We have got a kind invitation to very interesting and exotics destination in Armenia.

Armenian First Ascent Open Festival 2011* on May 21-31

Arev
Armenian First Ascent Open Festival, was first held July 1-31 2009. This festival, organized by local climbing club "Up The Rocks", is intended to develop the rock climbing culture in Armenia, while at the same time promoting climbing at the local rock formations through the development of new routes.


The festival will aid in displaying the unique nature these routes to the world climbing community. The enhanced development of climbing in the country will also open the doors to the rock climbing world for Armenian youth.


Amazing Armenia – as described by Rock and Ice editor Jeff Jackson is a spot where it is worth hanging out for 10 days with Festival crew, to climb, have fun, and share this unique experience with other climbers from around the world.
Whether you are an avid first ascensionist, a climber who relies on the guidebooks to find the most popular, beautiful, and fun routes, a traditional climber looking to plug in some gear, or a beginner just looking for fun and safe sport routes, you are welcome to our event. The festival will be held at the three of Armenia’s premier rock formations listed below.

Program:

On the arrival and opening day May 21: Yerevan city tour and opening party in the pub «Calumet»

Noravanq canyon May 22-25: Featuring limestone walls up to 200m high, with a great potential for trad and sport First Accents.

Arpa gorge May 26-28: Featuring unique basalt columns up to 35m high. Clean Traditional Climbing only at this site. No bolts, pitons or hammer use is allowed!

Garni gorge May 29-31: Featuring unique basalt columns up to 100m high. Clean Traditional Climbing only at this site. No bolts, pitons or hammer use is allowed!

Closing event May 31, at night: music, fun, bear and slideshow in the «Calumet» pub in Yerevan.

Departure day: June 1

Event fee is 280 Euro per person, which includes:
-All the transportation for carrying out the event program in Armenia
-May 21, 28 and 31 nights accommodation in Yerevan
-Food and alcohol for the opening and closing party
Event participants will be responsible for providing:
-Air tickets to and from Yerevan
-Due to the hazardous nature of rock climbing, insurance will be needed in the event of an accident, injury, or rescue
-Food (the shopping will be supported and organized by organizers) and drinking
-Camping equipment
-Rock climbing equipment

The application deadline is April 30, 2011
For more information feel free to contact us:
-Up The Rocks board info@uptherocks.com,
-Wilbur Nazarian (representative in US) will.nazarian@uptherocks.com ,
-Jared Nielson (event coordinator) nielson.jk@uptherocks.com ,
-Belousov Vladimir (representative in Russia) belousov.v@uptherocks.com

Website of the festival:

http://uptherocks.com/content/view/155/112/