olympic athletes have been training on the slopes of the ski resort, so the resort is gaining even more popularity.
Prices in 2025-2026
The services of the ski resort are paid for in the same way as at many other resorts – a ski pass (elevator use) is purchased. In 2025-2026 the following list of prices is valid at Tsaghkadzor resort.
Ticket Types
- Single Ticket: 3,000 AMD
- Plastic Card (with collateral): 2,000 AMD
Refill Options
Refills are available during the following time slots:
- 10:30 – 13:30: 6,000 AMD, refilled before 12:00
- 13:30 – 16:30: 6,000 AMD, refilled before 15:00
Multi-Day Cards
For extended visits, consider the following multi-day options:
Day Card (10 entrances): 8,000 AMD
- 1 Day: 10,000 AMD
- 3 Days: 30,000 AMD
- 5 Days: 50,000 AMD
- 7 Days: 63,000 AMD
- 10 Days: 85,000 AMD
Children Under 10 Years Old
For children under 10 years old (passport required):
- 1 Day: 9,000 AMD
- 3 Days: 27,000 AMD
- 5 Days: 40,000 AMD
Note: Replenishment of cards for 3 or more days is available only for consecutive days.
Equipment rental price
Rentals are available at the following rates, per hour:
- Skis: 5,000 AMD
- Snowboard: 7,000 AMD
- Glasses: 2,000 AMD
- Helmet: 2,000 AMD
The preferential ticket is valid for children up to 10 years old upon presentation of a document. It should be remembered that the exchange rate of Armenian currency may change against dollar or euro, so it is worth checking it before traveling.
Pistes and slopes in Tsaghkadzor
The ski slopes of “Tsaghkadzor” resort can be divided by difficulty levels and queues. It is known that the slopes here are distinguished by three levels of difficulty: “black”, “blue” and “red”. They can also be grouped.
The first group
Represents a bobsled track with steep turns and powerful height differences – up to 270 degrees. Extreme turns, steep climbs and elevations – these are the features that professional skiers love about the first turn of the Tsaghkadzor ski slopes.
The second group
The 3 kilometers long piste is perfect for quiet skiing. According to tourists, the track of the second stage is almost never covered with ice crust – it always remains soft. That is why there is an excellent grip with a snowboard or skis.
The third group
A complex of tracks for extreme riding. In addition, visitors note that it is from this point that the most stunning view of the surrounding mountains and Armenia itself opens up. Another feature of the track is the presence of steep slopes and the possibility to go in any direction. It is these features that are considered advantageous for professional skiers and snowboarders.
What skiers say about ski slopes
The slopes are blue and green — wide, well-groomed, smooth runs with a steady grade. Perfect for beginners or those still finding their feet. You won’t get thrown around here. For newcomers to skiing, this place is a solid pick.
There are a couple of short sections that lean more toward red-level difficulty — a welcome challenge for some looking to break the monotony. From the top lift station (around 2800 meters), you can actually pick up a bit of speed on the descent down to the second stage. That’s the best spot to open up: the higher altitude means firmer snow and better glide.
Locals say the snow holds up well in freezing weather, offering great glide across the entire mountain. But when it warms up — like it did during our visit — the snow from the mid-mountain down turns slushy. Even so, the slopes remain skiable all the way to the bottom if you navigate around bare patches. The terrain holds up decently, even when going straight down, without too much choppiness.
There are no snow cannons here, which means once spring arrives, the season wraps up fast — especially this year. Still, it’s a fantastic resort for kids, self-learners, or those anxious about steep gradients. Add to that the scenic but not overwhelming views — beautiful, calm, and easy on the eyes — and you’ve got a great all-around destination for laid-back skiing.
Elevators and chairlifts
The ski elevators of “Tsaghkadzor” in Armenia are very diverse. According to tourists, not every resort can offer such an abundance of modern equipment:
- 3 chairlifts – 800, 1000 and 9000 meters;
- Leitner three-stage chairlift – 4.5 kilometers;
- rope tow elevators.
The Leitner road was built by the Italian company of the same name in 2008. This development is modern and innovative – heated seats work here for visitors. It is known that after the construction of this structure, the resort became more popular – it began to train Olympic teams.
Specific of the chairlifts
One thing to note: the lifts here are very slow — and long. The full ascent via all three stages takes about 40 minutes. If you’re looking to get more runs in, consider sticking to the 1st and 4th lifts — that combo gives you quicker access to the steeper, red-level slopes.
From the very top, you can drop into a broad, gentle snowfield that eventually merges into a groomed run. Technically, that’s freeride — but it’s the kind anyone can handle. A great option for relaxed skiers and riders who want a bit of off-piste without the adrenaline overload.
You can venture out into about 160 degrees of open terrain from the summit, with various re-entry points back onto the main pistes at different altitudes. Beyond that arc, it’s best not to stray — you’ll find yourself in truly wild terrain, and getting back could turn into a long, slow ordeal. That said, even those areas aren’t particularly dangerous — just remote and inconvenient.
What skiers say about ski elevators of Tsaghkadzor
The resort is served by five open chairlifts — four doubles and one quad. All of them are slow and scenic, stretching out alongside the pistes with no shortcuts or direct lines — that’s just the way the mountain is laid out.
There are three consecutive lift stages taking you from the base all the way to the top. The first stage has two parallel lifts — one 2-seater and one 4-seater — and both are usually in operation on busy days. From the top of the first stage, a branch-off lift (Lift 4) takes you toward two runs that include the steepest sections on the mountain. Still, probably three-quarters of those runs are mellow and barely feel like a descent — you might even need to push yourself along skating-style in places.
There’s also a little forest off the ridge by Lift 4, if you’re feeling like exploring.
Be aware: it can get windy up there. The lift rides are long enough that you might start feeling chilly — more than you’d expect — especially if you’re not dressed for wind exposure.
The views from the lifts are calm and peaceful, and the sun shining through the crisp mountain air can be so soothing that I actually dozed off a few times on the ride up. Once I even woke up just as I had to jump off. Thankfully, there’s soft background music playing from speakers on the lift towers — or maybe just instinct — that helps snap you out of it when it’s time to unload.
Infrastructure and entertainment
The list of entertainment at the ski resort includes several types of active recreation, which, if desired, can replace skiing on the slopes.
There are many food outlets, bars and restaurants on the territory of the ski complex, where you can try the best dishes from chefs and get acquainted with Armenian cuisine. Also, if you wish, you can make excursions, for example, walking around the ancient Kechari Monastery, which dates back to the XI century. It is located in the northwestern part of the resort.
Everyone can take a dog sled or snowmobile ride around the territory of the Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort.
Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is also equipped with an Olympic base, which was previously used for training Soviet athletes. In 2025, ordinary visitors can also train here. A 50-meter swimming pool and a gym are available here for them.
Hotels near Tsaghkadzor ski resort
The vacationers of the ski complex have about ten housing options to choose from. As a rule, these are 4- or 5-star hotels equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable vacation. The list of the most popular (links to the Booking.com) below.
Top 5 hotels in Tsakhkadzor
- Alva (closest to the ropeway, 8,6 rating);
- Eighty Eight Deluxe Hotel & Spa (ski-to-door access);
- Marriott Tsaghkadzor (worldeide popular hotels);
- Teghenis Resort (walk-distance and 8,7 rating);
- University Hotel Tsakhkadzor (cheap and close to slopes).
There are also simpler accommodation options near the Tsaghkadzor city, such as apartments, hostels and guesthouses.
Safety on Tsaghkadzor
This is a “retiree-style” resort — and that’s not a bad thing. The vibe is calm, safe, and relaxed. There are virtually no dangerous areas here. In fact, when there was an unfortunate incident — someone got lost and froze to death — it took several days before anyone even realized he was missing. That says a lot: unless you’re doing something extremely out of the ordinary, nothing is likely to happen to you.
There are no avalanche zones, no cliffs, no rockfalls, no treacherous slopes. What you get instead is a wide-open, snow-covered field that gleams in the sun, a few mostly gentle trails, and a small patch of forest. Even if you wander into the trees, there’s no real risk — getting out is quick and easy.
Tsaghkadzor weather
Winters in the valley are mild, with an impressive 270 sunny days a year. Despite the clear skies, snowfall is substantial enough to create a reliable snowpack that can reach up to 1.4 meters in depth.
The ski season typically runs from mid-November to mid-April, offering a long and stable window for winter sports. The average temperature in January is around −6 °C, making for comfortable skiing conditions.
Annual precipitation ranges between 600 and 700 mm, much of which falls as snow during the colder months — ensuring consistent coverage throughout the season.
Live webcams on the resort
Checking the forecast is always smart, but in the mountains, conditions can change fast — sometimes in a matter of minutes. If you’re already in Armenia and considering a trip to the slopes, your best bet is to check the resort’s webcams for a real-time look.
To get a feel for the current conditions and the layout of the resort, many visitors rely on live webcam streams. Thankfully, the Tsaghkadzor ski resort in Armenia offers this feature too. With several webcams positioned across the mountain, you can see exactly what’s happening on the slopes — without even leaving your home.
Here are a few useful links to ski resort webcams:
- Webcam at the lift on Windy.com
- Webcam at the lift from a different angle on YouTube
These streams offer a reliable way to gauge snow conditions, lift lines, visibility, and overall weather — making them an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to the mountain.
Tsaghkadzor freeride
Local instructors often offer “guided freeride” — usually a route off the summit, veering left from the main trails, over a ridge, then down open fields with a taxi pickup in town for the return. It’s not too extreme, and experienced skiers could likely navigate it on their own. Most of the slopes that lead north from the peak seem to eventually funnel into the valley and populated areas anyway — but as always, caution and awareness of conditions are key.
How to get to Tsaghkadzor ski resort
Usually, people get to Tsaghkadzor ski resort from Yerevan. You can also get there from Zvartnots airport. It is located at a distance of 70 kilometers from the ski resort.
Taxi
You can get there, for example, by cab – the cost of the trip will be about 80000 AMD. For a big company a minivan is suitable (the cost is about 32000 AMD).
Train
Passenger service to the area is provided by the Yerevan–Shorzha suburban train, which runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To reach the resort, get off at the Hrazdan station. From there, it’s about 10 kilometers by local taxi. As of late 2025, a one-way train ticket costs 750 AMD.
Bus
From Yerevan you can take a shuttle bus departing from “Raikom” stop on Azatutyan Avenue. The cost of the trip will be about 100 AMD – the most budget option.
Car rental
The best way to get to Tsaghkadzor, especially for a company or with your own equipment – is to rent a car. You can make it easily in Yerevan or right in the airport Zvartnots after landing.
Best way is to rent a car in Armenia via search agregators, like this:
Tsaghkadzor on the map
What to see around Tsaghkadzor
If you’ve rented a car — or even enjoy walking — there are several interesting sites close to the ski resort worth visiting.
Kechari Monastery
This historic complex dates back to the 11th century, though like many medieval religious sites, construction continued over centuries and was only completed in the 13th century. The monastery includes several churches, the main one being Saint Grigor Church, built in 1013. The monastery is within walking distance from the resort.
Orbeli Brothers Museum
Located in the center of Tsaghkadzor, this museum honors the Orbeli family, a dynasty of Armenian scientists and cultural figures who made significant contributions to Russian culture over several generations in the Russian Empire and USSR. The museum is also easily reachable on foot from the ski complex.
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest freshwater lake not only in Armenia but across the entire Caucasus region. Situated at 1,900 meters above sea level and covering 1,240 km², it is fed by 28 rivers. The lake’s shores are dotted with numerous settlements, and since 1978 it has been part of the Sevan National Park.
Sevanavank Monastery
One of the main attractions near Lake Sevan is Sevanavank Monastery. Its history dates back to the 9th century, when monks first established a small community on an island in the lake. In 847, by decree of Princess Mariam (daughter of King Ashot I), the monastery was officially founded, and the first churches were built. Today, it is accessible by land, as the lowering of the lake’s water level turned the island into a peninsula.
Bottom Line
If you’re not chasing adrenaline rushes, don’t feel like stressing over steep drops or dodging trees and rocks, Tsaghkadzor is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It’s not a playground for extreme riders — and that’s exactly its charm. Here, it’s all about calm skiing, wide runs, and peace of mind. A great spot for those who prefer their mountain experience mellow and meditative.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Tsaghkadzor ski resort in Armenia.
How far is Tsaghkadzor from the airport?
Tsaghkadzor is located about 75 km from Zvartnots International Airport — roughly a one-hour drive.
In what time works Tsaghkadzor?
Working hours of Tsaghkadzor ski resort: daily from 10:00 till 17:30.
How do I get from the hotel to the ski lifts?
At the moment, hotels in Tsaghkadzor don’t offer shuttle service to the ski lifts. However, a taxi ride to the lift base costs around 500–800 AMD.
Is it possible to rent skis or a snowboard?
Absolutely. Daily rental prices are:
- Ski set – from 8,000 AMD
- Snowboard – from 10,000 AMD
Are ski or snowboard instructors available?
Yes, instructor services are offered:
- Ski lessons – 10,000 AMD per hour
- Snowboard lessons – 15,000 AMD per hour
How much is a ski pass?
- Single lift ride – 3 000 AMD
- Unlimited rides for 3 days – 30 000 AMD
- Weekly pass – 63 000 AMD
What can you do in Tsaghkadzor in the evening?
Most of the nightlife and entertainment options are located within hotels: billiards, bowling, bars, saunas, pools, restaurants, cafes, and discos. In winter, a public ice rink is also set up in the town center.
Is there snow in Tsaghkadzor right now?
If you’ve already booked your stay — or are planning your winter trip to Armenia — but aren’t sure about the snow conditions, you can check for yourself in real time via the resort’s live webcams.
When does the ski season in Tsaghkadzor start and end?
The ski season typically starts in late December and lasts until the end of March.