Up The Rocks

The club “Up The Rocks” was established on January 5, 2008 by a group of enthusiasts with a strong motivation to develop rock climbing and backcountry skiing culture in Armenia. Since then we have moved forward significantly and right from the beginning our main objective has been to keep the rock climbing ethics and gratitude to the nature.
Now, in different countries of the world, climbers have started to talk about the fabulous rock formations of Armenia, having included it in their future climbing trips list.

Consequently, inspired by our experience, we see all the doors opened, as the climber does after sending the route, climbing which was beyond his/her limit.

Mkhitar Mkhitaryan

Mkhitar Mkhitaryan – founder-promoter of “Up The Rocks”
Was born March 3, 1980. In 2010 graduated from University of Practical psychology and Sociology “Urartu”.
Started climbing at 24, skiing at 25 and slacklining at 30.
“Spitak” rescue team member 2004-2011.
Rock climbing and Backcountry skiing guide since 2008.
Rope jumping founder in Armenia since 2007.
Successfully passed German Mountain Rescue Ski-Test by Bergwacht Mountain
Rescue Center in 2006.

Andranik Miribyan

Andranik Miribyan – rock climber, mountaineer
Was born October 11, 1977. The most romantic climber of the world. Started climbing and skiing at 25. “Spitak” rescue team member since 2004. In 2006 successfully passed the German Mountain Rescue Ski-Test by Bergwacht Mountain Rescue Center.
Has the habit of amusing his friends in marginal situations, never losing creativity and always finding optimal solutions.

Vladimir Belousov

Vladimir Belousov - rock climber, mountaineer
Was born November 2, 1977. In 2001 has graduated Moscow State Industrial University.
Main activities: mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, skiing.
Started climbing at 1993, first serios expedition at 2003. Had climbed in Europe, Nepal, China, Kirgyzstan, Caucasus and Crimea. Two FA routes in Nepal Himalaja on Mt.Kwangde and Mt. Kyajo Ri.
Employee.

Vahram Avetisyan

Vahe (Climb) Avetisyan – rock climber
Was born on March 9, 1982. Got attracted in jewellery and when plays with a silver it turns into a miracle, that amazes every one.
Has started to go to mountains at his early twenties, then at 23 started practicing rock climbing. When motivated, he gets a mark 5+ from 5!

Luca Keuhguerian

Luca Keuhguerian – rock climber
Was born July 1, 1993. Studies Adventure Education and Wilderness Leadership at Johnson State College. Started climbing at 16.

Vasken Koutoudjian

Vasken Koutoudjian – rock climber, mountaineer, skier
Was born in 1972. Mountaineering is a family affair. With mother, father and brother he discovered the world and culture of alpinism. Was involved in the French Alpine Club's youth team of high performance.
Did several ascents in the Alps, Dolomites, and one expedition in Patagonia in 1996 (New route El Mocho, « Little Big Wall »). Then followed trips in Cordillera Blanca Peru, Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, USA and the second ascent of Mount Ross in Kerguelen, a truly raw ascent, not for the difficulties but the wilderness of the place.
Ski patroler in the rescue team of Alp d'Huez from 2000-2006. Did some work with French mountain magazines and now he’s a professional climbing and canyoning instructor. Old fashioned, but still and always in love with mountains.
Best memory? At the age of 12, beeing with brother (17 years old at that time), doing the Dôme de Neige des Ecrins summit (4015m.)

Aghvan Chatinyan

Aghvan Chatinyan

Was born on December 20, 1927. Started climbing at 22. Was considered a favorite mountaineer and Big Wall climber in the Soviet Union alpinism area. Was bestowed a degree of Master of Sports and member of the Soviet Union Alpinism Team.
In 1961 in the group led by Borov they made the first ascent of the famous route “Ushba’s Cross” and he was the sole leader for all the pitches during the climb.
Since 1952 a senior lecturer in Yerevan State Institute of Physical Culture, since 1982 docent, and professor since 1999 up to present. Has impressive amount of hard technical climbs in the Caucasus as well in the Pamirs, the Tian Shan and the Alps. Has taken part in more than 40 mountain rescue operations.
In mid 1950s became champion of the Caucasus Championship of rock climbing several times. In 1952 he won the world legendary Soviet Union climber Mikhael Khergiani from Svanetia by 41 seconds and took the first place, but that fact is noted almost nowhere not to overshadow the legendary Khergiani.

Robert Vardanyan

Robert Vardanyan
Was born October 7, 1952. Started climbing at 23, being a member of the Alp-club of Yerevan Physics Institute. Is experienced in Big Wall climbing category. Has climbed the Pamirs, the Tian Shan, the Caucasus and the Alps. One of the promoters of “Spitak” rescue team in 1989, as well the head of “Spitak” rescue center’s rock climbing brigade.
Certified rock climbing and mountaineering instructor by the Soviet Union Alpinism Federation as well by Bergwacht Mountain Rescue Center.
During the years of the Soviet Union the title of Candidate for Master of Sports was bestowed on him but afterwards he took no interest in winning ranks.
Being venturesome by nature it happened many times that during the climbing or some work at high altitudes he made his friends’ blood run cold by his mad tricks. Despite his age he climbs with ease as if he were in his twenties.

Souren Stepanian

Souren Stepanian
Was born in 1962. Started climbing in 1977, in 1980 became experienced in rock climbing and mountaineering, in 1989 took part in first armenian team climbing the North wall of Alamkouh by the French route. His activities include winter technical climbs. The administrator member of Iranian national alpinism club. Professional photographer. One of the promoters of Iranian mountain photographer center. Has worked on one of the stories of Iranian mountaineering, is in touch with all mountaineering Armenian diaspora of the world.