With 1,500 inhabitants, hidden away in a small town near to the motorway that links Erevan to Sevan Lake, it's hard to believe that Tsakhkadzor was an Olympic training ground that catered for Russian athletes preparing for major competitions. Today a few ski slopes remain and form part of a little yet popular Armenian winter sports resort, with some on-site accommodation available.
During winter the town wakes from its slumber, thanks to the high number of visitors looking to benefit from its facilities. For the rest of the year, however, the town is extremely quiet, despite being home to several thermal baths During my holiday in Armenia, I particularly enjoyed the range of hikes in the Tsakhkadzor region, which take you through an alpine landscape boasting amazing panoramic views.