In December 1988, a devastating earthquake hit Armenia. More than 25,000 people died, and 514,000 people became stateless. Many homes in the village of Ashotsk, which had been a thriving industrial and agricultural centre, were destroyed. Soviet volunteers built four-apartment wooden houses as a temporary solution for needy families, while the Armenian leadership promised safe stone houses within a short time. These have not yet been completed, and the climate in the settlement — known as the 'Armenian Siberia' — is slowly destroying the houses.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to economic and political instability, exacerbating conditions in earthquake-affected areas. Ashotsk’s economy declined, local industries closed, and agricultural output decreased. The subsequent Nagorno-Karabakh war and economic crisis delayed reconstruction. In many places, including Ashotsk, rebuilding stalled. Shirak became one of Armenia’s poorest provinces. Employment opportunities are limited, families rely on agriculture, seasonal work, or remittances from relatives elsewhere in Armenia or abroad. Although there is no active armed conflict currently, the region’s geopolitical vulnerability adds uncertainty to the prospects of its residents.

In this environment, opportunities for children are few. After finishing secondary school, those who wish to pursue further education must leave for Gyumri or Yerevan — a step many families cannot afford. Leisure activities are also scarce; apart from occasional dance, art, or football, organized programs are rare.

Cross-country skiing, however, has become a unique and vital outlet for many young people. Thanks to Ashotsk’s high altitude and long winters, the sport is accessible even with minimal resources. For local youth, skiing is more than just physical exercise — it brings structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose. Training together fosters confidence and discipline among young people, as well as creating lasting bonds. Some athletes even go on to compete at a national level and reach international competitions. During snow-free seasons, they continue training with roller skis, often using donated or second-hand equipment.

The young skiers are trained by Artur and Alla Mikayelyan, who live in Ashotsk and volunteer their time to coach children from the village and nearby areas.

I have been documenting life in Ashotsk and the young athletes’ connection to skiing since 2019.