A leap through time – that’s how it feels when you’ve just walked along the sunny beach and now you’re up to your knees in snow. At first glance, the land of the ancient gods has little to do with winter sports. At least, that’s what everyone who has not yet been to the mountains of Greece, which are over 2,000 metres high, thinks. In fact, however, there are over 197 kilometres of pistes and 122 ski lifts in Greece’s ski areas. SnowTrex has 5 good reasons for why skiing in Greece is definitely worthwhile:
1. Skiing with a View of the Sea
Ski holidays in Greece are the perfect opportunity to experience something completely new and to swap your usual skiing in the Alps for an exotic experience. The impressive view of the sea from some of the slopes creates an almost surreal contrast between the mountains and the sea. This breathtaking experience can be enjoyed, for example, at the Kalavryta ski area and at the Pelion Ski Center. The Kalavryta ski area (2,340 m) is one of the highest ski areas in Greece and has 12 km of pistes.
2. Morning Snow, Afternoon Sand
The view of the sea is not the only thing you should enjoy! From some ski areas, such as the Pelion Ski Center, the coast and the sea are only about 30 minutes away by car. This is why many holidaymakers head to the sea after skiing, visiting one of the many fishing villages or taking a break at the harbour restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood with olives and wine.
3. Pistes for Every Level
The 24 ski areas in Greece, some of which, it must be admitted, consist of only one slope, open up routes with varying degrees of difficulty. So, there is something for beginners, advanced skiers and even professionals. Beginners have the opportunity to learn the art of skiing with the help of a ski school course, while professionals can whirl up the powder on untouched off-piste slopes. By the way: the largest ski area in Greece, with pistes of all kinds, is the Fterolakka ski area (2,300 m) in Kellaria with over 34 km of pistes.
4. Adrenaline Kick with Ski and Helicopter Tours
Apart from classic alpine skiing, Greece also offers the possibility of ski touring and heliskiing. When it comes to ski touring, you should definitely take advantage of a guided tour, which often runs over snow-blown slopes and guarantees great adventures. The same applies to heliskiing, which is possible in the area around Mount Olympus (2,450 m), for example.
5. Discover a Rich Cultural Heritage
Naturally, a holiday in Greece is seldom exclusively about winter sports, but rather about getting to know a different or new culture – and Greece has a lot to offer in this respect! For those who love history and nature, there are numerous attractions and activities for day trips around all ski resorts. For example, the various monasteries such as “Hosios Lukas” near the Fterolaka Ski Resort or the surrounding historic villages with centuries of history. Another popular attraction near the ski area is the Odontotos Rack Railway – a train that winds its way through gorges and rocks at the edge of the mountains, offering breathtaking views. An insider tip for holidaymakers in the Kalavryta ski area are also the 13 underground lakes in the stalactite cave “Kastria Cave”.
