Often, the journey to a place is as important as the destination, the trip is meant to start the moment you embark on a trip and not the moment you reach your destination. It’s the middle of the week and we’ve just arrived in Metsovo.

12

The temperature is around 0 °C and it’s softly snowing. We discuss leaving the tour of Metsovo for later and going to the Anilio ski resort so that we can experience the snow, and we’re on our way. It’s a short distance, but it becomes an enjoyable excursion in the snow and in nature. As we go further uphill the snowfall gets heavier.

The road is clear and safe, but there’s a lot of snow around us, making the scenery magical. Huge fir trees covered in white, as if wearing their best clothes to welcome us. We reach the ski resort, and the experience begins.

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Photo: Amalia Kovaiou
Photo: Amalia Kovaiou

At the small chalet

We head to the small chalet, since the larger, and more recently built one is closed today. A huge stove is burning, and we approach it, since it’s freezing cold. It’s a real joy being inside such a space, warm, surrounded by wood, while outside there’s a snowstorm. Christos, who knows the snow and the area better than anyone, tells us not to worry, the road will remain clear.

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Dimitris Stathopoulos / Photo: Amalia Kovaiou
Photo: Amalia Kovaiou

So, we don’t worry, and spend some enjoyable moments there. It’s the best opportunity to learn more about the ski resort. It’s located at 1,790 m altitude, and it’s the newest ski resort in Greece.

There are five slopes, ideal for all levels of skiers, and also for snowboarding, while very experienced athletes can ski downhill on fresh snow. There is a two-seat 800 m lift, two brand new sliding lifts, one 280 m and one 300m one, two baby lifts, 80m and 120m respectively, as well as piste machines that help in the creation of the perfect conditions.

It’s already the middle of March, and it will be spring soon, which means that soon the snow will melt, even though the current snowstorm prolongs the ski season for a few days. We learn however, that the Anilio ski resort remains open in the summer, since it organises fell running races, walking tours, and many other activities that attract many visitors.

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Photo: Amalia Kovaiou
Photo: Amalia Kovaiou

On our way down, towards Metsovo, there’s more snow on the road. We pull over for a bit and listen to the quiet. The snow is softly falling on the trees and no sound is heard. The moment’s magic is interrupted by the sound of a tree collapsing under the weight of the snow. And then, more quiet. We reach Metsovo and walk on the main road, with only a bit of snow falling now. We open the door and climb the stairs that lead to Metsovitiko Saloni. We start with a hot soup, followed by tasty grilled meat and salad. The best end of the day. And the journey continues.

Read also:

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Metsovo: Discovering one of the most famous and beautiful villages in Greece

A minimal and functional loft in Metsovo with an unobstructed view of the mountain