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Greece does not only offer sun and sea, it is also blessed with snowy mountain peaks welcoming thousands of visitors every winter to its numerous ski resorts. We have asked members of Travel Bloggers Greece to share their favorite ski resorts which are located across the country. Did you know that Greece is also a ski destination?
Best Ski Destinations in Greece
3 – 5 Pigadia
Amber of Provocolate
The great thing about ski destinations is that they’re not only for skiers. I love everything about skiing – the chill in the air, and tramping through the snow, the roaring fire in the chalet, the mulled wine or brandy, the hearty meals of game and homemade noodles or drilled fresh trout. Most of all of course, I love the majestic landscape – forests and mountains blanketed in snow. I don;t ski – but I still love a ski holiday, and my favorite destination is 3 -5 pigadia, on the west side of the Vermio mountain, a little under 2 hours from Thessaloniki on a scenic road.
3 – 5 pigadia has a chalet at the summit – at 2005m. The crisp air is a little thinner; the views are endless. How do you enjoy the view if you’re not a skier? Just like the skiers do – with the chairlift. It’s like a carnival ride, taking you above the tree tops as skiers cut through the snow far below you. A thrilling ride! It takes about 15 minutes, and costs just 5 euros. At the top, you get off the lift and trudge through the fresh, deep powder to the chalet. Bring sunglasses – it’s blindingly beautiful up here. At the chalet, take off your snowy boots and enjoy some red wine or hot chocolate to warm up, and enjoy a view that only the angels in heaven should have.
Parnassos Ski Resort
Katerina of Limitlesstravelling
Parnassos Ski Centre is perhaps one of the most famous ski resorts in Greece. It is located at the foothills of one of the most charming and picturesque mountain villages of Greece – Arachova.
Arachova is a traditional stone-built village with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Here, you will find excellent apartments, SPA hotels, villas to rent, and even suites with Jacuzzi. You will be pleased with the local cuisine in traditional taverns, which will satisfy even the most demanding gourmet food lovers, and after your delicious dinner you can enjoy your cocktail in one of the cozy bars. The streets of Arachova hide a rich history. Take a walk and admire St. George, the Rock of Time with the clock, which the locals call the Bell Tower.
At the Parnassos Ski Center you will find more than 20 slopes, the total length of which is 14 km; 13 of them are blue and red (for beginners and medium difficulty) and 3 black (for professionals). At the ski center you can rent all necessary equipment, take skiing and snowboarding lessons, and if you get tired, sit and drink a delicious hot chocolate with snacks at a cozy cafe of the area.
Please, note, since there are no chalets near the ski center, for your comfort, it is better to rent a car so that you can get easily from Arachova to the ski center and back.
Karpenisi
Callie & Kathy of Anthomeli
Karpenisi is the capital city of the Prefecture of Evritania. Though, when we say “let’s go to Karpenisi” we mean the whole area including all the wonderful villages around it as Karpenisi as a capital is not very picturesque. However, the wealth of plants and greenery in the area (especially in spring and autumn) is extraordinary and it will take your breath away with all the gorges, rivers and mountainous areas. it is suitable for vacations 365 days a year!
In winter, though, the scenery changes and the Ski center Velouhi comes to complete the whole image. It is a rather small Ski Center but this is what makes it perfect as it is very organized and the slopes are always ideal for skiers… from amateurs to more skilled ones. There are 18 slopes in total and 4 off the beaten track. It is only ten minutes from Karpenisi but I strongly suggest to stay at one of the villages, such as Voutiro and Koryshades. When you finish ski, there are plenty of traditional taverns you can choose of with great food and all the villages can offer you the tranquility and warmth you are looking for when dreaming of the ideal Greek mountainous destination for ski. I would also suggest visiting Prousso and its Monastery.
Pelion
Tzina of Love for Travel
During the winter Pelion is still amazingly charming. The ski center in Agriolefkes, only 2 km from the mountainous village of Hania, awaits the avid ski lovers as well as the ones that simply adore the view of a snowed scenery.
The location of the ski center is close enough to Volos, about 45 minutes by car.
The center is very popular and busy during the winter months and the ski lifts run constantly carrying people.
The ski resort has a chalet, with almost 80 beds, there are also three parking spaces for more than 800 cars, shelter, refreshment, restaurant, rental -sell equipment’s ski & snowboard.
Except skiing you can enjoy many other winter activities such as snowboarding, and artillery ski.
The ski center in Agriolefkes attracts thousands of visitors from all over Greece every year. It is one of the best organized ski centers in Greece and it’s exactly what ski and snowboarding aficionados are looking for.
Ski Resort of Kaimaktsalan
Chrysoula of Travelpassionate
The Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort on the north-eastern side of Mt. Voras is a great alternative to some of the larger European ski resorts which receive thousands of visitors each season. Kaimaktsalan is a simple yet beautiful resort which offers 6 ski lifts, 13 ski runs (4 red, 4 blue, 3 beginners and 2 langlauf slopes), and 4 ski trails which span 3,250m in length. The resort also boasts a snowboard fun park and a snow tubing park so there really is something for everyone. Those who aren’t skiing can be equally entertained at the spa resort of Loutraki nearby or can simply kick-back with a book by the fireplace in the chalet lounge.
Kaimaktsalan features one main ski chalet with 46 beds, a bar-restaurant, a cafe, convenience store and ski rental service as well as other smaller guest houses and suites nearby.
Even if you’re a complete beginner you can enjoy a trip to the Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort and expert ski school instructors will have you shooting down the slopes in no time!
Mainolo in the Peloponnese for a family ski holiday with young kids
Celeste of Family Experiences in Greece
A good option for a family snow holiday with young kids near Athens is the ski resort at Mainalo. This winter location is only two hours away from Athens by the modern motorway. Mainalo is a small ski resort with 3 ski lifts and 7 slopes but it is one the of most picturesque in the region. There are also many free ride paths for perfect powder ski days. You can rent gear and sleighs by the day and there is no charge to the slopes. Kids will love riding their sleighs!
Mainalo has other points of interest too. There is a cave nearby, pretty picturesque villages such as Dimitsana, and the archaeological sites near Tripoli for those looking for ancient history. Parents will love the Kalogris organic winery nearby!
Kalavryta Ski Resort
Elena of Passion for Greece
One of Greece’s most organized ski resorts is located on the north side of Mt. Helmos in the region of Peloponnese. Due to its close proximity to Athens it is one of the most popular ski resorts in Greece. Set at an altitude of 2,340m the Kalavryta Ski Resort has 13 ski runs, two of which are black piste. This ski resort offers visitors a selection of trails covering all levels of difficulty.
For a relaxing break away from the slopes, visitors may enjoy the wonderful facilities of the Chalet which is situated at an altitude of 1750 meters right next to near the parking of Kalavryta Ski Centre. Serving everything from hot to cold beverages as well as local delicacies, this tends to be the busiest spot of the ski resort.
The town of Kalavryta is located a short 15 kilometre drive from the ski center featuring an array of accommodation choices from luxury hotels with spa centres to traditional guest houses. The surrounding area offers its visitors a delightful choice of activities, from historical sights to spending time admiring the area’s exquisite natural beauty.
What do you think?