From Armenia’s “Siberia” to the Olympic Stage: Athletes Train in Extreme Cold Ahead of 2026 Games

With the Winter Olympics approaching, Armenian athletes are intensifying their training in some of the country’s harshest conditions, determined to compete at the highest level on the world stage.

Journalist Ani Khachatryan of The Armenian Report recently traveled to Ashotsk in Armenia’s Shirak region to document preparations by Olympic hopefuls, cross-country skiers Mikayel Mikayelyan and Katya Galstyan.

Ashotsk is widely known as the coldest area in Armenia and is often referred to as the “Siberia of Armenia.” The region has recorded some of the country’s lowest temperatures, including an absolute minimum of minus 42.2 degrees Celsius (minus 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit) at a nearby weather station.

Mikayelyan, who comes from a family deeply rooted in skiing, said the sport has shaped his life since childhood.

“From childhood, it was my destiny to be in cross-country skiing, because my parents are skiers,” he said. “My mother is a multiple Soviet champion, and my father as well; he studied at the State Institute of Physical Culture and was also a skier.”

Mikayelyan earned an Olympic quota three years ago but said qualification alone is not his ultimate goal.

“For me, earning a quota is not difficult — my goal is to perform at the highest level in international competitions and to place among the top 30 in World Cup events, in the elite of skiing,” he said.

He follows a strict training plan developed alongside his parents, coaches and teammates.

“We have a clear plan. Together with my parents, coaches and team members, we sit down, plan our training sessions and move forward according to that plan,” Mikayelyan said.

The skier recently drew international attention during a competition when he covered the word “Azerbaijan,” which appeared as a sponsor name on his jersey.

“Many people connect those dramas with Gagik Sargsyan’s resignation, but I assure you that the step I took has no connection to Mr. Sargsyan’s resignation,” Mikayelyan said. “First of all, I am responsible for my actions, and I am also the one who bears responsibility for the consequences.”

He said fellow athletes noticed the covered sponsor during the race and asked about it.

“Some of them already knew why I had taken that step — they knew about the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Everyone understood and accepted it,” he said, adding that the situation was not pre-planned since he received the jersey only hours before competing.

Coach Arthur Mikayelyan, who oversees Armenia’s winter sports athletes, said the incident resulted in a fine after officials explained that sponsor names could not be covered under competition agreements.

“They said, ‘We understand you, we know your history, we know the reality, but unfortunately that country has paid money, and according to the agreement no one has the right to cover the sponsor’s name — we will fine you,’” the coach said.

Arthur Mikayelyan also stressed the importance of building Armenia’s winter sports programs through tradition and homegrown talent rather than relying on athletes trained abroad. He explained that countries like Azerbaijan have sometimes fielded non-native athletes for competitions.

“In cross-country skiing they do not have ‘bought’ athletes, but they have in figure skating and alpine skiing,” he said, referring to Azerbaijan. “Since the 1970s I have been involved in skiing, but I have never seen them even take part in the USSR championships.”

He added that Armenia has a century-long winter sports tradition, particularly in regions like Ashotsk, and must continue developing athletes through experience and consistent support.

Katya Galstyan said Armenia’s climate played a key role in her decision to pursue skiing.

“I chose this sport purely because of our climate, since for about six to seven months there is snow here, and it gives us the opportunity to practice it,” she said.

She emphasized that the brief moments viewers see during competitions represent years of intense preparation.

“People see us for only a few seconds during a competition, but behind that stands long and hard work that almost no one sees,” Galstyan said.

She encouraged young athletes to focus on discipline and closely follow their coaches’ guidance, noting that success requires long-term commitment.

Looking ahead to the Olympic Games, Galstyan said the responsibility of representing Armenia brings added pressure.

“There is tension and great responsibility, because you are representing the entire country,” she said. “Some will criticize, others will encourage. But I think very little about all of that.”

Despite ongoing challenges, including limited funding and leadership changes within Armenia’s sports federations, the athletes remain focused on their goals.

Mikayelyan expressed gratitude for support from Armenians in the Diaspora, while Galstyan highlighted the importance of preserving discipline and tradition in training future generations.

As Armenia prepares to send its athletes to the Winter Olympics, hopes are high that years of dedication in the country’s coldest regions will translate into strong performances on the world stage — continuing a legacy built on resilience, hard work and homegrown talent.

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