“2016 was a successful year for Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation of Armenia, as the Armenian mountaineers achieved incredible results,” Deputy Chairman of the Federation Suren Danielyan noted during the interview conducted by Panorama.am.
During the previous year 20 climbs have been registered abroad. “The flags of Armenia and Artsakh have been waved on the summit of Mount Everest for two times in 2016. Such a success when our mountaineers conquer the peak of the highest mountain, might not be repeated again. Our hikers have successfully climbed other mountains that were not reachable for Armenians previously, for instance Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Kazbek, Elbrus and other mountains. We have also registered success in Pamir Mountains climb,” he noted.
The federation has already operated for six years with its members having conquered the peaks of hundreds of mountains in different countries and thousands of peaks in Armenia. The most favourable season for mountaineering is the period from July to August. The mountains are chosen based on their height and obstacles. Deputy Chairman of the federation noted that the most optimum option is climbing mountains with a group of three to six members, so as they manage to help each other if any issues emerge.
In order to promote rock climbing in Armenia Suren Danielyan noted that a group of young mountaineers have been created. He noted that the photos posted in the social networks by the federations also promote the activity.
The federation aims at developing and spreading mountaineering as a sport in Armenia and forming national and Olympic teams of mountain and rock climbers. In response to the question whether the federation has managed to reach its goals during its activities, he noted the following: “We need the support of the state to turn mountaineering into s sport. Unfortunately the Ministry of Sport does not pay much attention to this activity. We have submitted a serious program to the ministry and are waiting for a response from the minister,” S. Danielyan added.
According to the Deputy Chairman of the federation, one of their priorities is enabling the people with disabilities to engage in mountaineering as well.
