If you find yourself in Greece during the cooler months, we recommend visiting one of the country’s leading ski resorts, where you’ll discover a winter wonderland full of fun and adventure.
Mount Parnassus
Here you will find Greece’s largest ski centre, with two sections – Kellaria and Fterolakka, which are connected with lifts and runs. At an altitude of 1,600-2,250m, its spectacular geomorphology and rich biodiversity place it among the most important mountain environments in the country. The high altitude offers ski lovers long-lasting snow-covered peaks, and the resorts are very popular amongst locals and international visitors, as it’s so close to the Greek capital.
Vasilitsa
Located in Valia Calda national park, here you can river-raft, hike, and four-wheel drive into the forest. As one of Greece’s most favourite ski centres, it extends into four slopes and comprises a set of 18 ski slopes for those who are advanced and just beginning, along with seven lifts and some off-piste opportunities. The area is also good for snowboarders and extreme sports enthusiasts. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before, expert teachers are there to guide you.
Gerondovrachos
Another popular part of the ski resort at Mount Parnassos is the facilities at Gerondovrachos. A smaller facility, it features three lifts, as well as 4 downhill, runs that range from 200m to almost 2 km. All facilities have a coaching school that offers first-timers handy lessons. Skis are available for hire and are sold as well at the local ski shop. This is by far Greece’s most popular and glamorous ski spot, as Arachova is one of the most popular winter destinations in Greece. With its luxurious boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and concept stores, Aracahova has lots to offer in terms of entertaining visitors who may not be so keen on skiing every day.
Pigadia
Located on Mount Vermio, this is another great spot for those that love adventure and adrenalin, as the ski centre has 10 runs accommodating all levels; including runs that have been named as the most challenging in the country. Must-see attractions nearby include the Saranta Outades cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and Vergina, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
Pertouli
The ski centre of Pertouli is very popular. It’s located 45 minutes from Trikala and 5 hours drive from Athens. Here you can enjoy skiing and other adventures as the area is known for its lush greenery and trekking to the river of Pertouliotiko. Nearby is the river Achelos where you can go white water rafting and also visit the picturesque villages of Vlacha, Korpou, Ksiligefiro, Aspropotamos, Dessi, or Doliana with the Monastery of the Holy Cross with its 13 domes.
Kaimaktsalan
This is ideal for less experienced skiers as it has softer, easier slopes. If you don’t know how to ski rent a snowmobile or warm up with a herbal tea at the stone chalet. Stay in Agios Athanasios village where you’ll find charming guesthouses, old villas and great spots to eat. Take day trips from there to Prespes or Florina, Nymphaio or the villages around Lake Vegoritida. Don’t miss out on the beautiful Pella hot springs, which are surrounded by greenery.
Pelion
Mount Pelion reaches an altitude of 1500 metres, which makes it a favourite winter getaway for many locals. The ski resort is 2kms away from the village of Chania and there is a daily bus service from Volos. The centre has 7 slopes (with different levels of difficulty) and five lifts. The villages of Pelion are charming all year round; surrounded by lush greenery and full of natural springs, rivers and fountains. And apart from skiing, you can enjoy the cobblestoned squares and local taverns that serve comforting winter dishes.
Kalavryta
This Peloponnesian resort boasts 12 ski runs (2 difficult, 2 intermediate, 6 easy & 2 very easy) of 20km in length, 2 chair lifts and 5 ski lifts, special grounds for snowboarding and extreme games, and other winter attractions, such as a special moguls ski run, and a snowboard park. It’s one of the most popular and busiest ski locations in Greece and here you’ll find taverns and cafes where you can enjoy some local cuisine. Nature lovers can escape to the Vouraikos gorge for an invigorating trek and food-lovers visit the plane-tree forest of Planiterou to devour the fresh fish.
Cover Image @kidslovegreece
