Seghanasar to Sevaberd: Ski Trail

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

After climbing the Sevaberd to Seghanasar: Ascent, enjoy this pleasant ski in the Geghama Mountains, whose range is about 65km in length and 35km in width. The range includes many volcanoes, such as Seghanasar (3,219m), Sevkatar (3,225m), Spitakasar (3,555m), Nazeli (3,312m), Vishapasar (3,157m), Yerakatar (2,589.6m), Geghasar (3,444m), and the highest peak, Azhdahak (3,597.3m). The trail starts around a height of 2,900m, but in case you have time, you can continue skiing at higher elevations. For your return journey simply follow your ascent path back down.

For both herbivorous and carnivorous animals, it is very difficult to find food in the winter. On the slopes of mountains, you’ll most probably come across wolves, foxes, wild rabbits and—in rural areas—dogs. Birds are rare in this territory.

The best time to visit the area is in January, February, and March. Yerevan is 36km away from Sevaberd, so the drive there takes about 45 min. and costs 3,600-4,000 AMD (by taxi). The roundtrip distance for this journey is about 9.6 km, which should take about 3 hours and 45 min. The best drink to have on hand is warm tea!

While in this area, if you have extra time, be sure to visit the Saint Poghos - Petros Church and
Saint Hovhannes Mkrtich Church in Abovyan Town, Kotayk Province.

Saint Poghos - Petros Church located near Zar village, at the foot of Hatis Mountain, was built in the 13th century. In 1,930, Grigor (Gregory) had a dream that the entire church was constructed. Two chapels were built next to the church and were named Poghos and Petros. In 1969 and 1989, the two chapels were reconstructed, and the men who repaired them were later buried in the churchyard after their deaths. Each year, two weeks after Easter, people make a pilgrimage to the church to celebrate Saint Poghos-Petros Day.

Saint Hovhannes Mkrtich Church is a young church, built in 2006 and consecrated in 2013. The architectural team of the church brought together around 40 painters, sculptors and architects.