"Arev "Armenian First Ascent Open Festival 2011 was successfully and productively completed. 48 traditional, sport and bouldering routes were established as a result of the festival!

In the morning of May 29, the crew set off to Garni Gorge, the last destination of the Festival where basalt columns were waiting for climbers.

In the afternoon of May 26, the event crew set up the camp on the plateau above Arpa Gorge, one of two basalt column natural monuments of Armenia.

We got to Noravank Canyon in the afternoon of May 23. After a small rest and shower participants walked through the canyon to check out the rocks and choose the lines for the next day’s climb.

This amazing bouldering site, on the slopes of the mountains above the Chiva village, was discovered by Jared Nielson. It’s located some 15km closer than Noravanq Canyon when you drive from Yerevan.

In the evening of May 21 the event opening party was held in “Friends” bar in Yerevan.

Recently we gut supported by 100 bolts and hangers by Russian Mountaineering Federation via our friend Armen Ter-Minasyan. 

Ok, now I’m happy with a sustainable climbing partner Jared Nielson, a Big Wall climber from California.

Well, all the guys who I have sent a message via facebook, to go for climbing on Sunday, where not in the planned venue. 

When Sam Bie emailed me about their wish to visit Armenia with Alex Chabot and establish new routes on basalt columns then I realized that the rock climbing is going to rise on the new level in Armenia.

On February 13-14, 2010, the Championship of all age group climbers was held in Moscow, on the great climbing walls DDS (Youth Sport Club).

The idea of the event came, about 6 months ago, when Will Nazarian from Oregon found our website and wrote us about his wish to visit Armenia for one month climbing.