Snow in Greece may not last long, but there are many ski resorts with excellent facilities and very well-serviced. From Mount Pindos and the Pieria Mountains to Parnassos and Trikala, the country’s ski resorts boast several nursery slopes and ski schools so you can get your baptism of fire in your snowshoes. All it takes is patience and perseverance, but even if you don’t succeed, you’ll still have fun in the snow.
Parnassos
The Parnassos Ski Centre is a timeless winter hot spot, especially on weekends. Whether one comes for skiing or snowboarding or just for a walk, coffee and people-watching, one will be left satisfied. The largest ski resort in Greece is located at an altitude of 1600 to 2250 meters and operates on two different locations, in Fterolakka and Kelaria. In total, Parnassos boasts 23 slopes for all levels of difficulty, 7 ski runs, 7 trails and a Snow Fun Park. There are of course 4 mini slopes for young children, while more than 10 slopes are classified as easy and are ideal for an introduction to the world of skiing and snowboarding.
You can practice on the Pan slope, which is only 320 metres long, or on the 350-metre-long Dias slope. Ski schools and equipment shops ensure that nothing is missed, while for the less active, the chalet’s restaurant and café are perfect. Parnassos is truly the ideal destination for winter sports beginners, as it features a great variety of slopes and numerous schools offering good quality professional ski lessons.
Info: Parnassos Ski Centre, Arachova, tel. +30 22340 22700, https://parnassos-ski.gr/ , 180 km from Athens. Food & Accommodation: Located 25km away from the ski centre, Arachova offers many accommodation and dining options.
Pertouli
When the ski centre first opened in 1985, it gave an impetus to tourist development in the mountainous part of the prefecture of Trikala. Since then and until today, many things have changed, the roads, the villages, the services offered. One thing is certain: if in 1985 someone had told the few inhabitants of Pertouli that one day, on a winter Saturday night, hundreds of people would gather at an altitude of about 1200 metres, near their village, to ski and dance in the snow, they would have thought that someone was crazy. But this is something that often happens in winter during the night skiing sessions that take place, which are very successful by the way. Featuring only 3 slopes, two of which are quite easy, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy here, such as snowmobile rides.
Info: Pertouli Ski Centre, Trikala, tel. +30 24340 91545, 370km from Athens. Food & Accommodation: Pertouli is 6 km away and Elati with even more options is 8 km away.
Kaimaktsalan
The highest ski resort in Greece is located at an altitude of about 2,400 meters and is about 36 kilometres from Edessa. It is one of the first ski resorts to see snow every year and has numerous facilities, including very nice chalets. There are 11 pistes and 6 lifts, as well as a snow playground and a dedicated snowmobile slope. At the bottom of the resort, piste 7 is gentle and, thus, ideal for beginners, while there are also several ski schools at the resort.
Info: Voras – Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort, Edessa, tel. +30 23810 32000, https://kaimaktsalan.gr/ , 590km from Athens. Food & Accommodation: The village of Paleos Agios Athanasios is 17 km from the ski centre and has many guest-houses and taverns.
Vasilitsa
One of the best and largest ski resorts in the country is located in the heart of Pindos, 45 km from Grevena. At an altitude of about 2,200 metres, it has 7 lifts and 25 pistes for all levels. Track 13 is 2000 metres long, of low gradient, wide and cruisey. There are also many other slopes classified as easy, while the centre also features several ski schools, equipment rental shops and chalets.
Info: Vasilitsa Ski Resort, Grevena, tel. +3024620 84850, https://vasilitsa.com/ , 420km from Athens. Food & Accommodation: The closest village, 6 km from the Ski Centre, is Smixi. Guest-houses and taverns can also be found in the villages of Perivoli, Polyneri and Lavda.
Elatohori
Located in the Pieria Mountains, at an altitude of 1450 metres, the ski centre boasts good facilities and views of Mount Olympus. There are 8 ski slopes, 1 for snowboarding and 1 for sledging, as well as 5 ski lifts, ski schools and chalets. Start from the Thalia slopes, each 150 metres long and with a slight difference in altitude to practice, and then you can try the Erato and Polymnia slopes.
Info: Elatohori Ski Centre, Pieria, tel. +30 23510 82994, http://www.elatohori-ski.gr/ , 470km from Athens. Food & Accommodation: The village of Elatohori is 8 km away and can meet all your dining and accommodation needs.
